Breaking into financial services has never been easy.

But in a world where candidates have access to the same advanced tools, resources, and information, standing out is becoming more challenging than ever.

So what separates the candidates who secure the most competitive opportunities from those who get left behind?

In this episode, we're joined by Anthony Cheung, Chief Content & Culture Officer at AmplifyME, an organization that has spent years helping aspiring finance professionals develop the skills, experience, and confidence needed to succeed in highly competitive sectors.

Anthony shares practical strategies for standing out, explains how AI is changing expectations, and reveals the traits and skills employers are increasingly looking for in early-career talent.

Whether you're preparing for your first role or looking to gain an edge in a crowded market for your next move, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Covered in this episode:

• 0:00 – Intro
• 1:00 – Where the talent bar sits in today's market.
• 2:19 – How new tools and technology are impacting expectations of candidates.
• 4:32 – How candidates can stand out from the crowd.
• 11:55 – The three traits most employers are looking for.
• 14:55 – The skills firms are prioritising.
• 18:11 – Should AI be allowed during the interview process?
• 21:52 – How candidates can use AI to improve interview performance.
• 24:21 – What early-career professionals should focus on most.
• And more…

Be sure to subscribe to the Selby Jennings’ Searching Smarter podcast on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode.

LEARN MORE

Selby Jennings - https://hubs.la/Q03qrs-70

Phaidon International - https://hubs.la/Q03qsqrh0

CONNECT

Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/

Anthony Cheung on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonycheung10/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw

Being a great analyst has never been about having access to the most information. It's about knowing what matters.

As AI tools become more powerful and data becomes easier to access, even for junior analysts, the difference lies in who can apply sound discernment and judgement, and communicate ideas effectively.

In this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we're joined by Andrew Carr, Head of Enterprise Training at Fundamental Edge, an analyst training firm that combines cutting-edge AI with years of industry expertise to simulate real-world investing environments for finance professionals.

Andrew shares what separates standout analysts from the rest, how AI is reshaping the role of the analyst, and what the essential skills are for those who want to gain an edge.

Whether you're an aspiring analyst or an experienced finance professional looking to stay ahead, this episode offers practical insights into the evolving demands of the sector.

Covered in this episode:

• 00:00 – Intro
• 01:36 – Why being an analyst today is different from just a few years ago.
• 03:17 – How a "tinkering mindset" is helping candidates to get ahead.
• 06:30 – What makes investors stand out?
• 08:29 – Where LLMs can help investors and where they can hurt them.
• 11:10 – Common AI pitfalls junior hires fall into.
• 14:34 – How stock picking has evolved and how candidates can differentiate themselves.
• 18:30 – Andrew’s "New York Post" strategy for getting your pitch noticed.
• 20:55 – What AI is and isn't good at when it comes to pitching ideas.
• 23:37 – Does the traditional financial analyst role still exist?
• 27:18 – How Fundamental Edge helps candidates prepare for a career in finance.

Be sure to subscribe to the Searching Smarter podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss an episode.

LEARN MORE

Selby Jennings - https://hubs.la/Q03qrs-70

Phaidon International - https://hubs.la/Q03qsqrh0

CONNECT

Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/

Andrew Carr on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-carr-3309818/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw

Being a “culture fit” used to be enough.

Having a certain college or organization on your resume used to be enough.

But in 2026, something else is needed if candidates are to stand out.

Hiring has evolved since 2010. Candidates are being evaluated on more than just technical ability. And in this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we’re joined by Leonard Syriaque, a talent leader with over 20 years of experience building teams.

Len brings a unique perspective on how hiring has changed over the past decade and what candidates and hiring managers need to get right today.

We explore the shift from “culture fit” to “culture add”, why storytelling is becoming a critical skill, and how candidates can position themselves to make a real impact in today’s market.

Covered in this episode:

• 0:00 - Intro
• 1:17 - What’s changed in recruiting from 2010 to today.
• 3:20 - What graduates are looking for beyond compensation.
• 5:35 - Why your storytelling ability as a candidate can change everything.
• 8:18 - Culture “add” vs. culture “fit” and why it matters.
• 11:29 - How to assess whether a company’s culture is right for you.
• 12:59 - Functional fit vs. technical fit and why both are needed.
• 15:01 - What impact really means in a role.
• 16:28 - When impact isn’t actually impact.
• 17:35 - Practical tips to improve your storytelling as a candidate.
• 19:59 - Has social media changed how candidates communicate?
• 22:16 - How networking has evolved and why face-to-face still matters.

Be sure to subscribe to the Selby Jennings’ Searching Smarter podcast on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode.

LEARN MORE

Selby Jennings - https://hubs.la/Q03qrs-70

Phaidon International - https://hubs.la/Q03qsqrh0

CONNECT

Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-skaff-0783645b/

Len Syriaque on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardsyriaque/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3BAUCsXbXiNqnfXR9jDG4k?si=4a75d55cf5a74d6e

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-smarter/id1770342621

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkk9RrybV10doAzoXuK5jYw