Do you want to know how to land a job in commodity trading? Applying to a commodity trading role resembles many other job applications.
Trading houses look for driven individuals who are good at numbers and people. Make sure you understand the process and play your cards well.
How to Land a Job in Commodity Trading:
Part 1: Prepare
Before you send your first application make sure you have done your homework. You’ll need to:
Define you job target group
Defining a clear scope is a very important part of the application.
Make a few decisions early in your process; it will make your life easier.
Decide where you want to apply (ie location), which roles (eg operations, trading, or finance), and a number of target companies
- Adjust your company/role scope if you see the process is not working for you, or as you gather feedback.
Put together a great general CV
Find yourself a good CV template (find our specific CV advice here).
Make sure that the CV is properly formatted, concise, and does not have any typos.
Learn how to write a cover letter
You can find our cover-letter specific tips here. Make sure you remember the main principle; be concise and write a powerful message that engages the writer.
Once again, make sure it is free from typos.
Understand how recruiting works
In general terms, HR only pre-selects a number of candidates. Management decides then. So, HR acts as a filter, and does not really always understand the actual requirements and daily tasks.
Related: The Best Commodity Trading Careers Sites
In any case, make sure you pass the first HR stages and prepare for the real test stage when you reach interviews with actual traders, managers and other senior peers.
Now that know what to prepare, you are ready to learn the second part in how to land a job in commodity trading. Apply.
How To Land A Job In Commodity Trading:
Part 2: Apply
Write your application material
Target a specific job opening or company HR mail.
- Have a look at our list of trading jobs.
- You can find a list of the best trading commodity trading career sites here.
- Target a specific opening, and make sure you understand what the company is looking for. You’ll only be able to make a good application if you have a clear idea of the target opening.
- Do not mass-apply without tailoring your applications – it will be wasted time.
Fine-tune your CV/Resume (find tips here).
- Once you have a specific job opening, read it multiple times and analyze what the recruiters will want to see.
- Once you find out, your CV must match the requirements of the position you are applying for.
- Tailor your CVs to the openings to increase your odds.
Write a job-specific Cover Letter (find tips here).
- In addition to the tailored CV, write a short but powerful cover letter. There is nothing more lame than a copy-paste cover letter – don’t do it because recruiters will immediately dump your application.
- Use a short but tailored cover letter.
- Copy-pasting will get your profile likely rejected.
Make sure your presence online is professional.
- Your employers shouldn’t be able to find your last spring-break pics. Make sure that your Facebook posts are only shared with friends, and your Tweeter, LinkedIn and other profiles display professional content or blog posts.
Send the application
Attaching grade reports, standardised test results, etc.
- They might not be required. Read well the job opening and include only material that benefits your application.
- If you have strong academic results, GMAT scores, or other achievements, include them.
Following up gently, if necessary
- Your target company might receive hundreds of applications.
- Recruiters are human. Make sure you follow up, but let them do their jobs.
Company screening round
- Recruiters review and screen your application material
- Shortlist by recruiters / lower management
Interview rounds (first rounds with HR, then management)
- Phone/Skype interviews
- In-person interviews (tips about interviews here)
- Case-studies
Final decision
- Offer, if you are selected. Congrats!
- Waiting list. Patience.
- Rejection (Keep trying, have a look at other trading jobs)
Of course, you’ll possibly skip some steps if you have been recommended or head-hunted.
Find more information and tips in the specific pages on CV/Resumes, Cover Letters, and Interviews.
