Searching Smarter: The Financial Services Careers & Hiring Podcast

Many of the leading banks are investing heavily into AI. But there are clear winners when it comes to turning that investment into productivity and performance. So what are the leaders doing differently, and what does it mean for jobs in financial services?

In this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we welcome back Alexandra Mousavizadeh, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Evident, for one of our most forward-looking conversations of the year.

We unpack the latest findings from the Evident AI Index, which ranks global banks on AI usage and maturity, and reveals the growing gap between the leaders and the laggards.

We explore how banks are actually implementing AI, whether white-collar jobs are at risk, how teams are upskilling, and which skills are now most in demand.

If you work anywhere near finance or AI, this episode will give you a clear view of where the industry is heading.

Covered in this episode:

1. 0:00 - Intro
2. 1:35 - The pace of AI adoption in banks - what’s new in 2026 and how it’s impacting financial services.
3. 3:46 - How banks are implementing AI.
4. 6:11 - What the data shows about AI replacing white-collar jobs.
5. 6:54 - How teams are upskilling with AI.
6. 10:34 - What separates banks getting real value from AI vs. those that aren’t.
7. 12:32 - The skills banks are hiring for in this AI landscape.
8. 17:25 - What the leading banks are doing differently.
9. 20:39 - What AI-driven talent is looking for in employers.
10. 24:25 - What sectors are bringing value to financial services as talent moves.
11. 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/

Alexandra Mousavizadeh on LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/alexandra-mousavizadeh

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

The rules around work, hiring, and what a suitable candidate looks like for a hiring manager are changing fast. We’re seeing shifts driven by tech and demographics which are likely to only move further in 2026.

That’s why, in this week’s episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we’re joined by David Jones, Labor Market Economist and CEO & Talent Partner at talent assessment, technology, and leadership development company, Mercer Talent Enterprise. We break down what’s coming next, and what both candidates and employers need to pay attention to heading into 2026.

From how graduates can navigate a new career while AI technologies rapidly advance, to the traits that will separate top candidates from the rest, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate what’s ahead with clarity.

Covered in this episode:

1. 00:00 - Intro
2. 01:22 - What’s changing across the talent landscape in 2026?
3. 03:22 - Where demand is rising for graduates.
4. 03:43 - How people staying in jobs longer changes the workplace.
5. 07:57 - The number one trait the next generation needs to develop in 2026.
6. 09:58 - How to position yourself strategically as a candidate as technology advances.
7. 12:10 - ‘AI CV tells’ - what hiring teams can spot immediately.
8. 13:56 - How hiring analysis is evolving and how standout candidates are being identified.
9. 18:02 - How generational shifts are changing candidate evaluation.
10. 20:45 - How the next generation can challenge outdated workplace assumptions.
11. 23:40 - Why education struggles to keep pace with new technology and ways of working.
12. 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/

David Jones on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-barrie-jones/

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

Getting a foot in the door at the largest multistrat hedge funds has always been one of the highest barriers to entry in finance. And that bar is only getting higher.

That’s why in this week’s episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we’re doing something a little different. Our host, Jesse Skaff joins Ethan Kho as a guest on Ethan’s trading and investing podcast Odds on Open, for a conversation on what’s really driving hiring decisions within multistrat hedge funds.

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in hedge fund careers, talent strategy, or the future of buy-side hiring.

Covered in this episode:

• 00:00 - Intro
• 1:03 - How top multi-manager hedge hire the best talent possible.
• 04:50 - Why elite hedge funds target the top academic institutions.
• 07:52 - Why hedge funds spend hundreds of millions recruiting.
• 12:45 - The core differentiator between candidates.
• 16:30 - How recruiters identify the candidates for them.
• 21:38 - Structural trends that are shaping hedge fund hiring.
• 24:58 - Why hedge funds are expanding beyond New York.
• 26:10 - How hedge funds convince talent to relocate.
• 28:54 - The personality traits you need to thrive at a hedge fund.
• 31:43 - Predicting future hedge fund winners.
• 33:35 - What makes elite hedge fund business developers.
• 38:10 - Can business development leaders launch funds?
• 43:52 - Why finance backgrounds matter for fund builders
• 45:20 - The foundations of long-term fulfillment in hedge funds.
• 47:10 - Why elite scientists are transitioning into financial markets.

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/ 

Ethan Kho on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethanrkho/ 

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

Many professionals reach a point in their career where they take a moment to stop, reflect, and ask themselves what they truly want next, whether that’s higher pay, better growth opportunities, more flexibility, or a complete shift in direction.

With more candidates re-evaluating their priorities, the offer stage has become increasingly delicate, and negotiations are often filled with pressure that doesn’t need to be there.

In this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we sit down with Corinne Wilson, Client Director at Phaidon International, to break down how candidates can approach negotiation conversations with clarity and confidence.

If you’re exploring new roles, or just want to be more prepared when the time comes, we share exactly how to negotiate salary, how to stay calm under pressure, and how to approach negotiation conversations in a way that will get you more of what you want.

Covered in this episode:

• 0:00 - Intro
• 1:23 - The two questions to ask yourself when considering a new role.
• 3:56 - How to know where your salary and benefits expectations should sit before making the ask.
• 7:15 - Balancing priorities and knowing when to be flexible.
• 10:43 - Exactly what to say when an offer comes in too low.
• 16:00 - How much to share about your current compensation with hiring managers.
• 20:56 - What to share with colleagues and your recruiter about your compensation structure.
• 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

Paige Carlotti on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paigecarlotti/ 

Corinne Wilson on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/corinne-wilson-cw/ 

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

Keeping your best talent is often harder than hiring them in the first place.

A recent study found that over 20% of HR leaders reported that up to half of their new hires leave within the first 90 days, and 61% of HR leaders say early turnover has increased over the past year.

So what’s going wrong in those vital first few months?

In this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we speak with Christine Corson, Managing Director at DSJ Global.

With over a decade of experience helping some of the world’s biggest organisations build and scale teams, Christine shares practical strategies for setting new hires up for long-term success - for both the candidate and the organization.

If you want to uncover the real reasons why onboarding often fails and how to retain talent, this is for you.

Covered in this episode:

• 0:00 - Intro
• 1:53 - Why so many new hires are leaving within the first 90 days.
• 3:42 - Are more candidates leaving on their own or being asked to leave?
• 5:09 - The onboarding mistakes hiring managers make before day one.
• 7:09 - Early signals that a new hire might be thinking of leaving.
• 9:50 - How often managers should be checking in with new hires.
• 11:22 - How to handle dissatisfaction from new starters.
• 13:25 - 3 onboarding actions to take before a new hire starts.
• 15:44 - 3 onboarding actions to take within the first 90 days of a candidate starting.

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/ 

Christine Corson on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-corson-0a5828bb/ 

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

What defines an empowering leader? Authority? Trust? Influence?

Julie Flowers, former global HR and talent acquisition leader and now a career coach, joins us in this episode to dive into what empowerment looks like in practice and how leaders can create environments where people can be empowered.

With so many new listeners joining us, we’re bringing back this popular early episode.

Julie spent three decades at Chevron before starting her own business. She views people as a company’s number one asset and believes that there is huge untapped potential within the female workforce.

Julie shares actionable strategies for recognizing your worth, overcoming self-doubt, and advocating for yourself in your career.

If you’re seeking practical advice and inspiration to advance your career or better support your teams, this episode is a must-listen.

Covered in this episode:

• 00:00 - Intro
• 03:17 - Why people are a company’s most important asset.
• 05:28 - What’s it like working for a Fortune 10 company like Chevron?
• 08:34 - The oil and gas industry as a financial services vehicle.
• 11:45 - Why women are downplaying their worth, value and purpose in the workplace.
• 13:05 - The importance of thought diversity.
• 14:02 - The challenges women still face in the workplace.
• 17:26 - Actionable strategies to discover blind spots around your own value to boost your confidence.
• 21:16 - The gender gap - how much progress have we made?
• 23:16 - Julie’s book and podcast recommendations for personal growth as a professional.
• 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

Elevate YOU Coaching - https://elevateyoucoaching.org/ 

Julie’s podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/savvy-sisters-cocktail-conversations/id1778977988 

CONNECT

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

Julie Flowers on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-flowers-936b2753/ 

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

Have you ever wondered why so many companies lose their best hires before day one, or watch talented people slip away just as they’re settling in?

With so many new listeners joining us, we’re bringing back one of our most popular early episodes, which tackles how to improve candidate experience and keep top talent engaged.

In this week’s episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we’re joined by Carrington Carter, an HR and TA executive with extensive experience in human resources and talent acquisition leadership.

From entry-level to executive recruitment, leading groundbreaking DEI initiatives, and overseeing mergers and acquisitions, Carrington shares what has proven to work, and where there are opportunities to improve for both candidates and clients.

If you’re a recruiter or hiring manager looking to improve your application process and make hiring faster, this is for you.

Covered in this episode:

• 0:34 - What a positive candidate experience looks like and why it matters.
• 2:06 - Carrington’s “3 Cs” to build a standout candidate experience.
• 6:54 - Providing the right feedback to hiring teams.
• 8:57 - Should you pass on an 8/10 candidate in search of a 10/10?
• 11:09 - Providing the right information to candidates from the start.
• 13:46 - How to keep top talent engaged throughout the recruitment process.
• 16:21 - When AI should (and shouldn’t) be used in the hiring process.
• 20:17 - Candidate follow up expectations.
• 22:57 - The role of onboarding and post-placement care in the candidate experience.
• 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://www.selbyjennings.com/

Phaidon International - https://www.phaidoninternational.com/

CONNECT

Jesse Skaff on LinkedIn - https://www.instagram.com/sail_abide

Carrington Carter on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carringtonseancarter/ 

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

Standing out in today’s mass-application landscape requires more than aiming for the right opportunities.

When you’re competing against potentially thousands of other candidates, you need to take a deliberate approach when it comes to writing your resume and conducting yourself in interviews.

That’s why, in this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we’re joined by career coach, resume writer and job search tutor, Amy Adler.

Amy breaks down how to sell yourself on paper and in person, without resorting to mass applying. This conversation is packed with practical tactics for professionals who want to get noticed.

Covered in this episode:

• 0:00 - Intro
• 01:44 - The three sides of a successful hiring process.
• 03:07 - The importance of aligning intentions across the process.
• 07:13 - How to stand out with your resume.
• 10:21 - Your resume as a billboard.
• 13:04 - Use these words in your resume to stand out.
• 14:05 - What should never be on a professional resume
• 16:56 - Writing an executive summary.
• 19:11 - How to use your resume as a launchpad for interview success.
• 22:14 - Interview tactics that shift the conversation in your favor.
• 24:09 - Are mass applications worth it anymore?
• 31:14 - How much does what’s on your resume matter?
• 33:10 - An interview tip every candidate should keep in mind.
• 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

Amy Adler - https://amyladler.com/ 

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/ 

Amy Adler on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyladler/ 

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

It’s never been easier to apply for roles.

But it’s also never felt harder to actually land one.

With candidates applying for thousands of jobs in an afternoon, and employers screening resumes with AI tools, how do candidates cut through the noise and stand out? And how can hiring teams rethink their process in a world of mass applications?

On this week’s episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, Jennifer Shappley, former VP of Talent at LinkedIn, shares her expert insights on how to stand out and leverage AI the right way.

If you’re navigating today’s hiring market as a candidate or an employer, this conversation could have you rethinking your strategy.

Covered in this episode:

• 0:00 - Intro.
• 1:46 - The reality of mass applications.
• 3:12 - How to stand out as an applicant in a crowded market.
• 4:02 - Leveraging AI to move your career forward in ways you may not have thought of.
• 9:42 - Why you shouldn’t only target the “big names” when searching for your next career move.
• 10:39 - How to use LinkedIn for networking.
• 11:47 - Why mass InMails/DMs fail, and what to do instead.
• 13:32 - Getting genuine referrals to companies on LinkedIn.
• 17:01 - How advances in tech will reshape recruitment and where the human element is still essential.
• 23:55 - How recruiters can enhance their role with AI.
• 26:30 - The interview questions that need to change in a mass-application market.
• 27:39 - The skills candidates should be showcasing today.
• 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/ 

Jennifer Shappley on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershappley/ 

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

The world of work is changing faster than ever.

Remote work rules, AI, and the availability of talent across different sectors are reshaping how companies hire and how candidates plan their careers. But are candidates and employers keeping pace?

In this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, we’re joined by Chris Berta, Partner at Laurel Group. Chris is an executive recruiter and thought leader, with a ton of insight into today’s labor markets.

Whether you’re hiring or searching for your next career move, Chris shares timely insights and actionable advice you’ll want to hear.

Covered in this episode:

• 0:00 - Intro
• 1:31 - The state of the labor market in 2025.
• 2:44 - Is today’s market candidate-driven or employer-driven?
• 4:50 - The pendulum swing of the recruitment market.
• 5:58 - The impact of diluted hybrid and work-from-home options.
• 10:48 - How remote work is affecting career growth.
• 13:05 - The ways AI is transforming sourcing and evaluation of talent.
• 17:16 - What AI means for future supply and demand in the workforce.
• 20:06 - The surprising skills that will be most in demand moving forward.
• 22:28 - Chris’ top advice for candidates and hiring teams in 2025.
• 26:37 - Should candidates be worried about reduced opportunities as AI and tech advance?
• 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/ 

Chris Berta on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisberta/

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