Financial Services getting you down?

We frequently coach a number of candidates on how to go about getting a new opportunity. Granted, we are in uncharted waters when it comes to finding roles in the marketplace. Whether it's a much longer lead time, or companies are still somewhat paralyzed to make any changes, the amount of opportunities are just not there yet. However, many of the folks that come to us are within the financial services sector and have become accustomed to moving from one large institution to the next. Unfortunately, that strategy eventually leads to disappointment in the current environment. We ask our candidates to first do two things:
1. Consider all options, regardless of industry, or type (contract or perm). The idea is to create a large funnel of opportunities that may not have been considered in the wheelhouse, but could end in a role at a company that you might love.
2. Draw up the "utopian" job, and look for it - combine geography, industry, title, etc.

The idea is to analyze the market in an effort to uncover opportunities unknown before. There are so many interesting companies out there in a number of different industries that could utilize a certain skill set. There is no reason to put a limit on it. There are a number of great websites that put out industry specific job opportunities - one my favorites is www.newenglandherc.com . Most financial folks wouldn't consider the higher ed space, but there are a ton of great spots available at area institutions, and the benefits are terrific. Life Sciences also offers a different avenue to pursue and clearly that side will grow.