B4 Audit to ER - London. How do I do it?

Hi all.

As the header says, I am a B4 auditor wanting to move into research. I know the pathway has been tried and tested, but I am starting my journey now and want some tips. My background is:

- Semi-target, first class (4.0 GPA) in Accountancy - 2023

- ACA (UK version of CPA)

- CFA L1

- 2 years of work experience in audit

I have only submitted 7 applications so far (I plan to do many more, don't worry), including some graduate roles from which I was rejected so far - probably due to struggling with OAs and applying to very competitive roles where I stand little chance without any related experience. But I think the main difficulty right now is that there are so few jobs available. What would you guys advise doing in this current climate to break in? I believe I have a good resume and have what it takes - but I'm struggling to convince that to an employer.