Struggling to Land Interviews — Would Appreciate Honest Advice

Hi everyone,

I graduated from a top UK university (UCL), am a CFA Level II candidate (exam written May 2025), and have relevant internship and analyst experience in a small investment management firm. My technical skills include Python, modelling, and financial analysis/reports.

Despite tailoring my applications and cover letters for roles in investment banking, trading, and buy-side analyst positions, I’ve been struggling to even get first-round interviews — let alone offers. I’ve applied to countless positions across London — both advertised and via networking — but the silence is consistent.

I’m wondering if there’s something obvious I’m missing: Is it the UK hiring market being overly saturated? Is my experience too generalist (VC/PE/Corp Finance) for technical roles like trading and IB? Or are my CV and cover letters not selling my value properly?

If anyone has been in a similar situation, made the jump, or can offer some real talk — I’d really appreciate your honest thoughts. Happy to share my CV or specifics if that would help.

Thanks in advance, appreciate this community.

Attachment Size
Adedapo Ayoade CV.pdf 104.46 KB 104.46 KB
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