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.