Zurich’s financial centre is undergoing the biggest transformation in decades. Following the collapse of Credit Suisse and its integration into UBS, more than 1,400 banking employees are currently registered with the regional employment office (RAV) in the canton of Zurich alone.

At the same time, the number of vacancies at Switzerland’s major banks has almost halved within a year.

For executives and specialists, this means the range of opportunities has narrowed, competition has intensified, and wrong decisions can cost both time and career prospects. Avoiding common mistakes during the job search is therefore more important than ever.

Daniela Haze Stöckli and Patricia Widmer of Beyond Success, a Zurich-based consultancy boutique for executives, management board members and board directors, know exactly what matters in today’s market. Here are their five most important recommendations:

Tip 1: Don’t Wait for the Perfect Job

Many experienced bankers take too much time when searching for a new role. They hold out for the ideal opportunity and underestimate how quickly their visibility in the market declines.

Anyone who remains largely inactive for more than three to six months risks losing market presence among headhunters, former colleagues and potential employers.

Patricia Widmer and Daniela Haze Stöckli advise that an interim role or temporary mandate often leads to the desired position faster than simply waiting.

Daniela Haze Stöckli (left) and Patricia Widmer. (Image: zVg)

Tip 2: Networks Beat Job Portals

Particularly at executive level, many positions are never publicly advertised. Those relying solely on job platforms therefore miss a large part of the market. It is also a mistake to depend on the RAV alone.

«Bankers are expected to take initiative themselves,» say Patricia Widmer and Daniela Haze Stöckli. Losing a job affects many bankers more deeply than expected. Status, role and identity are often closely tied to their profession.

«Anyone who has not processed the situation properly can quickly appear defensive or insecure in interviews,» say Patricia Widmer and Daniela Haze Stöckli.

Professional coaching can help not only to redefine strategy, but also to rebuild the right mindset — with a noticeable impact on presence and career prospects. For the two experts, one thing is clear: the transformation of Zurich’s banking sector is structural, not temporary.

Anyone needing to reposition themselves today primarily requires speed, visibility, openness and a clear message. «It is not the CV alone that determines success, but the ability to communicate one’s value convincingly.»

The decisive factor is networking: former colleagues, client contacts, industry events and targeted LinkedIn activities. In other words, those who maintain regular conversations and remain visible significantly improve their chances.

Tip 3: Broaden the Search Radius

Many bankers instinctively look only at other banks when searching for a new role. While understandable, this approach is often too narrow.

«Banking expertise is also in demand outside the industry — at insurance companies, family offices, consultancies, fintech firms and large corporates,» explain Patricia Widmer and Daniela Haze Stöckli from experience.

«Skills such as risk management, regulatory expertise, client advisory capabilities and leadership experience are highly transferable,» they emphasise.

Tip 4: Define Yourself Through Your Added Value

Many candidates focus primarily on previous titles and employers. What matters, however, is not the past but the concrete value they can bring to the next company.

«To convince employers, candidates must be able to communicate clearly,» say Patricia Widmer and Daniela Haze Stöckli.

What are my greatest strengths? Which problems can I solve? Why am I relevant? A precise positioning often makes the difference.

Tip 5: Don’t Underestimate the Emotional Component

Losing a job affects many bankers more deeply than expected. Status, role and identity are often closely tied to their profession.

«Anyone who has not processed the situation properly can quickly appear defensive or insecure in interviews,» say Patricia Widmer and Daniela Haze Stöckli.

Professional coaching can help not only to redefine strategy, but also to rebuild the right mindset — with a noticeable impact on presence and career prospects. For the two experts, one thing is clear: the transformation of Zurich’s banking sector is structural, not temporary.

Anyone needing to reposition themselves today primarily requires speed, visibility, openness and a clear message. «It is not the CV alone that determines success, but the ability to communicate one’s value convincingly.»