How is the current job market for networking?

I'm bad at networking and unfortunately cannot catch the attention of people I meet. What steps can I take to improve my chances of getting a job in banking, finance or consultancy?

• I will be graduating soon from one of the leading universities in the world with a STEM degree and above average grades. I am interested in getting a job in banking, finance or consulting as I did not really enjoy the subject I majored in. I've been to them all - careers fairs, networking events, networking seminars, career's advice seminars etc. But still I cannot seem to network properly at all. My approach is not forceful that I go ask to be recommended or want a job immediately (even though that is my end goal). I always  try to show an interest in what they do, and then tell a little bit about myself when they ask. But to date I haven't been able to impress anyone, nor noticed any signs of interest by people I have tried to network with, that I am starting to think that there might be something fundamentally wrong with my personality and that I don't exactly have a rockstar CV... (Ok this probably stems from a deeper problem as I don't have many friends nor an "alpha" male...). So what steps can I take to improve my chances of getting a job in today's tough job market in either banking, finance or consultancy where I eventually want to work in?

• Answer:

  You have a STEM degree and you want to work in Banking and Consultancy? Perhaps what you experience has nothing to do with personality, but you aim for jobs that you are not considered qualified. You are not the only person who is shy and not charismatic. When you interview, learn as much as possible about the companies you interview with. You have to prove them that you have to skills to do the job. Since you claim you have a "forgetful personality", it is up to you to keep reminding your prospective employers that you are VERY interested in working for them and how your skills can help them. So, follow up and keep trying.