Public Finance Blog

As my years accumulate in the recruiting world (which I so much enjoy), certain realities start to appear.  These are realities that I have to help my candidates overcome if they are going to move forward in our wonderful industry of public finance, whether as a banker, counsel, or even an institutional sales person. What type of realities will we talk about today?  The fact that you are not your past.

Is It Possible To Run From Your Past?

As we mature, we have had specific situations in our lives that, for one reason or another, we got drawn into.  Whether it was doing a childish prank that got us a “misdemeanor” on our record, having to file a bankruptcy, or we were just a victim of numerous firm closings, all of which make our resume look like a page out of the yellow book. Side note: for those that don’t get this reference, that’s how we used to look up and find addresses and phone numbers.  These are just some things we cannot change.  Regrettably, they are the first thing that a hiring manager may look at, especially when it comes to “perceived job jumping”. 

You’ve Got Some Explaining To Do…

If you know that you have particular blemishes in your background from your past, what do you do?  The answer, which has been revealed to me over these last 15+ years, is that you disclose it and explain the circumstances before it becomes an issue.  For example, if we know that a bankruptcy is going to be discovered during a background check, having written explanations for the bankruptcy matter.  All mitigation requirements that have been met will go a long way.  The last thing we want is for a hiring manager to be surprised.  When it comes to a FINRA page that looks and feels like you have moved so often, a different approach is warranted.  Again, being proactive.

The World Of A Difference: Proactive Vs. Reactive

Take a look at all the firms you’ve been associated with in your past and draw a theoretical org chart as to the firms and their inter-relationships.  Since we are in a business where there is a lot of merger activity, where firms come and go, flow charting the firms that you’ve worked for that have been either absorbed or gone out of the business can be instrumental.  It helps whittle down your employment history from many firms to fewer as they were absorbed, and you moved along as each new firm required your licensing and registration (even though you may be working with the exact same people and clients, although the firm name has changed).  The key to mitigating this uncontrollable problem, which you as an employee have no management over, is to share this information proactively with your recruiter (if you use one) or the hiring manager directly. Why?  In order for this story to be shared prior to discovery by human relations, better known as HR, who are likely raising eyebrows about information like this when unearthed.  Proactive activity versus reactive response is the key to leaving your past behind and focusing only on your immediate future.

Conclusion

You don’t need a resume to chat with us! If you would like to discuss your options, please reach out for a confidential conversation at 760-477-1284 or email at harlan@hfriedmansearch.com. He can also be reached on LinkedIn. Harlan publishes a blog every Thursday here. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter here, which is a compilation of our weekly blogs, so you never miss one. We have also been mentioned in 2025’s Forbes, click HERE to read more.  

About Harlan Friedman, JD & Founding Member, H. Friedman Search LLC. Harlan is a thirty-year veteran Public Finance Banker turned recruiter who specializes in the placement of all levels Public Finance Bankers, Healthcare Bankers, Municipal Advisors, Compliance Officers, Issuers, and Bond Counsels.