In the competitive world of financial services, particularly in hedge funds and wealth management, crafting a strong job description is an essential part of attracting top-tier talent. For many SMEs in the buy-side space, this step is often underestimated, but a well-written job description can be the difference between securing the best candidate for your role or being overlooked altogether. At Fram Search, we’ve been helping firms craft compelling job descriptions as part of our end-to-end recruitment service, ensuring our clients stand out in a crowded market.

A job description isn’t just an administrative task—it’s a crucial first impression that sets the tone for the hiring process. Candidates, especially those in the competitive hedge fund and wealth management markets, are assessing your firm just as much as you’re assessing them. A poorly written or vague job description can deter top talent, while a clear, professional, and engaging description can signal that your firm is serious about its culture, standards, and growth.

For SMEs in particular, where attracting candidates with the right mix of skills and cultural fit can be challenging, a job description is your opportunity to outline what makes your firm unique and why a candidate should join you.

Writing a job description for a hedge fund role requires specificity, clarity, and a focus on the unique demands of the industry. Hedge funds often operate with lean teams, which means every hire has a significant impact. A strong job description should reflect this.

Begin with an engaging introduction that highlights your firm’s strategy, values, and culture. Hedge fund candidates want to know what makes your firm different—whether it’s your investment philosophy, track record, or growth plans. This is also a chance to touch on your Employee Value.

Proposition (EVP)—what you offer beyond the role itself, such as career progression, a collaborative culture, or flexibility.

The responsibilities section should be detailed and realistic. Candidates in this sector are looking for opportunities that align with their skills and aspirations, so it’s essential to strike a balance between being thorough and keeping the language engaging. Similarly, outline the key qualifications clearly, focusing on the technical skills, certifications, and personality traits that align with your firm’s needs.

For wealth management roles, the approach should be similar but tailored to the relationship-driven nature of the industry. Candidates for wealth management positions are often client-focused professionals who value firms that emphasise service quality and long-term client relationships.

A job description for a financial adviser, for instance, should emphasise the importance of building trust, meeting regulatory requirements, and maintaining a client-first mindset. Highlight opportunities for professional growth, particularly if your firm supports ongoing qualifications or career development.

For operational roles, such as paraplanners or compliance professionals, ensure the description reflects the growing importance of these functions in systemising workflows, meeting regulatory standards, and supporting the broader adviser team. Again, don’t underestimate the role of your EVP here—detail the benefits of joining your firm, whether it’s a positive culture, flexible working options, or access to cutting-edge tools.

At Fram Search, we know that writing an effective job description can be time-consuming, especially for firms juggling day-to-day operations. That’s why helping our clients craft job descriptions is part of the recruitment support we offer. As expert buy-side recruiters, we understand the nuances of hedge fund and wealth management roles and can ensure your job description reflects your firm’s unique identity and needs.

Working with Fram Search allows you to focus on your core business while we manage the recruitment process, from helping you define the role to finding the right candidates. We also take a consultative approach to ensure your hiring process, from your job description to your interview process and EVP, aligns with the expectations of today’s candidates.

A job description doesn’t exist in isolation—it’s part of a broader candidate experience. Firms that succeed in hiring the best talent back up their job descriptions with:

• A strong EVP: What makes your firm a great place to work? Competitive salaries and benefits are important, but so are career development opportunities, culture, and flexibility.
• A streamlined interview process: Candidates should feel valued at every stage. A disorganised process can put off top talent.
• A professional online presence: Your website and LinkedIn profile are often the first places candidates will look. Ensure they reflect your firm’s values, culture, and ambitions.

In financial services recruitment, particularly for hedge funds and wealth managers, a job description is more than just a checklist of responsibilities and requirements. It’s a critical tool for attracting the right talent and setting the tone for a positive and professional hiring process.

At Fram Search, we combine years of industry experience with a deep understanding of the buy-side market, allowing us to craft job descriptions that resonate with candidates and reflect the unique needs of each role. If you’re struggling to hire, or simply want to ensure your recruitment process is as effective as possible, contact us to learn how we can help.

A well-written job description is the first step to securing exceptional talent. Let us help you get it right.