What Employers Want
Muksheeda Boodhooa is an Associate Director at Carter Murray, a global search and recruitment consultancy. Muksheeda shares practical advice on how ambitious IROs can stand out to employers and reflects on how AI is influencing the hiring process.
The IR CV
A strong CV in investor relations focuses on impact rather than a list of duties.
Employers want clear evidence of how you have improved understanding in the market, contributed to better outcomes for the company, and been involved in discussions with the leadership team or the board. They will want to see tangible examples of where you have improved sentiment, supported successful transactions, and reduced volatility.
A simple way to strengthen your CV is to include three measurable achievements after the responsibilities listed for each role.
It’s also valuable to show that you can use AI-enabled research tools. Whether it is sentiment analysis, competitive benchmarking or preparing materials for earnings, these tools demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a function that is becoming more analytically sophisticated.
Interview Technique
Interviews for investor relations roles are about showing credibility, judgement and the ability to influence. These conversations are most effective when you treat them as a genuine exchange rather than a technical examination.
Employers want to understand how you think, how you communicate, and how you stay composed under scrutiny.
As the investor relations role becomes more data-led, it is also helpful to show that you are comfortable using modern tools, including AI-supported analysis. This demonstrates that you can deepen insight and strengthen your advisory role.
Your aim is to show that you can represent the company with confidence in the market and influence senior decision makers internally.
Why Networking and Relationships Matter
Investor relations is driven by relationships. Externally, trust with investors, analysts and advisers helps you understand sentiment early and anticipate concerns before they escalate.
Internally, your influence depends on being trusted by the leadership team and being given early access to important conversations.
Excellent references can support a job search. In this market where there have been fewer IPOs than ever, the IR professionals who have developed and maintained excellent relationships with senior stakeholders including CFOs, are usually more successful in finding a new role by being referred for assignments on either an interim or permanent basis.
AI can support these relationships by helping you prepare with sharper insights and by flagging early changes in sentiment or behaviour. This intelligence improves the quality of your engagement. The relationships themselves remain human, but AI helps you stay ahead of issues and deliver more value.
How the Investor Relations Society Supports Advancement
Through best practice guidance, conferences and awards, the Society provides clarity on what effective communication looks like and how companies can build trust with the investment community.
Engaging with the Society helps investor relations professionals broaden their networks, benchmark their approach and maintain a strong understanding of what is shaping the wider UK investment landscape.
For those building a career in investor relations, being actively involved with the Society signals a commitment to high standards, continuous learning and professional credibility. It reinforces your connection to the broader community and keeps you aligned with the evolving expectations of listed companies, regulators and investors.
Muksheeda specialises in placing investor relations, marketing and communications professionals across financial services and corporate sectors. She has over a decade of recruitment experience, placing experts in both permanent and interim roles.
https://www.cartermurray.com/