The process took 6 weeks. I interviewed at Edward Jones (Columbia, MD) in Mar 2018
Interview
The entire interview process took me about 4 weeks with a couple weeks of talking with FAs in the field before I was invited to formally apply.
I was talking to and asking questions of 4 different FAs in the field all through the interview process. These FAs were generous with their time, helpful and very encouraging. They clearly loved their job and wanted to help me get through the tough interview process.
First I was invited by a recruiter to fill out the application. Basic job history stuff.
Then I had an interview with a recruiter. I was expecting some STAR questions so I prepared. The recruiter wanted to make sure I knew that this job would require door knocking. Other than STAR questions, I was asked what I knew about Edward Jones and what made it different from other firms and how they operated and what was important to them. Not a big deal.
Then I was invited to fill out the second application. This is really a set up for the massive background check. They want to verify employment and all money earned for the last 10 years as well as tons of questions around possible past financial wrongdoing. (really more for someone who worked in a financial job before...I didn't) The background check includes interviews with others to check out your character, so you have to give permission for them to get whatever they want from your past.
Next They set up my in person Interview. This is done with an FA in the area. Wear a suit, have your resume and get ready for several more STAR questions. Wonderful interview experience though. Another FA who seemed to be "on my team" and offered to help in any way moving forward.
Next I had to put together my "business plan". This is where you describe the kinds of people you would like to have as clients, where you will find them and how you can help them. You are also asked how much money you plan to make in your first 2 years as well as how many assets you plan to bring in in the first 2 years. I found this to be very difficult. How on earth am I supposed to know how much money I will make when I haven't been trained yet and have to make up my process. This is where I should have spend lots more time talking to the other FAs. I did talk to them all about the document and they agreed that it was weird that I was asked to know how to do the job before I even begin training. In the end my details were not specific enough. really drill down. I was told later by a recruiter that the doc can be dozens of pages long.
Next I had my second phone interview. This time with a talent acquisition specialist. (or something like that). We spent over an hour pounding through the business plan. Mine was nowhere detailed enough. But I didn't know until someone told me. It was OK and I was passed on to the final step. The dreaded assessment.
Some of the FAs I was working with never went through the assessment and they all said they didn't think they would make it through. It sounds scary...AND IT WAS. You are not allowed to ask for help from other FAs when preparing for the assessment. It definately helps if you already know the job. I am bound to not disclose any details of the assessment on this or any other board. Prepare and prepare some more. It is supposed to be a "day in the life" of an FA, but I don't believe it. It was "let's throw everything at this guy and see if he falls apart or acts like a trained FA. Very stressful. But OK. I survived.
I didn't pass.
I wish they didn't have the assessment. I don't think it reflects what you are capable of. It does reflect if you already know how to do the job though.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell about a time you went above and beyond to help a customer or client.
Interview process first consists of numerous dinner events, all very laid back where you get to learn more about the company and the advisors in the region, and they get to learn more about you. If you keep getting invited back to dinners, consider it progress in the interview process. Honestly, the best, most effective interview process.
I applied through an employee referral. I interviewed at Edward Jones (Vancouver, WA)
Interview
it's a series of interviews with people in the office then a full-day of simulating the role of the advisor where you're receiving calls from clients and team mates as well as receiving emails. As a career-changer, this was the part of the interview phase where I realized Edward Jones wasn't the right start to my career as a financial advisor and ended up going somewhere that invested in my growth rather than a "sink or swim" type of place.
Interview process is very lengthy. 6 steps, very in depth. HR screening, in person interview, 1 year plan, day in the life role play (3 hours long) where you had to call actors who were playing clients and prospects