Question Overview: This question is the most important of the interview. It is the employer's way of determining whether the applicant is a good fit for the position. The response will be a culmination of all the applicant's previous answers, so it is vital that they have a clear idea of what they want to do and how they can do it.
Sample Answer: I want to be a financial advisor because I have always been interested in helping people with their finances. I believe my experience as a customer service representative and my knowledge of finance will help me succeed in this position.
Question Overview: This is a question that is meant to gauge the applicant's confidence in his own abilities. The employer wants to know if the applicant is aware of his strengths and how he will be able to use them to his advantage. The answer will also provide insight into the applicant's personality and how he will fit into the workplace environment.
Sample Answer: I believe my experience as a financial advisor with my previous employer makes me a strong candidate for this position. I have a strong network of clients and a wealth of knowledge about financial planning that I would love to put to use here.
Question Overview: This is a common interview question that can be difficult to answer. The best way to approach it is to admit a weakness that is not directly relevant to the position or the company. For example, if the job requires working with numbers, a weakness in math would be a good choice.
Sample Answer: I have always struggled with math. I have been able to work around it in my previous positions by having others handle the calculations for me.
Question Overview: This question is a good way to gauge the applicant's self-awareness. A financial advisor must be able to recognize his shortcomings and work on them in order to improve his performance. Someone who is not aware of their weaknesses will not be able to improve, and someone who is aware but does not work on them will not improve either.
Sample Answer: I would like to improve my ability to communicate with clients in person. I have always had a difficult time with that aspect of the job, but I am confident that I can improve with practice.
Question Overview: This question is a way for the employer to get a sense of the applicant's long-term goals. The response will also reveal whether they have a realistic idea of what they want out of their career. Someone who has no idea what they want to do in the future is not likely to be a good fit for the position.
Sample Answer: I would like to be in a position where I am managing my own team of financial advisors. I have always been interested in leadership and would like to take on that role in the future.
Question Overview: This question is similar to the previous one, but it focuses on the applicant's willingness to go the extra mile. A financial advisor is responsible for helping clients reach their financial goals, which requires a great deal of effort and dedication. The employer wants to know whether the applicant is willing to put in the work necessary to be successful.
Sample Answer: I am willing to do whatever it takes to be successful in this profession. I am willing to put in long hours and travel extensively if necessary. I am also willing to work hard at building relationships with clients and maintaining their trust.
Question Overview: Time management is a vital skill for any employee, but it is especially important for a financial advisor. The advisor must be able to manage his time effectively in order to meet the needs of his clients. An ideal candidate will be able to explain how he prioritizes his time and what he does to make sure he is not wasting any of it.
Sample Answer: I prioritize my time by focusing on the most important tasks first. I also make sure to leave enough time for breaks and relaxation so that I can maintain my focus on the job.
Question Overview: This question is designed to gauge how well the applicant has prepared for the interview. Someone who has researched the company and the position will have a better understanding of what to expect and how to present themselves. A candidate who has not done their homework will be at a disadvantage in comparison.
Sample Answer: I have experience in both finance and the military. I have been a financial advisor for my previous employer for several years, and I have served as a member of the armed forces for over five years.
Question Overview: The employer wants to know if the applicant has the confidence and drive to succeed in the position. They want to know that they are not hiring someone who will be complacent with their success and not try to improve.
Sample Answer: I have been successful in my previous role as a financial advisor. I am confident that I can replicate that success here.
Question Overview: This question is a way for the employer to gauge the applicant's personality. Someone who is comfortable in a fast-paced environment will be more likely to succeed in a job that requires constant interaction with clients. Someone who prefers a more relaxed environment will be more at ease in a position that involves less frequent client contact.
Sample Answer: I enjoy working in a fast-paced environment where I am constantly interacting with clients. I find it rewarding to help people achieve their financial goals and watch them grow as individuals.
Question Overview: This question is a test of the applicant's interest in the position. Selling insurance is a vital part of the job, and the employer wants to know if they are enthusiastic about it. The applicant's response will also give the employer insight into their personality and how they will interact with clients.
Sample Answer: I am very excited about selling insurance. I have always been a natural salesman, and I believe that I can use my skills to help clients find the best coverage for their needs.
Question Overview: This question is designed to get to the heart of the applicant's interest in the position. Someone who is genuinely excited about the prospect of selling will be more likely to succeed in the position than someone who is not.
Sample Answer: I have always been interested in sales and marketing. I have had the opportunity to work in both fields and have enjoyed my time in them. I feel that I have a natural talent for sales and would like to put that talent to use here.
Question Overview: The most challenging part of the job will be the ability to work with a wide range of people. A financial advisor must be able to work with a variety of clients, each with their own unique financial goals and needs. The candidate must be able to adapt to the needs of each client, which will require a certain degree of flexibility.
Sample Answer: I believe that the most challenging part of the job will be the ability to work with a wide range of people. I have experience in customer service and human resources, so I am well-versed in adapting to the needs of different types of people.
Question Overview: This question is a test of the applicant's interest in sales and their ability to sell themselves. It is a common misconception that financial advisors are not required to sell their services. In reality, financial advisors are expected to bring in new clients and expand their network. The applicant must be able to demonstrate that he is capable of doing so.
Sample Answer: I have always been interested in sales and marketing. I have been successful in those areas in the past, and I am confident that I can replicate that success here.
Question Overview: This question is a test of the applicant's integrity. A financial advisor is responsible for making decisions that will affect the financial future of his clients. The decisions must be made with the utmost honesty and integrity, and a candidate who is willing to admit to unpopular decisions is more likely to be trustworthy than one who is not.
Sample Answer: I had to make an unpopular decision as a financial advisor with my previous employer. I had to tell a client that his investment strategy was not working out and that he would have to consider other options. I was able to do so in a way that did not reflect badly on me or the company.
Question Overview: A financial advisor is responsible for attracting new clients to his business. This is a crucial part of the job, and it is important to know how the candidate plans to go about it. The response will provide insight into the applicant's marketing and sales skills, which are crucial to the position.
Sample Answer: I would begin by leveraging my network of contacts and my previous experience as a financial advisor. I would then use my knowledge of the industry to identify potential clients and approach them with my services.
Question Overview: The financial services industry is a high-pressure field. The job of a financial advisor is to be an expert in a field that is constantly changing and evolving. This requires a high level of adaptability and the ability to work under pressure.
Sample Answer: I have been able to handle pressure in the past by remaining calm and collected. I have also been able to work well under pressure by remaining focused on the task at hand.
Question Overview: This question is meant to gauge the applicant's interest in the job. The employer is looking for someone who is passionate about the position and will be able to perform well. Someone who has a genuine interest in the field will be more likely to succeed than someone who is only applying because of the money or the title.
Sample Answer: I have always been interested in computer science and have been working on my own programming projects for years. I am eager to apply my knowledge of software engineering in a professional setting and hope to make a positive contribution to the company.