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: This question is an opportunity for the applicant to demonstrate their ability to learn from mistakes and grow from them. It is important for a financial advisor to be able to take a step back and assess his own performance, and this question gives the applicant a chance to prove that he can.
Sample Answer: I didn't achieve my goal of becoming a financial advisor with my previous employer. I learned that I needed to work on my communication skills in order to be more effective in my role.
Question Overview: A financial advisor is responsible for maintaining a positive relationship with clients. The best way to do that is to create a comfortable environment for them. A candidate who is able to thrive in a variety of environments will be able to adapt to the needs of clients and make them feel at ease.
Sample Answer: I have had experience in a variety of work environments, from retail to investment banking. I am comfortable in all of them and can easily adjust my style to fit the needs of clients.
Question Overview: This question is intended to gauge the applicant's interest in the company. Someone who is genuinely interested in working for Equitable will be able to explain why they are interested and how their personal goals align with the company's mission.
Sample Answer: I have been a customer of Equitable for years, and I have always been impressed by your commitment to customer service. I am excited to be able to contribute to that commitment as a financial advisor.
Question Overview: A financial advisor is a salesperson in the sense that he must be able to attract clients and convince them to trust him with their finances. A candidate who has a network of contacts that he can leverage to gain new clients will be more successful than one who does not.
Sample Answer: I have a network of contacts that I can leverage to gain new clients. I have already begun to build my network by reaching out to friends and family members, and I hope to expand it further as I begin my career here.
Question Overview: This question is a test of the applicant's ability to handle rejection. It is a common occurrence for a financial advisor to have to turn down a client or prospective client. The applicant must be able to explain how he deals with rejection and how he will be able to handle it professionally in the workplace.
Sample Answer: I have had to deal with rejection in my previous jobs as a financial advisor. I learned that it is important to maintain a professional attitude and not let it affect my work. I am confident that I can handle any rejection that comes my way in this position.
Question Overview: This question is a good indicator of the applicant's work ethic. A financial advisor is responsible for the success of his clients, and that responsibility will not be fulfilled without a great deal of hard work. The response will show how the applicant defines success and how he measures it in his own life.
Sample Answer: I measure my success by the satisfaction of my clients. I want to see them grow financially and reach their goals, and I take pride in knowing that I played a part in that process.
Question Overview: Financial advisors are in a position to build their own reputations and brands. They can do so by offering useful advice and services to clients, but they must also be able to promote themselves effectively. This question examines the applicant's ability to market themselves and their services, which is a vital skill for any financial advisor.
Sample Answer: I have always been a strong believer in the importance of branding myself as an expert in my field. I have built my own website and social media presence to help me reach out to clients and establish myself as a trustworthy source of information.
Question Overview: This question is a classic interview question that gets to the heart of the applicant's character. It is a test of their resilience and determination. The response will indicate how well they are able to overcome obstacles and maintain a positive attitude in the face of adversity.
Sample Answer: I had to overcome a challenge in my previous job as a financial advisor. I was tasked with building a new client base, but I found myself struggling to attract new clients. I overcame this challenge by taking initiative and reaching out to people I knew personally.
Question Overview: This question is a common interview question that is meant to assess the candidate's ability to handle difficult situations. The challenge can be anything from a personal issue to a professional one, and the interviewer wants to see how the applicant responds to it.
Sample Answer: I faced a challenge in my personal life when I was younger and had to overcome it by taking responsibility for my actions. I learned that I have the power to make my own choices and that I must be responsible for them.
Question Overview: Face to face communication is a vital part of the job. A financial advisor must be able to meet with clients in person to discuss their financial situation and plan for the future. A candidate who is uncomfortable with face to face communication will have a difficult time with this aspect of the job.
Sample Answer: I have always been comfortable with face to face communication. I believe it is the most effective way to build a relationship with a client and help them grow financially.