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I would like to know for a sales agent and financial services what values does your company look for in a person they are hiring ?
sales agent and financial services
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14 answers
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Ryan’s Answer
Hi LeAndrew,
There are many core values that financial services firms are looking for during the interview process. Integrity, Collaboration, and Challenge being a few. The one attribute that I believe sets top performers apart in the financial services industry is confidence, especially during the interview process. Flex your knowledge base, and make sure hiring managers know what you can bring to the table.
There are many core values that financial services firms are looking for during the interview process. Integrity, Collaboration, and Challenge being a few. The one attribute that I believe sets top performers apart in the financial services industry is confidence, especially during the interview process. Flex your knowledge base, and make sure hiring managers know what you can bring to the table.
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Kitty’s Answer
Hello LeAndrew, In addition to all the amazing advice here, my one major call-out is to remember to be yourself! Be authentically you. Not only are you hoping to be a good fit for the company but you want to make sure they are a good fit for YOU! If you cannot be yourself at work then you may grow to resent the company and that never works out for either party. Obviously, you still need to be professional, as you are in a workplace, but you should not change who you are to fit a puzzle that looks nothing like the image you have for your life. Hope that helps!
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Amani’s Answer
Hey LeAndrew!
I agree with the earlier statements that every company is looking for something that is a little bit different, but there are things you can do to help prepare yourself and build your brand. Like Katrina said be yourself, in doing that the right Job will find you.
I would recommend also looking for a company that fits your career goals and values, a company that puts stock into its employees and helps them build the career path they envision. I think in this field companies are looking for innovative thinkers, team players, and resilient workers, there will be ups and downs at every job, but how you respond is important. Lastly become comfortable with being uncomfortable jobs love people who want to be pushed towards greatness and step outside their comfort zones to be successful. Hope this helps!
I agree with the earlier statements that every company is looking for something that is a little bit different, but there are things you can do to help prepare yourself and build your brand. Like Katrina said be yourself, in doing that the right Job will find you.
I would recommend also looking for a company that fits your career goals and values, a company that puts stock into its employees and helps them build the career path they envision. I think in this field companies are looking for innovative thinkers, team players, and resilient workers, there will be ups and downs at every job, but how you respond is important. Lastly become comfortable with being uncomfortable jobs love people who want to be pushed towards greatness and step outside their comfort zones to be successful. Hope this helps!
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Kevin’s Answer
Hi LeAndrew, I think what a lot of companies look for is someone who is not afraid to reach out to as many clients as possible and take chances. Talent in this field is something good to have, but hardwork and a good work ethic is something that will separate you from everyone else. If you are willing to put in the work, that is something the company will value very highly.
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Archived’s Answer
Hi LeAndrew,
I'll just add on to what everyone else is saying - there are universal values when it comes to being in the financial services industry, such as integrity, honesty, and accountability, not only to your clients, but also to yourself. Doing what's best for the client and being accountable to them by being honest and having integrity will help you go a long way.
I'll just add on to what everyone else is saying - there are universal values when it comes to being in the financial services industry, such as integrity, honesty, and accountability, not only to your clients, but also to yourself. Doing what's best for the client and being accountable to them by being honest and having integrity will help you go a long way.
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Patrick’s Answer
Hi, there are some core values that i look for when hiring people for my team:
Integrity - because trust from customers and colleagues is so important to high performing teams, curiosity - i love working with curious people who bring that spirit of discovery to their work. Collaboration - i look for collaborative people that want to join and contribute to high performing teams
Integrity - because trust from customers and colleagues is so important to high performing teams, curiosity - i love working with curious people who bring that spirit of discovery to their work. Collaboration - i look for collaborative people that want to join and contribute to high performing teams
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Alyssa’s Answer
If you're interested in sales specifically, being open-minded and personable are some of the best qualities to have. I've gained clients trust simply by asking them about things that have nothing to do with the loan they're applying for (i.e. a dog barks in the background - I saw that as a conversation starter!). People will work with you because they like you more often than because of what you're offering them. I work in the mortgage industry and I've had people tell me they chose to do a loan with our company versus someone else's simply because they felt more comfortable with me, even though the other company was offering them a better deal! Never underestimate the ability to make friends.
Also, try not to get in your own head too much. Sales can become overwhelming at times - you're going to hear a lot of no's. The important part is your ability to keep pushing past them and not get too discouraged.
Also, try not to get in your own head too much. Sales can become overwhelming at times - you're going to hear a lot of no's. The important part is your ability to keep pushing past them and not get too discouraged.
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Gianna’s Answer
Hi LeAndrew,
Every company is different in terms of the value add they're seeking when hiring. A good habit to get into would be to research the company each time you see an opportunity you may be interested in... What do they indicate as their mission and values? What do reviews say about the overall culture of the organization and/or department you'd be joining? (When it comes to reviews, I usually advise that you take them with a grain of salt and use them to formulate questions you may want to ask during the interview process).
All of this will help to identify what the organization may be looking for when it comes to soft skills and overall alignment with the company/how they operate. For example, a smaller organization often is looking for people that are highly adaptable and autonomous so they can wear multiple hats and run with projects autonomously. In contrast, a more established or global organization may look for candidates that are highly collaborative so they can work well with other business functions that will be in support of or receive support from the role. For sales specifically, hiring at the entry level primarily targets the strong interpersonal skills and drive/grit that correlate with success in the field, but are very difficult to train on. If you can tell me more about what your interest is in as it relates to financial services I'd be happy to provide more insight on what's typically targeted for these openings too. Were you hoping to work with a third-party firm that manages portfolios for individuals/organizations or internally with a company?
Happy Friday,
Gianna C. (She/Her)
Every company is different in terms of the value add they're seeking when hiring. A good habit to get into would be to research the company each time you see an opportunity you may be interested in... What do they indicate as their mission and values? What do reviews say about the overall culture of the organization and/or department you'd be joining? (When it comes to reviews, I usually advise that you take them with a grain of salt and use them to formulate questions you may want to ask during the interview process).
All of this will help to identify what the organization may be looking for when it comes to soft skills and overall alignment with the company/how they operate. For example, a smaller organization often is looking for people that are highly adaptable and autonomous so they can wear multiple hats and run with projects autonomously. In contrast, a more established or global organization may look for candidates that are highly collaborative so they can work well with other business functions that will be in support of or receive support from the role. For sales specifically, hiring at the entry level primarily targets the strong interpersonal skills and drive/grit that correlate with success in the field, but are very difficult to train on. If you can tell me more about what your interest is in as it relates to financial services I'd be happy to provide more insight on what's typically targeted for these openings too. Were you hoping to work with a third-party firm that manages portfolios for individuals/organizations or internally with a company?
Happy Friday,
Gianna C. (She/Her)
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Stephanie’s Answer
Hi LeAndrew! I agree with the earlier statements that every company is looking for something that is a little bit different, but there are things you can do to help prepare yourself and build your brand. I agree with the recommendation of looking at the company's website to see what their values are and what is important to them. I also agree that integrity and collaboration are important skills to have.
In addition to those things, I would recommend showing the company that you are teachable, open to new ideas, and, ready and willing to learn. This is key in any industry and shows that you are adaptable to changing circumstances and and constantly changing work environment. It can also be hard to take criticism, but if and when you receive it, try to find constructive ways to grow from the feedback given.
I would also suggest, if there are any opportunities to network and familiarize yourself with the company(ies) that you are interested in, take those opportunities. Be it career fairs, open houses, or even if they have a customer-facing office that you can visit to get a feel for the company and employee attitudes (this one is not always possible depending on what type of company you are interested in).
Best wishes in your career search!
In addition to those things, I would recommend showing the company that you are teachable, open to new ideas, and, ready and willing to learn. This is key in any industry and shows that you are adaptable to changing circumstances and and constantly changing work environment. It can also be hard to take criticism, but if and when you receive it, try to find constructive ways to grow from the feedback given.
I would also suggest, if there are any opportunities to network and familiarize yourself with the company(ies) that you are interested in, take those opportunities. Be it career fairs, open houses, or even if they have a customer-facing office that you can visit to get a feel for the company and employee attitudes (this one is not always possible depending on what type of company you are interested in).
Best wishes in your career search!
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Aditya’s Answer
Hi LeAndrew! Every company will be looking for different things, however there are certain values that are universal when it comes to getting hired into a sales agent/ financial services job. These values are integrity, being open minded, and being driven.
Integrity includes taking accountability for your actions, being honest and just, treating others with respect, and staying true to your character. Companies want employees that make the work environment a more comfortable and productive place.
In order to succeed in a company you must be able to look at different perspectives. Be open to challenges and changing the status quo. It is a great distinguisher from those who listen to the same voices and have the same opinions as everyone else. You want to set yourself apart from the crowd by being open minded and thinking critically.
You must show to the company that you put in effort and seek out projects and learning outside of your regular school curriculums. This shows that you are self driven and independent.
Having all these qualities and values is step one. The next step is to display this effectively to the company you are applying for through your resume and interviews. You must be able to communicate effectively in order for the company to fully see your worth.
Hope this helps! Good luck!
Integrity includes taking accountability for your actions, being honest and just, treating others with respect, and staying true to your character. Companies want employees that make the work environment a more comfortable and productive place.
In order to succeed in a company you must be able to look at different perspectives. Be open to challenges and changing the status quo. It is a great distinguisher from those who listen to the same voices and have the same opinions as everyone else. You want to set yourself apart from the crowd by being open minded and thinking critically.
You must show to the company that you put in effort and seek out projects and learning outside of your regular school curriculums. This shows that you are self driven and independent.
Having all these qualities and values is step one. The next step is to display this effectively to the company you are applying for through your resume and interviews. You must be able to communicate effectively in order for the company to fully see your worth.
Hope this helps! Good luck!
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Yesh’s Answer
Hi LeAndrew, you've gotten amazing responses from folks in the Financial Industries. Speaking from the perspective of a customer, the Financial Advisor's that I have most appreciated working with were intent on building trust with my wife and I. I'd lean into any experiences or projects where you had to quickly build trust with your clients, how you managed to do that, as you go along in your interview process.
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Sam’s Answer
In my experience as a financial advisor... companies are looking for someone who is very personable. Can you you hold a conversation with someone you just met? You need to have really good listening skills, be very personable, and very thorough. In sales roles, you can't be timid when speaking with someone and have to be comfortable in trying to dig deeper with clients. One way to get better at this is to attend clubs, sports teams, etc that may be a little bit outside of your comfort zone, in order to meet people and make friends with people that you may have not met otherwise. Hope this helps!
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William Barrett’s Answer
Hi LeAndrew. I would say that the most important thing in financial services is being honest and conducting yourself with integrity. When a client knows that you are a trustworthy person, they will be much more likely to open themselves up to you to receive advice and potentially buy a product/service from you. Once they are opened up to you, the next most important thing is being personable and being able to maintain a conversation in such a way that it doesn't seem forced or like you are reading from a script; that is a huge turnoff for a prospective client. When talking with a client, its important to be honest and straightforward so that they are able to believe what you are telling them. Hope this helps!
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Owen’s Answer
Hey LeAndrew, as a financial advisor, I have found that in the hiring process the quality of being personable has always come up as being something that firms hiring financial advisors look for. A large portion of the job requires communicating with clients over the phone, and addressing a myriad of questions and concerns, so being able to relate to and communicate with a client who you may have no prior relationship with, is an important part of the job.