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 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: The applicant is asked to pay a fee to Primerica, which is the company that hires the financial advisor. The fee is $125, and it is non-refundable. This question is meant to see if the applicant will be willing to pay the fee and if they are serious about the position.
Sample Answer: I am confident that I will be a valuable asset to Primerica and am willing to pay the fee as a sign of my commitment.
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 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: This question is a common one for employers to ask. It is a way for them to determine whether the applicant will be able to handle the demands of the job while also being a parent. A candidate who has children and is able to maintain a successful career will be a better fit for the position than one who does not have children.
Sample Answer: I have two children, both of whom I take care of on my own. I am very active in their lives and do my best to ensure that they are well-adjusted and happy.
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: 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 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 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 to gauge the applicant's work ethic. A financial advisor must be willing to go the extra mile for his clients, and this question helps the employer determine how far they are willing to go.
Sample Answer: I am driven by my desire to help people. I want to make a difference in their lives, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen.
Question Overview: This question is designed to gauge the candidate's self-awareness and honesty. A good answer will be honest, but also show that the candidate is aware of the flaw and is working to improve it.
Sample Answer: I am a perfectionist, which can be a flaw in itself. I tend to be overly critical of myself and others, but I am working on it.
Question Overview: This question is designed to gauge the applicant's passion for the position. Someone who is inspired by their work will be more likely to excel in it.
Sample Answer: I have always been fascinated by the financial world. I hope to use my knowledge and experience to inspire others to pursue their financial goals.
Question Overview: This question is a good indicator of the applicant's loyalty to the company. It is also a good way to see if they are willing to put their reputation on the line for the sake of the company.
Sample Answer: I would be more than willing to sell your product to my friends and family. I have always been a strong advocate for financial security, and I believe that your product will help many people achieve it.
Question Overview: This question is a catch-all for the other aspects of the job that may not have been covered in the previous questions. The employer wants to know if the candidate has the skills and experience to handle the responsibilities of the position.
Sample Answer: I have experience as a financial advisor and customer service representative. I am also familiar with the software and technology used in this position.
Question Overview: This question is a good way to gauge the applicant's interest in the company and their willingness to contribute to its success. A financial advisor is a vital part of the company's success, so it is important that they are invested in its future.
Sample Answer: I am very interested in this company's reputation for excellence. I believe that my experience as a financial advisor will help me contribute to that reputation by helping clients achieve their financial goals.
Question Overview: This question is a test of the applicant's creativity and problem-solving skills. It is meant to gauge how well they can think on their feet and how well they can deal with stressful situations.
Sample Answer: I would use the lighter to create a spark and ignite the string. I would then use the string to create a bow and arrow, which I would use to shoot down a bird that I could eat.
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: This question is a good way to see how the applicant handles failure. It is inevitable that a financial advisor will fail to meet the expectations of a client or employer at some point. The key is to learn from the failure and move on. An ideal candidate will be able to reflect on the experience and explain how it has helped them grow as a professional.
Sample Answer: I once failed to meet a deadline for an important project at my previous job. I learned that I need to be more organized and plan ahead to avoid such issues in the future.
Question Overview: This question is a basic overview of the position and what it entails. The applicant should be able to explain the responsibilities of a financial advisor and how they will be able to fulfill them.
Sample Answer: I am very familiar with the financial advisor position. I have been in the financial services industry for years and have held positions that require similar responsibilities.