I interviewed and was hired several years ago. I have since left but a friend going through the process inspired the need for answers that EDJ is looking for. It was a 3 month process 8 years ago and it’s still a 3 month process now. My process included phone, in person, phone again, in the field prospecting (25 names and numbers), and a Day in the Life simulation. I was offered the FA position with a supplemental salary 35% more than I was making. I was interviewing EDJ as much as they were interviewing me and I didn’t stop with the talent management team. I went to EDJ offices in the area and asked them with the same questions I was being asked. These were people that made it and their answers became my answers. This isn’t cheating, it was encouraged by my internal referral. EDJ wants a go-getter, and the interviewers really liked that I went above and beyond. That’s because FA trainees will will do just that, go to offices in the area to learn from the experienced. Your interview answers need to show initiative. That you didn’t wait for someone to tell the next step but you went looking for it. Day in the life Solution? They want you to build your business every day. Work on getting prospects, interviews, and open accounts. Focus on the tasks that accomplish these. They will throw things at you to shift priorities. So that means calling leads, sending invites, making appointments “over the phone.” They want to see that you aren’t afraid of talking to clients/prospects. So don’t defer to sending an email when you could have called. Don’t do the admin stuff like making invite lists or responding to internal communications. The more calls to make to prospects/clients the better the outcome

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.