Yes. After 2 years, you’ll have to retake the test.

Thanks - not the answer I was hoping for, but I did expect that to be the case.

Any idea how employers will view me in light of this? Am I going to be considered a fresh out of the box rookie-trainee? I had about 6 years experience in this field before I left.

If I was interviewing you for a job, I wouldn't consider you a rookie. In fact, I would hold you to a higher standard; such as, why did you get out of the business after 6 years? What bad sales habits caused you to fail the first time (if that was the case)? And do you still have these habits? What makes you think you can make it this time? What's changed about you?

Anyone looking for a second chance in this business should be prepared to thoroughly critique what they did wrong the first time and describe what has changed to virtually guarantee success this time.

I would recommend developing a detailed, professional looking marketing plan to present to the interviewer. (Hint: if your plan fits on only 1 or 2 pages, you'll fail.) The marketing plan should cover the first 3 - 6 months of being a broker, at a minimum. As an interviewer, I want to know what you're going to do on day 1, day 29, & day 63. What are your goals? What's your "Plan B", if "Plan A" fails? Know the demographics of your area. Know the hot buttons of the groups to which you'll be marketing.

Just my opinion, but I think that having once been in the business, you're going to have to work harder to show that NOW you have your act together.

It doesn't matter whether anyone thinks you're a rookie or not.  The fact of the matter is, you STILL have to take the test .. AGAIN.

Thank you both for your advice -

Actually, though, my reasons for leaving were not related to lack of success. I branched out and tried various other types of sales,(and other things) which has significantly enhanced my ability to sell financial products and services. The fundamentals of this business are fairly timeless - it's the ability to connect with people and relationship build that is the key to a successful sales career. My experience off the street only helped me with this. (How's that for an interview answer)

The higher standard would be welcomed. The assumption that my last go-round failed is... well, sort of naive. The marketing plan would be fun (and an excellent idea, by the way) and the hard work would be a given.

I genuinely appreciate your feedback though. Thank you for your response. (I'm still bummed that I have to do the 7 again!)

(How's that for an interview answer) - Elizabeth1130

-------------------------------------------------

That's a good answer, but be prepared to go into specifics and give examples. However, what concerns me is your statement about: branching out and trying other types of sales, after being a broker. I would word that differently, such that it doesn't appear that you were simply jumping from one sales job to the next.

Just passed my 7 this week with a 91%!  I hope with that score
management doesn’t think I’ve been milking them for unnecessary study
time.  I probably could have taken it a month ago but I wanted to
be sure…hey its my job on the line right? 



This weekend I will have a bonfire with my STC materials.   

Congratulations, Scorpio! That's a high score, indeed!...Now, get to work! I want you to have, at least, 3 scheduled appointments by Friday AM. Oh, by the way, I hope you don't have any non-work related plans this weekend.