I work for ML and the way most people apply for the FA position is through the website or going to the local branch and talking with the branch manager.

My friend is one of the top recruiters for Merrill Lynch nationally.

P.M. and I will give you the contact information. It is much better to have someone represent you than cold calling the branch manager.

Good Luck.

Call a local Branch and ask for the Manager. 

Fax your resume to the branch manager’s attention, then give a courtesy call the next day “to make sure he/she received it.”

[quote=BankerBuddy]I am just curious who is a ML recruiter on these posts. I've been in banking for about a year and in the industry 2 years. Got a short but decent book of clients in my short time at my bank (around 20mil), all said will follow me as a wealth manager and will be "more than happy" to give me referrals.[/quote]

Banker, congrats on your success so far. Can you tell me some general tips on how you did it? Is most of your book from cold calls, friends, family? I am looking to get in the industry and have an 'in' at ML, but it seems like a daunting task to do what you did in two years. It is reassuring that others can do it as you have.

[quote=leftykickserve]

[quote=BankerBuddy]I am just curious who is a ML recruiter on these posts. I’ve been in banking for about a year and in the industry 2 years. Got a short but decent book of clients in my short time at my bank (around 20mil), all said will follow me as a wealth manager and will be “more than happy” to give me referrals.[/quote]

Banker, congrats on your success so far. Can you tell me some general tips on how you did it? Is most of your book from cold calls, friends, family? I am looking to get in the industry and have an 'in' at ML, but it seems like a daunting task to do what you did in two years. It is reassuring that others can do it as you have.

joe pretty much nailed it but I do more than annuities. If ANYONE deposits more than $10,000...I want to know about it. Most high net clients have more than 1 financial inst. I try to find out who they are, how long have they been with them (lesser the years = the easier and quicker to get them), and then figure out what I can do to win their relations.

Perfect example: a guy made a $20,000 deposit (he had a small account with us so it seemed odd in the first place). Found out he had a $2 million account with ML. Long story short, 1 month later of contact, lunch, etc...ACAT his account to me, renewed his mortgage and opened a Line of Credit. Funny thing is he said if I make the move to ML, he would follow me . Lesson: Most of the time its not the Firm, but the rep!

If you win their “relations,” you must be pretty smooth! Gives new meaning

to “making contacts” and “service.”

Oh and to add to my post... working at a Bank is a great start. If you read the posts here on how some "wannabe" FA posts regarding what's the best way to start, most of the time they say either be a sales assistant or work at a bank.

How you think where I got the idea to be a banker first?

(First time caller, LONG time listener)

Cowboy: LOL! Funny thing you mentioned that...One of my clients (shes a lawyer) said "your the most charming person I have ever met."  Very flattering especially from a hot rich lawyer

But besides charming, I try to be funny, sincere, and I make sure I give them the time they need. Another example is one of my clients needed help with just balancing his check book (not always an easy task when we are talking millions), it took us 3 hours just to do that. I didn't ask for anything in return. He loved me for that and his thanks was so sincere that it was worth every minute. Even he said I give better service than his FA's and accountant.