I would go to an office that you want to work at and ask what you can do.

[quote=taxfree]

I would go to an office that you want to work at and ask what you can do.

[/quote]

So I should show up at a branch with out giving them the heads up.  Also, if I do show up unexpectedly, should I go like if it was an actual formal interview (i.e. wear suit) or should I only introduce myself, state my intentions, inquire about the position drop of my resume, etc. I still feel like showing up unexpectedly may be detrimental for my chances at being hired.  In my head I see the branch manager being a busy person and the last thing he needs is to have someone show up randomly to speak with him.  I still fell like giving them a heads up through an email may be a better option before showing up in person.  That way we can arrange a meeting at a convenient time. Any other opinions on the issue would be appreciated.

Thanks

Call the Branch Manager and tell him/her you want 5 minutes. They should grant you that. I doubt they are ever too busy to see someone who might produce for them. Make sure you know what you are getting into. Enthusiasm will only get you so far...............tell them what you willing to do. Keep it simple. They don't want to hear "I will provide the best Service,.....etc." They want people who produce, are active on the phone and in the community.

I called them 1st, stopped by and talked with the BM for 10 minutes. He told me he would hire me and gave me the channels to get my application started. It isn't hard, just be relaxed and keep it simple.

Good Luck.

[quote=llcoolj]

Call the Branch Manager and tell him/her you want 5 minutes. They should grant you that. I doubt they are ever too busy to see someone who might produce for them. Make sure you know what you are getting into. Enthusiasm will only get you so far...............tell them what you willing to do. Keep it simple. They don't want to hear "I will provide the best Service,.....etc." They want people who produce, are active on the phone and in the community.

I called them 1st, stopped by and talked with the BM for 10 minutes. He told me he would hire me and gave me the channels to get my application started. It isn't hard, just be relaxed and keep it simple.

Good Luck.

[/quote]

The phone call over the email route to ask for a meeting seems far better.  In terms of the business, I've worked in a full comission position before (insurance for slightly over a year) and know that the name of the game in sales is numbers.  The more people you contact the more business you will produce, plain and simple.  I am used to cold calling for hours a day so that is not a problem and know (personally and financially) plenty of business owners and HNW individuals from working as personal banker at a bank. 

Thanks llcoolj, will definetely try to get my career as an FA started sooner rather than later.  Will definetely call the BMs to ask for a meeting and state my case.

[quote=llcoolj]

Call the Branch Manager and tell him/her you want 5 minutes. They should grant you that. I doubt they are ever too busy to see someone who might produce for them. Make sure you know what you are getting into. Enthusiasm will only get you so far...............tell them what you willing to do. Keep it simple. They don't want to hear "I will provide the best Service,.....etc." They want people who produce, are active on the phone and in the community.

I called them 1st, stopped by and talked with the BM for 10 minutes. He told me he would hire me and gave me the channels to get my application started. It isn't hard, just be relaxed and keep it simple.

Good Luck.

[/quote] I agree with that if you are good at getting past the gatekeeper and/or have a solid background in sales. If not, consider some more creative tactics: BUT BE CAREFUL some of these could backfire on you.

Make friends with the gatekeeper. You know how to make friends, right?  Pleasant, but unobtrusive persistance may get you there. If not, consider givng the gatekeeper a SMALL token of appreciation. Don't go overboard or you'll wind up looking like a nut/ stalker.

Go on the company website and look for a separate contact page for the BM. Look to see if s/he has any other affiliations or volunteers or supports any charities. You next step is to find out which location and join. Make yourself well known to everyone there by doing as much as you can for them. Ask anyone who is willing to listen if they know of some one who can give you good advice on what you want. That BM's name is bound to be mentioned.  If you're lucky you might get an introduction.

Ask anyone you know if they know an FA. Consider asking anyone you know if their rich old uncle knows an FA. Or ask the executives of ANY company or some one who owns their own business if they know an FA. Ask that FA their opinion about the company yu want t join, and let them know what you want to do. I once got a job at Smith Barney years ago because a friend of mine told an FA there that I was interested in being a Sales Asisstant. I had no experience as a SA, but I do admit it also helped that I was already fully licensed.

Another tactic is find out where the local watering hole is for the currently employed FAs.  Order a soda and make friends.

All of these tactics take time, but Rome wasn't built in a day.

Hope this helps and good luck...