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Apr 12, 2006 10:04 pm

I am scheduled to take the Merrill tests this coming Tuesday. I am wondering what to expect? Thanks for any advice or insight…

Apr 12, 2006 10:15 pm

A little more background...I just took the Smith Barney entry tests the other day. They consisted of a conclusions section, math or stock calculation section, and a personality section. Will this be similar to ML's?

The math and personality were a breeze, but the conclusions area made me think some...

Apr 12, 2006 11:13 pm

Sorry to break this to you…if you are asked to take a test as part of your

interview process…you’re not getting the job. Branch managers use this

technique as a crutch.



The fact that two different firms asked you to take one…well, hey, they’re

hiring at Starbucks. At least you’ll be able to add the cool term of "Barista"

to your resume.

Apr 12, 2006 11:15 pm

At Merrill the test is a bit different than SB. It was not timed (when
I took it). It includes a few math problems mainly with fractions and
decimals. There are questions testing your knowledge of basic economics
and some questions involving the computation of different investment
returns. I thought it was a bit more difficult than UBS and SB but
still easily passable.



The “personality” portion of the test is kind of a joke but does has
questions to test your understanding and experience in sales.



Jumping through hoops…

Apr 12, 2006 11:17 pm

[quote=skeedaddy]Sorry to break this to you…if you are asked to take a test as part of your

interview process…you’re not getting the job. Branch managers use this

technique as a crutch.



The fact that two different firms asked you to take one…well, hey, they’re

hiring at Starbucks. At least you’ll be able to add the cool term of "Barista"

to your resume. [/quote]



What are you talking about?



Everyone young advisor I know, that wasn’t liscensed, had to take the “aptitude” tests.

Apr 12, 2006 11:29 pm

and how may got the job?

Apr 12, 2006 11:31 pm

my 11 year old kid can pass the test…doesn’t mean he be a good advisor?

Apr 12, 2006 11:41 pm

I’m talking about every EMPLOYED young rep I know.



Everyone knows the tests don’t mean crap but being required to take
them isn’t some cruel joke Merrill plays to tell someone there not
interested. It’s just to make sure the candidate is as smart as your 11
year old kid.



Why are we talking about this? Are you bored?

Apr 12, 2006 11:51 pm

yes…I’m on my 3rd mojito…no offense…just killing time. Good Luck in your

endeavor.

Apr 13, 2006 2:35 am

Yeah I had to take the tests at ML and killed em…went through 3
interviews and was offered a salary that wishes it was that of a Taco
Bell manager. 

Apr 13, 2006 2:57 am

Both Merrill & Smith Barney tests are two parts...one basic math and the other a personality type test.  I do not recall either being timed but one of them may have been.  The test at AG Edwards was timed.

Tested at both ML & SB and hired by both companies.  Contrary to the Skeedaddy comment...both companies use these tests to evaluate those coming from outside the industry as a part of the hiring process.  It has nothing to do with being used as a crutch by the BM.

If you are contacted by a Recruiter they will tell you exactly what I have.

Apr 13, 2006 2:59 am

[quote=FinclPlngPro]

Both Merrill & Smith Barney tests are two parts...one basic math and the other a personality type test.  I do not recall either being timed but one of them may have been.  The test at AG Edwards was timed.

Tested at both ML & SB and hired by both companies.  Contrary to the Skeedaddy comment...both companies use these tests to evaluate those coming from outside the industry as a part of the hiring process.  It has nothing to do with being used as a crutch by the BM.

If you are contacted by a Recruiter they will tell you exactly what I have.

[/quote]

Thanks for the post. This is what I have heard from those who know the industry.

Apr 13, 2006 1:23 pm

We all take tests at RayJay.  Actually, it is done in the first interview.  They want to see if you will be able to pass the Series 7.  I can't remember the name of the tests, but it is kind of a general intelligence tests that is timed.

They are not going to waste time on you if you can't pass the test.

Apr 14, 2006 5:04 pm

The test at RayJay is the Wonderlick Test.  The same one that Vince Young took.

Apr 14, 2006 6:38 pm

[quote=BankFC]

The test at RayJay is the Wonderlick Test. 

[/quote]

Did anyone else see the sample Wonderlic on ESPN.com? 

Actual test question: 

3. Paper sells for 21 cents per pad. What will four pads cost?

That must weed out a lot of people. 

Here is the link: http://espn.go.com/page2/s/closer/020228test.html

Apr 18, 2006 8:53 pm

[quote=jonesnewbie][quote=BankFC]

The test at RayJay is the Wonderlick Test. 

[/quote]

Did anyone else see the sample Wonderlic on ESPN.com? 

Actual test question: 

3. Paper sells for 21 cents per pad. What will four pads cost?

That must weed out a lot of people. 

Here is the link: http://espn.go.com/page2/s/closer/020228test.html

[/quote]
Apr 18, 2006 8:55 pm

Yes, that test must 'weed out alot of people" - NOW I know why Jones doesn’t have an entry test… HHHHMMMMMMM.

Apr 18, 2006 9:15 pm

[quote=munytalks]Yes, that test must 'weed out alot of people" - NOW I know why Jones doesn't have an entry test.... HHHHMMMMMMM.[/quote]

Are you suggesting that "alot" is a word?  If so, you are a moron. 

Apr 18, 2006 9:15 pm

[quote=FinclPlngPro]

…both companies use these tests to evaluate those coming from outside the industry as a part of the hiring process.  It has nothing to do with being used as a crutch by the BM.

If you are contacted by a Recruiter they will tell you exactly what I have.

[/quote]

FPP is correct.  All of my clients use an aptitude test for all advisors under a certain level of experience. 

The questions are designed to measure your financial and sales aptitude.  As far as I can tell, the only people who fail the personality part of the tests are the people who worry too much about passing the tests.  They tend to over-think the questions instead of answering honestly.

So relax and just answer the questions as asked.  Good Luck!

Apr 18, 2006 10:00 pm

Jones- NEWBIE- there you go again. Just address the issue- DID you have to take an entry test… or just be able to fog a mirror?  Somebody recruited you to get that almighty point on the Div Trip Contest…