Recent UBS experience?
12 RepliesJump to last post
Long time listener but first time caller . . . I know this topic has been beaten to death and I have already gone back and read all posts dealing with UBs over the past year or so. That said, there is nothing at all recent on the topic.
All indicators point to the fact that the UBS interview process is a long one (bordering on arduous according to some members). I have just begun having had a lengthy first interview with the managing diretor of the office, filled out all of the HR paperwork/background check, and taken both tests. At this point I am just waiting to hear back regarding the next step. Regarding the next step, I have read conflicting reports on the forum from what I have heard. I have read about simulations and business plans as well as mock seminars and 4 and 5 rounds of interviews. However, I have been led to believe that based on the growth pattern that the firm has assumed that some of these steps may be expedited/skipped altogether. Anyone have recent experience with this process? Thanks in advance.
By the way, very happy to have found this forum. I have been reading it for quite a while and it has already proven an invaluable resource.
By the way, sorry about the typos…couldn’t figure out how to edit my post. Flame away as bad grammar/spelling/typing is inexcusable.
Top for the PM gang . . . surprised to see that 80 people have read this but no responses. Any feedback at all would be appreciated.
Hi Brendan,
Don't be disappointed with their lack of response--they're in awe of the fact that you are talking about a firm they cannot hope to join.
[quote=BrendanOC]
Long time listener but first time caller . . . I know this topic has been beaten to death and I have already gone back and read all posts dealing with UBs over the past year or so. That said, there is nothing at all recent on the topic.
All indicators point to the fact that the UBS interview process is a long one (bordering on arduous according to some members). I have just begun having had a lengthy first interview with the managing diretor of the office, filled out all of the HR paperwork/background check, and taken both tests. At this point I am just waiting to hear back regarding the next step. Regarding the next step, I have read conflicting reports on the forum from what I have heard. I have read about simulations and business plans as well as mock seminars and 4 and 5 rounds of interviews. However, I have been led to believe that based on the growth pattern that the firm has assumed that some of these steps may be expedited/skipped altogether. Anyone have recent experience with this process? Thanks in advance.
By the way, very happy to have found this forum. I have been reading it for quite a while and it has already proven an invaluable resource.
[/quote]
BrendanOC,
I'm a former UBS FA. Left them a few years ago. While I was there the hiring process was arduous. 4 or 5 interviews is the norm. A lightning round meeting with a regional manager might be part of the process. Meanwhile an extensive background check is being performed. Be prepared to answer for any problems in your past including traffic violations. Obviously, anything criminal in your past will disqualify you, so, if that's the case, straight ahead, keep walking. One way you can tell that you are on track for an offer is the scheduling of the next interview. At the final stage be prepared to answer tough questions raised in either the background investigation or by the testing. For example in my final interview the manger started in about how important proper paperwork is and that testing showed I didn't like to do paperwork. They were right, I didn't like paperwork. And guess what? In 23 years on the job I still hate paperwork. Just be ready for questions.
Even within the largest firms the process can vary from region to region or even office to office. This may be why you are getting inconsistant answers on what to expect.
It's doubtful that any steps will be skipped.
UPDATE: (Frankly just complaining) Sadly nothing yet regarding the date for the final interview. Received the template for the business plan and spent the last week or so working on that. Just chomping at the bit to get in there and present it. Have some other pokers in the fire but really want UBS.
Perhaps you can send a "just wanted to touch base" email. Convey to them that you have been diligently working on your business plan and was looking forward to presenting it in detail to them. Suggest a couple dates for that meeting to take place.
When pursuing a position, you need to treat the branch manager like a prospect. That's what they are looking for- someone who will follow up, be pleasantly persistant, and engage them. They dont want someone who just sits back and waits for them to call, for them to set a meeting, for them to....
Of course, every manager is different.. I have a good friend who just stepped down as Sales Manager at our office, and thats what he says can make a potential recruit stand out...
In sales, the worst thing is false hope or uncertainty... I am sure you are going nuts because you want this to work out so you can get going. My advice- take the initiative and move it along, or find out its a dud, throw it away, and move on from there.
Ditto what Blarmston said. Channel that enthusiasm (for doing this job) into first getting this job.
The hiring manager may have 20 resumes on their desk, all with the same (or better) qualifications as you... So, what makes you special? Be creative, be ingenious, but above all, be different!
When you turn in your marketing plan, will it be just like the others? Sure, you have a marketing plan for after you're licensed. What about before you're licensed? Do you really expect to spend 8 hours a day behind a book studying for the 7? How much of a head start would you have, on the day after passing the 7, if (during training) you introduced yourself to 25 qualified prospects/day? How many of your fellow competitors for this job have a marketing plan for the period before you're licensed? What books have you read about FA marketing? Print your "Name, Financial Advisor, UBS" on a sleeve of golf balls, drop them off at UBS with a note to the hiring manager telling him that you've got the balls to succeed at this job!
Be unique, be different, just don't sit still.
Good luck!
Doberman . . . like the golf ball idea as well as the other marketing ideas. Have really been talking it up with people that I know will be my first clients (HNW family members, other acquaintances, etc).
Been in touch with the MD last week via email and today via phone. Last contact was through a mutual acquaintance who recommended me to UBS. The MD from UBS was calling my buddy to say "Thanks for sending over Brendan. We are moving forward". Nothing from him directly to me since I got the business plan.
Just wanted to complain a bit. Maybe will have something more to add to the forum soon.
[quote=doberman]
Ditto what Blarmston said. Channel that enthusiasm (for doing this job) into first getting this job.
The hiring manager may have 20 resumes on their desk, all with the same (or better) qualifications as you... So, what makes you special? Be creative, be ingenious, but above all, be different!
When you turn in your marketing plan, will it be just like the others? Sure, you have a marketing plan for after you're licensed. What about before you're licensed? Do you really expect to spend 8 hours a day behind a book studying for the 7? How much of a head start would you have, on the day after passing the 7, if (during training) you introduced yourself to 25 qualified prospects/day? How many of your fellow competitors for this job have a marketing plan for the period before you're licensed? What books have you read about FA marketing? Print your "Name, Financial Advisor, UBS" on a sleeve of golf balls, drop them off at UBS with a note to the hiring manager telling him that you've got the balls to succeed at this job!
Be unique, be different, just don't sit still.
Good luck!
[/quote]A new advisor going through a training program is not allowed to put himself out to the public as an FA until 120 days from date of hire. It doesn't matter if you pass the series 7 exam on your first day of employment. You have to wait 120 days. I would suggest that one be very careful in his dealings with the public prior to the "can sell" date.