Getting an Interview
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I am currently a school teacher that is looking to make a career change. I did some part-time work with Primerica and realized that it was not a very respectable company. I am really looking to get on with a respectable company that has good training program so I can learn the business from the ground up. I have filled out several applications with different companies for example Merril Lynch, UBS, Morgan Stanley, Smith Barney but I can’t seem to get any real response. I am wondering if anyone has any advice on how to get on with any of these companies. I am thinking I should probably walk in and personally speak with someone?
It might have to do with the fact that its the end of the year. Br Managers have goals to hit in number of trainee hires, and if they already hit them, then they are not looking at the lists of applications. (Although seems to me, anyone with foresight is looking to build a pipeline of applicants for next year, but maybe they have other year end stuff to focus on). So dont be surprised if you get some response in January.
However, I wouldnt count on that. I would contact the Branch Managers of the branches you are interested in, directly. Send your resume, and call them no more than 3-4 busienss days later. You need to show them that you are aggressive. If you cant get the BOM on the phone, then ask for the name of the Assistant Branch Manager, and speak to him. If you are in the tri-state NY area, PM me, I may be able to help in a more direct way.I would WALK in directly to speak with the branch manager regarding career opportunities.
Everybody "sends their resume" and calls 3-4 days later. Be different. Go in person and let them see the person you are and how aggressive you can be to get the position and secure business.Skippy-
I understand your thought process, and you make a good case, With that said, it really depends on how you catch the BOM. If its a day where he or she has people all over him, fires to put out, he just may blow him off. He also may get irritated and take a guy showing up at his doorstep with no appointmnet as a lack of respect for his time. I know you are probably thinking that if thats the case, who wants to work for a BOM that doesnt recognize and appreciate an aggressive newbie, anyway? But i think it depends on the area/branch. If its a large branch, in a big competitive area, the BOM is always smowed under. FWIW, i came into the business 8 years ago, and the way I got my interviews was to send out a resume (which I know is almost meaningless, but did serve to warm up my cold call), to four BOM's at 4 wirehosues, and I got 3 interviews, 2 offers. So it worked for me. JMHOIMHO, don’t just typecast yourself as a ‘niche’ only player - meaning, just another teacher trying to capitalize on the teacher’s market. You need to expand your horizon and the 403B/TSA market just won’t cut it alone! Most likely, the firm that will offer that specific target market would be an insurance company - not that it’s wrong to go with an insurance company… however, it is very limiting!
[quote=Robinhood]IMHO, don’t just typecast yourself as a ‘niche’ only player - meaning, just another teacher trying to capitalize on the teacher’s market. You need to expand your horizon and the 403B/TSA market just won’t cut it alone! Most likely, the firm that will offer that specific target market would be an insurance company - not that it’s wrong to go with an insurance company… however, it is very limiting! [/quote]
Depends on your business model. If you focus only or predominantly on investments, perhaps. If protection/insurance is your primary market, insurance companies are not ‘limiting.’
[quote=skippy] I would WALK in directly to speak with the branch manager regarding career opportunities.
Everybody “sends their resume” and calls 3-4 days later.
Be different. Go in person and let them see the person you are and how aggressive you can be to get the position and secure business.[/quote]
IMO the problem with this approach is getting past the door-keeper.
Madison, getting past the gatekeeper will always be your problem, regardless of what door you try to go through.