Edward Jones is a well-known financial services firm that operates with a unique, highly personalized approach to client relationships. If you're considering a career with them, you're likely looking for a company that values long-term relationships, community involvement, and a supportive environment. This lengthy guide will walk you through the process of how to work for Edward Jones, covering various roles and providing a step-by-step approach to help you navigate your journey.
How to Work for Edward Jones: Your Comprehensive Guide to a Rewarding Career
Are you ready to embark on a fulfilling career where you can truly make a difference in people's lives? Edward Jones offers a unique path in the financial services industry, focused on building deep, personal relationships with clients in local communities. Whether you aspire to be a financial advisor, support professional, or work in their headquarters, understanding the steps involved is crucial. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Discover Your Ideal Role and Align with Edward Jones' Values
Before you even think about submitting an application, it's essential to understand the different career paths available at Edward Jones and how your skills and aspirations align with their core values. Edward Jones prides itself on integrity, client focus, teamwork, excellence, respect, and community engagement. Reflect on these values and consider how they resonate with your professional goals.
Understanding Edward Jones' Culture
Edward Jones emphasizes a client-first approach, fostering a culture where every colleague feels valued, respected, seen, and heard. They believe in the power of collaboration and diversity of thought. If you thrive in a supportive, community-oriented environment where building lasting relationships is key, Edward Jones might be an excellent fit.
Exploring Key Career Areas
Edward Jones offers various roles across its branches and headquarters. Some of the most common include:
- Financial Advisor: This is often the most visible role, where you build your own book of clients, provide personalized financial advice, and help individuals and families achieve their long-term financial goals. It's an entrepreneurial path with significant autonomy and performance-based compensation.
- Branch Office Administrator (BOA): BOAs are the backbone of the branch office, providing crucial administrative support to financial advisors. They manage office operations, build client relationships, assist with business development, and ensure a smooth client experience.
- Associate Financial Advisor: This role typically requires prior experience in the securities industry and the necessary licenses (Series 7, Series 66). Associate Financial Advisors work closely with Financial Advisors to serve clients and help manage wealth.
- Headquarters Professional: Edward Jones' headquarters in St. Louis offers a wide array of roles in areas like technology, HR, marketing, finance, analytics, operations, and more. These roles support the entire firm and its branch network.
- Internships: Edward Jones offers various internship programs for college students, including headquarters internships (for juniors) and financial advisor internships, providing valuable real-world experience.
Take the time to research these roles thoroughly on the Edward Jones careers website. Read job descriptions, watch testimonials, and try to envision yourself in each position.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application Materials
Once you've identified the role that excites you most, it's time to craft a compelling application. Your resume and cover letter are your first impression, so make them count.
Crafting a Standout Resume
- Tailor it: Don't use a generic resume. Customize it for each specific role you apply for, highlighting skills and experiences that directly match the job description.
- Quantify Achievements: Instead of just listing responsibilities, showcase your accomplishments with numbers and metrics. For example, instead of "Managed client accounts," write "Managed a portfolio of 50+ client accounts, resulting in a 15% increase in client satisfaction."
- Keywords: Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Ensure your resume includes keywords from the job posting to increase your chances of being seen by a human recruiter.
- Clarity and Conciseness: Keep it easy to read with clear headings and bullet points. Proofread meticulously for any typos or grammatical errors.
Writing a Persuasive Cover Letter
- Personalize it: Address the hiring manager by name if possible. Explain why you are interested in this specific role at Edward Jones, demonstrating your understanding of their mission and values.
- Highlight Alignment: Connect your experience and skills to the requirements of the job. Emphasize how your background makes you an ideal candidate to contribute to their team.
- Show Enthusiasm: Convey your genuine excitement for the opportunity and your desire to learn and grow within the firm.
Step 3: Navigate the Edward Jones Hiring Process
Edward Jones has a structured hiring process that typically involves several stages. Being prepared for each step will significantly increase your chances of success.
The Application Submission
- Online Portal: All applications are submitted online through the Edward Jones careers website. You'll create a candidate profile and upload your resume and other requested documents.
- Confirmation: You should receive a confirmation email once your application is successfully submitted. Keep an eye on your spam folder.
Recruiter Evaluation and Initial Contact
- Review: A recruiter will evaluate your qualifications against the job requirements.
- Initial Outreach: If your profile aligns, you may receive an invitation to participate in their selection process, which often begins with a digital interview or a follow-up phone conversation.
The Interview Process
Edward Jones uses various interview formats to get to know candidates. Be ready to discuss specific instances from your past experiences.
- Digital/Pre-recorded Interview: You might be asked to record your answers to a set of questions. Practice your responses and ensure you have good lighting and a quiet background.
- Phone Interview: This is often a screening call with a recruiter to delve deeper into your resume and gauge your interest and basic qualifications.
- In-Person or Virtual Hiring Leader Interview: This is typically with the hiring manager or a team leader. Be prepared for behavioral questions (e.g., "Tell me about a time you faced a challenge and how you overcame it") and to discuss your understanding of the role and Edward Jones.
- STAR Method: When answering behavioral questions, use the STAR method:
- Situation: Briefly describe the context.
- Task: Explain the goal you needed to achieve.
- Action: Detail the specific steps you took.
- Result: Describe the positive outcome of your actions.
Assessments and Background Checks
- Online Assessments: For some roles, especially financial advisor positions, you may be asked to complete online assessments in the final stages of the process. These can evaluate skills, aptitude, and cultural fit.
- Pre-Employment Reviews: If an offer is extended, it will be contingent upon successful completion of a background check and other pre-employment reviews. This is standard practice in the financial industry.
The entire recruiting process can take anywhere from two weeks to several months, depending on the role, location, and other factors. Patience is key!
Step 4: Prepare for Licensing and Training (Especially for Financial Advisors)
If you're aspiring to be a financial advisor, be aware that significant licensing and training are required. Edward Jones provides robust support for this crucial phase.
Understanding Required Licenses
- Series 7 (General Securities Registered Representative Examination): This exam, often taken after the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam, assesses your competency to perform as a general securities representative. You need to be sponsored by a FINRA member firm (like Edward Jones) to take the Series 7.
- Series 66 (Uniform Combined State Law Examination): This exam covers investment products, strategies, management, and industry laws and regulations.
- State Insurance Licenses: You will also need to obtain the necessary state insurance licenses.
Edward Jones' Training and Support
- Comprehensive Study Materials: Edward Jones provides a suite of study materials, tools, and resources, including practice tests.
- Dedicated Study Specialists: You'll likely have access to study specialists who can monitor your progress and help you stay on track.
- Financial Advisor Development Program: This award-winning program often involves preparing for exams, learning to run a branch office, building client relationships ("Know Your Client"), and launching your practice. It can include distance learning, in-person training at the home office, and field training.
- Mentorship: Edward Jones emphasizes mentorship, providing new financial advisors with field trainers and a comprehensive support system. They also offer supplemental salary for a period while you build your business, which is a significant advantage.
Step 5: Embrace Continuous Learning and Development
A career at Edward Jones, particularly as a financial advisor, is a journey of continuous learning. The financial landscape is always evolving, and staying current is vital for success.
Ongoing Training and Professional Development
- Firm-Provided Training: Edward Jones offers ongoing formal training tailored to individual needs, covering products, management skills, and new capabilities.
- Continuing Education: Many roles, especially licensed ones, require continuing education to maintain your licenses.
- Professional Designations: Edward Jones encourages and may support obtaining professional designations like the CFP® (Certified Financial Planner) or CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst).
- Tuition Reimbursement: The firm often provides tuition reimbursement for associates pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees.
Building Relationships and Networking
- Internal Networking: Leverage opportunities to connect with colleagues across different divisions and roles. Edward Jones often promotes cross-department learning and job shadowing.
- External Networking: For financial advisors, building a strong network in your community is paramount. Attend local events, join community organizations, and seek out opportunities to meet potential clients and referral sources.
- Mentorship: Both formal and informal mentoring relationships are highly valued at Edward Jones. Seek out experienced colleagues who can offer guidance and insights.
10 Related FAQ Questions (Starting with 'How to') and Quick Answers
How to find current job openings at Edward Jones?
You can find current job openings by visiting the official Edward Jones careers website and using their job search portal.
How to prepare for an Edward Jones financial advisor interview?
Prepare by researching the company's client-first philosophy, understanding the financial advisor role deeply, practicing behavioral interview questions using the STAR method, and being ready to discuss your sales aptitude and relationship-building skills.
How to become a Branch Office Administrator (BOA) at Edward Jones?
To become a BOA, typically you need strong organizational, customer service, and communication skills. Edward Jones often provides training for new BOAs, and while a college degree is helpful, relevant work experience is also highly valued.
How to get licensing for a financial advisor role with Edward Jones?
Edward Jones provides comprehensive support, study materials, and dedicated specialists to help new financial advisors prepare for and pass the required Series 7, Series 66, and state insurance exams.
How to succeed as a new financial advisor at Edward Jones?
Success as a new financial advisor at Edward Jones often hinges on your ability to build strong client relationships, a strong work ethic, self-motivation, and effectively utilizing the firm's training, mentorship, and support systems.
How to get an internship at Edward Jones?
Edward Jones offers headquarters internships for college juniors and financial advisor internships. Look for programs on their careers website, often requiring a minimum GPA and demonstrating leadership or a strong interest in financial services.
How to understand the compensation structure for Edward Jones financial advisors?
Financial advisors at Edward Jones are primarily compensated through commissions and fees, with additional variable compensation components like profitability bonuses, profit sharing, and travel awards. New FAs may also receive a supplemental salary during their initial years.
How to leverage Edward Jones' training programs for career growth?
Edward Jones offers extensive formal training, mentorship, continuing education, and tuition reimbursement. Actively participate in these programs, seek out new learning opportunities, and pursue professional designations to advance your career.
How to demonstrate a "client-first" mindset in your Edward Jones application/interview?
In your application and interviews, emphasize instances where you've prioritized client needs, built trust, provided excellent service, and helped others achieve their goals, aligning with Edward Jones' core value of client focus.
How to connect with Edward Jones recruiters or employees?
You can connect with Edward Jones recruiters through their careers website, attend virtual or in-person career events they host, or network with current Edward Jones employees on professional platforms like LinkedIn.
