Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor Trainee Interview Questions & Reviews

Interview Details – I had one interview, it was fairly casual and included questions about my business prospecting skills, employment and network. it was clear they were trying to determine whether I had a large number of prospects or whether I knew those who had money.

Interview Details – Sent my resume to a friend who works at the company. Received an e-mail from the recruiter for the position and two other e-mails containing the FIAT test and personality assessment. Passed both tests and currently have a scheduled phone interview scheduled.

Interview Details – I began the process when a recruiter found my resume on Monster. He put me in touch with the local manager.

The interview process was very streamlined. I didn't know it until later but the first interview was really the only one. I interviewed with the branch manager and once he moved me to the next level it was fairly clear I had to royally screw something up to not get a formal offer.

Interview Details – Applied online and was called a few days later by a recruiter. Discussed previous work history and my interest in the training program. Was invited via email to a career night at ML's offices. Presentation by senior FAs then branch director. Was emailed a couple days later with link for financial aptitude test.

Interview Details – It is not very difficult to get a foot in the door here, and once you do, it seems as though you have already won after the first interview where they pump your tires and allow you to boast your qualifications. The subsequent interviews they grill you and basically try to steal your whole network in which keeping a tight mouth results in them discouraging you from the position. People will succeed, but they may not meet their "hurdles." This would result in a loss of of a lot of contacts.

Reason for Declining – I did not forsee myself reaching the hurdles even though I was confident as a person.

Interview Details – Initial application, phone interview, FIAT test is as far as I got

Interview Details – I sent in my resume and received a call back within two days. They had me come in and take a math and personality test. The sales manager met with me, said that I was obviously qualified and asked me how much I needed to earn as a trainee

Negotiation Details – I was told that they needed to get approval for my salary, the sales manager walked back to the Manager and came back within minutes saying that I could start within two weeks

Interview Details – It started with a lengthy application process. After a few days, I was contacted by a recruiter via email, and had to pass a skills assessment before I could proceed. The test was 55 questions, roughly 30 were math (decimals, fractions, stock splits and basic algebra), and the rest were economics, accounting and finance related. I took the test online. After that, the recruiter contacted me via telephone and pre-screened me. I was also sent paperwork for a lengthy background check.

At this time, I had to write up a business plan that sold them on how I could be successful at Merrill Lynch. They won't hold your hand for this process and it's ultimately up to you to make an attractive plan. I spoke with the recruiter one more time and then went into the branch for a meeting with the manager. This was a very difficult interview. Keep in mind, the guy you're sitting across from has been in the industry and knows what it takes to succeed. I feel I answered all of the questions pretty well, but he did ask me about the history of the company, and I didn't provide good answers (dumb oversight, on my part. Wikipedia would have made my interview almost perfect). He did not offer me a job on the spot, and no panel interview was scheduled, so I thought I was finished. He called me later in the day and offered me the position.

My one piece of advice is to realize that not all branches go through the same process. While there are a few guarenteed steps, it is ultimately up to the branch how they hire.

Negotiation Details – I had a number in mind, and the offer exceeded it. There is also amazing bonus opportunities , so don't worry about your salary.

Interview Details – The process consisted of an initial phone interview for screening purposes followed by a 1 on 1 meeting with the local PMD coach at the downtown office. Following this I reached out and tried to build relationships in the office that could vouch for me during the review period. I had to take an online assessment that consisted of sales and capital markets related questions. Lastly, I had to present my business plan to a panel of seasoned veterans in the business. I heard the following week and accepted the offer.

Negotiation Details – I was able to negotiate, and they were very helpful in the process. Come with reasons that you feel you bring more value to the table, and prepare literature that outlines your suggestions for increase or other requests.