Is this a sales job? Prudential is hiring for financial reps (licenses, employment)

[movin'on]

I'm thinking this is a sales job, as Prudential says with the economy turning around that they expect an influx of new business. They want someone with a series 6 and 63 or someone who is confident and self-driven, blah, blah, blah.

Anyway, sounds just like one of those jobs I wasn't interested in when I finished my MBA and the economy was so crappy back in the early 90s. I didn't interview then and really don't want to now, but Prudential is doing a presentation at this organization called Boomerz this a.m. and I have no way of knowing other than to just show up. At the same time, I don't want to go to the effort of getting ready, printing out resumes, showing up for a job I don't want nor would I be good at. Any input most welcome!

[golgi1]

Definitely a sales job. 99% of jobs with the word "rep/representative" in the job title usually are.

Not something you want if your not a natural salesperson, or if you need money now. It takes both a propensity for sales, as well as time to build your business, to be successful at financial services sales. Also, lots of competition and current distrust in that industry. I'd rather put my money in a hole in the desert than to buy a product from a financial representative.

[movin'on]

Originally Posted by golgi1

Definitely a sales job. 99% of jobs with the word "rep/representative" in the job title usually are.

Not something you want if your not a natural salesperson, or if you need money now. It takes both a propensity for sales, as well as time to build your business, to be successful at financial services sales. Also, lots of competition and current distrust in that industry. I'd rather put my money in a hole in the desert than to buy a product from a financial representative.

Yeah, me too. I'll never have another sales person manage my affairs again. I turned things over to Fidelity and am regretting it big time.

Well, I don't know whether to go or not now. I guess I can go for the presentation and then just slink out. I guess it will be in one step on the path to frustration and misery that may eventually lead to a job I can stand. I should know better though. Anytime a company pitches its jobs it's because most people don't want them. The good jobs are the ones you have to actually pursue and try to interview for.

Thanks for your input.

[antiquesmountainapache]

Let us know if you go.

[movin'on]

Originally Posted by antiquesmountainapache

Let us know if you go.

Sigh. I am going. I looked at Pru's website and it is in sales (even though they won't come out and say it). The job as listed at this job function is financial advisor. The job on the web site is financial associate. Either way, I am having to do things I never would have dreamed of doing years ago. I'll check in later and let you know how it goes

[movin'on]

Ok, update - went. It was ok. The guy did come out and say it was a sales position, bottom line. I wish I had that kind of personality but a person either is or is not. Still, it's a good position and they offer two years of training. They offer benefits on the first day of employment and pay for the first 90 days. Then a person is on their own. If I were the sales type I'd go for it.

He did mention that even if one of us was not interested in that position that he'd pass our resumes on to another area of Prudential. At least I have a couple of names and emails. I am glad I went. If anyone is a sales-type person, it might be worth looking into.

[lovetheduns]

Do the require you to already have your Series 6 and 63?

I know at my company they will usually train you and help you prepare for the exam and provide the sponsorship (one of the exams you HAVE to be sponsored by a securities firm in order to be eligible to take the exam). However, if you don't pass, you are terminated. Although there are specific grades where they will allow you time to study again and attempt the second try. It was always way too risky for me to even dare think about (there are some really great jobs that can be had if you have your 6 and 63).

[movin'on]

Originally Posted by lovetheduns

Do the require you to already have your Series 6 and 63?

I know at my company they will usually train you and help you prepare for the exam and provide the sponsorship (one of the exams you HAVE to be sponsored by a securities firm in order to be eligible to take the exam). However, if you don't pass, you are terminated. Although there are specific grades where they will allow you time to study again and attempt the second try. It was always way too risky for me to even dare think about (there are some really great jobs that can be had if you have your 6 and 63).

Yes, they do train you. I wouldn't be as worried about passing the exams as I would their whole mentoring deal. They have someone go with you on appointments so you don't screw things up and damage their reputation. This would not work for me.

Oh, and no requirement to have the licenses upfront. Considering this economy, it really is pretty reasonable of them. However, many years ago I worked for Prudential Home Mortgage. They over-hired and 370 of us were laid off within a short amount of time.

[lovetheduns]

Yeah that is pretty reasonable of them actually! I had a friend who interviewed recently for a job with a company where you had to have the series 6 and 63 and they said they would not be offering training classes or even sponsoring the exams like they typically do-- because they had a candidate pool to draw from that already had the licenses from other firms.

I see what you mean about the appointments. Honestly, I did sales years ago both telesales (I was a technically a headhunter and spent 95% of my day on the phone and like it or not but recruiting and was selling-- it was selling people into jobs) and then outside sales. At this time in my life, I just can't go back to that. Too much feast or famine.

What city are you in movin' on?

[movin'on]

Originally Posted by lovetheduns

Yeah that is pretty reasonable of them actually! I had a friend who interviewed recently for a job with a company where you had to have the series 6 and 63 and they said they would not be offering training classes or even sponsoring the exams like they typically do-- because they had a candidate pool to draw from that already had the licenses from other firms.

I see what you mean about the appointments. Honestly, I did sales years ago both telesales (I was a technically a headhunter and spent 95% of my day on the phone and like it or not but recruiting and was selling-- it was selling people into jobs) and then outside sales. At this time in my life, I just can't go back to that. Too much feast or famine.

What city are you in movin' on?

I live in Phoenix. And it really is pretty good of them! Like I said, if I had the personality for it I'd jump on it. I'm the type of person though that would probably be too honest and if I knew of a better deal down the street I would send them there. Not a good quality to have in sales.