Q: When did you start with Edward Jones?
A: I started at Edward Jones in August 2003. Q: What did you do previously?
A: I was a business analyst for Hewitt Associates in the defined contribution division [401(k)]. Q: Talk a little about the support you get from the home office.
A: The home office helps clarify rules and procedures for unique problems I run into at the branch. They are very helpful whenever I need them. Q: Describe a memorable experience with a client that typifies what it’s like to work for Edward Jones.
A: We have a client who wants to be reassured that I’m getting enough vacation time away from the branch and all of my duties. Q: How does Edward Jones compare to the companies where you previously worked?
A: The previous large firm I worked for was a negative experience, and every other place I’ve worked has been at a small company. Edward Jones has been as good a large company to work for as I could have expected. Q: Articulate the spirit of volunteerism that exists at Edward Jones. How have you been involved?
A: I volunteered to have my photograph taken for the firm’s Web site despite not being “Hollywood handsome.” I have found that many Edward Jones associates are willing to volunteer even when there’s not much in it for them. Q: Before you came to Edward Jones, what did the name mean to you? And after you came on board?
A: I didn’t know much about Edward Jones before I worked here, and now I believe the Edward Jones brand represents an entire firm looking to meet the needs of the long-term investor with conservative investment advice. Q: Are you happy with the way Edward Jones has taken care of you in terms of the overall compensation package, including medical benefits, vacation time, retirement planning and salary?
A: While every person in the world believes he is worth more than his paycheck, I believe my overall compensation is very fair. Q: What qualities do you think a person needs to succeed as a BOA?
A: A BOA must be able to quickly install confidence in that concerned client that he or she is going to get the problem identified and corrected immediately. Q: As you go through your daily activities, how do you know you’ve achieved success at Edward Jones?
A: I know I’ve succeeded when a client walks out of the branch before I’ve completed his or her request saying, “I don’t have to worry about anything. I know you’ll handle this.” Earning the client’s trust is vital to succeeding at our branch. Q: What kinds of things do you do every day to help your Financial Advisor?
A: The main thing I do is to provide whatever help is needed to build the client’s trust and confidence in us. This includes gathering useful information from clients for the Financial Advisor while they wait for their appointments or preparing hypotheticals for the Financial Advisor to present. Q: What is your relationship like with clients?
A: I get along great with our clients. They feel comfortable trusting me with their accounts, which helps build a positive relationship. Q: Describe the training you received when you started.
A: I received both online and one-the-job training by serving clients as they came in when I wasn’t immediately useful. Both of these learning experiences were great. My Financial Advisor was patient with me from the start, which also helped me immensely. Q: What part of that training was the most helpful?
A: The hands-on BOA duties helped me the most. This showed me how quickly I could earn the trust of our clients.
|
