Began the Edward Jones hiring process by applying online in September by completing an online application. Within a few days, I was contacted by a recruiter to schedule a phone screen/interview, which took place the same week. At the conclusion of the phone interview, I was invited to complete another online application, which was more detailed and took about 1.5 hrs to complete.
Within a few days of submitting the second application, I was contacted by the recruiter to setup another phone interview, which take place the following week due to schedule conflicts on both sides. The second interview was more indicative of how I would fit with the job, based on my background and the questions were situational, again, based on past experiences. At the conclusion of the interview, the recruiter outlined next steps, which included a background check, face-to-face interview with a current FA, and business planning activity.
Face-to-face interview is standard: FA asked the same questions as the recruiter - situational based questions to determine if you are a good fit. The interview lasted a little over an hour.
The Business Planning Activity, however, takes about four hours to complete. DO YOUR HOMEWORK!
After completing the face-to-face and business plan, I was contacted via email to schedule another phone interview; this time, with a talent acquisition manager. As with the previous phone interviews, the interviewer asked standard questions: personality situational and emotional. After the standard questions, about 15 minutes were spent reviewing the business plan, focusing on my rationale for answering each question. At the conclusion of the interview, the interviewer outlined next steps: "Day in the Life" exercise and the preparation for the exercise.
I prepped between 8-12 hours for the exercise, following the guidelines provided three days prior to the exercise. The exercise itself took 3.5 hours, with a review and survey at the conclusion. IT IS TOUGH! Make sure you prepare.
In the end, I did not receive on offer, which I believe is due to my performance during the exercise. Again, the Day in the Life is tough and, actually, led me to the realization that I may not be a great fit for the role. In the end, it is great for EJ and the candidate.
Overall, the experience was great; EJ recruiters, talent acquisition team, FAs and BOAs were extremely kind and helpful through the process.
Lessons for current candidates:
1) Network with FAs
2) Take extra time during business planning activity - ask questions
3) Take all the time you can to prepare for the Day in the Life exercise.
Good luck!