Why this matters:
In an increasingly global world, financial consultants should be prepared to face questions and challenges that cross jurisdictional and national boundaries. The candidate’s response to this question will demonstrate their breadth of knowledge and suitability for work and responsibilities beyond entry-level tasks.
What to listen for:
- Familiarity with foreign tax laws, regulations, and reporting requirements
- Ability to devise an effective entry strategy
- Experience in cross-border transactions
Why this matters:
The world of finance is fast-paced in just about every way, meaning new products and strategies frequently arise. A strong candidate will know what’s new and exciting within the financial services industry and have enough depth of knowledge to provide opinions on which products offer the most potential.
What to listen for:
- Knowledge of cutting-edge products within the financial sector
- Specific strategies for staying informed about industry developments, like engaging with fellow professionals or reading trade publications
- Awareness of new or pending regulations that may affect clients
Why this matters:
Like the trends mentioned in the previous question, new software is a constant in the financial services industry. By using this technology properly, candidates can work more efficiently, minimize errors, and make strategic choices on the job. Strong candidates will take advantage of every tool available to enhance their work.
What to listen for:
- Curiosity about new technologies and applications
- Mention of ways to apply software to financial planning
- Understanding of when to supplement tech with human skills
Why this matters:
Following trends and sticking with the herd isn’t always a winning strategy for financial consultants. They have to be willing to take risks if they want to reap maximum returns for themselves and their clients. Candidates should be able to demonstrate their capacity for making big changes in their investment style and show how they managed to turn that change into dollars.
What to listen for:
- Openness to new ideas and approaches, and a willingness to adapt or change strategies depending on outcomes
- Metrics to evaluate success of investment strategies
- Ability to interpret market indicators and pivot investment approaches accordingly
Why this matters:
Providing the best financial services possible to clients isn’t something one person can do on their own. It takes a group of skilled individuals to devise the best strategies and deliver optimal outcomes. An ideal candidate doesn’t always demand to be a leader, although they’re capable of taking on leadership roles when the situation requires it of them. They’re also happy to support their teammates.
What to listen for:
- Adaptability to new environments and situations
- Strong communication skills to express strategies and ideas effectively
- Emotional intelligence to determine whether it’s best to lead, listen, or support others
Why this matters:
Financial markets change constantly — and sometimes unexpectedly. As a result, financial consultants have to be ready for anything. When macroeconomic changes occur or clients face personal crises, financial consultants have to stay calm and use analytic skills to address issues in a timely manner.
What to listen for:
- Resourcefulness and creativity, even when under pressure
- Ability to critically analyze problems and quickly engineer solutions
- Habit of incorporating lessons learned into future work
Why this matters:
Often, the reason clients hire a financial consultant is that they don’t have the time or knowledge to take care of financial decisions on their own. That means financial consultants sometimes have to act like teachers or reporters, providing their clients with essential information to understand what’s happening with their money.
What to listen for:
- Capacity to speak to clients with varying levels of expertise
- Avoidance of technical language and buzzwords
- Clear speech and simple (but not oversimplified) explanations
Why this matters:
The financial services industry moves fast and can be stressful for people unaccustomed to such a pace. Strong candidates will have a toolkit of strategies for coping with high-pressure environments. They may have experienced similar environments in past workplaces or school.
What to listen for:
- Ability to keep calm under stress and specific strategies for decompressing, like meditation or walks
- Multitasking skills and an instinct to tackle highest priority work first
- Awareness of limits and willingness to ask for help when needed
Why this matters:
In this challenging role, strong financial consultant candidates won’t just be looking for their next paycheck. When a person has a strong sense of inner motivation, it tends to shine through in their interactions with clients, conversations with colleagues, and the quality of daily work. Highly competitive candidates will have a reason for doing what they do and seeking a role in this field.
What to listen for:
- Inner motivation and intrinsic desire to produce high-quality work
- Clear sense of commitment to serving clients and supporting colleagues
- Professional goals that align with the company’s mission
Contact a sales consultant.