by Job Savants
17. August 2009 14:12
When applying for a job as a stockbroker, it is imperative that you format your résumé in a way that makes you stand out above the crowd of applicants. Like you, the other applicants will bring their licensing, education, and work experience to the table. It is up to you to add some spice that will make your dish “tastier” than the others.
Licensing
In order to be a stockbroker, you must pass the Series 7 and 63 exams. These securities licenses allow you to trade stocks and bonds. If you already have these licenses, be sure to list that in your Summary of Qualifications. If not, emphasize your commitment and willingness to obtain the licenses within a specified amount of time set by your potential employer.
Education
You should list any postsecondary education on your résumé. This is especially important if you have a degree in Finance, Economics or Business Management. If you have obtained other certifications as the result of completing additional training courses, list those as well.
You should also consider listing the kind of education that is attained outside of the classroom. Are you a member of an investment club that meets on a regular basis to discuss different investment topics? Do you meet with a mentor on a regular basis to get tips on working as a stockbroker? Meeting with others that are in the business is a great way to learn and network. In other words, you should tailor the education section of your résumé to portray yourself as a person with a dynamic personality, one who is ever willing to learn and can easily adapt to the ongoing changes in the financial services industry.
Work Experience
The best kind of education is most often obtained “on the job.” Having the necessary securities licenses and a college degree will certainly set you apart from others who do not have these certifications. However, firms want to see what you can and will do with the tools that you have. Highlight the following when drafting your résumé:
• Your track record –Which firms have you worked with? What is your sales experience? What was your sales volume? What kind of revenue did you generate? Remember, this job is mostly about numbers.
• Your customer service skills – It is vital that you are able to connect and develop relationships with your clients. This connection will facilitate gaining the clients’ trust and locking in sales.
• Your systems knowledge – List all systems experiences. An employer is more likely to hire someone who does not need extensive training on their systems as this translates to a quicker transition in getting you “on the floor” to generate sales.
As a stockbroker, you will be required to have a vibrant sales “mentality” and be a person of quick decisions and action. Therefore, you should use action verbs when listing your work experience. If you do not yet have experience as a stockbroker, highlight transferable skills from other jobs you have had or volunteer work you have performed. The ultimate goal is to sell yourself to your potential employer. If you can do that, there is a greater chance that you will be allowed to sell their products.