We recently sat down with Vanguard recruiters and asked them to share tips and best practices for interviews. In this segment of the Recruiter Q&A Series, Caroline Trimp provides insights and advice for candidates interested in pursuing an opportunity as a Financial Advisor in our Personal Advisor Services group.

Tell me about yourself. How long have you been at Vanguard? What has your career journey looked like and what business area do you recruit for?

I’ve been a recruiter for many years and although the industries and opportunities have varied, the lasting relationships have been consistent. Like any relationship, they’re built on offering advice along with open and honest communication.

I was so fortunate to become a part of Vanguard’s “crew” in 2018! I work with Vanguard’s Retail Investor Group (RIG) and partner with our Personal Advisor Services (PAS) division. We hire mid- and senior-level CFP Financial Advisors who have a passion for providing Vanguard’s clients valuable guidance and solutions for achieving their financial goals.

How do you recommend candidates prepare for an interview at Vanguard and for the Financial Advisor role?

Do your homework. Advisory services vary from company to company, so don’t assume anything. Be sure you understand the company’s offering and whether it blends with your views and why you became an advisor. Remind yourself the reasons you want this position and to work for this organization, as well as how you’d like to present that throughout your interviews. Think about your relevant experience as well as what the position can offer you. Review the Linked In profiles of any leaders you’re scheduled to meet. There might be some commonalities that ease any concerns or could be used to build comradery as you go into an interview. A good recruiter will share prep information prior to an interview and if they don’t; ask them for it!

Further, bring some good energy and passion to the interview. Show your ability to think critically and conceptually as questions are asked and take a minute to gather your thoughts before answering. Bring depth to your responses, communicate how you’ve made an impact and remember to be concise; it’s a balancing act! Listen very closely to the questions so your answers are relevant and feel free to ask the interviewer to repeat the question if you didn’t understand it. Think about how you will articulate your valuable book management strategy, relationship management, and planning, and the impact it has made with your clients.

Why PAS at Vanguard?

Vanguard’s PAS Advisors are fiduciaries– they have a CFP designation and are aligned with Vanguard’s mission to provide our clients with the best chance for investment success. Advisors offer planning by way of asset allocation, tax optimization, investment guidance and advice, insurance planning, estate planning, retirement, and goals-based planning. Advisors will build and strengthen relationships and offer a wholistic planning approach. By being salaried employees, Vanguard’s Advisors have the opportunity to remove any conflict of interest by not being focused on product placement, and so, are aligned to be on the same side of the table with our clients.

What advice do you have for experienced candidates who are interested in a career change?

I always love speaking with candidates ready for a career change. There’s usually a lot of thought and passion behind the decision. If you are just starting that journey, I suggest heavily researching the entry into that field or position to fully understand what’s required and what it’s about. Your assumptions may change as you learn more about “a day in the life” of a particular role, along with the potential education and/or certifications required. Network with as many people in that field as you can and ask about the pros and cons of the role. Budget in personal time so you can consider taking a volunteer job to get that valuable thing called “experience”.

What additional resources can candidates reference to learn more about careers in this field at Vanguard?

Watch the Vanguard Advisors Career Overview video and read our crew testimonials. Take it a step further and connect with advisors on LinkedIn or request an exploratory call to learn more prior to submitting a formal application.

-Caroline Trimp, Financial Advisor Recruiter
Connect with me on LinkedIn.