I have interviewed with several financial services companies, and while they share several similarities, I found NMFN's process to be superior. I completed an online application process using a link on the local office's website. The online process included extensive questions, a personality test, a skills test, and uploading my resume. I was contacted by a recruiter within 1 business day, and scheduled a face-to-face interview. First Interview: I spent nearly an hour with the recruiter sharing about myself, and learning about the company. The recruiter was great at asking questions, and I felt like I was given the opportunity to talk about my experiences, personality, and career goals. It was very conversational, and enjoyable. At the end of the first interview I spent 20 minutes or so with the Director of (organizational) Development. This was great as well. Second Interview: This interview was a one-on-one with the Director of Development. It lasted over an hour, and we reviewed the details of the position, job expectations, compensation structure, operating philosophies, etc. There was also much getting-to-know-each-other chatting, and I felt we were both assessing if this would be a good fit. I left the meeting with a stack of material and a training book. Basics Day: In between my 2nd and 3rd Interviews, I was invited to spend the day at the office participating in a 'Basics Day' training session. I participated in a set of weekly meetings, and the introductory day for the latest 'class' of new hires. It was a great opportunity to learn more about the ethos of the office, and catch a glimpse of the overall process. Third Interview: This interview was with the Director of Development, one of the Representatives that serves as a mentor to new hires, my husband and myself. It lasted over an hour. It was a very frank discussion of questions and concerns on both sides. At the end of that interview, we set a schedule for me to work through a set of Market Surveys, the purpose of which is for me to get a feel for the work, and to give NMFN a chance to see how I'd do in the field. They accomodated my schedule, and provided materials to prepare me for, and conduct the surveys. Fourth Interview: Again, I met with the Director of Development, and the Rep who had been present in the 3rd Interview. We spent about an hour discussing how the process went and my observations. I asked some pointed questions that had come up for me, and we talked through several issues. At the end of that meeting, they offered me to the chance to join the team. Next Steps: Before I can officially join the team, I will complete a long series of background checks, a test on Northwestern's basic products / processes, and a Long Term Care test. Once I'm through that process, I will be under a part-time contract. I will then need to pass my state exams, build a 200+ prospective client list, and read a book (they provided) on the Granum system -- before starting the training class. I've also chosen to complete a few of the required Series exams, which they'll sponsor me for.

There were four or five interviews, if you count the meeting with my future mentor. There were also a few personality assessments. Lots of paperwork. The finance industry is tightly regulated.