This is a new position with PNC, replacing the Financial Sales Consultant and Branch Financial Consultant roles. The main difference is that while the former (FSC) role did not include any registration requirements, and the latter (BFC) only required a Series 6 and 63, the new FS position requires a Series 7 and 66. This is a referral, non-direct sales role and the rollout is being staged, so not applicable in all areas. The goal is to eventually move branches to this model where financial sales are routed to the call center (< $100k), the FA for the branch ($100k-$1mm), or private wealth management (> $1mm). Pay is a base + referral bonus.
As mentioned, this role requires the Series 7 and 66. Branches were advised of this change last year, and many are working with their current non-licensed and Series 6 licensed current employees to obtain this additional licensing - which is a good thing as they are protecting these jobs from being eliminated due to the new requirements.
Unfortunately, that is where I came in. I am Series 7/66 licensed and went through 3 interviews by corporate for this position. Recruiter, Hiring Manager, and a peer of the Hiring Manager in another region. Phone, in-person, and phone - 1 hour each. All interviews passed and the 4th was set up, which was with the actual branch, and the hiring manager was not present.
In that 4th interview, I was informed that the branch already had 2 Financial Sales Consultants on staff, one of which was studying for his Series 7 exam and currently being trained by the Financial Advisor for that branch for the role I was interviewing for.
Total interviews = 9 people in 5 sessions (3 single, 2 were group) over 4 business days.
I do not fault this branch for looking out for their own - especially in this economy. Moreso, if they have an employee they are happy with, it is IDEAL to work with them to train them to the next level if corporate has made the decision to make the switch, and when their branch has been tagged as one of those who will be moving to the new model.
I just wish that the branch had been open to corporate about their plans rather than what is happening now, which is declining all outside candidates on a "what else do you have" basis in order to buy time. Maybe if they were just upfront about wanting to protect a valued employee and just need more time than they have been given to get that person licensed, they could save themselves, the recruiter, the hiring manager, and the candidates a boatload of time and wasted effort. In one day alone, this exercise wasted the time of 2 of my peers in addition to myself.
This is a great program that PNC is rolling out, and I see nothing but success for them with this new model. I additionally wish the young man attempting the Series 7 all the best, as I know how stressful that exam is. I just wish they could get through the fog and communicate this with one another.