5 Tips to Get Into a Broker Training Program

Becoming a registered representative and getting into a broker trainee program isn't easy. That's because the business and hiring process is becoming increasingly competitive. However, there are a number of ways to increase your chances of getting hired and being accepted into a trainee program.

Read on for five simple ways to do exactly that.

These days, many resumes are pre-screened by filtering software, instead of people. Programs are set up to specifically recognize and set aside resumes that contain certain keywords and phrases that the hiring firm finds desirable. With that in mind, there's no guarantee that including any one item, detail or keyword will get your resume noticed. However, there are certain things that should be emphasized because they can increase the chances of your resume being picked out of the entire lot.

For example, high grade-point averages, prestigious school names, honors, licenses or significant career accomplishments should be emphasized, as well as associations with well-known organizations (the New York Society of Securities Analysts, for example) or affiliations with well-known firms, such as Goldman Sachs or Morgan Stanley.

Another item that should be highlighted on a resume is any specific, measurable cost savings or revenues that you were able to generate for a prior employer. Broker-dealer firms tend to be quite interested in how you have been able to save and/or make money.

Keep in mind that brokerage firms ideally want to hire individuals who already have an understanding of the securities business and who'll be able to hit the ground running. To that end, prior to applying for a broker trainee program, consider obtaining a job as a cold caller, an assistant or some other position that demonstrates your eagerness and desire to learn and succeed in the securities industry.

There a couple possible ways to line up an internship. First, if you're currently in college or graduate school, contact your advisor or guidance counselor. They may have an intern program already in place with a number of local firms. You may even be able to obtain college credits for your efforts.

If you're out of college, probably the best way to obtain an internship is to send an email or letter to a firm you're interested in and tell them about your objectives and background. Also, if you're willing to volunteer to work for minimal pay (or for free), you may increase your odds of landing an internship as well. An internship is usually worth all of the effort because it can help set you apart from other candidates with less experience. 

Have you ever heard the old adage, "It's not what you know, it's who you know?" On Wall Street, this saying tends to ring especially true. Try to seek out someone, a mentor perhaps, who will assist you in your career and/or provide you with a solid reference so that you can get into a program.

Again, a good way to find valuable contacts in the industry is to tap your college (or other) friends who may have already landed jobs at a good financial company. Also, consider joining professional associations, even ones that exist primarily online, where you can connect with professionals who can help you get started building a network. 

Would-be financial services trainees should consider developing a unique sales pitch and/or way of contacting and obtaining clients that will set them apart from others. The pitch might entail a predetermined and well-thought-out set of lines that may be spoken over the telephone to a prospect, or a unique method for getting yourself in front of potential prospects using digital marketing. This pitch may then be demonstrated and/or discussed during the interview process with the brokerage firm.

Remember, setting yourself apart from the crowd is key! (And the fact that you've made an effort to think these pitches through in detail, will likely impress those meeting with you.)

During the interview process, consider demonstrating and/or pointing out things like your phone voice to the person conducting the interview. If possible, also be ready to discuss how you plan to get leads and build your business. It may also be helpful to mention any of your key, existing contacts in the business world.

Finally, be proactive and let the interviewer(s) know that you're ready to work hard to achieve the goals of the firm, even if that means working long hours. This can go a long way, because firms are often reluctant to hire those that don't seem to have the drive or ability to put in any necessary extended hours.

Getting into a broker training program isn't easy. However, leveraging these simple tips can help increase your chances of getting hired and being accepted into a trainee program.