Have you got what it takes?

First impressions count, and your customers’ decisions will be based upon the trust and rapport you strike up. Reputation matters and customers today are more discerning and will see through the sales talk. Whether employed or an independent financial adviser, vital personal qualities include:

• Socially competent, able to engage, make conversation and discuss issues with people from all backgrounds.
• Excellent communicators and listeners.
• Strong professional and ethical values.
• An ability to understand and explain complex financial transactions in plain English
• Professional, creative and innovative.
• Self-motivated, hardworking and organised.
• A good head for fact, figures and maths.
• Excellent report and letter writing skills.
• Resourceful and good at networking to build and maintain a large ‘book’ of customers.

Entry qualifications do vary for people starting in financial advice. Be prepared for a steep learning curve. You will need to gain a wide technical knowledge quickly and pass exams before life assurance, pension and investment advice can be given. Training is usually work based, with part-time and distance learning options. You’ll need lots of commitment and a target driven mind-set.