There never is a bad time to grow a business, especially in the financial services industry. People always need financial advice, both when markets are calm and especially when they become complicated.
The number of financial professionals providing advice remained steady in the past three years, with an anticipated 37.5% expecting to retire in the next 10 years, according to Cerulli Associates.1
The good news is there may be opportunity to recruit top talent. A high percentage of respondents to Deloitte’s 2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey reported having a sense of purpose in their careers was important.
Recruiting recent college graduates
College graduates have always been a group to source and recruit as new financial professionals.
In many cases, new recruits begin before graduation as interns. Students who have an interest in the business apply to be interns to learn the basics. After graduation, they get licensed, learn the business and are able to work with an experienced, successful financial professional. It gives them the opportunity to see if they like it. At the same time, it’s like a long interview process for a firm, which allows the team to observe the interns’ ethics and attitudes toward the work.
Landing career changers
Career changers are a prime opportunity to find new professionals with backgrounds in different careers, and a Gallup poll found 51% of American workers were watching for, or actively seeking a new job in 20242. In addition to a change of career, this audience may be looking for flexible work hours as well as work from home opportunities.
When reviewing candidates coming from another career into financial advising, it’s important to find individuals with a deep knowledge of the market, business development and the industry. They also need to have a network of connections.
Selling the concept
There has never been a better time to be a financial professional. When recruiting candidates for your firm, be sure to have selling points for how you can promote joining your company.