Some more information on your background would be helpful.

The best advice that I can give is to put a lot of thought into your interview and what you provide your hiring manager.

I made a brag book detailing out your previous performance. I've consistantly been a top producer, so I made a book outlining this. Statistical reports, year to date performance, awards, letters of recommendation, ect.

I had a copy for me and one that I gave to the branch manager and then went over some of the highlights.

I put this in a 3 ring binder with a copy of my resume on the outside and the papers were orginized by clear pastic sheets (paper holders?). This book made it's way around my interview process, everyone that I met with had it with them.

The fact that you're flying is in a plus in my book - this will probably come up during the early small talk. It may be obvious, but if offered the position are you able/willing to move?

"You should understand this isn't a 8 hour a week job. All successful advisors whoe made it worked 12-14 hours per day, many Saturdays and spent their evenings networking and creating opportunity." - I would mention that as well, it will show him that you have an understanding of what will be required of you to succeede.

-RFA

Thanks RFA,

I actually live in the area I am interviewing in. I have been out of state helping a family member and thats why I am flying in. A brag book is a great idea, but I am not sure I will be able to produce the type of info that you did in the amount of time I have before my interview.  

Background:

30 years old

B.A. Business/ Marketing from University of Oklahoma

Air Force Vet - Fules Accounting

5 years of sales experience including B2B.

3 years experience with cold calling which I excelled in. Average about 150-200 calls a day ( not contacts, calls) so calling people and rejection is not an issue at all.  Average about 20-30 apps per month which includes getting SSN's over the phone so I would say I am good on the phone.

Come from family of entreprenuers (parents always worked many hours and saturdays growing up) Didn't grow up with parents thats were in the 9-5 model and I understand the effort and determination it takes to make it happen. I thought I was a 9-5er, but I know now that i am just like everyone else in my family, an entreprenuer. 

Basically I am hungry and I know what I am getting myself into. I am single with no dependents so long hours is not an issue. I have a good network, but the bulk of my generation will come from cold calling since I seem to be good at it and I can come into contact with more people.  That is basically me in a nutshell.

Print out the 500 day war. Talk about your work ethic, past performance, networks you already have, and then hand him a copy of the 500 day war, and say “here is how I will guarantee my success. I know what it takes to be sucessful and I’m willing to do it.”

That's a good idea too. Of course, anything you promise in the interview (ie, the work ethic) you have to be willing to actually do.

A brag book doesn't have to be huge - mine just covered the last 12 months and was about 10-12 pages. The more recent the better. Think of an extended resume. The materials are all "office supply" items that you can get anywhere.

My specific items showed where I ranked at my current employer against other people in my position. If you have any letters of recommendations from previous employers, those can help as well.

Ultimately they want people that produce and have the work ethic to do it. If the previous performance isn't there, go with that.

Good luck!

-RFA

Just hired at MSSB .... been here for 2 weeks.  Where is the office your interviewing for?

Due to recent events at Morgan Stanley regarding State of Mass Vs MSSB,  I'd highly suggest being very careful about online posting.

Never use a company computer, make sure you don't violate the employee handbook, or such.

Don't use your real name, don't disclose your firm, location, or air grievances about your office, yada yada. You'd be surprised at MSSB in particular, how much surveilance goes on. At my former firm, you could see all sorts of computer programs running in the background, that were snoop software apps. Phones are monitored, computers, ingoing calls, outgoing calls, email for dang sure. With a smart phone, you make sure to run your personal stuff out of that. NEVER let your friends especially, get your work email. Some stupid email with dirty pictures or non PC jokes could get YOU fired.

If anyone thinks this sounds "paranoid", you don't have a clue... 

Guy I started training with at ML got fired for language in email.  It was his second offense when he typed pu$$y (his use of dollar sign) and got the can. 

[quote=Flyonwall]

Guy I started training with at ML got fired for language in email.  It was his second offense when he typed pu$$y (his use of dollar sign) and got the can. 

[/quote]

That is just stupid behavior...the employer doesn't matter.  You deserve to get fired if you don't have any more common sense than to put crude language in an email.  Very unprofessional.

Every firm is required by FINRA to monitor emails of all registered employees (probably non registered too).

When i went into management at a wire, i was pretty amazed at all the surveilance that went on. Not just emails. They have software that allows them to see what you are printing. Used primarily if they suspect an FA is getting ready to exit.

I know that many firms also use Google to look for dirt

So, like something from George Orwell, we're all setup for termination, humiliation, destruction. It's literally impossible to work for a typical PC driven corporation these days.

I have several friends at MSSB who print off their book of business every few weeks.  That way, it's not unusual when they do so.

Otherwise it's a red flag to the branch manager that they're shopping a deal, as Bob says.

although it seems this convo has veered off topic, i will try to address both..

Interviewing with MSSB?  show up with a business plan. Describe how you will build your business. Be as specific and detailed as possible. Mention cold calling, personal networks, target markets, seminars, working saturdays, nights, etc. All they care about is they are hiring somebody who will bring in business.  Show a hard work ethic, willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done, blah blah blah.

As far as monitoring.  the above post wasn't referencing the FA using crude language, but the FA's friends emailing the FA at work and saying inappropriate things.   They monitor everyhing. Use a smartphone. Bring your laptop and go to starbucks during lunch to go online for personal stuff.  Do not do it from your PC. Although if you have your laptop with you, chances are you'll have to disclose that to compliance.

this is all especially hard for people coming from a place where the company doesn't give a crap what you do as long as you get your work done.