[quote=munytalks]Jones- NEWBIE- there you go again. Just address the issue- DID you have to take an entry test.. or just be able to fog a mirror?  Somebody recruited you to get that almighty point on the Div Trip Contest.... [/quote]

I took a test online.  I have a fes questions for you Muny, why hijack a Merrill thread to bash Jones?  Plenty of threads to jump in on that.  I noticed that you only have a few post and they are all anti-Jones, are you a regular poster and decided to create a new alias?  You sure sound like you've been around here awhile.

Jones-NEWBIE- I almost forgot to answer your assumption. Yes, I must be a moron. I worked for Jones for many years, was an LP, Top Producer, Held every Leadership position (except Technology-which is an Oxymoron at Jones) and took Leadership Developement Training to become a Regional Leader. Oh, did I mention Mentored dozens and recruited about as many AND did an annual tour of duty as Visiting Vet in St. Louis- maybe even met you and helped role play so you could door knock… How about you? Are you out of Segment I yet?

Maxstud- actually I am new. Just noticed this forum a few weeks ago when I was looking up an Article in Reg. Rep. BUT acutually noticed that Jones people do most of the bashing in any forum - and It seemed strange to me. Truth is, I had a very good experience at Jones- but the other truth is, it is just major Wall Street Firm like any other. Some of the Jones’ people seem to appear that in order to complete the seven steps of perfection and get to heaven you must become a Jones Broker at one point in your life.

[quote=munytalks]Maxstud- actually I am new. Just noticed this forum a few weeks ago when I was looking up an Article in Reg. Rep. BUT acutually noticed that Jones people do most of the bashing in any forum - and It seemed strange to me. Truth is, I had a very good experience at Jones- but the other truth is, it is just major Wall Street Firm like any other. Some of the Jones' people seem to appear that in order to complete the seven steps of perfection and get to heaven you must become a Jones Broker at one point in your life.[/quote]

I would have to disagree with you, I see a strong anti jones sentiment here that has been clearly explained by many people that post.  In fact its probably been done to death, much like talking to someone who's drunk, it just becomes the same points repeated and repeated.

I took the Merrill test today. It was not bad, but it was different than the Smith Barney test. The SB test allowed you a calculator, so that made things quicker. The SB test also had a "Conclusions" section, which reminded me of an LSAT test, where you had to read a series of statements and pick a conclusion. The ML test had much more economic problems. I found both personality test similar. I would give the ML test the harder grade, but just because it dealt with more econ issues. I had no problem with either...just wanted to give some light to the most recent tests at both firms...

Munytalks,

Why did you leave Jones?  What major issues do you have with them?

I'm thinking of joining them, mainly because I am changing careers and none of the other firms seem interested in a noob.  I'm just curious.

Recordguy- I will give you my honest- and experienced opinion. EDJ is the BEST and maybe ONLY place for a new Broker to start out  and have a half decent chance of survival. You will get all the help, training and support you need to decide if this career is for you. You may decide you don’t like it and leave- but you won’t know until you try. So I can give you 1000 reasons to start- START and Jones. I can also give you 210 Million reasons to leave. But they would not mean anything to you now. Jones will pay for your training and give you a decent salary while you are growing a business. Remember this if you remember nothing else … IT’s okay to Drink the Kool-ade - JUST DON’T SWALLOW IT…

Seems that Jones really offers a lot for a new recruit.

Associates that I know who have joined the big boys are getting their heads knocked off. Seems like Jones nurtures one a bit.

Most of the knocking here is from people who may have in some way experienced Jones (survived) then went on to bigger and better things.

It's a fact that "if one is active (company or person)" people will talk... Maybe Jones is active... Maybe more then the norm make it through Jones? I have no experience with Jones, but associates who made it with them.

7God63- You are pretty close. I will say they perfected recruiting and training new Brokers. AND while they do have sales minimums, they are reasonable.  What you need to be careful of (and this will sound strange but it’s true) Jones is in many ways a cult. Some of brokers actually forget it’s just a company- with faults like any other. And if a broker fails at Jones, they often feel they have lost more than just a job. I do think it’s a great place to start because they poor alot of effort into Newbies- but there is VAST income difference between brokers- even ones who are Limited Partners and The General Partners. If you are successful at Jones and love your work, going Indy is the next natural transition.

The test are just to determine if you can pass the 7

Munytalks,

I understand what you are saying.  I 'll make sure they don't put the zap on my head. 

[quote=munytalks] Jones will pay for your training and give you a decent salary while you are growing a business.  [/quote]

Muny, That could be the funniest joke I have heard in a while. Thanks for the laugh.  

Hey- you can see how many years I spent there. As a matter of fact, when I get change at a store now I still find myself wondering why I get the whole dollar back- not $.40 like I was taught to expect…

Just got word from ML that I did well enough on the tests to move to the next step which is 3 separate interviews in one day. Anything I should expect or be prepared for?

Be ready to articulate where your prospects and marketing activities
will be…in as much detail as you can.  Be ready to explain how
you have dealt with failure in the past, and your ability to rebound
from it. Make sure you come across professional, positive, articulate,
and confident.  Your past experience should have alot involved
with prospecting, sales, and client interaction. 

Hello people, I am new to this forum.



I have a question: other tha the ESPN sample aptitude test, does any one know where I might be able to get my hands on a sample test similar to that of Solomon Smith Barney, I am due to take this test at their office in two weeks. Or maybe some one could ease my worries by telling me what the test is similar to in terms of mathematical knowledge.



A little nervous to be quite frank.



Thanks, much appreciated.   

[quote=alexbank]Hello people, I am new to this forum.

I have a question: other tha the ESPN sample aptitude test, does any one know where I might be able to get my hands on a sample test similar to that of Solomon Smith Barney, I am due to take this test at their office in two weeks. Or maybe some one could ease my worries by telling me what the test is similar to in terms of mathematical knowledge.

A little nervous to be quite frank.

Thanks, much appreciated.    [/quote]

I know this is going to sound like a joke, but I am being 100% serious.

If you are worried about the math on the test, go to the bookstore or Wal-Mart and pick up a 3rd or 4th grade math workbook.  That is the stupid stuff they ask, like fractions and decimals.  Not to put any pressure on you, but if you fail this math test, you might as well go back to the 3rd grade like Billy Madison................