Dear Edward Jones - With 631 Openings: What Are You Looking For?

Bu Tatiana Serna, Campus Representative, University of Rhode Island

Christopher Tkaczyk, reporter, writes about various companies and their entry level recruiting. The “22 Best Companies to Work For have at least 500 openings each, totaling more than 87,750 jobs. What are they looking for in a new hire?” In his article “They’re hiring!” he writes about how Edward Jones, which ranks second in 2010 Best Companies to work for, has 631 job openings; financial advisors and branch office administrators. So what is Edward Jones looking for in a new hire?

For financial advisors, we look for... self-starters who enjoy working with and helping other people. For branch office administrators... we look for energetic individuals who can take the initiative to anticipate client and financial advisor needs.

Our recruiters approach each candidate from a career management standpoint, attempting to ensure each candidate has a solid understanding of the work, the emphasis on putting clients' interests first and the appropriate commitment level to be successful.

For branch office administrators: Our recruiters are impressed with a candidate's past work experience and stability or loyalty with past employers. We look for an affable personality to meet and greet our clients.”

So maybe there is some light at the end of the tunnel. It’s good to hear, especially as a senior, that there are some opportunities out there in the real world, yet we still see the word EXPERIENCE. “Our recruiters are impressed with a candidate’s past work experience.” How can you obtain this valuable experience? How can you compete with other graduates who have had experience? Many say do an internship, but is that enough? What if other graduates have also completed internships, now what should you do in order to stand out from the pack?