20 Raymond James Interview Questions and Answers

Raymond James is a financial services company that offers a variety of investment products and services to individuals, businesses, and institutions. The company has more than 7,000 financial advisors and is headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida.

If you’re interviewing for a job at Raymond James, you can expect to be asked questions about your experience in the financial services industry, your knowledge of investment products and services, and your ability to provide excellent customer service. You may also be asked behavioral interview questions about your ability to handle difficult situations and your approach to problem-solving.

Preparing for your interview by researching the company and practicing your answers to common interview questions will help you make a great impression and give you the best chance of getting the job.

Raymond James Interview Process

The interview process at Raymond James is lengthy, difficult, and overall not a great experience. It can take weeks or even months to hear back from the company after applying, and the interviews themselves are very challenging. The questions are often technical and difficult to answer, and the interviewer can be very aggressive. Overall, the interview process is not a good experience and is not something that prospective employees should look forward to.

1. What are your career goals?

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s career goals and how they align with Raymond James. This can be an opportunity for you to explain what your future plans are, or it can give the interviewer insight into why you’re looking for a new job now.

Example: “I’m hoping to continue my career in financial advising. I’ve been working toward getting my CFP certification, and I plan on taking the exam this year. I think that having this credential will help me advance my career and open up opportunities at Raymond James.”

2. How do you think you will fit into the current team of advisors here at Raymond James?

This question is a great way to show your understanding of the company culture and how you can contribute to it. When answering this question, try to highlight any similarities between yourself and the current team members. You may also want to mention what sets you apart from them.

Example: “I think I would fit in quite well here at Raymond James because I have many of the same values as the advisors already working here. For example, I am very dedicated to my clients and always strive to provide them with the best service possible. I also believe that teamwork is essential for success, so I will be sure to collaborate with other advisors when needed. However, I do bring some unique skills to the table. For instance, I have extensive experience managing client accounts.”

3. What is one recent trend in the market that has caught your attention?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the financial market and how you can apply it to your work. When answering this question, try to choose a trend that relates to your experience or background.

Example: “One recent trend I have noticed in the market is the increase in digital currency. As someone who has worked with clients on their investment portfolios for several years now, I’ve seen more people looking into cryptocurrencies as a way to diversify their investments. While I don’t believe these currencies are currently stable enough to be used as a primary investment strategy, I think they could be useful as part of a larger portfolio.”

4. Tell us about a time when you had to deal with a difficult client, how did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle conflict and whether or not you have experience dealing with clients who are unhappy. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific situation where you helped resolve a client’s issue and what steps you took to ensure they were satisfied.

Example: “In my previous role as an investment advisor, I had a client who was very upset about his portfolio because he wasn’t seeing the returns that he expected. After talking with him for a while, we realized that he didn’t understand some of the basics of investing, so I offered to meet with him once a week to go over any questions he had about his investments. This allowed him to feel more confident in his portfolio and gave me the opportunity to educate him on basic financial concepts.”

5. Do you have experience working with high net worth clients?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience working with clients who are more financially stable. High net worth clients typically have a lot of money to invest, so it’s important that you’re comfortable working with them and helping them make decisions about their finances.

Example: “I’ve worked with high net worth clients in my previous role as an investment advisor. I helped these clients create financial plans for their future and find investments that would be beneficial for them. These clients were very knowledgeable about investing, but they wanted someone to help them understand how different strategies could benefit them.”

6. Describe an investment portfolio strategy you have recommended and why you chose that specific strategy.

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of investment strategies and how you apply them. You can use this question as a way to highlight your expertise in the field, but it’s important to be honest about what you know and don’t know.

Example: “I have worked with clients who are looking for long-term growth investments and those who want short-term gains. I always recommend that my clients invest in both types of portfolios because they each offer different benefits. For example, one client was looking for a portfolio that would provide him with steady returns over time while he retired. I recommended a long-term growth strategy that included stocks from companies that were growing at a steady rate.”

7. Why should we hire you instead of someone else?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your confidence and self-awareness. They want to know that you are aware of the competition, but also confident in your own abilities. When answering this question, it can be helpful to highlight a skill or two that makes you unique from other candidates.

Example: “I believe I am the best candidate for this position because of my communication skills and ability to work well with others. Throughout my career, I have consistently received praise for my ability to communicate clearly and effectively with clients and coworkers. In addition, I have experience working on teams where I was able to help others solve problems and complete tasks.”

8. What would you say is your greatest strength and weakness?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you view yourself. They want to know that you are self-aware, so it’s important to answer honestly. When answering this question, try to focus on a strength rather than a weakness.

Example: “I would say my greatest strength is my ability to remain calm under pressure. I have worked in several high-pressure situations where I had to make quick decisions, and I always remained focused and confident. My weakness is that sometimes I am too hard on myself when things don’t go as planned. I strive for perfection, but I know that no one can achieve that all the time.”

9. Do you have any professional certifications?

Employers may ask this question to see if you have any certifications that are relevant to the position. If they don’t mention which certifications they’re looking for, it’s a good idea to research what certifications their employees hold. You can also list any other certifications you have in your answer.

Example: “I am currently working on my Certified Financial Planner certification. I’ve been studying for this exam since last year and plan to take it by the end of 2018. I’m also a member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, where I learned about Raymond James’ financial advisors program. I would love to work here because of how much I admire the company culture.”

10. Are you comfortable discussing financial strategies with clients?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience with client interaction. They may also want to know how comfortable you are talking about financial topics and whether or not you feel confident in your ability to educate clients on their options. Use examples from previous experiences where you’ve helped clients make important decisions regarding their finances.

Example: “I enjoy working with clients because I find it rewarding to see them achieve their goals. In my last role, I worked with a client who was looking for ways to save money while still enjoying life. We discussed different investment strategies that would allow him to grow his portfolio without taking too much risk. He decided to invest in some low-risk stocks, which allowed him to earn more interest than he had been previously.”

11. Can you tell me about a time where you had to give a presentation on investing strategies to a group?

This question can help the interviewer understand your public speaking skills and how you interact with a group. Use examples from previous work or school experiences to highlight your communication abilities, confidence and ability to lead others.

Example: “At my last job, I was responsible for leading a team of financial advisors on our investment strategies. Every quarter, we would meet as a group to discuss new trends in the market and what types of investments were performing well. During these meetings, I made sure that everyone had an opportunity to speak their opinions and ask questions about the company’s strategy.”

12. Describe a situation where you were asked to analyze data, what steps did you take to reach a conclusion?

This question is a great way to show your analytical skills and how you use them in the workplace. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation where you used data analysis to solve a problem or make an important decision.

Example: “At my previous job, I was responsible for analyzing financial reports from our clients. One day, one of our largest clients called me because they were concerned about their recent account balance. After looking at their records, I noticed that they had recently made several large purchases with their credit card. I immediately contacted them to discuss the issue. They told me that they hadn’t made any new purchases but that they did remember using their credit card at a restaurant last week. We discussed the matter further and determined that they must have accidentally left their credit card at the restaurant. Once we figured out what happened, we were able to fix the issue.”

13. What is your knowledge of the equity research industry?

This question is a great way to see how much you know about the industry and what your experience has been. Equity research analysts are expected to have in-depth knowledge of their field, so it’s important that you can show you’re qualified for this position by providing examples of your expertise.

Example: “I’ve worked as an equity analyst for five years now, so I’m very familiar with the role. In my previous job, I was responsible for researching companies and writing reports on them. I also had to attend conferences and meet with clients to discuss our findings. This helped me learn more about the industry and develop my skills.”

14. Which area of investment analysis interests you the most?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the investment analysis field. It also allows you to share which part of the job you would enjoy most. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention an area that aligns with what the employer is looking for in their employees.

Example: “I am passionate about helping clients find investments that fit their needs and goals. I believe that finding the right investment is all about understanding the client’s unique situation and then using my expertise to help them make smart decisions. This process is something I love doing, so I look forward to working with Raymond James clients.”

15. List three differences between a buy-side and sell-side analyst.

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the industry and how you can apply it. Use examples from your experience that highlight your skills, such as communication, problem-solving or teamwork.

Example: “A buy-side analyst works for an investment firm that buys stocks while a sell-side analyst works for an investment bank that sells stocks. A buy-side analyst focuses on finding undervalued companies with strong fundamentals and growth potential. Sell-side analysts focus more on the financial performance of a company and its ability to meet expectations. Another difference is that buy-side analysts are typically equity research analysts who work independently, while sell-side analysts usually work in teams.”

16. Have you worked as part of a team before?

Working as part of a team is an important skill to have in the financial services industry. Employers ask this question to make sure you are able to work well with others and that you understand how teamwork can benefit your job performance. In your answer, explain what makes working as part of a team so beneficial. Share a specific example from a previous job where you worked well with others.

Example: “I’ve always enjoyed working as part of a team because it allows me to learn new things from my coworkers. At my last job, I was on a team of five people who all had different strengths. One person would find out about a client’s investment goals while another would research potential investments. Then we would discuss our findings and decide which investment strategy made the most sense for the client.”

17. Why do you want to work for Raymond James?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your interest in their company. They want to know what you like about Raymond James and why you are excited to work there. Your answer should include specific details about the company that make it unique or interesting to you.

Example: “I have always been interested in working for a financial services company, and I think Raymond James would be an excellent place to start my career. I am impressed by the company’s commitment to customer service and its reputation as one of the best places to work. I also love the idea of helping people invest their money wisely and plan for their futures.”

18. Provide an example of a time when you went above and beyond for a customer.

This question is a great way to show your dedication and willingness to help others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a specific situation where you helped a customer in need or went above and beyond for a client.

Example: “When I was working as an advisor at my previous company, I had a client who wanted to invest in some stocks but didn’t know how to do so. Instead of just telling them the information they needed, I offered to meet with them after work hours to teach them about investing. They were very appreciative of my time and ended up making a lot of money on their investments.”

19. What are some key characteristics of a successful advisor?

This question is an opportunity to show your understanding of the role and how you can be successful in it. A hiring manager may ask this question to see if you have the skills, knowledge and experience needed for success as a financial advisor at Raymond James. When preparing your answer, think about what makes a good advisor and list those characteristics.

Example: “A successful advisor has strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities and empathy for clients. They also need to be knowledgeable about their products and services and able to educate clients on financial matters. I believe that advisors should always put their client’s needs first and act with integrity. These are key traits of a successful advisor.”

20. What is your favorite software to use when analyzing investments?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of expertise with financial software. If you have experience using specific software, name it and describe how you use it to analyze investments.

Example: “I’ve used a few different types of software in my career, but I find that I prefer Bloomberg’s terminal because it allows me to access real-time data on companies and their stocks. It also has many useful tools for analyzing investment opportunities, including its newsfeeds, which provide valuable information about company performance and industry trends. Another benefit is that it offers training courses so I can learn new features and functions as needed.”