Best Practices for Finding a Paraplanning Job

Whether you’re looking for that elusive dream client, or you’re just hoping to get your foot in the door for the first time, the job search process can be challenging for a virtual paraplanner. Maybe you’ve been sifting through job postings and sending out resumes without getting anywhere. Or maybe you just want to know how to streamline your job hunt.

Well, here are some best practices from other paraplanners who have been in your shoes!

  1. THERE IS NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

 When you’re trying to land your first gig as a virtual freelancer, it pays to remember that beggars can’t always be choosers. Sure, you’re probably more interested in bigger, long-term projects that can help you gain experience and do more of the work you’re most passionate about—but there’s no shame in starting small at first.

While advisors may eventually come to you with those big-ticket items that tend to take more time to complete, you might be able to get your foot in the door by volunteering to take on a range of smaller projects first. These projects may simply be tedious but time-sensitive items that an advisor needs completed as quickly as possible, or they may be something more administrative, like data entry.

Here’s an example of a tedious task that came up during one of our demos with RightCapital. Many companies like RightCapital or MoneyGuidePro don’t offer an easy method of exporting existing data to a new software, so there’s actually a lot of legwork involved in moving clients from one software to the other. An advisor switching from RightCapital to MoneyGuidePro or vice versa will probably need some help with this move. This isn’t something that is necessarily going to teach you something new, but it is the kind of task that will help to get your foot in the door and experience on your resume.

  1. CLARIFY WHAT YOU WANT

During a past coaching call, one of our members asked a question that led to a valuable discussion. The member wondered whether there are any “golden rules” for paraplanning resumes, like what is and isn’t important to mention, what experience should you showcase, which certifications are best, etc. If you’re considering updating your resume, take a step back for a minute, and evaluate the type of role you are looking for. Once you’ve identified this goal, you can update your resume more easily. Moving forward, use your past experiences to showcase exactly why you will be great in your ideal position, and what you bring to the table. For example, if your goal is to be in a position where you will be client facing, make sure to show off any past experience you have where you worked directly with clients. Instead of listing as many facts as possible that might help you land a job, tailor your resume to showcase the things that make you perfect for a specific role.

  1. BE CONFIDENT: IT’S A TWO WAY STREET

Recruiters have it tough. With the influx of applicants, they’ve got to work hard to find the best candidates for the role. It isn’t uncommon for some recruiters to receive hundreds of applications—for a single job.

Recruiters and employers want good candidates, and fast. If, instead of going through the rigorous screening process, they could simply have the best candidate show up at their doorstep right away, they certainly would choose to do that instead!

The point is that recruiters and employers want you, a qualified and engaged candidate, just as much as you want them. As you send out resumes and sort through job postings, don’t let the tediousness drain away your confidence. The job search is a two-way street, and you’re doing advisors and companies a favor by applying for their openings! Approach every interaction and interview with this mindset, be comfortable talking about yourself, and be prepared to ask questions to ensure they are a good fit for you, just as much as you are good fit for them.

 At the end of the day, it’s all about acting with confidence, and getting your foot in the door. Our paraplanner job board is a great resource for anyone searching for the perfect job.

Paraplanners

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