I started my interview process through my campus recruiting services. The entire process involved three face-toface interviews; the first to get acquainted with the company, the hiring manager and to see if there was a potential fit with the company and the applicant (myself). The second meeting went more in depth about the job's duties, required licenses for the state of application (in my case, the series 7 & 63, and cad., life & health), and their personalized business plan -- which involved putting together a 'Project 200' excel workbook (i.e. compiling a list of 50+ personal/professional references and their personal demographical information, which was suppose to be my "natural market"). This particular part was a little much, considering that it seemed as though I would have to use my friends and relatives to make cold calls to sell financial services to.. The third round interview was with the office's managing director -- the last gateway before an employment offer was determined. All in all, the company seemed straight forth with a solid training and mentoring platform to set new employees up for success. For licensing, Prudential stated that they'd reimburse me for tests and material, provided I passed all three on the first attempt. They also stated that they'd pay a salary plus bonuses and commissions for the first two years while I built my book of business (only after acquiring all necessary licenses), then I would fall into a 10-99 status as an agent w/out a salary base (strictly commissions, etc.).

They found my resume was found on Monster and contacted me to apply. After initial contact, they wanted to move forward and sent an 88 question online test about what I'd be most and least likely to do in different scenarios, as well as other questions about fit, skills, and values. I "passed with flying colors" according to the office coordinator who followed up with me, and I was invited to come and speak with a mid-level manager. That interview was 1.5 hours long, going over my story, my interest in the company and the industry, and my relevant experience and skills. He presented on what is involved in the position, the benefits and training process, and about the office, company, and industry more generally. Throughout, we mentioned personal stories. Next week, he'll give me a call to ask 6 questions, predetermined by an outside agency. With luck, I'll move forward from there to interview for 3 hours with the more senior managers in the office! After that, if all goes well, I'd start the background check, training and certification process.