Written by: Susan Schroeder, AFC^®

Professional development is an important part of being an effective Accredited Financial Counselor throughout your career lifecycle. These three tips provide guidance to help you continuously access relevant and productive development opportunities.

Many who start the journey toward becoming an AFC are established, personal finance professionals or students with primary understanding. Others who have “caught the bug” to help others improve their financial well-being, come from other professions and need more foundational support.

Regardless of where you are in your career the need for continuous development remains important to maintaining the high standards of accreditation through the AFCPE. Expanding your knowledge and skills also improves outcomes for the people you serve.

Make the Most of Your AFCPE Membership

There is always something for everyone through membership with the AFCPE. Webinars, Essential Courses, and the Journal of Financial Counseling and Planning are just three of the robust number of well-vetted sources of lifelong learning. For those new to the field, Member Meetups and the Mentor Connect Program provide access to seasoned professionals willing to share their experiences.  Participating in a task force is a great way for seasoned pros to give back and for emerging leaders to develop skills. Visit ww.afcpe.org to learn more.

Follow the Leaders

There is a world-wide community of organizations that recognize the value of financial planning, counseling, and education. The AFCPE has a wide array of partner organizations that provide options for development throughout the continuum of your career. This strategy is also an effective way to learn more about the various backgrounds and cultures of your clients. Culturally specific organizations can help you connect and understand in more informed, and respect filled ways with the people you serve.

Check out the AFCPE® Calendar for a list of upcoming professional development opportunities hosted by partner organizations.

Expand Your Search

It is easy to fall into silos and forget to look to other sectors for learning options. Think about the people you serve. Are there other helping professionals working with your target market who can provide insight and information to help you better understand your clients? For example, recognizing signs of cognitive decline and knowing how to respond appropriately is an important part of working ethically with older adults. Alzheimer’s support organizations throughout the country provide training.

Professional development will always be part of your career path and will change throughout your years of service to others. Leaning into all the AFCPE has to offer, looking to industry leaders, and including your community partners can help you maintain your accreditation and differentiate you as a subject matter expert in specialty areas of personal finance. Ultimately, continuously growing equips you to help people and that is what it is all about!

The post Stay in the KNOW: Professional Development for Financial Professionals appeared first on AFCPE.

Written by: Tiffany Grant, MBA, AFC^®, SHRM-CP

Are you looking to break into the world of financial counseling? It can be daunting, especially when it comes time for the interview. We invited AFCPE Member, Tiffany Grant, MBA, AFC®, SHRM-CP, to use her HR skills to bring us frequently asked questions of AFC® ‘s at job interviews to help you land your dream job!

We’ve compiled a list of top questions that may come up in a financial counselor interview. So read on as we guide you through these crucial steps toward becoming a successful financial counselor.

Let’s Dive In…

1. Tell Us About Yourself.

This is a common first question for any job, and financial counseling is no different. Employers ask this question to narrow down the talent pool. They seek someone with relevant experience who can demonstrate the skills required to be a successful financial counselor. When preparing your response, consider how your past work, educational, and volunteer experiences fit the job requirements.

Do not go into a monologue about how you grew up, your job experience (if it doesn’t relate, family life, or anything else that could unintentionally disqualify you. Keep it relevant to the job at hand.

Example Answer

“I’ve worked in the financial services field for nearly ten years. Within that time, I’ve held customer service and sales positions. I have a degree in finance and economics, as well as certifications from AFCPE. Most recently, I worked as a financial coach, helping clients to make informed decisions about their financial goals.”

2. Describe Your Experience In Financial Counseling And How It has Prepared You For The Role.

When a recruiter asks this question, they are looking for you to demonstrate how you can use your skills and knowledge in the role. Talk about any courses, certifications, or training you have completed relevant to the job and how this has given you a good foundation for the position.

You should also explain any hands-on experience in financial counseling and how this has prepared you for success. This could include any consulting work or any special projects you have been involved in.

Example Answer

“I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Financial Planning and am certified as an Accredited Financial Counselor. I volunteered with a nonprofit, working directly with clients to assist them with their financial goals. This experience gave me a strong foundation of knowledge and the ability to understand client’s needs and develop customized plans. I also have experience researching and analyzing complex financial issues, creating financial projections and budgets, and working with clients to help them reach their financial goals. My educational and professional experience has prepared me well for the role of a Financial Counselor.

3. What Challenges Have You Faced While Working With Clients In The Past And How Did You Manage Them?

This question allows recruiters to understand your ability to handle difficult situations. They want to see that you have had experience dealing with challenging clients and how you worked through these issues and provided practical solutions.

When responding, make sure you are specific about the challenges you have encountered. If possible, provide examples of how you resolved these issues. This shows the interviewer that you can think on your feet and adapt to different situations.

Example Answer

“I have successfully managed a few difficult client scenarios in the past. One example was when I had to explain complex financial concepts to a client who needed to become more familiar with the terminology. I broke down the terms into understandable language and provided examples to illustrate the concepts. My client then understood the situation and made an informed decision about how to manage their finances.”

4. How Would You Handle a Situation Where A Client Is Struggling to Make Their Payments on Time?

Recruiters ask this question to assess your ability to handle challenging client situations. They are looking for you to explain how you would approach the problem in a way that is both understanding and professional.

When responding, explain the steps you would take to help the client compassionately and effectively. You might suggest providing the client with a budgeting plan, working out an alternate payment schedule, or referring them to financial resources.

Example Answer

“If clients struggle to make timely payments, I would first assess their finances and identify the underlying problem. Then I work with them to create a budgeting plan that meets their needs and provides them with options for making payments. I would also refer them to any financial resources or organizations that could help them with their situation. Lastly, I would discuss an alternate payment schedule to ensure the client can make timely payments and remain in good standing.”

5. What Strategies Do You Use to Help Clients Understand Their Financial Situation And Plan For The Future?

This question assesses your ability to problem-solve and communicate effectively. Recruiters want to see that you understand how to guide clients through their financial situation and create and maintain long-term financial plans.

When responding, focus on your strategies to help clients understand their financial situation and plan for the future. These strategies include reviewing financial records, setting goals and objectives, creating budgets and projections, and developing long-term plans for saving and investing.

Example Answer

“My main strategy when helping clients understand their financial situation and plan for the future is to create a clear understanding of the current state of their finances. I review financial records, discuss goals and objectives, and identify potential risks or opportunities. Then I create a budget that helps them track their spending and projections to help them plan for the future. I also provide resources and advice to help them develop a long-term financial plan that meets their needs and goals.”

6. Explain What Steps You Take When Building Relationships With New Clients.

Recruiters ask this question to understand your ability to communicate and make connections. They want to know that you can develop strong relationships with clients, essential for providing quality financial advice.

When responding, make sure to explain the steps that you take when building relationships with new clients. These could include asking questions, offering help and advice, setting expectations, and providing quality customer service.

Example Answer

“When building relationships with new clients, I take the time to understand their needs and goals. I ask questions to understand their financial situation better and provide helpful advice and resources to help them reach their objectives. I also discuss expectations for our relationship and emphasize the importance of open communication. Above all, I prioritize offering quality customer service to ensure clients feel comfortable and supported throughout the process.”

7. What Methods Do You Use To Stay Up-To-Date With Changes In The Financial Industry And Regulations?

The financial industry is constantly evolving. Recruiters want to ensure you understand how to stay informed and up-to-date with changes in the industry.

When responding, discuss the methods you use to stay up-to-date with changes in the financial industry and regulations. These could include reading relevant publications, attending conferences (like AFCPE) and seminars, and following industry news and updates.

Example Answer

“I stay up-to-date with changes in the financial industry by reading relevant publications, such as industry journals and websites. I also attend conferences and seminars to get new information from leading experts in the field. Additionally, I follow financial news and updates to stay on top of any changes in regulations or policies.”

Conclusion

Congratulations! You made it through the list of top questions you may encounter in a financial counseling interview. Preparing yourself with the right answers to these questions can go a long way in helping your chances of landing the job.

But remember that answering these questions won’t be enough to guarantee success – you need to show employers that you’re passionate about finance and working with clients. Share stories about past experiences and successes and showcase your industry knowledge. 

Remember that attitude translates into results, so stay confident and optimistic throughout the process. With these tips, we know you will soon be pursuing the career of your dreams! Good luck – we know you can do it!

About the Author: 

Meet AFCPE^® Member, Tiffany Grant! She is an Accredited Financial Counselor^® and award-winning personal finance blogger, podcaster, coach, and educator through her company, Money Talk with Tiff. She has been featured on Yahoo Finance, CNBC, Essence, and Acorns as an expert on side hustles, business, and money. Tiffany has helped many people become more in tune with their money by providing financial education in a down-to-earth and relatable format!  

She graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration and Management from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. In addition, she holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Tiffany also holds the SHRM-CP designation and is a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt. 

The post Get Hired: Master These 7 Common Interview Questions for Financial Counselors appeared first on AFCPE.