Step One: The Informational Interview

Welcome to North Star Resource Group!

We would like to introduce you to one of the oldest and largest independent financial advising firms in the nation. We would also like to introduce you to a firm with a nationally recognized internship program and a high-performance no-excuse culture to best assist you with beginning a successful financial advising practice. What is our specialization? We specialize in you. North Star Resource Group has a strong commitment to assisting motivated individuals with an entrepreneurial spirit not only survive, but also to thrive as a Financial Advisor. 

As you begin our selection process, you will be introduced to the past, present, and future of North Star Resource Group. During the informational interview you will not only learn about the long-term advantages of a financial advising career, but also the short-term difficulties one must endure to become successful in this industry. You will also view a video capturing North Star's spirit and culture. If you have a sincere interest in the career and the firm decides you would be a good fit, you will be invited to start the formal interviewing process by receiving an application booklet and access to take our online profile.

Step Two: Application Booklet & Online Profile

Let the questions begin! 

If chosen to begin the formal interviewing process, you will receive an application booklet and access to take our online profile. The application booklet inquires about your previous education and experiences. The online profile asks various questions pertaining to your personality. Your answers help compile a profile which is compared to the profiles of successful financial advisors whom have also completed the same questions. 

The quicker you complete this step of the process, the quicker you get to move onto the next step. Once finished, it's your turn to start asking the questions!

Step Three: Associate Meetings

Fire Away. It's your turn to ask the questions! 

During the associate meetings, you will spend approximately half a day meeting with several of our associates. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the career and about North Star. You will be meeting with individuals from similar backgrounds and experiences whom have already undergone or are experiencing the first few years of the financial advising career. 

Once again, you will view a video capturing the culture and spirit of North Star. This video will spark questions for the advisors you will be meeting. You will receive honest responses to questions such as; what do you like about this career? What do you dislike? If you could change something, what would it be? If you had a choice, would you do it all over again? And, why did you choose North Star? Each associate will share the difficulties and challenges along with the rewards and advantages of the career. 

In addition, by spending a half-day in our firm with our associates, you will experience the high-energy culture of North Star. These interviews also allow our advisors to evaluate your fit for the career and for the firm. This contributes to our thorough selection process by receiving several different perspectives and insights from individuals whom know what it takes to begin and maintain a successful financial advising practice.

Step Four: Business and Marketing Plan Meeting

So, you want to start your own business? 

Well, you are going to need a plan! And guess what, North Star Resource Group is here to help. 

If you reach the fourth step of the selection process, you will meet with our Vice President for a Business Planning Meeting. This meeting is one of the unique strengths of North Star's selection process because it starts building the business owner mentality, a crucial element of the financial advising career. 

This meeting educates you about the importance of a business plan. The interview process discusses the "E-Myth", based on the book, The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber, which examines the differences between the success and failure of small businesses. The 5-year survival rate of small businesses in the United States is roughly 20% according to Gerber. 

It is no surprise that the 4-year retention rate in the financial services industry also hovers around 11% as stated by LIMRA International, 2006. The retention rate at North Star Resource Group remains about 4 times the industry average. One of the things that contributes to this success is our assistance to each candidate's development of a business plan. 

After learning about the attributes of a successful business owner, you are presented with a "homework" project. This project involves designing a business plan which you believe can provide the framework for a successful financial advising practice. This plan, of course, is a "work in progress". However, it enables you to clearly think about the challenges of the career.

Step Five: Business and Marketing Plan Presentation

Congratulations! 

If you arrive at the fifth step of the selection process you should consider yourself among a select few. 

You will meet with our Co-President, Mr. Edward Deutschlander, CLU, CLF, to present your business plan. You will be asked some serious questions as to why you have made the decision to pursue one of the top careers in the country as well as the opportunity for Mr. Deutschlander to get to know you better as a person. 

This is your opportunity to demonstrate to North Star Resource Group you will have the ability to gather the necessary amount of referrals and introductions during the first few months of your career to get the fast start required to be successful in this career.

Step Six: Managing Partner Meeting

So, you have been through the five rigorous steps in our selection process and you are still standing. 

Guess what? One more step still remains, to meet with your local leadership and a Managing Partner. Depending on the office location you may be visiting via video conference or in person, but this final step is really the opportunity for the leadership in the firm to make the final decision of whether or not the extend an offer. 

Once you have had this meeting and an offer has been extended, the fun and challenges really begin!