Edward Jones Interview Questions and DDI Assessment Test Guide
Updated November 20, 2023
- What Is Edward Jones?
- What Is the Recruitment Process at Edward Jones Like?
empty
empty
empty
empty
- Example Questions on the Edward Jones Test
empty
empty
empty
empty
empty
- What Is Included in the Assessments?
- Example Questions Asked During the Edward Jones Interview Process
empty
empty
empty
empty
empty
- Edward Jones Hiring Process: How To Prepare for the Interview/Assessments at Edward Jones
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
Top Edward Jones Interview Questions:
- Tell me about the most difficult challenge you have faced to date
- Describe a situation that involved you dealing with a challenging team member
- Tell me about your career and experiences to date
- Tell me about a unique experience that you haven’t included in your application
What Is Edward Jones?
Edward Jones is a financial services firm specializing in providing investment advice and services to individual investors.
It was founded in 1922 by Edward D. Jones in St. Louis, Missouri, and now serves seven million investors, with the most significant retail footprint of all financial service companies in the US.
The company operates as a partnership and has a decentralized business model, with its financial advisors working in branch offices located in communities across the US and Canada.
The current CEO of the company is Penny Pennington. She is the sixth managing partner of the company.
The firm offers a range of investment products and services, including mutual funds, retirement accounts (such as IRAs and 401(k)s), stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit (CDs) and insurance products.
Its financial advisors work closely with clients to develop personalized investment strategies based on their financial goals, risk tolerance and time horizon.
The firm is also known for its emphasis on long-term investing and commitment to providing personalized service to individual investors.
Edward Jones has consistently ranked highly in customer satisfaction surveys and has built a reputation for its client-focused approach.
Prepare for the Edward Jones Hiring Process with JobTestPrep
What Is the Recruitment Process at Edward Jones Like?
Edward Jones considers itself the leading financial services provider in the world, with more than seven million clients.
They have a long, personal approach to investing and the work environment to facilitate this. As a result, the Edward Jones hiring process is a rigorous yet straightforward multi-stage process.
Application
Candidates are advised to search for available jobs.
Jobs can be found online, through their website, a recruiter or via a referral from an existing employee.
All applications to the firm must be made online through the dedicated recruitment portal.
Candidates complete the application linked to the vacancy they wish to apply.
Individuals must also upload a resume and cover letter supporting their application.
Telephone Interview
A member of the Edward Jones recruitment team reviews all applications.
Candidates are invited to an initial phone screening conversation if successful at the application review. A member of the HR team conducts this interview.
At the interview, individuals are provided with an opportunity to talk more about themselves, their skills, goals, and experiences.
In-Person Interview
Edward Jones uses several interview formats as part of its recruitment process. Those successful at the initial telephone interview are invited to an on-site interview.
For some roles, there might be several rounds of interviews.
The interview stage allows candidates to showcase their skills, character, and job suitability to the hiring manager.
Tests
Edward Jones uses testing as part of the recruitment process depending on the role.
Commonly referred to as the Development Dimensions International (DDI) tests, these tests can be psychometric, cognitive and skill-based.
The test evaluates candidates on the attributes needed for success in a role at the firm (DDI leadership assessment sample questions are provided in this guide).
Example Questions on the Edward Jones Test
The Edward Jones test comprises various assessments, each evaluating a different skill or aptitude.
Example questions that you may find on the test are included below.
Example Question 1
‘You are a financial advisor at Edward Jones, and a new client approaches you with a significant amount of money to invest. The client is requesting a risky investment strategy that goes against the company’s conservative approach. In your conversation with the client, the client is insistent on the firm following their approach.’
Select which of the following four options represents how you would deal with this situation.
a) Agree to the client’s request and proceed with the risky investment strategy
b) Politely decline the client’s request and explain the company’s conservative investment approach
c) Seek advice from a senior financial advisor before making a decision
d) Offer a compromise by suggesting a moderately conservative investment strategy
The cheetah is known to be the fastest land animal, capable of reaching speeds up to 70 miles per hour in short bursts.
Cheetahs have adapted to this need for speed through their long, slender bodies, powerful leg muscles and non-retractable claws that provide extra traction.
They are built for quick acceleration and agile movements, making them formidable hunters in the savannahs.
Which of the following statements can be inferred from the passage?
a) Cheetahs are the only animals that can reach speeds of 70 miles per hour
b) Cheetahs have retractable claws like other big cats
c) The savannahs are the natural habitat of cheetahs
d) Cheetahs are known for their strength and endurance
In a group of five friends – Sarah, Belle, Linda, Dylan and Emmie – each friend has a unique profession among librarian, doctor, engineer, musician and teaching assistant.
The following conditions apply:
- Belle is not a musician or a doctor
- Linda is a librarian
- Emmie is not a teaching assistant
Based on the given information, which of the following professions does Sarah have?
a) Librarian
b) Doctor
c) Engineer
d) Musician
e) Teaching Assistant
Which shape completes the sequence above?
‘The Big Sandwich Company has been trading for two years. The company has been doing well, with profits expected to double year on year. In 2021, net profits were reported as $200 000 in the second quarter, $300 00 in the third quarter, and $500 in the final quarter. In 2022 profits were reported as $600,000 in the first quarter of the year, $975,000 in the second quarter, and $1,000,000 in the third quarter.’
What was the average net profit per quarter in 2022?
a) $600,000
b) $858,333
c) $833,333
d) $1,000,000
If you need to prepare for a number of different employment tests and want to outsmart the competition, choose a Premium Membership from JobTestPrep.
You will get access to three PrepPacks of your choice, from a database that covers all the major test providers and employers and tailored profession packs.
What Is Included in the Assessments?
The format and types of tests an individual sits on depend on the role applied for.
Tests might include the DDI assessment test, which comprises several tests that assess the candidates in several ways.
Other tests include the Adaptive Reasoning Test (ART). These tests measure the cognitive skills and figural reasoning of the candidate.
The ART is a timed, online assessment. The test is adaptive, meaning that the difficulty of the questions is adjusted depending on the previous results.
If a candidate gets a question wrong, the following question is more straightforward. If they get a question right, the following question is more challenging.
Using an adaptive reasoning assessment enables candidates to perform to the best of their potential.
This helps recruiters at Edward Jones predict a candidate’s success in the role.
Candidates may also sit skills tests designed to evaluate specific knowledge, personality questionnaires, or tests that evaluate numeracy, verbal and logical reasoning skills.
Example Questions Asked During the Edward Jones Interview Process
The Edward Jones interview process requires candidates to highlight their skills and experiences.
Below are some Edward Jones interview questions you may be asked.
Have You Ever Gone Against a Non-Disclosure, Privacy or Confidentiality Agreement?
When answering this question, it is vital to reinforce to interviewers your compliance with any agreement you have signed and why you would not break any agreement.
This question evaluates your integrity and understanding of the rules and regulations that govern Edward Jones and its client relationships.
How Will You Use Your Skills at Edward Jones if Hired?
Recruiters are looking to evaluate your self-awareness and your understanding of the skills that you have that you can bring to this role.
When answering, demonstrate your understanding of the role and what you will be doing in the role, and link your skills to the tasks and responsibilities of the role.
How Do You Show Potential Clients That You Are a Trusted Source for Information on Wealth Management and Other Financial Topics?
This question evaluates your commercial and business awareness skills as well as your client relationship building.
When answering, highlight to interviewers how you keep up to date with your business awareness and how using this, you can bring value to the client.
Do You Prefer to Work Independently or With Partners?
With this question, it is essential to acknowledge the benefits of working independently and with partners.
In your answer, you can highlight situations where you have found benefits of working with others and collaborating as well as working on your own to bring insight and value to the team.
The following is an example of one of Edward Jones financial advisor interview questions
Financial Advisors With Edward Jones Who Are Active in Their Community See More Success; Can You Tell Me About an Organization or Group Outside of Work With Which You Are Involved?
Bring in your experiences from outside your academic or work pursuits, highlighting the benefits you gain from this.
It is essential to be enthusiastic, recognize the values that networks can bring, learn from others and appreciate different perspectives.
Edward Jones Hiring Process: How To Prepare for the Interview/Assessments at Edward Jones
Preparing for the Edward Jones hiring process requires research, practice and self-reflection.
Here are some steps to help you prepare effectively:
Step 1. Revise Test Subjects
Research and practice common Edward Jones video interview questions, such as those related to your experience, strengths, weaknesses, problem-solving abilities, teamwork and customer service.
Develop concise and thoughtful responses that highlight your qualifications.
Refresh your memory of any concepts or knowledge you will be assessed on in the tests.
Step 2. Take Practice Papers
Practice sample questions for the tests you will sit.
Simulate test conditions when practicing so you feel the time pressure you will face when taking the actual test.
Step 3. Research the Company
Familiarize yourself with the company’s background, mission, values, products, and services.
Understand the role you are applying for and how it fits into the organization’s structure.
Step 4. Prepare Examples
Prepare specific examples for Edward Jones interview questions.
Think about times you have demonstrated problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, or client relationship management skills. Use these examples to illustrate your capabilities during the interview.
Familiarize yourself with the Situation, Task, Action, and Result (STAR) method of answering behavioral interview questions.
Step 5. Ensure Your Well-Being
Make sure you are well-rested before any of the tests or interviews. This means getting a good night’s sleep the night before.
Ensure you have eaten and are well hydrated before sitting any test or attending an interview.
Step 6. Be Early to All Interviews
Create a good impression by being organized.
Arrive at face-to-face interviews in plenty of time so you aren’t rushed.
If you are invited to attend a virtual interview, make sure to have downloaded any necessary programs well in advance and log into the meeting early.
Practice questions for the Edward Jones interview can be found in this article, such as DDI assessment sample questions, and a DDI manager ready assessment practice test.
Additional questions can also be found online at JobTestPrep.
First-year goals for new employees at the firm include training and onboarding, setting development goals such as building product knowledge, developing client relationship skills and identifying new clients.
Edward Jones keeps employees engaged by fostering a culture of collaboration.
The firm provides learning opportunities, offers competitive compensation and benefits, promotes work-life balance and encourages employee input and involvement in decision-making processes.
As a firm, Edward Jones promotes diversity and inclusion among its employees.
The firm has a culture of collaboration, values teamwork, and the different perspectives all its employees bring to the workplace.
Employees at Edward Jones enjoy working at the company due to its supportive and inclusive culture, opportunities for growth and development, and emphasis on work-life balance.
The firm’s focus on building meaningful client relationships and providing a collaborative environment contributes to positive employee experiences.
The Edward Jones hiring process involves submitting an online application, participating in initial phone screenings, completing assessments, attending interviews (in-person or virtual) and undergoing background checks.
Edward Jones offers a range of benefits to employees, including competitive compensation, health and wellness programs, retirement plans, comprehensive insurance coverage, paid time off, career development opportunities and a supportive work environment.
Final Thoughts
The Edward Jones hiring process is a robust recruitment process. The process involves multiple stages, including an application form and telephone, virtual and onsite interviews.
The firm also requires candidates to sit several tests, in some cases, a DDI assessment test, along with several other cognitive and aptitude tests depending on the role applied for.
Candidates should thoroughly prepare for the Edward Jones modern hire interview questions and practice the test to ensure they showcase their skills and experiences as relevant to the role.
Doing so gives you the best opportunity to build an effective career with the firm.
