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Our Selection Process

Step One - The Initial Interview

Welcome to The Compass Group of Upstate New York. We would like to introduce you to one of the largest and most successful financial services firms of New England Financial. We would also like to introduce you to a firm with an unrivaled environment for the ambitious entrepreneur to begin or grow a successful financial services practice. As you begin the selection process, you will be introduced to New England Financial and learn all about the past, present and future of The Compass Group of Upstate New York. During the initial interview, you will not only learn about the long-term advantages of a financial services career, but also the short-term challenges one must endure to become successful in this industry. If you have a sincere interest in the career and the firm decides you would be a good fit, you will be invited to take the next step by receiving access to our on-line application and profiles.

Step Two - On-Line Application and Profiles

Let the questions begin! If chosen to continue the formal interviewing process, you will receive access to our on-line application which inquires about your previous education and experiences. Your answers to the on-line profiles are helpful when compared to the profiles of successful financial professionals who have completed the same questions.

Step Three - Agency Sales Manager Meeting(s)

Great, You want to know more! By the end of this step you will have a very clear understanding of what it takes to become successful as a financial professional. During these interviews, The Agency Sales Managers will not only ask you questions, but will be happy to answer anything that may be on your mind. In this step, you will learn more about the daily activities of starting or continuing a successful financial services practice. We will talk about compensation, go over our business plan outline, and explain what is entailed in completing your Natural Market Assessment. At this point as well, we will discuss our Pre-Appointment training program. After learning more about the career, you will be presented with a “homework” project. This project involves designing a business plan and identifying your “natural market.” The plan, of course, is a “work in progress.” However, these two pieces enable you to clearly think about the challenges of the career.

Step Four - Associate Meetings (Optional)

Fire away, it’s your turn to ask the questions! During the associate meetings, you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the career and about The Compass Group of Upstate New York. You will be meeting with various individuals from similar backgrounds and experiences who have already undergone or are in their first few years as a Financial Services Representative here at The Compass Group of Upstate New York.

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 The Compass Group of Upstate New York? Each associate will share the challenges and difficulties along with the rewards and advantages of the career. In addition, by spending some time in our firm with our associates, you will experience the high-energy culture of The Compass Group of Upstate New York. These interviews will also allow our associates 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 who know what it takes to begin and maintain a successful financial services practice. During this step, we will also be glad to meet with anyone who might be significant in assisting  you with your decision at your request. We want you to feel confident that you are choosing the right firm.

Step Five - Offer Process

So, you have been through the rigorous steps of our selection process and you are still standing! At this point we will present you with an offer contingent upon a favorable review of your background and have you sign our “Guiding Principles and Agreement.” This agreement outlines our mutual commitment to each other during the final steps that lead to becoming a full time Financial Services Representative with The Compass Group of Upstate New York of

Upstate New York/New England Financial. During this step you will also receive our “Pre-Appointment Licensing Guidelines for Interns” and we will discuss your options of either becoming a Non-Financed for Financed Intern. You will also receive your New York State Life, Accident & Health exam materials to begin the study process.

Step Six - Pre-Appointment Training and Licensing

Congratulations! When you arrive at the sixth step of the process, you should consider yourself among a select few. Some of our very successful Agency Sales Managers often say…“Education takes place in the classroom. Training takes place in the field.” They are right. This training program is made up of two key components – Building Knowledge and Development of Skills. You will gain knowledge of various sales concepts and skills and apply them in the field with this training. The emphasis of this program is to teach you some of the basics and give you the opportunity to put it into action with phone calls and face to face meetings. There are several sessions that you will schedule with you Agency Sales Manager and “homework” you will do in the form of phone calls and market surveys. At this point, you will also learn as you work with you Agency Sales Manager in the field on appointments with your Natural Market to complete the Pre-Appointment Production requirement leading up to your full-time appointment with New England Financial. The final step if your appointment as a Financial Services Representative with The Compass Group of Upstate New York!