Gen X and Y job seekers have values that align with the financial services profession — they just don't know it.
Many younger people pursuing jobs say they are not interested in financial services sales, according to Limra, which recently conducted surveys and focus groups on the matter. Yet the job seekers say they want to work in a stable industry with solid growth potential and a chance to change people's lives.
A study of 272 recruiters from across the financial services industry found that many companies try to attract job seekers with the opportunity to make a lot of money, even though younger job seekers say they want stability and security more. In addition, Gen X and Y job seekers expect to have the latest tools to help them communicate with their network, but many companies have been slow to adopt new technologies. Another disconnect is that Gen X and Y job seekers want to be part of a team and change the world, yet industry recruiters emphasize the ability to be your own boss rather than the team aspect of the job.
"We know that many of these disconnects are just a lack of understanding by both the job seekers and recruiters," Limra Distribution Research analyst Pollie Painter said in a press release. "Our study shows that recruiters who align their message with the job qualities valued by the younger generations will be most successful in overcoming the preconceived ideas about the industry and attract people to a position that is both personally satisfying and financially rewarding."
