The Top 10 Equity Trust Company Interview Questions and How to Ace Your Interview

Getting hired at Equity Trust Company is no easy feat. Because Equity Trust is one of the best companies for managing self-directed IRAs, they only hire the best people in the business. If you have an interview, you can expect a thorough screening process that looks at both your technical skills and how well you fit in with the company’s culture.

In this comprehensive guide I’ll walk you through the top 10 most common Equity Trust interview questions along with tips and sample answers to help you craft winning responses. With nearly 50 years of expertise empowering investors Equity Trust cares deeply about finding professionals who align with their values of innovation, integrity, and client service. Use this advice to showcase your qualifications and land the job!

1. Why do you want to work for Equity Trust Company?

Equity Trust is looking for people who are truly passionate about their mission to offer investing options other than stocks and bonds. When you answer, stress that you support their values, are interested in self-directed accounts, and want to help clients become financially free. Mention being drawn to their pioneering spirit, longevity, and reputation. Share relevant experience you hope to leverage to contribute to their success.

Example “I’m excited by the opportunity to work for a respected industry leader like Equity Trust Your mission of empowering investors through innovative options fully aligns with my personal values. I’m particularly passionate about increasing accessibility to nontraditional assets like real estate, which can help diversify portfolios. With over 10 years in financial services and a strong background in retirement accounts and alternative investments, I’m confident I could contribute meaningfully to furthering Equity Trust’s goal of helping clients achieve financial independence The chance to be part of a forward-thinking company with such an impressive track record is the ideal next step in my career.”

2. What do you know about Equity Trust Company?

Equity Trust wants to see you’ve researched the company and understand their business Highlight facts like their founding, longevity, number of clients, services offered, leadership team, awards/recognition, and recent news Show your grasp of their brand identity and point out aspects that appeal to you. Back up claims with evidence of true interest.

Example: “From my research, I know Equity Trust was founded in 1974 and serves over 200,000 clients nationwide, making you a leader in self-directed IRA administration services. You offer innovative account options including real estate IRAs, crypto IRAs, and precious metals IRAs – alternatives that really excite me. I also read about your recent expansion into digital asset custody solutions, demonstrating your forward-thinking approach. Your President Kevin Yates has over 20 years of experience in the field, providing trusted guidance. With numerous accolades, like being named a Top Workplace, it’s clear you truly value your employees. Overall, I’m impressed by Equity Trust’s trailblazing ethos and steadfast commitment to customer service over nearly 50 years.”

3. Why do you want to work in this industry?

Equity Trust seeks passionate professionals who will champion their mission long-term. Convey a genuine interest in finance, self-directed accounts, alternative investing, and empowering others. Share how past experiences led you to this career path. Outline skills you hope to develop and values you want to uphold while working in the industry.

Example: “I’ve always been fascinated by investments and financial planning, motivated by a desire to help everyday people achieve their financial dreams. After college, I worked extensively with retirement accounts, which opened my eyes to the power of self-directed options for building wealth. I’m particularly compelled by alternatives like real estate and crypto that allow investors more control. This industry aligns perfectly with my values around innovation and inclusivity. I love that companies like Equity Trust are working to open alternative investing to the masses. I’m excited by the complex challenges in this space and want to keep developing my expertise in retirement accounts, compliance, and customer service. Most importantly, I’m eager to help more clients access the flexibility they need to pursue financial freedom.”

4. What makes you qualified for this role?

This is your chance to highlight relevant skills, experience, certifications, and knowledge. Tie these directly to the role’s requirements. Showcase technical prowess as well as soft skills like work ethic, communication abilities, and leadership. Quantify achievements and provide specific examples. Emphasize eagerness to learn.

Example: “With 8 years of experience in financial services, including 4 years specifically focused on retirement plan management, I’ve developed a deep understanding of self-directed accounts and the fiduciary responsibilities associated with them. Specifically, my background overseeing operations for 500+ client IRAs equips me to handle the record-keeping, disclosures, transactions, and reporting needed to excel in this Retirement Plan Administrator role. I hold active Series 65 and Series 7 certifications, exemplifying my commitment to ongoing education. Beyond the technical skills, I bring a tireless work ethic, acting as a mentor to junior team members at my current firm. My 94% client satisfaction rating over the past 2 years highlights my commitment to service excellence. I’m confident my expertise coupled with my passion for helping clients makes me a strong candidate for this opportunity.”

5. How do you stay up-to-date on industry regulations and compliance standards?

Compliance is hugely important in financial services, so Equity Trust needs people deeply dedicated to following proper protocols. Demonstrate proactivity in seeking formal continuing education. Highlight daily habits like reading industry publications, attending trainings, or networking with colleagues to share best practices. Reference past experiences implementing updated regulations successfully.

Example: “Staying current on industry rules and regulations is critical for success in this field. I make it a priority to regularly engage in formal continuing education by completing any required certifications or courses in a timely manner. On a daily basis, I read accounting and legal publications covering new rulings, follow thought leaders on social media, and browse forums to identify emerging trends. Within my role, I lead quarterly lunch-and-learn sessions to train our team on recent changes and best practices for implementation. In the past, I successfully guided my firm through major regulatory shifts like the DOL Fiduciary Rule by proactively assessing implications, updating internal protocols, and collaborating across departments to ensure a smooth transition. Compliance is a moving target, so consistent learning and vigilance are essential.”

6. How would you handle a dissatisfied client?

Equity Trust prioritizes maintaining positive client relationships, even in difficult situations. Showcase empathy, problem-solving skills, and dedication to service recovery. Highlight communication techniques like active listening, controlling tone of voice, apologizing, and identifying solutions. Provide an example of successfully placating an upset client in the past.

**Example: “If faced with a dissatisfied client, I would first listen closely with patience and empathy to fully understand their perspective and the root of their frustration. I’ve found it’s critical to let them vent before attempting to problem-solve. I would apologize sincerely, letting them know I appreciate them bringing this issue to my attention. I would then review all details of their account and the situation to identify where expectations weren’t met and determine possible solutions to get us back on track.

For example, when a client complained of not understanding fees associated with a real estate transaction in their self-directed IRA, I arranged a follow-up call to walk through each cost line-by-line until they felt comfortable. I provided my direct contact information for any future questions. Following up after the fact, their satisfaction had been restored. Maintaining open communication and a collaborative approach is key to overcoming issues.”

7. Describe your experience with retirement accounts and alternative investment options.

With alternative IRAs being a major service offering, Equity Trust needs to know you have relevant experience. Demonstrate hands-on knowledge of account types like self-directed IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, HSAs, and ESAs. Reference work with alternative assets like real estate, private equity, promissory notes, and cryptocurrency. Share compliance expertise around prohibited transactions and UBIT. Prove you can educate clients and make suitable recommendations.

Example: “In my current role as an Investment Analyst and previous positions over 7 years, I’ve cultivated extensive hands-on experience with various self-directed retirement accounts. On a daily basis, I work with clients to facilitate transactions, provide guidance on compliant investing practices, and help select suitable alternative assets to align with their goals.

Specifically, I have expertise administering IRAs involving real estate, private lending, and cryptocurrency – educating clients on options and potential risks and returns. I also have experience handling Solo 401(k) accounts, HSAs, and ESAs. My background conducting due diligence on alternative investments and working cross-departmentally to avoid prohibited transactions gives me confidence in managing compliance intricacies associated with these accounts.”

8. How would you go about learning a new product or service quickly in order to effectively assist clients?

Equity Trust seeks self-starters who are eager to quickly get up to speed on new offerings. Discuss seeking out available resources like product guides, trainings, and team knowledge. Highlight trying the product yourself and shadowing customer service calls. Emphasize supplementing learning with ongoing research as you begin assisting clients.

Example: “I enjoy the process of rapidly getting up to speed on new products and services in order to provide excellent client assistance. When encountering a new offering