Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents

Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Make bids or offers to buy or sell securities.95
Monitor markets or positions.94
Agree on buying or selling prices at optimal levels for clients.91
Keep accurate records of transactions.90
Buy or sell stocks, bonds, commodity futures, foreign currencies, or other securities on behalf of investment dealers.89
Complete sales order tickets and submit for processing of client-requested transactions.87
Report all positions or trading results.87
Interview clients to determine clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, or financial objectives.86
Discuss financial options with clients and keep them informed about transactions.85
Identify opportunities or develop channels for purchase or sale of securities or commodities.83
Develop financial plans, based on analysis of clients' financial status.82
Review all securities transactions to ensure accuracy of information and conformance to governing agency regulations.82

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Devise trading, option, or hedge strategies.81
Supervise support staff and ensure proper execution of contracts.81
Determine customers' financial services needs and prepare proposals to sell services that address these needs.79
Track and analyze factors that affect price movement, such as trade policies, weather conditions, political developments, or supply and demand changes.79
Inform other traders, managers, or customers of market conditions, including volume, price, competition, or dynamics.77
Offer advice on the purchase or sale of particular securities.76
Relay buy or sell orders to securities exchanges or to firm trading departments.75
Contact prospective customers to present information and explain available services.73
Explain stock market terms or trading practices to clients.72
Calculate costs for billings or commissions.71
Prepare financial reports to monitor client or corporate finances.71
Supply the latest price quotes on any security, as well as information on the activities or financial positions of the corporations issuing these securities.69
Evaluate costs and revenue of agreements to determine continued profitability.66
Sell services or equipment, such as trusts, investments, or check processing services.58
Negotiate prices or contracts for securities or commodities sales or purchases.—
Prepare and send requests for price quotations to all companies in a particular market.—
Price securities or commodities based on market conditions.—
Purchase or sell financial derivatives for customers.—

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening69
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking69
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making66
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Monitoring66
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Active Learning63
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Persuasion63
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Reading Comprehension63
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Speaking63
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Complex Problem Solving60
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Social Perceptiveness60
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Writing60
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Service Orientation56
Actively looking for ways to help people.

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Systems Analysis56
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Management of Financial Resources53
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Mathematics53
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Systems Evaluation53
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Time Management53
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Negotiation50
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Coordination47
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Instructing47
Teaching others how to do something.
Management of Personnel Resources44
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Learning Strategies41
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Management of Material Resources25
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operations Analysis25
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Programming22
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Operations Monitoring16
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Technology Design16
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Quality Control Analysis10
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Science6
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Equipment Maintenance3
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection3
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Installation3
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Operation and Control3
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Troubleshooting3
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Customer and Personal Service83
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Economics and Accounting73
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
English Language71
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Mathematics68
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Sales and Marketing68
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Computers and Electronics63
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Administration and Management61
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Law and Government53
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Administrative50
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Communications and Media42
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Education and Training41
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Personnel and Human Resources41
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

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Psychology40
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Telecommunications34
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Production and Processing26
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Transportation26
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Public Safety and Security22
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Sociology and Anthropology21
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Engineering and Technology19
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Geography19
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
History and Archeology18
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Philosophy and Theology17
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Foreign Language14
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Therapy and Counseling14
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Building and Construction12
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Food Production10
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Design9
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Mechanical9
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Biology8
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Chemistry5
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Fine Arts5
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Medicine and Dentistry5
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Physics4
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral Comprehension78
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression72
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Deductive Reasoning69
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Speech Clarity66
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Written Comprehension66
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Problem Sensitivity63
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Speech Recognition63
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Written Expression63
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Inductive Reasoning60
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Information Ordering60
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Near Vision60
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Category Flexibility56
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

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Fluency of Ideas56
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Mathematical Reasoning56
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility53
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Originality50
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Flexibility of Closure47
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Selective Attention47
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Perceptual Speed44
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Speed of Closure44
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Far Vision38
The ability to see details at a distance.
Memorization38
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Time Sharing35
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Auditory Attention31
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Hearing Sensitivity25
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Visualization25
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Trunk Strength22
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Wrist-Finger Speed22
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Visual Color Discrimination16
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Spatial Orientation10
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Depth Perception6
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Arm-Hand Steadiness3
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision3
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Extent Flexibility3
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity3
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Manual Dexterity3
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Multilimb Coordination3
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Night Vision3
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision3
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Reaction Time3
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation3
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Sound Localization3
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Dynamic Strength0
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Finger Dexterity0
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Gross Body Coordination0
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium0
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Rate Control0
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina0
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength0
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Working with Computers86
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Getting Information82
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships81
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems77
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Processing Information77
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization75
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge75
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards74
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Analyzing Data or Information73
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work72
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates71
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others69
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events68
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Selling or Influencing Others68
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Documenting/Recording Information66
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public62
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People60
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others57
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings55
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Thinking Creatively54
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Developing Objectives and Strategies52
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Performing Administrative Activities52
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Scheduling Work and Activities50
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others49
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information48
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others44
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Developing and Building Teams44
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Coaching and Developing Others42
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Training and Teaching Others40
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates39
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources37
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Assisting and Caring for Others26
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Staffing Organizational Units17
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Performing General Physical Activities16
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials15
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Controlling Machines and Processes13
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment13
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Handling and Moving Objects7
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment6
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment5
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment3
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Integrity96
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Attention to Detail89
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability85
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Social Orientation82
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Stress Tolerance82
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Self-Confidence81
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Achievement Orientation79
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Perseverance75
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Adaptability68
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Initiative68
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Intellectual Curiosity68
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Self-Control66
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

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Tolerance for Ambiguity66
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Leadership Orientation51
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Optimism43
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Innovation42
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Empathy36
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Cautiousness34
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Cooperation29
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Sincerity24
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Enterprising85
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Conventional71
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Social35
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Investigative26
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Artistic5
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Realistic4
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

E-Mail
- Every day97%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day97%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day82%
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others78%
- Contact with others most of the time15%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important65%
- Very important28%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom55%
- Some freedom33%
- Limited freedom12%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom47%
- Some freedom39%
- Limited freedom14%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day58%
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results46%
- Important results37%
- Moderate results16%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important60%
- Very important20%
- Important11%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually46%
- More than half the time36%
- About half the time18%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day79%
- Never21%

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Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important53%
- Very important22%
- Important11%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive24%
- Highly competitive50%
- Moderately competitive19%
Time Pressure
- Every day30%
- Once a week or more but not every day37%
- Once a month or more but not every week23%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours44%
- 40 hours42%
- Less than 40 hours14%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day18%
- Once a week or more but not every day38%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never12%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious23%
- Very serious27%
- Serious22%
- Fairly serious14%
- Not serious at all13%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important22%
- Very important21%
- Important23%
- Fairly important18%
- Not important at all15%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important18%
- Very important27%
- Important19%
- Fairly important14%
- Not important at all21%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)32%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)17%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)40%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility20%
- High responsibility21%
- Moderate responsibility20%
- Limited responsibility17%
- No responsibility22%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
- Once a month or more but not every week25%
- Once a year or more but not every month35%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week38%
- Once a year or more but not every month41%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated11%
- Moderately automated39%
- Slightly automated33%
- Not at all automated13%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually17%
- More than half the time15%
- Never56%
Public Speaking
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month52%
- Never19%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually12%
- Less than half the time33%
- Never40%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never53%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility11%
- Limited responsibility31%
- No responsibility45%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Never64%
Spend Time Standing
- About half the time15%
- Less than half the time65%
- Never20%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Never72%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time39%
- Never56%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never82%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)13%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)87%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Never84%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all90%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never83%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Never88%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time18%
- Never82%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Never91%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Never91%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time11%
- Never89%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never96%
Exposed to High Places
- Never97%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Never96%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never97%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Never97%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Never100%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Never100%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never100%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never99%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never99%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Never100%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never99%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Bachelor’s degree
High school diploma or equivalent
Some college, no degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Microsoft Dynamics GP, Oracle PeopleSoft, Oracle PeopleSoft Financials, SAP software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Financial analysis software
Bloomberg Professional, Oracle E-Business Suite Financials, Triple Point Commodity XL, Web-based trading systems
Data base user interface and query software
Database management software, FileMaker Pro, Microsoft Access, Web-based information systems
Customer relationship management CRM software
CSI Complex Systems ClientTrade, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle Siebel CRM, Salesforce software
Object or component oriented development software
C++, Oracle Java, Python, R
Electronic mail software
Email software, IBM Notes, Microsoft Outlook
Operating system software
Linux, Microsoft Windows, UNIX
Accounting software
Fund accounting software, Sage 50 Accounting
Desktop communications software
ADP/Vantra VOLTS, Imagine Software Imagine Trading System
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Graphics or photo imaging software
Graphics software
Document management software
Microsoft SharePoint
Development environment software
Microsoft Visual Basic
Transaction server software
Customer information control system CICS
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Business intelligence and data analysis software
IBM Cognos Impromptu
Analytical or scientific software
The MathWorks MATLAB
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Compliance software
Regulatory agency compliance software
Web page creation and editing software
LinkedIn
Calendar and scheduling software
Scheduling software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Negotiate prices or other sales terms.
Monitor market conditions or trends.
Maintain records of sales or other business transactions.
Sell products or services.
Prepare financial documents, reports, or budgets.
Prepare sales or other contracts.
Process sales or other transactions.
Gather customer or product information to determine customer needs.
Explain financial information to customers.
Identify investment opportunities or strategies.
Develop professional relationships or networks.
Customize financial products or services to meet customer needs.

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Review accuracy of sales or other transactions.
Monitor sales activities.
Supervise sales or support personnel.
Analyze market conditions or trends.
Develop proposals for current or prospective customers.
Share sales-related or market information with colleagues.
Coordinate activities with suppliers, contractors, clients, or other departments.
Contact current or potential customers to promote products or services.
Explain technical product or service information to customers.
Calculate costs of goods or services.
Estimate costs or terms of sales.
Analyze business or financial data.
Gather information in order to provide services to clients.
Negotiate purchases or contracts.
Purchase products or services.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Financial Services Representative

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology