How to Apply to Morgan Stanley

Key Takeaways

Morgan Stanley uses Workday as its ATS — optimize your resume for clean parsing by avoiding complex formatting and using standard section headings to ensure your qualifications are accurately captured in the system.
Securities licenses are frequently non-negotiable requirements for client-facing roles — prominently display any FINRA certifications you hold and indicate willingness to obtain required licenses if you don't yet have them.
Bilingual skills are a significant differentiator at Morgan Stanley, with multiple current openings specifically requiring Spanish, Mandarin, or French proficiency — highlight language capabilities prominently if applicable.
Prepare extensively for behavioral interviews using the STAR method, with specific examples demonstrating client focus, ethical decision-making, teamwork, and performance under pressure.
Research Morgan Stanley's three business segments (Institutional Securities, Wealth Management, Investment Management) thoroughly and be prepared to articulate why you want to work in your specific target division.
The application-to-offer timeline can be lengthy due to regulatory background checks and licensing verification — be patient and maintain communication with your recruiter throughout the process.
Demonstrate alignment with Morgan Stanley's core values of integrity, client-first mentality, and commitment to diversity — these cultural elements are consistently evaluated throughout the interview process.

About Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley is one of the world's leading global financial services firms, providing a wide range of investment banking, securities, wealth management, and investment management services. Founded in 1935 and headquartered in New York City, the firm employs approximately 80,000 professionals across more than 40 countries. Morgan Stanley operates through three primary business segments: Institutional Securities, Wealth Management, and Investment Management. The firm is consistently ranked among the top financial institutions globally and is a fixture on the Fortune 500 list. Morgan Stanley's culture is commonly described as high-performance, client-focused, and intellectually rigorous, with a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The firm has invested heavily in technology and innovation in recent years, blending traditional financial expertise with modern digital capabilities. Known for its prestigious brand and competitive compensation packages, Morgan Stanley typically attracts top talent from elite universities and experienced professionals from across the financial services industry. The company places significant value on integrity, collaboration, and putting clients first — principles that are deeply embedded in its corporate identity and day-to-day operations.

Application Process

1
Explore Open Positions on the Morgan Stanley Careers Portal
Morgan Stanley hosts all job listings through its Workday-powered careers page at ms.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com. Begin by browsing available roles, which span areas including Private Wealth Management, Investment Banking, Technology, Operations, and more. Use the search filters to narrow results by location, job category, experience level, and keywords. Pay close attention to job titles — Morgan Stanley uses specific nomenclature such as 'Registered Client Service Associate,' 'Group Director,' and 'IBD Executive Assistant,' which may differ from titles at other firms. Save roles you're interested in and carefully read the full job descriptions, noting required qualifications, preferred skills, and any specific licensing requirements (such as Series 7, Series 66, or bilingual proficiency).
2
Create or Log Into Your Workday Candidate Profile
To apply, you'll need to create a candidate account on Morgan Stanley's Workday portal. This profile serves as your central application hub and stores your resume, contact information, work history, and education details. Many applicants report that Workday will attempt to auto-parse your uploaded resume to populate profile fields — review these carefully for accuracy, as parsing errors are common with complex formatting. Complete all required fields thoroughly, as incomplete profiles may be deprioritized. If you've previously applied to Morgan Stanley or another company using Workday, you may be able to reuse existing credentials, though you'll typically need to create a new profile specific to Morgan Stanley's Workday instance.
3
Tailor and Submit Your Application Materials
For each role, customize your resume and any supplementary materials to align with the specific job description. Morgan Stanley roles frequently require industry-specific certifications, regulatory licenses, and language skills — make sure these are prominently featured. Upload your resume in a clean, ATS-friendly format (PDF or Word), and fill out any additional application questions, which may include questions about your work authorization, willingness to relocate, and relevant certifications. For intern positions, you may also be asked about your expected graduation date and GPA. Double-check every field before submitting, as some Workday implementations do not allow edits after submission.
4
Complete Any Pre-Screening Assessments
Depending on the role, Morgan Stanley may require candidates to complete online assessments after submitting their application. These can include cognitive aptitude tests, situational judgment assessments, personality questionnaires, or technical evaluations. For technology roles such as Database Developer positions, candidates may encounter coding challenges or technical problem-solving exercises. For client-facing roles, assessments may focus on communication skills, client service scenarios, and regulatory knowledge. Many applicants report receiving assessment invitations via email within days of applying, so monitor your inbox (including spam folders) closely after submission.
5
Phone or Video Screening Interview
Candidates who pass initial screening typically advance to a phone or video interview with a recruiter or hiring manager. This conversation commonly covers your background, motivation for joining Morgan Stanley, understanding of the specific role, and cultural fit. For bilingual positions (such as Spanish/English or English/Mandarin roles), expect a portion of the conversation to be conducted in the required language. Prepare to discuss your understanding of Morgan Stanley's business segments, recent news about the firm, and how your experience aligns with the role's requirements. This stage is also an opportunity to ask questions about team structure, day-to-day responsibilities, and growth opportunities.
6
In-Person or Virtual Panel Interviews
Successful candidates are commonly invited to more in-depth interviews, which may be conducted in-person at a Morgan Stanley office or virtually. These interviews often involve multiple rounds with different team members, including potential direct managers, senior leaders, and cross-functional colleagues. For Investment Banking Division (IBD) roles, expect technical questions about financial modeling, valuation, and deal experience. For Wealth Management roles, discussions may focus on client relationship management, market knowledge, and business development strategies. Behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) are widely reported across all Morgan Stanley interview processes.
7
Background Check, Licensing Verification, and Offer
As a major securities firm regulated by FINRA and the SEC, Morgan Stanley conducts thorough background checks on all prospective employees. This typically includes criminal background checks, employment verification, education verification, credit checks, and confirmation of any required securities licenses. For registered positions (such as Registered Client Service Associates), you must hold or be willing to obtain specific FINRA licenses. Once all checks are cleared, candidates typically receive a formal offer with details about compensation, benefits, start date, and onboarding logistics. The entire process from application to offer can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on the role and business unit.

Resume Tips for Morgan Stanley

critical

Highlight Securities Licenses and Certifications Prominently

Many Morgan Stanley roles — particularly in Wealth Management and Client Service — require FINRA licenses such as Series 7, Series 63, Series 66, or SIE. Create a dedicated 'Licenses & Certifications' section near the top of your resume and list all relevant credentials with their status (active, pending, or willing to obtain). This is often a hard filter in the screening process, so making this information immediately visible is critical for passing both ATS screening and human review.

critical

Emphasize Bilingual and Multilingual Capabilities

A notable portion of Morgan Stanley's current openings specifically require bilingual proficiency in languages such as Spanish, Mandarin, French, and others. If you possess language skills, list them with your proficiency level (native, fluent, professional working proficiency) in a clearly labeled section. For roles that explicitly require bilingual skills, weave language-related accomplishments into your work experience — for example, 'Managed a portfolio of 50+ Spanish-speaking high-net-worth clients' or 'Translated financial documents for cross-border transactions.'

critical

Use Financial Services Industry Terminology

Morgan Stanley's ATS and recruiters will be scanning for industry-specific keywords. Incorporate relevant terms naturally throughout your resume, including: wealth management, portfolio management, client onboarding, KYC/AML compliance, trade execution, financial planning, asset allocation, risk management, CRM systems, and client relationship management. Mirror the exact language used in the job description wherever truthfully applicable — for instance, if the posting says 'high-net-worth individuals,' use that exact phrase rather than synonyms like 'affluent clients.'

recommended

Quantify Achievements with Financial Metrics

In the financial services industry, numbers speak volumes. Quantify your accomplishments wherever possible using metrics relevant to the role: assets under management (AUM), number of client accounts managed, revenue generated, transaction volumes processed, error reduction percentages, or client satisfaction scores. For example, 'Supported a team managing $2.5B in client assets across 300+ accounts' is far more impactful than 'Assisted with client account management.' Even for intern or entry-level applications, include quantifiable academic or project achievements.

critical

Keep Formatting Clean and ATS-Compatible

Since Morgan Stanley uses Workday as its ATS, your resume must be easily parseable by automated systems. Use standard section headings (Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications), avoid tables, text boxes, columns, headers/footers, and graphics that can confuse parsing algorithms. Stick to common fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Submit in PDF or .docx format as specified. Use standard date formats (MM/YYYY) and avoid abbreviations that the system might not recognize. Test your resume by copying and pasting it into a plain text editor — if the content flows logically, it's likely ATS-friendly.

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Demonstrate Client-Centric Experience and Soft Skills

Morgan Stanley's culture places enormous emphasis on client service excellence. Regardless of the role, showcase experiences that demonstrate your ability to build relationships, communicate complex information clearly, and deliver exceptional service. Use specific examples: 'Resolved 95% of client inquiries within 24 hours' or 'Developed personalized financial reports for quarterly client reviews.' For non-client-facing roles like Database Developer, highlight how your technical work supported client-facing teams or improved client outcomes.

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Include Relevant Technology and Platform Proficiency

Morgan Stanley leverages a wide range of financial technology platforms and tools. Depending on the role, mention proficiency with systems such as Bloomberg Terminal, Salesforce, Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel with advanced functions), SQL, Python, proprietary trading platforms, and portfolio management software. For technology roles, be specific about programming languages, database management systems, cloud platforms, and development methodologies. The firm has been investing heavily in its technology infrastructure, so demonstrating tech-savviness is increasingly valued across all business units.

ATS System: Workday

Morgan Stanley uses Workday (specifically the wd5 instance) as its applicant tracking system to manage the entire recruitment lifecycle. Workday is one of the most widely used enterprise ATS platforms in the financial services industry. When you submit an application through Morgan Stanley's careers portal, Workday parses your resume, stores your candidate profile, and enables recruiters to search, filter, and rank candidates based on keywords, qualifications, and other criteria. The system also manages interview scheduling, assessment tracking, and offer workflows. Understanding how Workday processes applications can significantly improve your chances of advancing past the initial automated screening stage.

Upload your resume in .docx or PDF format and then manually review all auto-populated fields in your Workday profile — the parser frequently misinterprets dates, job titles, and company names, especially from complex resume layouts.
Complete every section of the Workday application thoroughly, including optional fields. Workday allows recruiters to filter candidates by profile completeness, and incomplete applications may be automatically deprioritized in search results.
Use exact keywords and phrases from the Morgan Stanley job description in your resume and profile. Workday's search functionality enables recruiters to run keyword queries, and matching terminology increases your visibility in candidate searches.
Avoid using headers, footers, tables, or multi-column layouts in your resume, as Workday's parsing engine commonly struggles with these formatting elements, potentially causing important information to be lost or misplaced in your profile.
Create a strong 'Summary' or 'Professional Summary' section at the top of your resume with key qualifications, as Workday often displays this section prominently in candidate previews that recruiters see when scanning applications.
After submitting, log back into your Workday profile periodically to check application status updates and ensure your contact information remains current — Morgan Stanley recruiters will use the information in Workday to reach out to candidates.

Complete Workday Resume Guide →

Interview Culture

Morgan Stanley's interview process is widely regarded as thorough, professional, and multi-layered, reflecting the firm's high standards and the regulated nature of the securities industry.

The process typically varies by division and seniority level but commonly includes several distinct stages. For entry-level and intern positions, many candidates report initial screening through online assessments or HireVue video interviews, followed by Super Day-style events where candidates rotate through multiple interviews in a single day. For experienced hires, the process more commonly involves sequential interviews with increasing seniority of interviewers. Behavioral interviews are a cornerstone of Morgan Stanley's hiring approach. Candidates are frequently asked to demonstrate competencies such as teamwork, leadership, problem-solving under pressure, ethical decision-making, and client focus using the STAR framework. Questions like 'Tell me about a time you had to manage a difficult client situation' or 'Describe a scenario where you had to make a decision with incomplete information' are commonly reported. For technical roles in Investment Banking, candidates should expect rigorous questions on financial modeling, DCF analysis, comparable company analysis, and recent M&A transactions. Technology candidates may face coding challenges, system design questions, and discussions about database architecture and optimization. Morgan Stanley's interview culture tends to be formal but respectful. Interviewers are typically well-prepared and genuinely interested in understanding candidates' motivations and fit with the firm's values. The firm places significant weight on cultural alignment — candidates who demonstrate integrity, intellectual curiosity, a commitment to diversity, and a genuine passion for financial services tend to resonate well. Dress code for interviews is typically business professional, even for virtual interviews, reflecting the firm's traditional Wall Street culture. Following up with personalized thank-you notes to each interviewer is considered standard practice and is well-received.

What Morgan Stanley Looks For

Strong client service orientation and the ability to build lasting relationships with high-net-worth and institutional clients
Relevant FINRA licenses and securities industry certifications (Series 7, Series 66, SIE) for registered positions
Bilingual or multilingual proficiency, particularly in Spanish, Mandarin, French, and other languages relevant to their global client base
Demonstrated integrity, ethical judgment, and commitment to regulatory compliance in all professional activities
Technical proficiency with financial platforms, data analysis tools, and industry-standard technology systems
Intellectual curiosity and a genuine passion for financial markets, investment strategies, and the broader securities industry
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy
Strong teamwork and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across diverse, global teams
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion — a core value that Morgan Stanley actively promotes in its hiring practices
Relevant educational background from strong academic programs, with particular emphasis on finance, economics, business, computer science, or related fields

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for a job at Morgan Stanley?

All applications are submitted through Morgan Stanley's official Workday-powered careers portal at ms.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com. You'll need to create a candidate profile, upload your resume, and complete the application for each specific role you're interested in. There is no general application — you must apply to individual job postings. Make sure to complete all required fields and review your parsed profile information for accuracy before submitting.

What securities licenses do I need to work at Morgan Stanley?

License requirements vary by role. Registered positions such as Client Service Associates and Financial Advisors typically require FINRA licenses including the Series 7 (General Securities Representative), Series 66 (Uniform Combined State Law), and/or the SIE (Securities Industry Essentials). Some roles may accept candidates who are willing to obtain these licenses within a specified timeframe after hiring. Always check the specific job posting for exact licensing requirements, as they differ significantly between positions.

Does Morgan Stanley offer internship programs?

Yes, Morgan Stanley offers internship programs across multiple divisions and locations. Current listings include bilingual intern positions (English/Spanish and English/Mandarin) as well as Private Wealth Management internships. Internship programs are typically aimed at undergraduate and graduate students and often serve as a pipeline for full-time employment. Application timelines for summer internships commonly open in the fall of the preceding year, so early preparation is advisable. Check the careers portal regularly for updated intern postings.

How long does the Morgan Stanley hiring process typically take?

The timeline varies significantly depending on the role, division, and level of seniority. Many candidates report the process taking anywhere from 3 to 8 weeks from initial application to offer, though some positions — particularly those requiring extensive background checks, licensing verification, or regulatory approvals — may take longer. The process for intern positions often follows a more structured timeline aligned with academic calendars. Staying responsive to communications and completing assessments promptly can help expedite the process.

What is the interview format at Morgan Stanley?

Morgan Stanley's interview format commonly includes multiple stages: an initial phone or video screen with a recruiter, followed by one or more rounds of interviews with hiring managers and team members. Depending on the role, you may encounter behavioral interviews, technical assessments, case studies, or Super Day events (particularly for campus recruiting). Virtual interviews have become increasingly common. For client-facing roles, expect questions about client service scenarios, and for technical roles, prepare for hands-on problem-solving exercises.

Does Morgan Stanley offer hybrid or remote work options?

Morgan Stanley's work arrangement policies vary by role, team, and location. Some current job listings, such as the Database Developer position, are explicitly labeled as 'Hybrid,' indicating a mix of in-office and remote work. However, many client-facing and trading floor roles typically require regular in-office presence. Morgan Stanley has generally emphasized the importance of in-office collaboration, particularly for junior employees. Check individual job postings for specific work arrangement details and discuss flexibility during the interview process.

How important are bilingual skills for Morgan Stanley positions?

Bilingual skills are highly valued at Morgan Stanley, particularly in Wealth Management and client-facing roles serving diverse, global client bases. Several current openings specifically require bilingual proficiency in Spanish/English, Mandarin/English, or French. Even for roles that don't explicitly require a second language, multilingual abilities can be a significant differentiator given Morgan Stanley's global operations spanning over 40 countries. If you possess language skills, make them prominently visible on your resume and be prepared to demonstrate proficiency during interviews.

What should I wear to a Morgan Stanley interview?

Morgan Stanley maintains a professional corporate culture rooted in traditional Wall Street standards. Business professional attire is typically expected for interviews — this means a suit and tie for men and equivalent professional attire for women. Even for virtual interviews, dressing professionally is advisable, as it demonstrates respect for the firm's culture and the interview process. Some technology or operations roles may have slightly more relaxed expectations, but when in doubt, err on the side of formality. Your recruiter may provide specific guidance on dress code expectations.

Can I apply to multiple positions at Morgan Stanley simultaneously?

Yes, you can apply to multiple positions through the Workday portal. However, it's generally advisable to be strategic and selective rather than applying broadly to many roles. Each application should be tailored to the specific position, with your resume and responses customized to match the job requirements. Applying to too many unrelated positions may signal a lack of focus to recruiters. If you're genuinely qualified for and interested in multiple roles, prioritize the ones that best match your skills and career goals, and consider reaching out to a recruiter to discuss which opportunities might be the best fit.

Sample Open Positions

Check Your Resume Before Applying → View 1564 open positions at Morgan Stanley

Related Resources

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Sources

Morgan Stanley Careers Portal — Morgan Stanley
Morgan Stanley - About Us — Morgan Stanley
Morgan Stanley - Our Culture and Values — Morgan Stanley
FINRA - Licenses and Registration — Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
Workday - How It Works for Job Seekers — Workday, Inc.