How to Apply to Raymond James Financial

Key Takeaways

Raymond James has a relatively focused number of open positions at any given time, making each application highly competitive—tailor every submission specifically to the role.
The firm's people-first culture is a genuine differentiator; demonstrating cultural alignment in your resume and interviews can be as important as technical qualifications.
Licensing and certification requirements are common across many roles—verify your eligibility before applying and highlight relevant credentials prominently.
Workday is the gateway to all Raymond James applications; invest time in creating a thorough, accurate candidate profile with ATS-optimized formatting.
Prepare for behavioral interviews that assess integrity, client focus, collaboration, and problem-solving using the STAR method with specific examples from your career.
Research Raymond James's unique positioning as an independent broker-dealer and understand how it differs from wirehouses—this knowledge demonstrates genuine interest and industry awareness.
Community involvement and volunteerism align with Raymond James's corporate values; including relevant community engagement on your resume can strengthen your candidacy.

About Raymond James Financial

Raymond James Financial is a diversified financial services holding company headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, with a history spanning over 60 years in the securities industry. The firm operates through several segments including Private Client Group, Capital Markets, Asset Management, and Raymond James Bank. With approximately 15,000 employees and a network of thousands of financial advisors across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, Raymond James has established itself as one of the largest independent broker-dealers in the country. The company is widely recognized for its people-first culture, consistently earning placements on Fortune's "100 Best Companies to Work For" list. Raymond James emphasizes a conservative, client-focused approach to financial services, distinguishing itself from larger Wall Street firms through its commitment to advisor independence and long-term relationship building. The firm's culture is often described as collaborative, entrepreneurial, and service-oriented, with a strong emphasis on integrity, community involvement, and professional development for its associates.

Application Process

1
Explore Open Positions on the Raymond James Careers Portal
Begin by visiting the Raymond James careers page hosted on Workday (raymondjames.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/RaymondJamesCareers). Browse available roles by keyword, location, or job category. With approximately 17 active postings at any given time, the openings can be competitive, so it's important to review job descriptions carefully and identify roles that closely match your qualifications. Pay attention to whether positions require specific licenses (such as Series 7, Series 66, or SIE) or registrations, as many client-facing and compliance roles in the securities industry carry regulatory requirements.
2
Create a Workday Candidate Profile
Raymond James uses Workday as its applicant tracking system, so you'll need to create a candidate profile to apply. You can typically sign in using LinkedIn, an existing Workday account, or by creating a new account with your email. Complete all profile sections thoroughly, including work history, education, certifications, and skills. Workday allows you to save your profile for future applications, which is especially useful if you plan to apply to multiple roles. Ensure your profile information is consistent with your uploaded resume to avoid discrepancies that could flag your application.
3
Tailor and Submit Your Application Materials
Upload a resume specifically tailored to the role you're applying for, incorporating keywords and qualifications directly from the job description. Many applicants also report being prompted to answer screening questions related to licensure, years of experience, willingness to relocate, and work authorization. Answer these questions honestly and completely, as they commonly serve as initial filters. If the application allows for a cover letter or additional documents, take advantage of this opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of Raymond James's culture and your specific interest in the role.
4
Initial Screening and Recruiter Contact
After submission, your application will typically be reviewed by a recruiter or talent acquisition specialist. Based on common patterns at financial services firms of this size, initial screening may involve a phone or video call to discuss your background, salary expectations, availability, and basic qualifications. For roles requiring FINRA registrations or specific certifications, expect questions about your current licensing status. This stage commonly serves to verify that candidates meet the baseline requirements before advancing to more in-depth interviews with hiring managers.
5
Interviews with Hiring Managers and Team Members
Candidates who pass initial screening typically progress to one or more interviews with the hiring manager and potentially team members or cross-functional stakeholders. Many applicants report a mix of behavioral and technical interview formats, depending on the role. For positions in internal audit, compliance, or financial crimes, expect scenario-based questions related to regulatory frameworks. For client service and operations roles, interviewers commonly assess customer service aptitude, attention to detail, and familiarity with brokerage operations. Panel interviews or multi-round processes are not uncommon for senior-level positions.
6
Background Check, Licensing Verification, and Offer
As a regulated financial services firm, Raymond James typically conducts thorough background checks, including criminal history, credit checks, and verification of employment history and educational credentials. For registered positions, FINRA BrokerCheck records and licensing status are commonly verified. Upon successful completion of all checks, candidates typically receive a formal offer. The onboarding process at financial services firms of this caliber often includes compliance training, systems orientation, and integration into the team's workflows and client service protocols.

Resume Tips for Raymond James Financial

critical

Highlight Financial Services Licenses and Certifications Prominently

Many Raymond James roles—particularly Client Service Associate, Registered Client Service Associate, and Internal Audit positions—require or prefer specific industry certifications. Place your FINRA licenses (Series 7, Series 63, Series 66, SIE), CPA, CIA, CAMS, CFE, or CFP designations in a dedicated 'Certifications & Licenses' section near the top of your resume. Workday's parsing engine commonly extracts these credentials, and recruiters in the securities industry typically scan for them immediately. If you're in the process of obtaining a license, note your expected completion date.

critical

Mirror Job Description Keywords Naturally Throughout Your Resume

Workday's ATS uses keyword matching to help recruiters filter and rank candidates. Carefully review the job posting and incorporate relevant terms such as 'client service,' 'branch operations,' 'internal audit,' 'financial crimes,' 'AML/BSA,' 'contract management,' 'data services,' or 'deposits and liquidity' into your experience descriptions. Avoid keyword stuffing—instead, weave these terms into accomplishment-driven bullet points that demonstrate how you've applied these skills in previous roles. This approach satisfies both automated screening and human reviewers.

critical

Quantify Achievements with Metrics Relevant to Financial Services

Raymond James values results-oriented professionals. Wherever possible, include quantifiable achievements: number of client accounts managed, assets under administration, audit findings resolved, percentage improvements in operational efficiency, compliance review completion rates, or revenue growth contributions. For example, instead of 'Managed client accounts,' write 'Managed a portfolio of 200+ client accounts representing $50M in assets under administration, maintaining a 98% client retention rate.' Specific metrics help differentiate your application in a competitive applicant pool.

recommended

Demonstrate Cultural Alignment with Raymond James's People-First Values

Raymond James is well known for its people-first culture and emphasis on long-term relationships. Your resume should reflect qualities like collaboration, mentorship, community involvement, and client-centric service. Include examples of team leadership, cross-departmental collaboration, volunteer work, or client relationship management that align with the firm's stated values. A brief professional summary at the top of your resume can effectively communicate your alignment with their culture before the recruiter even reaches your work history.

critical

Use Clean, ATS-Compatible Formatting

Workday handles standard resume formats well, but overly complex designs can cause parsing errors. Use a clean, single-column layout with standard section headers (Professional Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications). Avoid tables, text boxes, headers/footers with critical information, and graphics. Submit in PDF or DOCX format as specified. Ensure your contact information, including LinkedIn profile URL, is clearly displayed at the top of the document. Test your resume by copying and pasting it into a plain text editor to verify that all content remains readable and properly ordered.

recommended

Include Relevant Technology and Systems Proficiency

Financial services roles increasingly require proficiency with specific platforms and tools. Depending on the role, mention experience with systems such as Salesforce, Bloomberg, Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel at an advanced level), SQL, data visualization tools, audit management software, or proprietary brokerage platforms. For product management or data services roles, highlight experience with Agile methodologies, JIRA, or business intelligence tools. Raymond James, like many firms in the securities industry, values candidates who can hit the ground running with industry-standard technology.

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Tailor Your Resume for Each Specific Role

Given that Raymond James typically has a focused number of open positions (around 17 at any given time), each posting likely attracts significant interest. A generic resume is unlikely to stand out. Create a targeted version for each application, emphasizing the most relevant experience and skills for that specific role. A Client Service Associate resume should emphasize client interaction and operational support, while an Internal Audit Advisor resume should highlight risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and audit methodology expertise.

ATS System: Workday

Raymond James uses Workday as its applicant tracking and human capital management system. Workday is one of the most widely adopted ATS platforms among large financial services firms, processing applications through a structured workflow that includes resume parsing, screening question evaluation, and recruiter review dashboards. When you submit your application through the Raymond James Workday portal, your resume is parsed into structured data fields, and your responses to screening questions are used to determine initial eligibility. Recruiters can then search, filter, and rank candidates based on keywords, qualifications, and other criteria extracted from your application materials.

Complete all fields in the Workday application form manually, even if you upload a resume—Workday's parsing may not perfectly extract all information, and incomplete fields can result in your profile appearing less qualified than you are.
Use standard job titles and section headers on your resume (e.g., 'Professional Experience,' 'Education,' 'Skills') to ensure Workday's parser correctly categorizes your information.
Incorporate keywords from the job description naturally into your resume and profile, as Workday enables recruiters to search and filter candidates by specific terms and qualifications.
Save your Workday candidate profile after your first application so you can quickly apply to future Raymond James openings without re-entering all your information.
Avoid uploading resumes with complex formatting, images, or non-standard fonts—Workday processes clean, text-based documents most effectively.
Check your Workday candidate portal regularly for application status updates, as Raymond James recruiters may update your status or request additional information through the platform.

Complete Workday Resume Guide →

Interview Culture

Raymond James is widely recognized for fostering a respectful, relationship-driven interview culture that reflects its broader organizational values.

Many candidates and former employees report that the interview process feels conversational and genuine rather than adversarial or high-pressure. This aligns with the firm's reputation as a people-first organization that prioritizes cultural fit alongside technical competence. The interview process commonly involves multiple stages, beginning with a recruiter phone screen followed by one or more interviews with the hiring manager and team members. For senior roles such as Director of Contract Management or Senior Product Manager, candidates may encounter panel interviews or presentations. For technical and audit-focused positions, expect competency-based questions that assess your knowledge of regulatory frameworks, risk assessment methodologies, or data analysis capabilities. Behavioral interview questions are commonly reported across all levels, often following the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Interviewers typically explore how candidates handle client relationships, navigate compliance challenges, collaborate across teams, and manage competing priorities. Questions about ethical decision-making and integrity are particularly common in the securities industry. Raymond James interviewers commonly assess candidates for alignment with the firm's core values: client focus, independence, conservatism, and integrity. Demonstrating genuine interest in the firm's advisor-centric model and long-term approach to wealth management can set you apart. Many applicants report that interviewers are transparent about role expectations, team dynamics, and growth opportunities, reflecting the firm's commitment to honest, two-way communication throughout the hiring process. Preparing thoughtful questions about the team's goals, the firm's strategic direction, and professional development opportunities is typically well-received.

What Raymond James Financial Looks For

Strong client service orientation and relationship-building skills, reflecting the firm's advisor-centric and client-first philosophy
Relevant industry certifications and licenses (Series 7, Series 66, CPA, CIA, CAMS, CFP) appropriate to the specific role
Demonstrated integrity and ethical judgment, particularly important in a regulated securities environment
Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across departments, branches, and business segments
Attention to detail and strong analytical skills, especially for audit, compliance, operations, and data-focused roles
Adaptability and willingness to grow within the organization, as Raymond James commonly promotes from within and values long-term career development
Knowledge of financial services regulations, including FINRA rules, SEC requirements, AML/BSA compliance, and banking regulations where applicable
Technical proficiency with industry-relevant tools and platforms, including advanced Excel, data analytics, and financial systems

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Raymond James require specific licenses or certifications to apply?

Many roles at Raymond James, particularly those involving client service, financial advising, or registered activities, require FINRA licenses such as the Series 7, Series 63, or Series 66. Some positions, like Registered Client Service Associate, explicitly require active registrations. Internal audit and compliance roles may prefer or require certifications such as CPA, CIA, CAMS, or CFE. Always review the specific job posting for licensing requirements before applying. If you're in the process of obtaining a required license, note this in your application.

How do I apply for a job at Raymond James?

All applications are submitted through Raymond James's Workday careers portal at raymondjames.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/RaymondJamesCareers. You'll need to create a candidate profile, upload your resume, and complete any screening questions associated with the specific role. You can sign in using LinkedIn credentials, an existing Workday account, or a new email-based account. Ensure all fields are completed accurately, as this information feeds directly into the recruiter's review process.

What is the interview process like at Raymond James?

Based on common patterns reported by candidates, the interview process typically begins with a recruiter phone screen, followed by one or more interviews with the hiring manager and potentially team members. Behavioral questions are commonly used, and candidates for technical or senior roles may face additional rounds including panel interviews or case-based assessments. The overall tone is commonly described as professional yet personable, reflecting the firm's people-first culture.

How long does the Raymond James hiring process typically take?

Timelines can vary significantly depending on the role, department, and number of applicants. Many candidates in the financial services industry report processes ranging from two to six weeks from initial application to offer. Roles requiring background checks, credit checks, and licensing verification—which are standard in the securities industry—may take additional time. Checking your Workday candidate portal for status updates is the best way to stay informed.

Does Raymond James offer remote or hybrid work options?

Work arrangements at Raymond James vary by role and department. Some positions, particularly in technology, data services, and certain corporate functions, may offer hybrid or remote flexibility, while client-facing and branch-based roles such as Client Service Associates and Branch Operations Managers typically require on-site presence. Job postings on the Workday portal commonly specify location requirements, so review each listing carefully for details about work arrangement expectations.

What makes Raymond James different from other financial services firms?

Raymond James distinguishes itself through its independent, advisor-centric model and its deeply rooted people-first culture. Unlike larger wirehouses, Raymond James emphasizes advisor independence, conservative financial management, and long-term client relationships over short-term revenue targets. The firm has been consistently recognized on Fortune's '100 Best Companies to Work For' list, and employees commonly cite the supportive, family-like atmosphere as a key differentiator. Understanding and articulating this distinction can strengthen your candidacy.

Can I apply to multiple positions at Raymond James simultaneously?

Yes, Workday allows you to apply to multiple open positions using your saved candidate profile. However, it's important to tailor your resume and application materials for each specific role rather than submitting identical applications across different positions. Applying to too many unrelated roles may signal a lack of focus to recruiters. Concentrate on positions that genuinely align with your skills, experience, and career goals.

Does Raymond James conduct background checks?

As a regulated financial services firm, Raymond James typically conducts comprehensive background checks as part of the hiring process. These commonly include criminal history checks, credit checks, employment verification, education verification, and FINRA BrokerCheck review for registered positions. This is standard practice across the securities industry and is required by regulatory bodies. Being transparent and accurate in your application materials is essential, as discrepancies discovered during background screening can disqualify candidates.

Sample Open Positions

Check Your Resume Before Applying → View 43 open positions at Raymond James Financial

Related Resources

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Sources

Raymond James Financial - Careers Page — Raymond James Financial
Raymond James Financial - About Us — Raymond James Financial
Raymond James Financial - Corporate Overview — Raymond James Financial
Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For — Fortune Magazine
Workday Applicant Tracking System Overview — Workday, Inc.