Milwaukee-based The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co. announced today it plans to hire 6,400 financial representatives nationwide this year.
That’s up from the 5,500 financial representatives Northwestern Mutual hired in 2013, and the most it has ever aimed to recruit. The company attributed the employment increase to additional consumer demand for comprehensive financial planning.
Of the new employees, 2,700 will be financial representatives and 3,700 will be financial representative interns.
“There’s a high-demand for trained financial professionals, and our forecasts show that demand will continue to climb in the foreseeable future,” said Steve Mannebach, vice president of field growth and development. “With the market uncertainty and confusing options, people are seeking guidance and clarity in their long-term planning.”
Northwestern Mutual’s financial strength ratings and industry-leading dividends have also contributed to the employment uptick, Mannebach said. The company recently announced it would pay out $5.2 billion in dividends in 2014.
As usual, the company will target professionals planning to change careers for recruitment. Military veterans who are entering the workforce following their service are also a good fit, Mannebach said.
“Military veterans’ strong leadership qualities, discipline, motivation and desire to help others are highly transferrable skills to careers as financial representatives,” he said.
A new military recruitment website targets the demographic and provide testimonials from veteran employees.
Interested candidates are encouraged to contact a local office.
Northwestern Mutual provides life, long-term care and disability insurance, as well as annuities and investment and advisory products and services.
