Broker Check
From the Other Side of the Table: What Candidates Should Know

From the Other Side of the Table: What Candidates Should Know

July 29, 2025

The job market may be sending mixed signals, but one thing’s clear for us at Lakeshore Financial Group: we’re always looking for motivated, talented people who want to make a real impact.

We understand that finding the right fit can feel like a long and sometimes daunting process. That’s why we’re committed to making the entire experience more supportive, transparent, and personalized — from your first conversation with us to your first day (and far beyond).

Whether you're an experienced financial professional looking to build out your team or just starting to explore what a career in this industry could look like, Lakeshore offers opportunities for every stage. With an open-architecture structure, leadership support, and the flexibility to work across our Midwest offices or remotely,  it’s the kind of ecosystem where you don’t just do the work — you shape what your future looks like.

We sat down with Hannah Israel, our Recruiting Director and all-around people person, to ask a few questions.

What’s one thing you see during the recruiting process that you love — and wish more candidates did?

"One thing I love to see during the recruiting process is when candidates clearly articulate what they're looking for in their next opportunity. It's incredibly helpful when someone isn't afraid to be direct about their preferences, both positive and negative.

Having a clear understanding of what you want—and don't want—in your next role makes it so much easier for both of us to determine if a position is a good fit. While there's nothing wrong with having an open mind, candidates who come into a conversation with a clear idea of the types of roles they enjoy, the environments they thrive in, and their long-term goals truly streamline the process. It allows us to quickly assess compatibility and avoid wasting anyone's time." 


What’s your advice for new grads, career changers, and experienced candidates?

New Grads

"When I speak with new grads, one thing that separates strong candidates is their drive and ambition to become a financial advisor. When new grads are clear on their long-term goals and are grounded in the reasons why they want to be in this career, it shows us they’ll likely have the determination to succeed. Working towards becoming a financial advisor is a long-term commitment, building lasting client relationship takes time."

Career Changers

"One of my favorite things about Lakeshore Financial Group is that we provide the training and support to help professionals successfully transition into a career in financial advising. Whether you have a background in areas like education, sales, or customer service – we know individuals possess a myriad of transferrable skills that will help them succeed in this industry. How can your specific skills and experience help you transition into a career where you’re working directly with clients and impacting their lives in a positive way by helping them reach their financial goals?"

Experienced Candidates

"We understand experienced advisors have a lot of options when considering a move. When I speak with these candidates, I want to understand why now is the right time for a change, and what you’re hoping will be different in your next role. This is your opportunity to highlight your expertise and the challenges you're looking to overcome, and be clear about your expectations. Our interview process is designed to be transparent and direct, ensuring we can mutually determine a long-term fit without wasting anyone's time."


Candidate Q: What if I’m unsure this is the right path for me?

"Even if someone goes through the interview process and decides not to move forward, I still appreciate the conversation. I’m a big believer in exploring your options and doing your research. Sometimes it’s not the right fit right now — but that doesn’t mean it was a waste of time.

Every conversation is a chance to learn something — about yourself, about the industry, or about what you actually want next."


Thinking About a Career Move? Let’s Talk.

If you’re considering a career change or exploring what a role at Lakeshore could look like, we’d love to connect. You can learn more about our team, opportunities, and how we support your growth by visiting our careers page or reaching out directly to Hannah.