Mortgage Adviser

You could apply for a mortgage adviser training scheme run by banks and building societies. It will help if you have GCSEs in English and maths, and some relevant work experience in customer service, sales or finance.

You'll need to take a qualification in mortgage advice that is recognised by the Financial Conduct Authority.

You would develop your skills through a mixture of learning on the job, and studying for an industry-regulated qualification through your employer.

You'll need:

• customer service skills
• maths knowledge
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• the ability to use your initiative
• analytical thinking skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Your day-to-day duties may include:

• advising clients on the homebuying process
• finding out about your client's finances
• explaining the different types of mortgage
• explaining about repayments and mortgage protection
• offering a number of mortgage options for the client to choose from
• selling related financial products like buildings or life insurance
• helping the customer complete the mortgage application
• meeting sales targets
• dealing with estate agents, valuers and mortgage lenders
• keeping up-to-date with new mortgage products and any changes in the law

You could work at a client's business, in an office or at a client's home.

Registration

• you'll need to register as an 'approved person' by the Financial Conduct Authority

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the The London Institute of Banking and Finance, the Chartered Insurance Institute and the Chartered Banker Institute, for professional development and networking opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in the finance industry through The London Institute of Banking and Finance and the Chartered Banker Institute.

You'll need to:

• have a credit check
• pass background checks