New York Life is Going on a Hiring Binge to Bring in More Than 3,700 Representatives in 2012

New York Life announced today that it's looking to hire 3,700 financial professionals this year, following last year's recruiting efforts that resulted in the firm bringing on 3,600 new agents in 2011.

“New York Life has seen unprecedented growth in our field force each year for the past six years," said Rich Simonetti, vice president in charge of field recruiting at New York Life. "Job seekers who are seeking a meaningful career with the support, training and skill-building of a strong and successful Fortune 100 company find it with New York Life."

“We are proud to offer a career that provides flexibility and significant earnings potential," adds Simonetti, as well as "a career that allows an individual to grow and advance – whether that means expanding their practice or moving into a management position.”

Women Given Advancement Opportunities

“I know firsthand that New York Life gives women job seekers the opportunity to build their own business and find work/life balance by setting their own hours, while having the backing of this amazingly strong financial institution,” said New York Life Partner Erica Takach of Chicago. It was a lack of advancement opportunities as an executive at a large retailer that compelled her to look for a better job elsewhere. Realizing that she could have the career she wanted as an insurance agent, she joined New York Life in 2006. Within six months, she achieved membership in the company’s Executive Council, among the company’s most successful agents, and in two years she moved into management at the Chicago North Shore General Office.

“When I joined the company, I loved that they had a clear path for advancement," says Takach. "As long as I met the defined goals, I could keep moving up. I knew that this was the company for me".

New York Life actively seeks to hire women and individuals who serve ethnic markets. In 2011, 57 percent of the company’s hires in the field were women or individuals who represent the cultural markets. An additional recruitment focus for 2012 is men and women transitioning to the workforce from the military. Also, Eagle Strategies LLC, the Registered Investment Advisory and subsidiary of New York Life, plans a 50 percent increase in the number of advisors in the network by 2015, or 500 new advisors, to a total of 1,500.

More than One in 10 Americans Want Professional Financial Help

According to a recent survey, 14 percent of Americans report they plan to seek professional help managing their finances in 2012. "The demand for financial professionals is strong," said Simonetti. “The company is committed to growing its agent force," which already is more than 12,250 strong.

New York Life Insurance Company is the largest mutual life insurance company in the United States and one of the largest life insurers in the world. It has the highest possible financial strength ratings currently awarded to any life insurer from all four of the major credit rating agencies: A.M. Best (A++), Fitch (AAA), Moody’s Investors Service (Aaa), and Standard & Poor’s (AA+).