Desjardins Group

Desjardins Group has been repeatedly recognized as a Best Employer in Canada for several years now. The company's 47,000 employees and 5,000 officers contribute to maintaining its leading position in online and mobile banking services.

For vacant positions available in Quebec, please note that knowledge of French is required.

Desjardins values diversity and equity in the workforce and is committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities by adapting the recruitment process, as needed.

Founded: 1844
Number of Employees: 47,655 (2017)
Stock Symbol: Privately owned
Total Assets: $282 billion (2017)
Compensation Rating: B+
Accreditation Costs: A+ (if accepted, company pays during internship period)
Career Opportunity: B-
Opportunities Currently Available: Part-time, Transitional, Full-time
GlassDoor.ca Rating: 3.9/5 (700+ reviews)


The Opportunity
Desjardins offers a solid opportunity for those looking to begin a career in financial services. Unlike many firms, Desjardins will pay for the costs of your professional license (provided that you are accepted into their internship program). It should also be noted that there is also the opportunity of receiving a signing bonus.

Compensation is fair and on par with industry standards.

Working for Desjardins means having access to:
• jobs in varied and stimulating fields across Quebec, in other Canadian provinces and even abroad
• great employee benefits and a competitive salary
• a work environment that fosters work-life balance
• ongoing training to develop the skills required for the opportunity

Desjardins is looking for dedicated individuals who share their values, are driven by challenges and have outstanding team spirit. In 2013, Desjardins hired more than 2,800 people (more recent figures are unavailable). More than 6,600 managers and employees changed jobs within the organization, which offers many opportunities for mobility within the firm.



Requirements
Candidates must have strong oral and written skills. English is required, with a second language being advantageous.
If applying for positions in Quebec, applicants must be able to speak French.
As Desjardins is a financial services firm, provincial securities regulators require all applicants to have a clean criminal record and no current bankruptcies/consumer proposals.
As with most opportunities in financial services, strong people skills are considered to be an asset.



The Interview Process
Careers Canada interviews potential candidates before they are referred to a national financial institution Hiring Manager. Should a candidate prove to be a good fit for the Desjardins opportunity, Careers Canada will refer the candidate to the local Hiring Manager from the firm, along with appropriate recommendations.



Licensing
 
For a qualified candidate, Desjardins covers the costs of the courses and the fees associated with the appropriate provincial license. 



About You
From Desjardins regarding this opportunity:
"You are an ambitious, entrepreneurial, and results-driven individual. Have a great attitude, are sociable and dedicated to serving your clients in their best interest and you always consider the facts objectively and carefully before arriving at a conclusion. You are considerate, able to build and maintain client relationships and love helping people by providing advice and solutions to meet their goals and dreams to achieve financial security."



Compensation
Compensation is fair and inline with industry standards. It is worth noting that Desjardins does offer a signing bonus for those that qualify. This is not always typical within the financial services industry and is an attractive feature. You should direct specific questions about the compensation package with your referred Desjardins Hiring Manager.



Next Step
We have forwarded your contact information and virtual interview to Desjardins. You will hear from a Hiring Manager via phone and/or email to arrange a 2nd interview (in-person).



Questions to Ask Your Hiring Manager
When exploring any opportunity in financial services, it is highly recommended that you develop a full understanding the of the opportunity being presented to you. Below are some questions that we strongly suggest you ask your Hiring Manager:

How long does it take to complete all of the training?

Who pays for the training?

If I have to pay for the training, how much does it cost?

What certificates/designations will I receive upon completion of the training?

Will I have an opportunity to shadow others who are successful with the same opportunity?

What are the skills that someone has who is typically successful with this opportunity?

Do I have to quit my job to enter the training program? (This is typically not a requirement)

What is my projected career path over the next 12 months, 24 months and 60 months?

Are there any ongoing costs associated with the opportunity (for example, a desk fee or software fees)?

Does this opportunity offer a healthy work/life balance?

During the exploration phase, may I speak with others who are currently working in the same opportunity?


The Hiring Manager will answer all of your questions. Firms are looking for the best fit for them AND for you. Communication is key in starting your new opportunity with the best possible chance of obtaining the success you desire.