Merrill Lynch Company Reviews and Ratings CareerBliss 2012 Top 50 Happiest Companies

Overall Bliss Score: 3.85

CareerBliss Merrill Lynch reviews give you the inside scoop on what current and past Merrill Lynch employees are saying about Merrill Lynch.

Merrill Lynch Reviews (252)

"Something other companies could benefit from, as well."

Merrill Lynch Review by Performed Financial Analysis in Hopewell, NJ on

5.00

What do you like about working at Merrill Lynch?

Working under a team of worl-class professionals. Individually, each the best, in their own right, but corporately, always team oriented with only the highest expectations and determined satisfaction of both internal and external clients. Pride in the best, but enthusiasm and tenacity to strive for yet a better way. Respect for the individual above all else. An atmosphere that fosters advancement and the drive to outperform the competition. A methodology and culture that encourages self actualization to be the best and desire to carry a company to the highest standard.

What don't you like about working at Merrill Lynch?

I enjoyed every minute and don't regret anythng.

What suggestions do you have for management?

To continue the lunch and learns, and ML University with zeal; these were extremely beneficial for team work and educational advancement.

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

Don't expect the usual run of the mill interview; ML recruiters like Evan Epstein in New York or Director Cindy Tobin-Payne in Princeton, are exceptional and intuitive. The standard is the highest in the industry, so be prepared for a professional, methodical, well thought out and developed interview process; they'll be fair and unbiased and prepare you for the best. You'll be encouraged.

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"Overall Bliss: Below Average"

Merrill Lynch Review by Senior Investment Specialist on

3.00

What do you like about working at Merrill Lynch?

Middle management is personable, flexible, and understanding of real world situations. The company offers perks such as tuition reimbursement, Matching Gifts, reward and recognition programs, and Bank of America Discounts, among others. Love my co-workers.

What don't you like about working at Merrill Lynch?

As a legacy Banc of America Investments employee entering the Merrill Lynch world, there was a serious clash of cultures, processes, policies, etc. As an investment firm, we took a major step backward in terms of technology and tools offered to clients, back-office processes, systems, and the ever-crucial service model.

What suggestions do you have for management?

We need more communication about improvements and changes forthcoming. Senior management needs to be more engaged in the complaints and concerns of both clients and associates. Sales associates should not be put ahead of service associates in terms of the work they do for their clients or what things they can get away with not doing.

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

It is a great company with which to build a sales-based relationship/career. Anyone looking to learn about the industry or work in compliance/operations should seek employment elsewhere.

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User Comments

ML a step backward from BAI? What planet are you living on? 01.25.12

"This review should supply enough information to distinguish between candidates."

Merrill Lynch Review by Financial Adviser in La Jolla, CA on

4.20

What do you like about working at Merrill Lynch?

The high level of interaction and relationships built with my clients/prospects over the years. I enjoyed the challenging environment and the thrill of closing new business.

What don't you like about working at Merrill Lynch?

There was nothing in particular about Merrill Lynch that I disliked rather it was the industry as a whole. The financial world has been refaced and has experienced major consolidation in regards to years of false profits.

What suggestions do you have for management?

Management at this point in time is in a waiting period based on the slow integration of the corporate cultures. They only need to stay involved in the support of their employees if and when needed.

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

The best tip is to express your ability to be a hard worker that will push their limits in order to be successful in a very difficult industry. Also, having the ability to be a fast learner with great personal skills.

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"Great Brand...poor opportunity"

Merrill Lynch Review by Certified Financial Manager/Financial Advisor in Lisle, IL on

2.00

What do you like about working at Merrill Lynch?

Technology, the platform, the offerings

What don't you like about working at Merrill Lynch?

It is a meatgrinder. The ONLY way you would ever succeed here is if you have a book of business already established or are VERY well-connected. Goals are impossible for someone starting out new, and NEVER change when their own company makes negative headlines. The expectations are still the same regardless of putting hurdles in front of there own employees. The formula is quite simple....bring in as many as you can on board, and then once they fail, shift assets to the guys that have been there 30 yrs. It's a shell game and a false hope to new advisors. The BofA situation has only made it worse from what I hear, with advisors leaving in droves. There were several unscrupulous salespeople that were often praised for numbers, but disgusted me with their methods.

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"It's creative approach to make your work more fun"

Merrill Lynch Review by Internship in Encino, CA on

4.30

What do you like about working at Merrill Lynch?

I had a internship during which I learn what is mutual funds, retirement plans and annuities. I learn how to prepare different type of contracts with the clients and how to run quotes for them. I also learn how to identify petential clients and their needs.

What don't you like about working at Merrill Lynch?

Economy is tough for financial service now. Stock market is doing a little better right now, while when I was taking internship it was really bad. However, I got my school credit for working their

What suggestions do you have for management?

I would suggest them to treat students with the respect. You can't become an CEO, if you don't start with the entry level job

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

The manager asked about why I choose their company for internship. It's good idea to learn history of Merryll Lynch. There were many questions about my past experience and my personality traits.

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"So close, yet so far..."

Merrill Lynch Review by Merrill Lynch Employee in Huntington Beach, CA on

3.40

What do you like about working at Merrill Lynch?

The people. They really make the company. That was the best part.

What don't you like about working at Merrill Lynch?

Rigid, profit/numbers oriented. Not forthcoming with employees and clients.

What suggestions do you have for management?

Employees and clients are not just numbers. Take time to help cultivate new advisers because many have so much potential but are not really given an opportunity to grow. And, allow a little more flexibility with the minimum account size. Rome was not built in day.

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

Anyone interviewing for a position with any company should be sure to obtain as much information as possible during the process, interview with competitors, and definitely speak with other employees who at different stages of their careers to get their input.

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"Merrill Lynch got taken over by Bank of America in 2009"

Merrill Lynch Review by Accounting Clerk in Jacksonville, FL on

3.50

What do you like about working at Merrill Lynch?

We were evaluated based strictly on our work performance. We were given all the tools needed to do a great job. The staff was dedicated, friendly, and professional.

What don't you like about working at Merrill Lynch?

Company policies were wildly wasteful and irresponsible. That has certainly changed since the takeover by Bank of America.

What suggestions do you have for management?

Predicted problems came to fruition, and management has surely dealt with them properly by now.

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

If they have any open positions, I am sure the staff would be happy to hire a professional, educated, experienced person. This is a global company, so mentioning any international business or language experience would be helpful.

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"Great opportunity for both professional and compensation advancement, but the economy and company strength very weak...great opportunity at the wrong time"

Merrill Lynch Review by Financial Advisor, Certified Financial Planner in Pinehurst, NC on

3.40

What do you like about working at Merrill Lynch?

Working with clients to gain a strong understanding of their current financial position, working closely with them to map out their future goals, and assisting them to achieve their family's goals.

What don't you like about working at Merrill Lynch?

The country's economic hard times dictated my opportunities with a company, which quickly mirrored the financial downturn, which included downsizing, cut backs, and a corporate take over by Bank of America.

What suggestions do you have for management?

Be upfront about the company's financial strength and it's employee's likelyhood for future employment

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"Objective reality of life at Merrill Lynch, 5th Avenue"

Merrill Lynch Review by Financial Adviser - Global Private Client Group in New York, NY on

3.60

What do you like about working at Merrill Lynch?

It is one of the biggest, respected firms on Wall St. If you put in the hard work, there is unlimited growth potential.

What don't you like about working at Merrill Lynch?

At the 5th Avenue office, there was NO support among any management team member. You were simply handed series 7/66 books & told to pass both tests. Too many daily, distracting meetings that were useless to a new FA, when studying was the main objective.

What suggestions do you have for management?

Fire everyone in management. Word on the street, that's already been done!

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

Carefully read up on all numbers related to current ML, rival firm & general market statistics.

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"Overall Bliss: Below Average"

Merrill Lynch Review by Senior System Architectural Writer on

1.90

What do you like about working at Merrill Lynch?

If there's anything, it is stability. But then again, they laid me off last December, only to hire me back again three days later. Then let me go in January, but then ask me to stay again two days later. Yeesh.

What don't you like about working at Merrill Lynch?

They are taking advantage of the current economic climate to coerce their contract workers into working a lot of extra, unpaid hours.

What suggestions do you have for management?

Learn what really motivates people, and put a program in place to take advantage of it. Read Dan Pink's "Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Really Motivates Us", and do something about it!

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

Run away from them as fast as you your feet will carry you!

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Merrill Lynch reviews are submitted anonymously, certified Merrill Lynch reviews are from those reviewers who report working for Merrill Lynch on their resume!

Merrill Lynch Stats

  • Industry Average
Overall Score
3.9
3.2
Growth Opportunity
3.8
3.7
Compensation
3.7
3.6
Benefits
4.0
3.8
Recommend to Others
3.8
3.7
Work-life Balance
3.8
3.8
Career Advancement
3.7
3.6
Senior Management
3.9
3.8
Job Security
3.3
3.2

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