With the increase in demand for personalised investment advice, AIA Hong Kong wants to recruit about 2,600 sales representatives, of whom 50 per cent would be financial planners.

"As of June this year, about half of our annual intake is made up of financial planners," says a company spokesman. "We understand the importance of the role in helping customers understand their financial needs and providing them with tailor-made plans suitable for different stages of life."

Candidates should expect to complete an aptitude test, a career orientation programme, and a series of tests for the Intermediaries Qualifying Exam. Those who are successful will also have to register as a licensed insurance agent before joining AIA Hong Kong.

Preferably, applicants should have a bachelor's degree, relevant work experience, and reasonable knowledge of insurance and financial products. Anyone without a degree, but who has two or three years' experience in a financial role will be considered.

"We are looking for people with excellent customer relationship management skills, as well as communication and interpersonal skills," the spokesman says.

"They also need to possess an entrepreneurial mindset."

All financial planners will undertake a 12-month training programme which covers selling techniques, professional knowledge, market developments, risk management and social skills.

In addition, the company co-operates with various professional institutions to provide further education courses.