How Brand-New Mortgage Loan Originators Can Find Mortgage Origination Jobs With No Experience

Starting a career as a Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) can be exciting, but many newly-licensed professionals quickly encounter a frustrating challenge: almost every job posting seems to require experience.

The good news is that many mortgage companies actively hire entry-level Mortgage Loan Originators and Loan Officer Assistants who are newly-licensed and eager to learn.  If you’ve recently earned your NMLS license or have recently passed the NMLS exam and are searching for your first mortgage origination position, there are several proven strategies that can help you land a job faster.

Why Mortgage Companies Hire New Loan Originators

Many mortgage lenders understand that experience isn’t always the most important qualification.  A motivated, coachable, and persistent individual can often outperform a seasoned originator who may be resistant to change.  Additionally, by hiring an MLO with little-to-no prior experience, the sponsor can avoid having to “de-program” the new hire of previously-instilled patterns and habits and retrain him or her to the new employer’s best practices.

Mortgage companies frequently seek candidates who demonstrate:

• Strong communication skills;
• A willingness to learn;
• Professionalism;
• Sales aptitude;
• Relationship-building abilities;
• Self-motivation; and
• Consistent follow-up habits.

If you possess these traits, you may be more attractive to hiring managers than you realize.

Search Specifically for Entry-Level Mortgage Loan Originator Jobs

One of the biggest mistakes new MLOs make is searching only for “Mortgage Loan Originator” positions.  Many companies use different titles for entry-level roles.

Try searching for:

• Entry-Level Mortgage Loan Originator;
• Junior Mortgage Loan Officer;
• Loan Officer Trainee;
• Mortgage Banker;
• Mortgage Loan Consultant;
• Loan Officer Assistant;
• Mortgage Sales Associate;
• Mortgage Advisor Trainee;
• Consumer Direct Loan Officer; and
• Mortgage Lending Specialist.

Expanding your search terms can significantly increase the number of opportunities you find.

Target Mortgage Companies That Offer Training Programs

Just as it would be foolish for a rookie police officer to graduate from the Police Academy one day and begin patrolling on his or her own the very next, the newly-licensed MLO should expect to primarily devote the beginning of his or her career to training and learning.  The majority of successful loan officers began their careers with lenders that put them through structured training programs.

Look for lenders that advertise:

• Paid training;
• New MLO Development Programs;
• Loan Officer Academies;
• Mentorship opportunities;
• Inside sales mortgage positions; and
• Consumer direct lending teams.

Such organizations typically utilize proven training systems designed to help newly-licensed originators succeed.  Remember, the key to launching a successful mortgage career is to initially focus on training and learning over the maximization of earnings which will naturally manifest over time.

Leverage LinkedIn for Mortgage Recruiting Opportunities

LinkedIn remains one of the most powerful tools for finding mortgage industry jobs.

Optimize your LinkedIn profile by:

• Including your NMLS number;
• Highlighting customer service and sales experience;
• Mentioning your licensing status;
• Adding mortgage industry keywords; and
• Connecting with mortgage recruiters.

Many recruiters actively search LinkedIn for newly-licensed MLOs and often reach out directly to qualified candidates.

Network With Mortgage Industry Professionals

The mortgage industry remains relationship-driven.

Make it a point to attend:

• Mortgage association meetings;
• Real estate networking events;
• Chamber of Commerce events;
• Mortgage conferences; and
• Continuing education workshops.

Many first mortgage jobs are obtained through referrals rather than online applications.  Building relationships with loan officers, branch managers, processors, underwriters, and real estate professionals can open doors that job boards never will.

Consider Starting as a Loan Officer Assistant

Some of the highest-producing Mortgage Loan Originators began their careers as Loan Officer Assistants (LOAs).

Working as an LOA provides valuable experience in:

• Loan processing;
• Document collection;
• Mortgage guidelines;
• Customer communication;
• Loan pipeline management; and
• Mortgage technology systems.

Many companies promote successful assistants into originating roles once they gain practical experience.

Highlight Transferable Skills on Your Resume

Even without mortgage experience, you likely possess valuable skills that lenders want.

Previous experience in the following fields can be highly relevant and attractive:

• Banking;
• Financial services;
• Insurance;
• Real estate;
• Retail sales;
• Automotive sales;
• Customer service;
• Business development; and
• Call center operations.

Focus your resume on achievements, communication skills, sales performance, and customer relationship management.

Follow Up After Every Application

Many applicants submit resumes and wait.  Top candidates follow up.

After applying:

1. Connect with the hiring manager on LinkedIn;
2. Send a professional message expressing interest making certain to use proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation;
3. Follow up within 5-7 business days; and
4. Reaffirm your enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

Demonstrating initiative can set you apart from dozens of other applicants.

Work With a Mortgage Industry Career Coach

Finding your first mortgage origination job often requires more than simply applying online.

Professional coaching can help you:

• Improve your resume;
• Optimize your LinkedIn profile;
• Prepare for interviews;
• Develop networking strategies;
• Identify entry-level opportunities; and
• Build a long-term career roadmap.

At AxSellerated Development, we help aspiring and newly-licensed Mortgage Loan Originators develop the skills, confidence, and professional strategies needed to launch successful mortgage careers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I become a Mortgage Loan Originator with no experience?

Yes.  Many mortgage companies hire newly-licensed MLOs with no prior mortgage experience, particularly when candidates demonstrate strong communication skills, professionalism, and a willingness to learn.  Especially since they don’t have to untrain and retrain them.

What is the best first job for a new Mortgage Loan Originator?

Many new MLOs start as Loan Officer Assistants, Mortgage Bankers, Consumer Direct Loan Officers, or Loan Officer Trainees before transitioning into full-time origination roles.

How long does it take to get hired as a new MLO?

The timeline varies, but candidates who actively network, optimize their LinkedIn profiles, and consistently apply often find opportunities within several weeks to a few months after becoming licensed, if not sooner.

What companies hire newly-licensed Mortgage Loan Originators?

Many retail lenders, mortgage banks, consumer direct lenders, credit unions, mortgage brokerages, and regional mortgage companies offer training programs specifically designed for new originators.

Start Your Mortgage Career With Confidence

Breaking into the mortgage industry without experience may feel challenging, but it is far from impossible.  By focusing on training-oriented employers, expanding your job search, leveraging networking opportunities, and developing professional sales skills, you can position yourself for long-term success as a Mortgage Loan Originator.

If you’re a newly-licensed MLO looking to accelerate your career growth, AxSellerated Development (www.safeexamtraining.com) provides coaching, career guidance, and professional development resources designed to help mortgage professionals achieve their goals.