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Interview Workshop

Interview Workshop. The Pennsylvania State University Actuarial Science Club April 3, 2014. Interviewing. Resume: gets you the interview Key to success on interviews: Anticipate the questions you’ll be asked!!. The Interview. Traditional Behavioral Case Analytical

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Interview Workshop

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  1. Interview Workshop The Pennsylvania State University Actuarial Science Club April 3, 2014

  2. Interviewing • Resume: gets you the interview • Key to success on interviews: Anticipate the questions you’ll be asked!!

  3. The Interview • Traditional • Behavioral • Case • Analytical • 1st round: usually on-campus or by phone • 2nd round: usually on-site

  4. Traditional Questions • Tell me about yourself. • Why do you want to be an actuary? • What makes you interested in our company? • What accomplishment are you most proud of? • What are your strengths/weaknesses? • Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years? • Tell me about [something on your resume]. • What was your preparation strategy for the last actuarial exam you took? • Whatwas your favorite/least favorite course that you’ve taken?

  5. Behavioral Questions • Tell me about a time when you… • demonstrated leadership. • went above and beyond. • made a suggestion that was implemented. • worked on a team with someone who didn’t pull their weight. • made an unpopular decision. • made a mistake. • failed at something the first time and tried it again. • balanced multiple commitments. • solved a conflict.

  6. Case Questions • 30-45 min interview • Presented with a business problem • Collaborate with your interviewer to arrive at a solution • Assesses your thought process in solving business issues

  7. Analytical Questions • How many taxi cabs are there in NYC? • Could I fit a stack of pennies as tall as the Empire State Building in this conference room? • How many windows are there in the business building? • You won’t know the answer – just talk through your reasoning! • They’re looking for your logic, not the final answer

  8. Others • Current events about job field • Explain the last concept you learned to someone who knows nothing about insurance

  9. Interviewing – Two Ways • The recruiter is evaluating if you’re right for the company • You should be evaluating if the company is right for you!

  10. Researching a Company • Go to company’s info session • What is their internship program like? • Find aspects that make it stand out • Review the skills they are looking • Company information • Line of business • Recent initiatives • Ask good questions • Chance to show off your knowledge about company (without going over the top) • Evaluate whether the company is a good fit • Be ready for “why do you want to work for us?” question

  11. Professional Attitude • Respectful yet relaxed • Confident but not arrogant • No matter how qualified, you’re still an unproven entry-level candidate; act like it • Portray that you are willing to learn • “Would I want to work with this person?” • Make the interview conversational and personable

  12. General Tips • Pause to collect your thoughts • Give concise and detailed answers • Don’t ramble • Don’t complain or make excuses • Don’t speak negatively • Don’t fret if one or two questions don’t go well • Ask good questions • Mock Interview…Practice

  13. Thank You Follow-up • Send a “thank you”note/e-mail to everyone who interviewed you • Remember to get contact information • Personalize each message – recruiters can spot canned responses • Be concise – recruiters are busy!

  14. Recap • Communication skills / Personality / Leadership • Extracurriculars – focus on transferrable skills • Leadership positions • Dedication to an actuarial career • “What made you want to be an actuary?” • Prior internships • Attempted exams • Major • Technical skills • Passed exams • GPA • MS Excel, MS Access, VBA, coding experience • Time Management (work-exam-life balance) • Responsibilities outside of the classroom (work, extracurriculars) • Evaluate Fit • Are you right for them? • Are they right for you?

  15. Questions

  16. Resume Reviewing • Now is your chance to have your resume individually reviewed by an officer of the club

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