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!!

Traditional Behavioral Case Analytical 1st round: usually on-campus or by phone 2nd round: usually on-site

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? What was your favorite/least favorite course that you’ve taken?

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.

Case Questions min interview Presented with a business problem Collaborate with your interviewer to arrive at a solution Assesses your thought process in solving business issues

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

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

The recruiter is evaluating if you’re right for the company You should be evaluating if the company is right for you!

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

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

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

Send a “thank you” note/ to everyone who interviewed you Remember to get contact information Personalize each message – recruiters can spot canned responses Be concise – recruiters are busy!

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?

Questions

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