1. Interview Workshop The Pennsylvania State University
Actuarial Science Club
Monday, March

2. Agenda Sign In 30 Second Pitch Question Types Additional Resources
Mock Interviews

3. Are you ready for an interview?
If not, you are in the right place
Tonight we will give a brief overview of interviews
Additional Help Resources
Penn State Career Services
Smeal Corporate Connections (114 BB)

4. Career Fair Tips: 30 sec pitch
NEVER ask someone what their company does!!!
Research the companies that you’re interested in before the career fair, we will publish a career fair brochure in advance showing what companies are attending
Bring a portfolio with multiple copies of your resume
Ask intelligent questions and make conversation!
And remember, the career fair can be overwhelming but if you come prepared you will have all the confidence that you need

5. Purpose of the Interview
An Interview is for getting a job!
Show that you are more than some facts on a piece of paper – show off your personality!
Learn as much as you can about the company and position you’re interviewing for – you are interviewing them too!
You both want to see if the match will be a good fit
Show value to the employer: put yourself in their shoes – Why should they hire you instead of the next Joe Shmoe?

6. Before the Interview
Do your research on the companies you’re interested in
Dress for Success
During the Interview and Career Fair – Business Professional
This means Suit and Tie, Polished Dress Shoes
Don’t forget your socks…
During Info Sessions – Business Casual
Understand the difference!
Smart Casual ≠ Business Casual ≠ Business Professional

7. Researching a Company Go to the company’s info session
What is their internship program like?
Find aspects that make it stand out
Review the skills they are looking for
Company information
Lines 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

8. Key to a Successful Interview
Anticipate the questions you’ll be asked!!

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

10. 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?
What was your favorite/least favorite course that you’ve taken?

11. 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.

12. 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

13. 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 (but an answer that’s close definitely helps!)

14. Other Questions
Be prepared to talk about an industry trend, company news, or a popular topic in the company’s field.
Be prepared for: “Explain a concept you learned recently in class to someone who isn’t an actuary.”
This one is really common!

15. 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

16. 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

17. Thank You Follow-up
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!

18. FAQs
If I already received/accepted an interview with my dream company, should I cancel a second round interview with another company?
We asked many recruiters, and in general, they responded that you should respectfully cancel a second round interview if you’ve already accepted somewhere else, but you should still attend (and show interest in) an interview if you have not accepted elsewhere. Who knows – maybe you’ll end up loving this company after all!

19. 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?

20. References http://www.sa.psu.edu/career/assist.shtml
bin/cal/webevent.cgi?cmd=opencal&cal=cal13
See this site for numerous events hosted by Career Services
See our Resume page for sample resumes and templates
Last Updated on 3/18/16 by Steve Kowalski

21. Mock Interview Each exec member is a company
Prepare your 30 sec. pitch
Answer 1 traditional, behavioral, or analytical question