Transcript Resume Workshop - Index of Student Organizations @ Penn State

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?
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• Tell me about a time when you…
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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
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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
• 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
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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/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!
• Communication skills / Personality / Leadership
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Extracurriculars – focus on transferrable skills
Leadership positions
• Dedication to an actuarial career
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“What made you want to be an actuary?”
Prior internships
Attempted exams
Major
• Technical skills
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Passed exams
GPA
MS Excel, MS Access, VBA, coding experience
• Time Management (work-exam-life balance)
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Responsibilities outside of the classroom (work, extracurriculars)
• Evaluate Fit
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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