Step #3: Pre-Interview Preparation
Pre-Interview preparation gives you a factual basis for your theories of the Problem and the Solution. Familiarize yourself with:
- Job description
- Actuarial staff
- Product lines
- Industry subspecialty
- Distribution channels
- Company culture
- Stock performance, if publicly traded
- Regulatory schema
- Industry challenges
Sources of Information:
- Friends or colleagues
- Company website
- Ratings and news
- SOA Quick Search
- Stock information
- Recruiter
The Importance of Questions
Interviewers welcome questions from Candidates. Questioning transforms you from a passive to an active participant in the Interview. The quality of your questions and the appropriateness of the subsequent interaction allows the Interviewer to gauge your assertiveness, analytical ability, and problem-solving skills in ways that may be difficult otherwise. Candidates display maturity and elevate their Candidacy through being appropriately assertive through the use of questions. Also, questions may be the best way to get an idea of the Problem the Solution. Make a list of questions you need answered based on your research in Step #3.
Conclusion: Steps #1 through #3
Interviewing is like dating: passion, confidence, and forthrightness go a long way towards winning over the Interviewer. Your Interviewer needs to feel your desire. Display your passion and supercharge your career by doing the homework outlined in Steps #1 through #3.
