There were four or five interviews, if you count the meeting with my future mentor. There were also a few personality assessments. Lots of paperwork. The finance industry is tightly regulated.
Difficult interview
Application
I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Northwestern Mutual in May 2009
Interview
I found an ad through career builder initially looking for a banking position. I knew I wanted sales and this seemed like a good opportunity. I was immediately contacted by a recruiter and scheduled an interview 2 days later. They asked the basic questions (what skills to you bring to us?, why are you choosing us?). Then the recruiter preceded to give about a half hour long presentation of the company. They want to be absolutely sure you understand what you are applying for. You then are assigned 2 assessments, a financial disclosure (to determine if you have the financial backing to make it through the first months), and they the determine whether to invite you to a second interview. If you get the second, you meet with the managing partner, he or she will then ask you more about yourself and give you an example of what you will be doing. They will then assign you a homework project where you need to conduct surveys through people you know, and people you don't know. If you are successful at this, they will offer you a contract. Do not be intimidated, this is an awesome opportunity if you are in to sales.
The first interview was easygoing and went fairly well. We talked a little on myself and what northwestern was all about. Because they wanted to see how I could fit in to their team and what I would bring.
I interviewed at Northwestern Mutual (Greenville, SC)
Interview
The process was smooth and straight forward. A lot of behavioral based questions, but relaxed and low stress. First phase is a phone screening followed by a teams or in person meeting.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me about the most influential person in your life?