Claims Adjuster, Appraiser, Examiner, and Investigator Interview Questions & Answers

Claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators evaluate insurance claims.

Interviewers look for candidates that demonstrate excellent skills such as:

• Interpersonal skills
• Communication skills
• Math skills
• Analytical skills
• Attention to detail

In this blog, we discuss commonly asked interview questions during job interviews for claims adjuster, appraiser, examiner, and investigator positions. We also discuss the qualities that interviewers look for in successful candidates. In other words, we’re here to help you out!

Also, read more about frequently asked job interview questions here and check our job interview preparation checklist.

Skills Interviewers Look For In Successful Candidates

Below we discuss the skills that you can highlight in your answers to demonstrate that you’re qualified for the job.

Analytical skills

Why the interviewer is interested in your analytical skills:

Adjusters and examiners must each evaluate whether the insurance company is obligated to pay a claim and determine the amount to pay. Adjusters must carefully consider various pieces of information to reach a decision.

Communication skills

Why the interviewer is interested in your communication skills:

Claims adjusters and investigators must get information from a wide range of people, including claimants, witnesses, and medical experts. They must know the right questions to ask in order to gather the information they need.

Learn more about communication interview questions and how to answer them!

Attention to detail

Why the interviewer is interested in your attention to detail:

Adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators must carefully review documents and damaged property, because small details can have large financial consequences.

Interpersonal skills

Why the interviewer is interested in your interpersonal skills:

Adjusters, examiners, and investigators often meet with claimants and others who may be upset by the situation that requires a claim or by the settlement the company is offering. These workers must be understanding, yet firm with their company’s policies.

Related: What Does an Insurance Specialist Do?

Math skills

Why the interviewer is interested in your math skills:

Appraisers must be able to calculate property damage.

(source: bls.gov)

Claims Adjuster, Appraiser, Examiner, and Investigator Job Interview Questions & Answers

During a job interview, the hiring manager wants to discuss several things. Think of your:

• Employment history
• Skills and abilities
• Accomplishments
• Job qualifications
• Educational background
• Career goals
• Personality

Below you find a list of commonly asked interview questions.

Examples Of General Claims Adjuster, Appraiser, Examiner, and Investigator Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. How would you describe yourself?
3. Why do you want to work here?
4. What interests you about this position?
5. Walk me through your resume.
6. What motivates you?
7. Why are you leaving your current job?
8. Describe your work ethic.
9. What is your greatest strength?
10. How does your experience qualify you for this job?
11. What is your greatest weakness?
12. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
13. Tell me about a challenging work situation and how you overcame it.
14. What are your expectations for this position?
15. What are your career goals?
16. Why should we hire you?
17. What did you like most about your last position?
18. What did you like least about your last position?
19. How do you handle stress?
20. What is your greatest accomplishment?

Learn how to answer these common job interview questions!

Examples Of Specific Claims Adjuster, Appraiser, Examiner, and Investigator Behavioral Interview Questions

Learn more about answering behavioral interview questions by using the STAR interview technique.

1. Describe a time when you demonstrated excellent listening skills. What was the situation, and the outcome?
2. Tell me about a time you had to deal with a client who was unhappy with your evaluation.
3. How do you manage stress in the workplace?
4. What is the first thing you look at when asked to investigate a claim?
5. Tell me about a time when you missed critical information in your appraisal. When/How did you found out? How did you rectify it?
6. Describe a time when you needed to think outside of the box to work on a complicated case.
7. Tell me about a time you struggled to communicate something to a client. How did you eventually manage to get your message across?
8. What do you consider the toughest aspect of this job?
9. What do you consider essential information when assessing property damage?
10. Describe a situation in which you successfully shared a piece of complicated information with a client.
11. Explain to me how you manage large amounts of data and information.
12. What has been your biggest accomplishment so far in your career?
13. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?
14. Tell me about a time you took the lead on a project, implementation, or were proactive in another context.
15. Describe a successful teamwork experience. What made it a success?

Learn more about questions to ask the interviewer during your job interview.