Actuary Interview Questions & Answers

Actuaries use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to analyze the financial costs of risk and uncertainty.

Interviewers look for candidates that demonstrate excellent skills such as:

• Communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Analytical skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Math skills
• Computer skills

In this blog, we discuss commonly asked interview questions during job interviews for Actuary 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 you can highlight in your answers to demonstrate that you’re qualified for the job.

Analytical skills

Why interviewers are interested in your analytical skills:

Actuaries use analytical skills to identify patterns and trends in complex sets of data to determine the factors that have an effect on certain types of events.

Communication skills

Why interviewers are interested in your communication skills:

Actuaries must be able to explain complex technical matters to those without an actuarial background. They must also communicate clearly through the reports and memos that describe their work and recommendations.

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

Computer skills

Why interviewers are interested in your computer skills:

Actuaries must know programming languages and be able to use and develop spreadsheets, databases, and statistical analysis tools.

Interpersonal skills

Why interviewers are interested in your interpersonal skills:

Actuaries serve as leaders and team members, so they must be able to listen to other people’s opinions and suggestions before reaching a conclusion.

Math skills

Why interviewers are interested in your math skills:

Actuaries quantify risk by using the principles of calculus, statistics, and probability.

Problem-solving skills

Why interviewers are interested in your problem-solving skills:

Actuaries identify risks and develop ways for businesses to manage those risks.

Learn more about problem-solving skill interview questions and how to answer them!

(source: bls.gov)

Actuary 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 Actuary 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 Actuary Behavioral Interview Questions

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

1. Have you developed a system to minimize the risk of errors in your work? Can you give me an example?
2. How would you rate your critical-thinking skills? Can you give me an example of how you successfully use these skills in your work?
3. Give me an example of how you manage large amounts of data and information.
4. Tell me how you check the validity of a data source. What steps do you take?
5. Describe a time you had a disagreement or conflict with a coworker. How did you resolve the issue?
6. Give me an example of a time you were under pressure at work. How did you manage this stressful situation?
7. Tell me about a time you went above and beyond with your service (for a client or coworker).
8. Give me an example of a time you persuaded someone to change their course of action.
9. How would you resolve a situation where you found out you made a mistake after you sent your actuarial spreadsheet to a client?
10. Give me an example of a time you had to deal with a difficult person. How did you handle the situation?

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