20 Northwestern Mutual Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviews, preparation is key. And when you’re interviewing with a specific company, it’s important to do your research and be prepared to answer questions about the company itself.

If you’re interviewing with Northwestern Mutual, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most common questions asked in interviews with this company, along with sample answers to help you prepare for your interview.

From questions about the company’s history and culture to questions about its products and services, we’ve got you covered. So read on, and get ready to ace your interview with Northwestern Mutual.

Northwestern Mutual Interview Process

The interview process at Northwestern Mutual can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least one phone screen and one in-person interview. For some positions, there may also be a second in-person interview. The interviews are generally fairly relaxed and conversational, but they may become more intense if you are interviewing for a sales position. Overall, the interview process is relatively quick and efficient.

1. Why do you want to work at Northwestern Mutual?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your interest in their company. When preparing for this question, make sure you research Northwestern Mutual thoroughly and find out what makes it unique. You can also talk about how your skills and experience align with the job description.

Example: “I want to work at Northwestern Mutual because I am passionate about helping others achieve financial security. Your company has an excellent reputation for providing quality service and products to customers. I have several years of customer service experience that would help me excel in this role.”

2. What is your approach to building rapport with a client and getting them to trust you?

When working with clients, it’s important to establish trust and a positive relationship. Your interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your interpersonal skills and how you would approach building rapport with their company’s clients. In your answer, try to describe the steps you take to build trust with new people.

Example: “I believe that establishing trust is an essential part of my job as a financial advisor. I always make sure to listen carefully to what my clients have to say and provide them with all the information they need to feel confident in our relationship. When meeting with a client for the first time, I also like to share some personal details about myself so that they know I’m someone who cares about them.”

3. How would you establish yourself as an expert in the financial industry?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your knowledge of the financial industry and how you can apply it to benefit their company. Use examples from your previous experience that show your expertise in the field, such as certifications or professional organizations you belong to.

Example: “I have been working in the financial services industry for five years now, and I am a member of the Financial Planning Association. In my role at my last job, I was responsible for educating clients about investment strategies and helping them create long-term plans. I also completed an online certification program through Northwestern Mutual where I learned more about life insurance policies.”

4. Tell us about a time where you had to deal with a difficult person or situation, how did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of how you handle conflict and stress. Use examples from your previous work experience or personal life to show that you have strong problem-solving skills and are able to remain calm under pressure.

Example: “In my last position, I had a client who was very upset with our company because they felt we were not giving them enough attention. They would call me multiple times per day about different issues they were having. I tried to be as patient as possible while still remaining professional. Eventually, I realized that this person just wanted someone to listen to their concerns. So, I started calling them once a week just to check in and see how things were going.”

5. What are some qualities that make for a good relationship between a Financial Advisor and their clients?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the qualities and skills needed to be successful in this role. Use examples from your experience that show how you build relationships with clients, which can lead to positive outcomes for them.

Example: “I believe a good relationship between a Financial Advisor and their client is essential because it helps me understand my clients’ financial goals and challenges. I also find that having an open line of communication with my clients allows me to provide more personalized advice and recommendations. In my last position, I had a client who was looking for ways to save money on her monthly expenses. After talking about her budget and spending habits, I recommended she switch to a lower-cost cell phone plan. She appreciated my honesty and said she would consider it.”

6. Have you ever worked in sales before? If so what was your experience like?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential colleague’s experience and how they feel about it. It can also help you understand what the company values in its employees.

Example: “I have worked in sales before, but I would not consider myself a salesperson. My previous employer was a small business that sold handmade jewelry online. The owner of the company had no formal training or background in marketing, so she hired me as her first employee to help with social media and advertising. She taught herself everything she needed to know about running an e-commerce business while I learned how to market her products.”

7. Describe your communication style. Do you feel more comfortable communicating face-to-face with people or over email?

This question helps the interviewer understand how you interact with others and your preferred method of communication. It also shows them whether or not you would fit in with their team, which is typically a group of people who work well together.

Example: “I feel more comfortable communicating face-to-face with people because I find it easier to read body language and facial expressions when speaking with someone. However, I do prefer email over phone calls because it’s less disruptive than a call and allows me to respond at my own pace.”

8. What is your biggest strength?

This question is a great opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the position and highlight your skills. When answering this question, try to choose a strength that relates to the job description or one that you think will impress the interviewer.

Example: “My biggest strength is my ability to work well with others. I am always looking for ways to help others succeed and make sure everyone feels valued in their role. In my last position, I started a weekly coffee hour where we discussed our goals for the week and offered advice to each other.”

9. Do you have any certifications for working in finance?

Northwestern Mutual is looking for candidates who have the necessary certifications to work in finance. If you do, be sure to list them on your resume and include a brief description of what they are.

Example: “I am an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) through the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA). This certification requires me to complete 150 hours of education and pass three exams. I also hold my Series 7 license.”

10. What are your goals for the next 5 years?

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s career goals and how they align with Northwestern Mutual. Your answer should include your short-term, mid-term and long-term goals.

Example: “My first goal is to become an expert in life insurance sales. I want to be able to help clients find the right policy for their needs and explain all of the benefits that come with it. My next goal is to achieve top producer status within two years. Finally, my long-term goal is to become a regional manager.”

11. Are you prepared to cold call potential clients?

Cold calling is a common sales technique that involves contacting potential clients who have not yet purchased insurance from the company. This question can help an interviewer determine if you’re willing to make cold calls and how you plan to do so effectively. In your answer, try to show that you understand why this method of selling is necessary and how you would use it to benefit the company.

Example: “I know that in order to sell life insurance, I will need to make cold calls to people who haven’t already bought policies from Northwestern Mutual. To prepare for this, I am going to research our target audience and develop a list of individuals who fit these criteria. Then, I’ll call them up and introduce myself as someone who works at Northwestern Mutual. If they seem interested, I’ll explain what we offer and see if they want to learn more.”

12. Can you describe your professional network?

Northwestern Mutual wants to know that you have a strong network of professionals who can help you succeed in your role. When answering this question, describe the people you’ve worked with and how they helped you develop professionally.

Example: “I have several professional connections I’ve made through my career. One is an insurance agent who taught me about Northwestern Mutual’s products when I was looking for new opportunities. He gave me advice on how to improve my resume and cover letter so I could apply for more positions. Another connection is a financial advisor who has mentored me throughout my career. She always gives me feedback on my work and helps me learn from my mistakes.”

13. What is your experience with Microsoft Office?

Microsoft Office is a suite of programs that includes Word, Excel and PowerPoint. These are the most common programs used in business settings, so it’s important to be familiar with them. Your interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience using these programs or if you need additional training. In your answer, let them know which Microsoft Office programs you’re comfortable using and how often you use them.

Example: “I’ve been using Microsoft Office for over five years now. I started out using only Word and Excel but quickly learned how helpful PowerPoint was when creating presentations. Now, I use all three programs regularly at my current job.”

14. When was the last time you helped someone achieve a goal they were having trouble reaching on their own?

This question is a great way to show your leadership skills and how you can help others succeed. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight the steps you took to help someone achieve their goal and what they did to make that happen.

Example: “When I was working as an assistant manager at my previous job, one of my team members had been struggling with sales for quite some time. We sat down together and discussed why she thought her sales were low and what we could do to improve them. She decided to start using more effective sales techniques in her daily work, and within two months, she had increased her sales by 20%. She thanked me for helping her figure out what she needed to do to reach her goals.”

15. What interests you most about the financial industry?

This question is an opportunity to show your passion for the financial industry and how it can benefit Northwestern Mutual. When answering this question, consider what you enjoy most about working in the financial industry and how that aligns with the values of Northwestern Mutual.

Example: “I am passionate about helping others achieve their financial goals. I find great joy in educating clients on ways they can save money or invest wisely so they can have a secure future. In my last role as a financial advisor, I helped many people plan for retirement and other long-term goals. It was rewarding to see them feel confident in their finances.”

16. Do you prefer working independently or in teams?

This question can help an interviewer determine how you might fit into the Northwestern Mutual culture. Your answer should show that you are a team player who is willing to work independently when necessary.

Example: “I prefer working in teams because I enjoy collaborating with others and learning from their experiences. However, I am also comfortable working on my own if needed. In my last role, I was part of a small team where we all had different strengths. We would often collaborate on projects together but also worked independently to complete our individual tasks.”

17. Why do you think our company should hire you out of all other candidates?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your interest in their company. It’s also an opportunity for you to show them why you’re the best candidate for the job. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention something specific about Northwestern Mutual that makes you excited to work there.

Example: “I think Northwestern Mutual should hire me because of my passion for helping others and my commitment to excellence. I’ve always wanted to work at a company where I could make a difference in people’s lives, and I feel like Northwestern Mutual would be a great fit for me.”

18. Explain your process for networking with professionals.

Networking is an important skill for financial advisors to have. It can help you find new clients and learn from other professionals in the industry. When answering this question, it’s important to show that you understand how networking works and what its benefits are.

Example: “I believe networking is a valuable way to meet people who can help me advance my career. I always make sure to be friendly and professional when meeting someone at a networking event or conference. I also try to remember as many names as possible so I can follow up with them later. I’ve found that following up with people within 24 hours of meeting them has helped me build lasting relationships.”

19. How can we be sure that you will stay motivated when starting off in this career?

This question is a great way to show your commitment and dedication to the job. It also shows that you are aware of how challenging it can be to start out in this career. When answering, make sure to highlight any previous experiences where you were motivated by your work.

Example: “I am very passionate about helping others achieve financial security. I know that Northwestern Mutual offers many different ways for me to help people with their finances. I would love to learn more about the company’s products and services so that I can better assist clients when they call or visit our office.”

20. Which area of finance are you interested in pursuing further?

Northwestern Mutual is a large company that offers many different career opportunities. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your interests and goals in the financial industry. Use your answer to highlight an area of finance you are passionate about and explain why it appeals to you.

Example: “I am very interested in working with investments, as I find them fascinating. I have always been good at math and enjoy researching new ways to grow my money. In college, I took several investment classes and interned for a local investment firm where I learned how to manage client accounts.”