20 Selective Insurance Interview Questions and Answers

When you go to an interview for a position with Selective Insurance, you can expect to be asked questions about your experience in the insurance industry, your knowledge of property and casualty insurance, and your ability to work with clients. You may also be asked questions about your ability to handle claims and your customer service skills.

Selective Insurance Interview Process

The interview process at Selective Insurance can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For some positions, such as an intern or claims adjuster, the process may only be a few interviews. However, for other positions, such as an applications developer or underwriter, the process may be much longer and involve multiple rounds of interviews. Overall, the interview process is generally positive, with most reviewers finding the interviewer to be professional and friendly. However, some reviewers have found the process to be too long and drawn out, with some positions requiring 15 or more interviews.

1. What qualities do you have that make you a great claims adjuster?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you have the skills and abilities needed for this role. You can answer this question by describing a time when you demonstrated these qualities in your previous job.

Example: “I am highly organized, which helps me stay on top of my work. I also have excellent communication skills, so I’m able to explain complicated situations clearly to customers and other stakeholders. These skills helped me resolve customer complaints quickly and efficiently.”

2. Do you have any experience working with insurance policies and procedures?

Selective Insurance is looking for candidates who have experience working with insurance policies and procedures. This question allows you to explain your knowledge of the industry and how it relates to Selective’s operations.

Example: “I worked as a claims adjuster at my previous job, where I was responsible for reviewing policyholder claims and determining whether or not they were valid. If the claim was valid, I would work with our team of underwriters to determine what percentage of the claim we would cover. My role also included communicating with customers about their claims and answering any questions they had.”

3. Provide an example of a time when you had to deal with unexpected issues in the workplace. How did you handle it?

Selective Insurance wants to know that you can handle unexpected issues in the workplace. This is a great opportunity for you to showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.

Example: “At my previous job, I was working on an important project when our computer system crashed. It took us hours to get it back up and running again. While this wasn’t ideal, we were able to continue with our work as planned. However, I did have to stay late to finish some of my tasks. The next day, I made sure to communicate with my team members about what happened so they didn’t worry.”

4. Tell us about your experience developing software.

Selective Insurance uses software to automate many of its processes, so the interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with technology. If you have any experience developing software, describe it in detail and explain how it helped you succeed in your previous role.

Example: “I’ve worked as a programmer for over five years now, and I enjoy working on projects that help businesses streamline their operations. In my last position, I was part of a team that developed new software for Selective Insurance’s claims department. The software we created allowed the company to process claims much faster than before, which saved them money and improved customer satisfaction.”

5. Can you tell me about a challenge you faced when programming, how did you overcome it?

This question can help the interviewer get a better understanding of your problem-solving skills and how you overcame challenges in the past. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific challenge you faced and how you solved it.

Example: “In my last role as an IT specialist, I was tasked with programming for a new client’s website. The company wanted to have a lot of customization options on their site, which meant that there were many different elements I had to program. It took me several weeks to complete all of the programming, but I did so successfully.”

6. If hired, what would be one area of Selective Insurance’s business development strategy that you would want to focus on?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the company and how you can contribute to its success. Selective Insurance’s business development strategy focuses on acquiring new customers through digital channels, so it may be beneficial to mention this in your answer if you have experience with digital marketing or social media advertising.

Example: “I would want to focus on growing our customer base by using digital marketing strategies that are cost-effective and efficient. I’ve worked with several insurance companies before, and I know that Selective Insurance has a strong presence online. However, there are still opportunities for growth when it comes to attracting younger customers who prefer to interact with brands digitally.”

7. Why do you think Selective is different from other insurance companies?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the company and how you can contribute to its success. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight what makes Selective unique from other insurance providers. You may also want to mention any specific aspects that appeal to you about the company.

Example: “I think Selective is different because it offers a wide range of products for both personal and commercial clients. I’m excited to work with an insurance provider that has such a diverse portfolio of offerings. In my last role, I worked with several types of insurance policies, so I have experience working with all kinds of customers. This will help me provide excellent customer service to Selective’s existing clientele.”

8. Have you ever worked for an insurance company before?

If you have, the interviewer may ask you about your experience. If you haven’t worked for an insurance company before, they may ask what attracted you to Selective and how you learned about the company.

Example: “I’ve never worked for an insurance company before, but I did do some research on Selective when I was looking for a new job. I found out that Selective has a great reputation in the industry and is known for its customer service. I’m excited to be here because I think this company can help me grow as a professional.”

9. Describe a time where you gave someone feedback within your team, how did they react to it?

This question is a great way to show your communication skills and how you can work with others. When answering this question, it’s important to remember that the person you’re talking about may be in the room or could be someone who will read your answer. It’s best to give positive feedback when possible.

Example: “I once had to tell my manager that I wasn’t happy with their performance. They were very upset at first but after we talked more they understood where I was coming from. We then worked together to find ways for them to improve.”

10. Do you have any experience handling complex claims?

Selective Insurance is a complex company that handles many different types of insurance claims. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience working with multiple policies and customers at once. Use your answer to highlight any skills or experiences that make you qualified for the role.

Example: “I’ve worked in property and casualty insurance for five years now, so I’m familiar with handling all kinds of claims. However, my favorite part of the job is helping customers who are experiencing challenging situations. For example, last year I helped a customer whose home was damaged by a fire. They had multiple policies through Selective Insurance, so we were able to help them get everything they needed.”

11. What are some skills you have developed throughout your career that will help you succeed at Selective?

Selective is looking for candidates who have the skills and experience to succeed in their role. When answering this question, it can be helpful to list some of your most relevant skills that you feel will help you excel at Selective.

Example: “I believe my communication skills are one of my greatest strengths as a candidate for this position. I am able to clearly communicate with clients about their policies and claims while also communicating effectively with other team members. Another skill I possess is my attention to detail. I always make sure to thoroughly review all information before making any decisions or recommendations.”

12. What was a challenging situation you were facing in school or work and how did you overcome it?

Selective Insurance wants to know that you have the ability to overcome challenges and succeed. When answering this question, be sure to highlight your problem-solving skills and how they helped you overcome a challenge.

Example: “In my first year of college, I was taking an accounting class where we had to use Excel for all our assignments. I had never used Excel before, so it took me some time to learn how to do everything. However, I asked my professor if I could retake the course in the summer when I would have more time to practice with Excel. She agreed, and I spent the summer practicing with Excel until I felt comfortable using it.”

13. As a claims adjuster, we need people who can work independently but also within a team. Would you consider yourself more of an independent worker or someone who prefers working in a group environment?

This question is designed to help the interviewer understand your personality and how it might fit with their company. It’s important to be honest in your answer, but also consider what you can do to improve any weaknesses that may have been identified during the interview process.

Example: “I would say I’m more of an independent worker, however, I know that working within a team environment is beneficial for everyone involved. In my last position, I was able to work independently most of the time, however, when there were issues or questions, I was always willing to ask for help from others.”

14. Do you have experience with estimating property damages?

Selective Insurance is a property and casualty insurance provider, so they’re looking for candidates who have experience estimating the cost of repairing damaged properties. This question allows you to show your expertise in this area by describing how you would estimate damages.

Example: “I’ve worked with several clients who needed estimates on repairs. I always start by taking photos of the damage and then inspecting the entire property to see if there are any other areas that need repair. Next, I call my client to discuss what repairs they want done and get their input on the price range they can afford. Then, I use software to create an estimate based on the information I gathered.”

15. In your opinion, why should we hire you over another candidate?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to get an idea of your confidence and self-awareness. When answering this question, it can be helpful to highlight some of your most relevant skills or experiences that relate to the job description.

Example: “I believe I am the best candidate for this position because of my extensive knowledge in property and casualty insurance. In my previous role as a claims adjuster, I worked with many different types of policies and was able to resolve issues quickly and efficiently. I also have experience working with customers who were dissatisfied with their claims, which has helped me develop excellent communication and customer service skills.”

16. We want our employees to be innovative, what are some ways that you like to think outside of the box?

Selective Insurance wants to hire employees who are innovative and creative. This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you have these qualities. You can answer this question by describing a time when you were faced with a challenge at work, and how you used your creativity to solve it.

Example: “At my previous job, I was tasked with finding ways to reduce our company’s insurance costs. After some research, I found that we could save money on our auto insurance policies if we raised our deductible from $500 to $1,000. However, many of our customers would not be able to afford paying such a high deductible in case of an accident. So, I came up with a solution where we would offer discounts for drivers who agreed to raise their deductible. We ended up saving over $100,000 per year.”

17. Are you comfortable using Microsoft Office Suite?

Selective Insurance uses Microsoft Office Suite to complete many of its daily tasks. The interviewer may ask this question to determine if you have experience using the software and how comfortable you are with it. If you don’t have any experience, consider taking a class or practicing on your own before your interview.

Example: “I am very familiar with Microsoft Office Suite. I used it in my previous position as an underwriter for a small insurance company. I also took a course at my local community college that taught me more advanced features of Word, Excel and PowerPoint.”

18. Have you ever had to make a decision without consulting your manager first?

This question can help interviewers understand how you make decisions and whether you have the ability to think critically. When answering, it can be helpful to provide an example of a time when you made a decision without consulting your manager first and what happened as a result.

Example: “In my previous role, I was working with a client who had recently purchased flood insurance from Selective. The client called me because they were concerned about their policy after experiencing some flooding in their basement. I explained that this type of flooding is typically not covered by flood insurance policies, but I offered to send them information on other types of coverage they could purchase. They ended up purchasing additional coverage for their basement.”

19. What kind of claims have you handled in the past?

Selective Insurance is looking for candidates who have experience handling claims. This question helps them determine if you are qualified to handle the types of claims they receive. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a few specific types of claims that you’ve handled in the past.

Example: “In my last position as an insurance adjuster, I worked with homeowners and businesses on property damage claims. I helped clients file claims after fires, floods and other natural disasters. I also assisted clients with filing claims when their properties were damaged by vandalism or theft.”

20. Give an example of a time when you had to complete many tasks at once, how did you prioritize them?

This question is a great way to show your ability to multitask and prioritize tasks. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the steps you took to complete each task in order of importance.

Example: “In my previous role as an underwriter, I had to manage many different types of insurance claims at once. One day, I received several calls from customers who were experiencing issues with their policies. In that situation, I first prioritized the customer service aspect of my job by listening to their concerns and offering solutions. After that, I moved on to reviewing the details of their claim and determining if there was any reason why we couldn’t pay out the claim.”