20 Symetra Interview Questions and Answers

When you go to a job interview, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your qualifications, experience, and goals. But what if you’re interviewing for a position with a specific company? In addition to the usual questions, you may be asked company-specific interview questions that are designed to help the interviewer learn more about you and whether you’re a good fit for the organization.

If you’re interviewing for a position with Symetra, a leading provider of retirement and employee benefits, you may be wondering what kinds of questions you’ll be asked. Here’s a look at some possible Symetra interview questions, along with advice on how to answer them.

Symetra Interview Process

The interview process at Symetra can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For some positions, like the Associate Case Manager, there will be a phone call with a recruiter followed by a video call with team management. For other positions, like the LTD Case Manager, you may have an initial phone screen with a corporate recruiter followed by interviews with various members of the sales team. The length of the hiring process also varies depending on the position, but generally speaking, it should take no longer than a few weeks to hear back after all interviews have been completed.

1. What do you know about Symetra?

Symetra is a large company that offers many different types of employee benefits. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have done your research on the company and what they offer. In your answer, try to include information about Symetra’s history, its mission statement and some of the products it offers.

Example: “I know that Symetra was founded in 1999 by two women who wanted to create an insurance company that offered more than just life insurance. They created a company that focuses on helping people through all stages of their lives. I also know that Symetra has won several awards for its innovative ideas and customer service.”

2. Tell me something that isn’t on your resume.

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s personality and background. It also helps you determine whether they are being honest on their resume. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention something that isn’t relevant to your career but shows who you are as a person.

Example: “I’m not sure if this is on my resume, but I am an avid painter. I have been painting for years and even sold some of my work at local art fairs. Painting has always helped me relax and find inspiration in life.”

3. Why are you interested in working for Symetra?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your background and how you came to apply for this role. Use your answer to highlight any personal experiences with Symetra or its products, as well as what drew you to this company in particular.

Example: “I’m interested in working for Symetra because of my past experience with the company’s retirement plans. I worked at a small business that didn’t offer many benefits, but when we switched to Symetra, it was like night and day. The new plan offered so much more than our previous one, including financial advice and investment opportunities. It made me realize how important it is to have a good retirement plan.”

4. How will you help us grow our customer base?

Symetra is a growing company, and they want to hire someone who can help them grow their customer base. They are looking for candidates that have experience in marketing or sales. When answering this question, highlight your communication skills and how you will use them to reach out to potential customers.

Example: “I believe my greatest strength is my ability to communicate with others. I am confident that I could reach out to new clients and convince them to sign up for Symetra’s services. In fact, when I worked at XYZ Insurance Company, I was the lead salesperson on our team. We were able to increase our clientele by 10% within six months of me joining the team.”

5. If we gave you a list of customers, how would you approach them to sell them a product/service?

This question is a great way to test your sales skills. It also shows the interviewer how you would interact with their customers and if you have any experience selling products or services. When answering this question, it can be helpful to give an example of a time when you sold something to someone.

Example: “I would first introduce myself as a representative from Symetra and ask them what they are looking for in a retirement plan. I would then explain all of our different plans and benefits that we offer. If they seem interested, I would provide them with more information about each plan so they could make an informed decision.”

6. Describe a time where you had to take initiative.

Symetra is looking for employees who are self-motivated and can take initiative. This question allows you to show your ability to work independently and make decisions when necessary.

Example: “At my previous job, I noticed that our company’s website was not mobile friendly. I brought this issue up at a team meeting, but no one else seemed to be concerned about it. So, I decided to create a plan of action on how we could fix the problem. I presented my idea to my manager, and she approved my plan. I then worked with a web developer to update the site.”

7. Have you ever worked with clients from different cultures? How did you handle it?

Symetra is a global company that serves clients from different cultures. Your answer to this question can show the interviewer how you adapt to working with people of different backgrounds and values.

Example: “I have worked with clients from many different cultures, including those who are older, younger, male or female. I always make sure to be respectful of their culture and background while also making them feel comfortable. For example, when working with an older client, I would speak slowly and clearly so they could understand me. If they wanted to use a word or phrase in another language, I would ask for clarification before proceeding.”

8. Can you tell me about a time when you had to meet a tight deadline, what happened?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential employer’s expectations. It can also be an opportunity for you to show how you handle pressure and stress. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the steps you took to meet the deadline and what the outcome was.

Example: “At my previous job, I had to create a presentation in one day. This included researching information, creating slides and practicing my speech. I started early in the morning and worked until late at night. The next day, I presented the information to my team and they were impressed with all of the work I put into it.”

9. Do you have any experience managing a team?

Symetra is a large company that offers many different types of jobs. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your management experience and how you would apply it in your new role. If you have previous management experience, share what skills you used to help your team succeed. If you don’t have any management experience, explain the leadership qualities you possess that can help you be successful as a manager.

Example: “I’ve had several management roles throughout my career. I enjoy working with others and helping them develop their skills so they can reach their goals. In one of my most recent positions, I was promoted to lead a team of five people. We worked together to create an effective plan for our department’s success. My communication skills helped me build trust with my team members and motivate them to perform well.”

10. How do you feel about working overtime?

Symetra is a company that values its employees and their work. They want to know if you’re willing to put in extra time when needed, especially during busy times of the year like tax season or open enrollment periods.

Example: “I’m happy to work overtime when necessary. I understand that sometimes it’s just part of the job. However, I do my best to avoid working late unless absolutely necessary. I find that staying focused on tasks for longer periods of time can be more challenging than shorter bursts of concentration. That’s why I always try to leave myself plenty of time to complete projects so I don’t have to rush at the end.”

11. What is your favorite part of the work day?

This question is a way for the interviewer to learn more about your work ethic. They want to know what time of day you are most productive and how you feel about working overtime or weekends. Your answer should show that you enjoy being at work, but also that you understand there will be times when you have to stay late or come in early.

Example: “My favorite part of the workday is when I get to see my clients happy with their new policies. It’s rewarding to help people plan for their futures and make sure they’re getting the best possible coverage.”

12. Are you comfortable using Microsoft office programs and other software tools?

Symetra is a technology-driven company, and they want to ensure that their employees are comfortable using the software programs and tools they use. When answering this question, it’s important to show your comfort level with Microsoft office products as well as other computer programs you may have experience with.

Example: “I am very familiar with Microsoft office programs, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. I also have some experience with Google apps, such as Gmail and Docs. In my previous role, I was responsible for creating presentations in Powerpoint and organizing documents in Word.”

13. How would you describe your communication skills?

Symetra is looking for a candidate who can communicate effectively with clients, colleagues and other stakeholders. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight your ability to listen, speak clearly and write well.

Example: “I have always been someone who enjoys communicating with others. I find that communication skills are an essential part of any job, especially when working with a team or clientele. In my previous role as a customer service representative, I was responsible for fielding calls from customers regarding their retirement accounts. I found that being able to listen carefully to what the caller had to say helped me understand their concerns and respond accordingly.”

14. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s often asked to see if you have career goals. When answering this question, be honest about your future plans but also show that you’re willing to stay with Symetra for the long term.

Example: “I hope to still be working at Symetra in five years. I’m very happy here, and I love my job. I would like to continue growing professionally and advancing through the company as I learn more about retirement planning.”

15. Why should we hire you?

This question is a great opportunity to show your knowledge of Symetra and how you can contribute to the company. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight your skills and abilities that make you an ideal candidate for the position.

Example: “I am passionate about helping others, which is why I chose to pursue a career in human resources. In my previous role as a benefits specialist, I helped employees understand their health insurance plans and find affordable healthcare options. This experience has given me valuable insight into employee needs and how HR can help improve the lives of its employees.”

16. How would you deal with an upset customer?

This question is a great way to assess your customer service skills. It’s important for employees in this role to be able to empathize with customers and resolve their issues quickly. Your answer should include an example of how you would handle the situation, as well as what steps you would take to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

Example: “I once had a client who was upset because they didn’t receive their monthly statement on time. I apologized profusely and explained that we were experiencing technical difficulties with our system. I offered them a discount on their next bill and sent them a new statement immediately. They appreciated my honesty and understanding, and I resolved the issue before it became more serious.”

17. Tell us about a time you have failed, how did you learn from it?

When an interviewer asks this question, they are trying to learn more about your ability to overcome challenges. This is a great opportunity for you to share a story of how you overcame failure and what you learned from it.

Example: “When I first started my career as a financial advisor, I was so excited to help people with their finances that I would often give clients advice without fully understanding the situation. One time, I recommended a client invest in a company that had just released its IPO. The stock price dropped significantly after the IPO, and I lost the client’s money. After this experience, I took some time to educate myself on different investment strategies.”

18. Give an example of a time when you were able to successfully communicate with another person even when they may not have personally liked you (or vice versa).

This question is designed to assess your interpersonal skills and ability to work with others. It’s important that you demonstrate the ability to be a team player, even if it means working with someone who may not like you personally.

Example: “In my previous role as an HR manager, I had to communicate with many employees on a daily basis. One employee in particular was very outspoken about her dislike for me. However, I always made sure to treat her with respect and kindness. Eventually, she began to soften toward me and we were able to have productive conversations.”

19. When was the last time you spoke up or challenged someone’s opinion?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you interact with others and your ability to speak up in a professional setting. Use examples from your past experience where you were able to express yourself without being disrespectful or argumentative.

Example: “In my last role, I disagreed with my manager’s decision to not offer our employees paid maternity leave. I expressed my opinion respectfully but firmly, and she listened to my reasoning. She agreed that it was important for us to provide paid maternity leave, so we started offering it to all of our employees.”

20. How do you measure success?

Symetra is a company that values its employees’ success. This question helps the interviewer determine how you define success and what your goals are for yourself in this role. Use examples from your past to explain how you measure success, and emphasize your commitment to helping others succeed as well.

Example: “I measure my success by the impact I have on others. In my last position, I helped train new hires and developed an onboarding program to help new employees feel more comfortable at work. The program was so successful that it became part of our standard training curriculum. As someone who has been in their shoes, I know how important it is to feel welcome and supported when starting a new job.”