20 Unum Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to benefits, Unum is a company that knows a thing or two. With a history dating back to 1848, Unum has been a pioneer in the business of benefits, always looking for new ways to help their clients.

Now, if you’re looking to join the ranks of this forward-thinking company, you’ll need to be prepared to answer some tough questions in your interview. In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of some of the most common questions asked in an interview for a position at Unum, as well as some tips on how to answer them.

Unum Interview Process

The interview process at Unum is very quick. I applied online and filled out a questionnaire. About 2 hours later I got an email from a recruiter to set up a time for a phone screening. I completed the phone screen the next day. After the phone screen I moved on to an interview which was 2 days later with two Talent Acquisition Representatives. I received a call 30 minutes after my interview advising that they would like to offer me a position with the company. It was literally the quickest hiring process I’ve ever experienced.

1. What are your career goals?

This question is a great way to learn more about the applicant’s career goals and how they plan to achieve them. It also gives you an idea of what their expectations are for this position. When answering, it can be helpful to include your short-term and long-term goals.

Example: “My goal is to become a benefits manager at Unum. I know that there is a lot of opportunity here, so I am excited to start my career with Unum. In five years, I would like to have earned my MBA in business management and be working toward becoming a senior benefits analyst.”

2. Tell me about a time you had to deal with an angry customer and how you handled it.

An interviewer may ask this question to see how you handle conflict and stress. This is a great opportunity to show your communication skills, problem-solving abilities and empathy for others.

Example: “When I worked as an insurance agent, I had a customer who was upset because they were denied coverage for their claim. They felt that the company wasn’t doing enough to help them with their situation. I listened carefully to what they had to say and explained why we couldn’t cover their claim. Then, I offered to connect them with our medical team so they could get the care they needed.”

3. How would you maintain a professional relationship with customers?

This question is an opportunity to show your customer service skills. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific situation where you helped a customer and how that experience made you feel.

Example: “I believe the most important part of my job as a benefits specialist would be maintaining a professional relationship with customers. I know that many people are nervous about talking to someone on the phone or online, so I always try to make sure they feel comfortable. For example, when I was working at my last job, I had a customer who was very upset because their claim wasn’t being processed correctly. I listened to them explain their problem and then explained our policy in detail. After explaining everything, they felt much better and thanked me for helping.”

4. Why do you want to work for Unum Group?

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 Unum Group and understand what they do. You can also talk about why you are interested in working in the insurance industry.

Example: “I want to work for Unum Group because I am passionate about helping people through difficult times. In my last job as an HR manager, I saw how much of a difference it made when employees were able to take time off due to illness or injury. I would love to be part of a team that helps others get back on their feet.”

5. Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced environment?

When you work for a company that’s constantly innovating, it can be challenging to keep up with the changes. Employers ask this question to make sure you’re ready to adapt and learn new things quickly. In your answer, show them that you enjoy challenges and are eager to take on new projects.

Example: “I love working in fast-paced environments because I’m always looking for ways to improve myself. When I first started my career as an insurance agent, I was nervous about selling policies to people who had complicated situations. However, after learning more about how Unum works, I realized that we have many solutions to help our clients. Now, I feel confident when talking to anyone about their needs.”

6. Give an example of when you solved a problem creatively.

When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide an example of a time you used your problem-solving skills to help others. This can show the interviewer that you have experience working with people and solving problems in unique ways.

Example: “When I was working as a claims adjuster for Unum, I had a client who called me because they were having trouble getting their benefits approved. They told me that they had been trying to get approval for two months but hadn’t heard back from anyone at Unum.

I asked them if there was anything else we could do to speed up the process. The client said that they would like to speak to someone about their case every week until it was resolved. I thought about how I could make that happen and came up with a solution. I assigned one of my colleagues to work on the case full-time and promised the client that they would hear from us once a week until the issue was resolved.”

7. Would you be willing to relocate if needed?

If the company is looking to expand their business, they may need employees who are willing to relocate. If you have a family or other commitments that would make relocation difficult, it’s important to let them know as soon as possible so they can find someone else for the position.

Example: “I am happy to relocate if needed. I’ve moved several times in my life and always found it exciting to start over somewhere new. I’m sure there will be challenges wherever we go, but I look forward to meeting those challenges head-on.”

8. Do you have experience with data entry?

This question is a great way to determine if you have the skills necessary for this role. If you don’t, it’s important to explain what experience you do have and how that can translate into your ability to perform well in this position.

Example: “I’ve had some experience with data entry, but I’m not an expert at it. However, I am very detail-oriented and organized, which makes me a good candidate for learning new tasks quickly. In my last job, I was tasked with entering data from paper forms into our company database. It took me about two weeks to get used to the process, but by the end of the month, I could enter all of the information accurately.”

9. Describe a time where you had conflicting priorities, what did you do to manage your time?

When working in a fast-paced environment, it’s important to be able to prioritize your tasks and manage your time effectively. This question allows the interviewer to assess how you handle competing priorities and whether or not you have experience doing so.

Example: “In my previous role as an underwriter, I had to balance meeting deadlines with providing accurate information to my team. In this situation, I would create a schedule for myself that allowed me to meet all of my deadlines while still giving each case the attention it needed. If there was any doubt about a claim, I would take extra time to ensure accuracy.”

10. What is the most challenging aspect of dealing with customers?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle difficult situations and what your priorities are when interacting with customers. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific situation where you helped a customer resolve an issue or helped them feel more comfortable during a challenging interaction.

Example: “The most challenging aspect of dealing with customers is helping them navigate complex processes. I always make sure that my interactions with customers are as simple and straightforward as possible so they can get the information they need in a way that makes sense to them. If there’s something they don’t understand, I try to explain it in different ways until they have a clear understanding.”

11. Where do you see yourself in five years?

This question is a great way to learn more about the applicant’s career goals and how they see themselves growing with Unum. It also gives you an idea of what their timeline looks like for achieving those goals.

Example: “I hope to be working in a management position at Unum by then, but I know that it will take hard work and dedication to get there. I am willing to put in the time and effort necessary to achieve my goals.”

12. What computer programs are you familiar with using?

This question is a great way to see if you have the necessary skills and knowledge for the position. When answering this question, make sure to list all computer programs that are relevant to your experience.

Example: “I am familiar with using Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. I also know how to use Google Drive, Dropbox and Trello. These programs are essential in my daily work as they allow me to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations. They also help me collaborate with others on projects.”

13. Explain a time when you were able to improve on the job or demonstrate flexibility.

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your adaptability and willingness to change. When answering, try to think of a specific example that shows you’re willing to take on new challenges or work with others to improve processes.

Example: “At my last job, I was responsible for updating the company’s social media accounts every day. After working in this role for several months, I realized it would be beneficial if we had someone who could update our accounts weekly instead of daily. So, I approached one of my coworkers and asked if they’d be interested in taking over the task. They agreed, and now we have two employees who share the responsibility.”

14. Have you ever been asked to do something that you weren’t trained to do? How did you handle it?

This question is designed to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to learn new things. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide an example of a time when you had to do something outside of your normal job duties that helped the company or organization in some way.

Example: “When I was working as a receptionist at my last job, our office manager asked me to help with payroll because they were short-staffed. Although I wasn’t trained on how to do payroll, I watched the office manager for a few days until I felt comfortable enough to enter the information into the system myself. It took me a little longer than usual to get everything entered, but I learned a valuable skill that day.”

15. What is your ultimate goal as a Customer Service Representative?

Customer service is a vital part of any business, and Unum is no exception. Your interviewer will want to know that you understand the importance of customer service in your role as a CSR. Use this question to show them how you plan to provide excellent customer service to all customers who call or visit your office.

Example: “My ultimate goal as a Customer Service Representative is to make sure every customer I speak with leaves feeling like they were heard and understood. I believe that if we can listen to our customers and address their concerns, then we can find solutions that work for everyone. If I can do that, then I feel like I’ve done my job well.”

16. What kind of training would you need to perform well in this role?

This question is a great way to show the interviewer that you are willing to learn and grow in your new role. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention any certifications or training programs you have completed in the past.

Example: “I am currently enrolled in an online course on benefits administration. I would love to continue my education through Unum’s employee development program if hired. In addition to continuing my education, I would also like to shadow someone who works in this field for a few days so I can get a better idea of what working here would be like.”

17. How do you handle stress?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your ability to handle stress in the workplace. They want to know that you can complete tasks and meet deadlines even when things get busy. In your answer, share a time when you had to manage stress at work. Explain what steps you took to reduce stress and how it helped you perform better.

Example: “I find that I am most productive when I have plenty of time to complete my work. When I feel rushed or stressed, I make mistakes and take longer to finish projects. To avoid this, I always try to plan ahead for my work. If I see that I will be swamped with assignments, I let my supervisor know so they can help me prioritize my workload.”

18. How do you feel about working weekends?

Unum is a company that values its employees and their work-life balance. They want to ensure you’re not sacrificing your personal life for the sake of the job, so they ask this question to see if you have any reservations about working weekends or nights.

Example: “I’m happy to work weekends as long as I know in advance. I find it’s important to maintain a healthy work-life balance, so I would prefer to avoid working late at night unless absolutely necessary. I also understand that sometimes emergencies happen, so I am willing to stay late or come in on the weekend if needed.”

19. How do you stay up to date on industry trends?

Employers want to know that you are committed to your career and have a desire to learn. They may ask this question to see if you can demonstrate these qualities. When answering, consider sharing how you stay up to date on industry trends. You could mention any resources you use or the ways in which you try to learn new information about the benefits field.

Example: “I am passionate about my career and always looking for ways to improve myself. I subscribe to several newsletters and blogs that provide valuable insight into the insurance world. I also attend conferences and seminars where experts share their knowledge with others.”

20. What is your experience level with Microsoft Office applications?

Microsoft Office is a suite of applications that includes Word, Excel and PowerPoint. These are the most common programs used in business settings, so it’s likely you’ll be asked to demonstrate your proficiency with them during an interview. If you’re not familiar with all three, focus on the ones you know best.

Example: “I have been using Microsoft Office since I was in high school, where I took several computer science classes. In my last position, I had to use all three regularly, but I am more comfortable with Excel than Word or PowerPoint.”