20 Willis Towers Watson Interview Questions and Answers

As a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company, Willis Towers Watson knows a thing or two about interviews. After all, we conduct hundreds of thousands of them each year! We also know that every company is different, and that each will have their own specific interview questions and style.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide to company specific interview questions for Willis Towers Watson. We’ll give you an overview of our interview process, and then provide some sample questions and answers that you can use to prepare for your own interview.

So whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, read on to find out everything you need to know about interviewing with Willis Towers Watson.

Willis Towers Watson Interview Process

The interview process at Willis Towers Watson is generally very long, taking anywhere from two weeks to a month. The difficulty of the interviews also varies depending on the position you are applying for. Overall, the experience is generally positive, with most people finding the staff to be friendly and helpful.

1. What do you think are the most important qualities for a HR consultant?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you have the skills and experience necessary for this role. You can answer by listing a few of the most important qualities, such as communication skills, problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.

Example: “I think one of the most important qualities for a HR consultant is strong communication skills. This person needs to be able to clearly explain complex ideas to clients and colleagues in an easy-to-understand way. Another quality I believe is essential is attention to detail. A good HR consultant should always make sure they are following company policies and procedures when making decisions or recommendations.”

2. When was a time when you had to handle a difficult customer, how did you approach it?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle conflict and challenges. Use examples from your previous work experience to highlight your problem-solving skills, communication skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.

Example: “In my last position as a customer service representative for an insurance company, I had a client who was upset about their policy renewal. They felt that they were paying too much for their coverage and wanted me to lower it. I explained to them that we could not change their rate but offered them other options to save money on their policy. The client was satisfied with this information and decided to keep their current plan.”

3. Describe your experience with data analysis and project management.

Willis Towers Watson is a large company that requires employees to have strong analytical and project management skills. Your answer should show the interviewer your experience with these two important functions.

Example: “In my previous position, I was responsible for analyzing data from our clients’ websites and social media accounts. This information helped me create reports on how we could improve marketing strategies and increase sales. In addition, I also managed several projects at once, including creating new client databases and updating existing ones. These tasks required me to work closely with other team members to ensure all of our projects were completed by their deadlines.”

4. How would you describe your leadership style?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you would fit into their organization’s culture. Your leadership style is a personal preference, but it can be helpful to consider what your previous managers have said about your leadership skills and use that as a guide.

Example: “I believe in being an approachable leader who encourages collaboration among my team members. I like to make sure everyone has a voice during meetings and that they feel comfortable sharing their ideas. I also think it’s important for leaders to set an example by doing the work themselves rather than expecting others to do everything. I’m always willing to pitch in wherever needed.”

5. How do you stay up-to-date on current events in the industry?

This question can help the interviewer understand your dedication to learning more about the industry and how you stay informed. Use this opportunity to share what resources you use to learn about current events in the insurance industry, including conferences or seminars you attend.

Example: “I have a subscription to several publications that cover the insurance industry. I also subscribe to an online newsletter that provides weekly updates on new legislation and regulations. In addition, I am active in my local chapter of the National Association of Insurance Agents where we meet once a month for networking and educational opportunities.”

6. Do you have any experience working in an agile environment?

Agile is a software development methodology that focuses on creating and implementing solutions quickly. It’s an effective way to work in the technology industry, but it can also be beneficial for other industries as well. If you have experience working in an agile environment, share your thoughts about how it helped you complete projects more efficiently.

Example: “I’ve worked in an agile environment before, and I found it very helpful when completing tasks. Agile allows teams to collaborate effectively and move forward with their projects at a steady pace. In my last role, we used Scrum to create sprints and deliverables. This allowed us to stay organized and meet deadlines.”

7. Why do you want to work at Willis Towers Watson?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your interest in their company. They want to know what you like about Willis Towers Watson and how it aligns with your career goals. To answer this question, think of two or three things that drew you to apply for this position. You can also mention any personal connections you have to the company.

Example: “I applied for this role because I was drawn to the innovative work you do here. I’ve always been interested in data analytics, so I’m excited to get my hands on some real-world projects. Another reason I wanted to work at Willis Towers Watson is because of my connection to one of your employees. My brother works as an accountant there, and he told me all about the amazing culture and opportunities they offer.”

8. How well can you explain complex financial models to clients?

This question can help the interviewer determine your ability to communicate complex information in a way that clients understand. Use examples from past experiences where you had to explain financial models and concepts to clients or other stakeholders, and how you helped them understand the information.

Example: “In my last role as an investment advisor, I often had to explain complex financial models to clients who were new to investing. I found it helpful to use analogies to make the information easier for them to understand. For example, when explaining risk-adjusted returns, I would compare it to grading on a curve. This helped many of my clients better understand the concept.”

9. What is your favorite part about working as an actuary?

This question is an opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the job. Your answer should include a specific example of something you enjoy about working as an actuary and how it helps others.

Example: “My favorite part about being an actuary is helping people make informed decisions with their money. In my last role, I worked with a client who was trying to decide whether they should take out a loan or refinance their mortgage. After running some numbers, I determined that refinancing would save them thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. The client ended up refinancing their home, which allowed them to pay off their credit card debt more quickly.”

10. Can you tell me about a time where you went above and beyond for a client?

This question is a great way to show your dedication and willingness to go the extra mile for clients. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific situation where you went above and beyond for a client and how that helped them or benefited their business.

Example: “When I was working as an insurance agent, one of my clients had just opened up a new restaurant. They were looking into different types of insurance they would need to protect themselves from any potential issues. After speaking with them about what type of coverage they needed, we decided on a policy that would cover all of their needs. However, when the time came to renew their policy, they told me they wanted to save money by switching companies. I spent hours researching other policies and comparing prices so that I could find them the best deal.”

11. Tell us about a time that you worked on a team project that failed, what did you learn from it?

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills and how you learn from mistakes. When answering this question, it can be helpful to focus on the steps you took to improve yourself or the team’s performance in the future.

Example: “In my last position as an HR manager, I was tasked with creating a new employee orientation program for our company. We had a large group of employees that needed to attend the training, so we decided to host the event at one of our locations instead of online. Unfortunately, due to scheduling conflicts, many employees were unable to attend the training.

I learned that when planning events like these, it’s important to make sure everyone has the opportunity to attend. In the future, I would ensure that all employees have the ability to attend any training or meeting.”

12. If hired, how would you demonstrate our company’s values to new members of your team?

This question is an opportunity to show your understanding of the company’s values and how you plan to integrate them into your work. When answering, it can be helpful to refer to a specific example from your past experience that demonstrates how you would apply the company’s values in your daily work.

Example: “I believe that Willis Towers Watson’s core value of collaboration is essential for success as a team. In my last role, I had a new employee who was struggling with their workload. Instead of immediately assigning more tasks or telling them what they should do differently, I asked them about their goals and challenges. We then worked together to create a plan where they could complete their current assignments while also learning new skills. This helped them feel supported and motivated to succeed.”

13. Provide an example of a time where you implemented a new system.

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills and how you adapt to new situations. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the steps you took to implement the system and what challenges you faced along the way.

Example: “When I started my previous position as an HR manager, we were looking for ways to improve our employee onboarding process. We decided to create a digital platform that would allow employees to complete their onboarding tasks online. This was beneficial because it saved time and money on printing materials and training sessions. However, there were some challenges with implementing the system. For example, many of our employees didn’t have access to computers or the internet at home. So, we had to find a solution that allowed them to complete their onboarding tasks from anywhere.”

14. How would you handle a client who disagrees with your recommendations?

As a financial advisor, you may encounter clients who disagree with your recommendations. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the interpersonal skills necessary to handle these situations effectively. In your answer, explain how you would use your communication and problem-solving skills to help the client understand your reasoning.

Example: “I believe that it’s important for advisors to listen to their clients. If they disagree with my recommendation, I would first try to find out why. Sometimes, there is an underlying reason for their disagreement. For example, if someone disagrees with our investment strategy, I might ask them what kind of return they are looking for. This can give me more information about what they want from their investments.”

15. What type of research tools do you use?

This question can help the interviewer determine your comfort level with using technology to complete tasks. Use examples of how you used research tools in previous positions and explain why they were beneficial to your work.

Example: “I use several different types of research tools, including social media monitoring software that allows me to track brand mentions on various platforms. I also use keyword search engines to find relevant information about a company’s products or services. Another tool I’ve found helpful is Google Trends, which helps me understand what people are searching for online. These tools allow me to gather data quickly and efficiently so I can provide accurate information to my team.”

16. What would you say is your greatest strength and weakness?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you view yourself. They want to know that you are self-aware, so it’s important to answer honestly. When answering this question, try to focus on a strength rather than a weakness.

Example: “I would say my greatest strength is my ability to work well with others. I am always looking for ways to help others succeed, which has helped me build strong relationships at previous jobs. My biggest weakness is that sometimes I get too invested in projects. While this can be helpful when trying to meet deadlines, it can also lead to burnout. To avoid this, I make sure to take breaks throughout the day.”

17. Describe a time that you presented a problem and solution to a group of people, what was the outcome?

This question is a great way to show your leadership skills and ability to work in teams. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the specific steps you took to ensure everyone was on board with the solution.

Example: “At my previous job, I noticed that our team wasn’t communicating effectively. We were missing deadlines and making mistakes because we weren’t sharing information with each other. So, I scheduled a meeting with all of my coworkers to discuss how we could improve communication between us. After some discussion, we decided to create an email group where we could share important information about projects and ask questions when needed.”

18. Give an example of a time when you were successful at getting large gifts for a fundraising campaign.

This question is a great way to show your leadership skills and ability to work with others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the specific goals you set for yourself or the team and how you helped achieve them.

Example: “In my last position as a marketing manager, I was responsible for creating a new campaign that would help raise money for our company’s philanthropic efforts. We decided on a goal of $50,000 in one month. I worked with my team to create an advertising plan that included digital ads, radio spots and billboards. We also created a social media strategy that involved influencers and celebrities who could promote our brand. The campaign was a huge success, and we raised over $100,000.”

19. Have you ever had to give bad news to a client? How did you communicate this information to them?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle difficult situations and whether or not you have experience with delivering bad news to clients. Use your answer to highlight your communication skills, ability to empathize and willingness to take responsibility for your actions.

Example: “In my previous role as a financial advisor, I had a client who was saving up for their child’s college tuition. They were investing in a long-term investment plan that would allow them to save money over time while also earning interest on their savings. Unfortunately, they lost some of their investments due to market fluctuations. When I met with them to discuss this loss, I explained what happened and helped them find another way to save for their child’s education.”

20. What are some of the KPIs that you track in your day-to-day job?

This question is a great way to show the interviewer that you are familiar with their company’s goals and objectives. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention some of the KPIs that your previous employer tracked as well.

Example: “At my current job, I track several key performance indicators including sales growth, customer satisfaction and employee engagement. In addition to these metrics, I also monitor our budgeting process, marketing campaign effectiveness and operational efficiency. At Willis Towers Watson, I would expect to see similar KPIs being tracked.”