TIAA-CREF IT Technical Associate (College Hire Program) Interview Questions & Reviews

Interview Details – My initial contact with the company came through on-campus career fairs and information sessions. I networked with some IT managers and handed off some resumes. I also applied online to the position. I was selected first for an on campus interview about a week after the career fair / info session. The interviewer focused mainly on behavioral questions such as the following: how do you respond to change? Tell me about a time when you had a disagreement with a colleague and how did you handle it? Tell me about a time when you experienced a problem with a software project you were working on, and how did you solve it? The interviewer actually made me feel very comfortable, and the interview felt more like a casual conversation though still very professional.

The next step came after I was emailed with a date to come in and interview with 5 different IT managers, along with 5 other potential candidates. The interview was scheduled like a round-robin, with each candidate with a different interviewer for five 25 minute intervals with a 5 minute break between. Each interviewer was assigned a topic (business knowledge, technical knowledge, etc) The atmosphere was very fun and friendly, while still very professional. I actually had a great time talking with each interviewer, and while they did ask me many questions they also offered valuable insight into what it is like working in the world of IT. After this day of interviews, on a Thursday, they extended me an offer the next Monday, and I accepted.

Negotiation Details – Did not need to negotiate. I had received a previous offer from another company which I was transparent about, and the company exceeded the offer without need for negotiation. They did not try to low-ball and work their way up like some had suggested might happen.