Glassdoor is your free inside look at Northwestern Mutual interview questions and advice. All 555 interview reviews posted anonymously by Northwestern Mutual employees and interview candidates.
Declined Offer – Interviewed in Philadelphia, PA Feb 2013 – Reviewed Mar 25, 2013
Interview Details – There were 3 interviews, I was first contacted over the phone and was told to go to their center city office for their first interview. I then had to do market surveys which interviews that asked questions about people's reaction and experience with financial services representatives.
Interview Question – How would your friends describe you? View Answer
Reason for Declining – There was another offer
Accepted Offer – Interviewed in Columbus, OH – Reviewed Mar 22, 2013
Interview Details – There is a three step interview process to be selected as an intern. The first interview session is 15 generic questions asking goals, accomplishments, and why you would be a good fit for the company. Also you will have to take a personality test, which is very simple. You are expected to work 40 plus hours a week in the summer and 15-20 during school year.
Interview Question – What is something difficult in life that you overcame? Answer Question
Accepted Offer – Reviewed Mar 20, 2013
Interview Details – I had three interviews at Northwestern Mutual... they weren't the most formal interview I've ever had because mainly what they are looking for is a confident individual who acts professionally and is self-motivated.
Interview Question – The most difficult part was how open their questions were and how casual it was. They want you to be comfortable leading a conversation because you meet with clients regularly Answer Question
Accepted Offer – Reviewed Mar 20, 2013
Interview Details – Had 2 interviews of 3. Great process.
Interview Question – Describe exactly what Northwestern Mutual does. Answer Question
No Offer – Reviewed Mar 16, 2013
Interview Details – The interviewer is a pretty nice person and simply asked behavior questions, like why do you choose this company and why do you thinks you are a good candidate for this position. Next, going through a little bit about your background.
Interview Question – None Answer Question
Declined Offer – Reviewed Mar 19, 2013
Interview Details – One interview- 30 minutes at local office
Interview Question – Walk me through your resume View Answer
Reason for Declining – Seemed like they were trying to hard to give out jobs. Looking for numbers of interns not quality because they only pay based on commission.
Accepted Offer – Interviewed in Metairie, LA Mar 2013 – Reviewed Mar 14, 2013
Interview Details – Went to a career fair and I got an interview set up. The interview was really relaxed and more of an opportunity to understand what Northwestern Mutual is. From there, I had to present a 5 minute powerpoint in front of 4 people. I was offered the intern position there.
Interview Question – What is the biggest thing you expect to get out of this internship? Answer Question
Declined Offer – Reviewed Mar 12, 2013
Interview Details – The interview process was straightforward and the interviewer was very nice and laid back.
Interview Question – Describe yourself in one word. Answer Question
Declined Offer – Interviewed in Kansas City, KS Mar 2012 – Reviewed Mar 11, 2013
Interview Details –
I first found about position at a Career Fair.
I was called the next day by the hiring manager.
Three interviews, all of which have been detailed perfectly in other reviews.
Interview Question – I was asked how close I was to my older sister, who is a doctor. Was kind of a slimy question. Answer Question
Reason for Declining – I was offered a better position at a different company.
Accepted Offer – Interviewed in Greensboro, NC Feb 2013 – Reviewed Feb 15, 2013
Interview Details –
Long interview process but very thorough and worth it. I submitted my application/resume electronically and literally within 5 minutes I received a phone call from the local office recruiter. Very professional and friendly person. We scheduled our first meeting and I shared all about me, what I was looking for, why I was interested in the company, 5 year goals, you name it and then the recruiter shared with me all the information they could about Northwestern.
From that point over there were several online assessments for me to complete at home which I did and about a week later I went back in for another interview, this time to meet the firm director, go through an interview with him. Great guy, liked him a lot. Very down to earth yet very professional and on the ball.
The next Monday I met the recruiter bright and early for a trip to the Regional Office to have "Career Day". Here they go into training, compensation, benefits and retirement in high detail. It was a good opportunity to see the regional office and meet some of the people there too. Again, very professional and everyone was very personable.
Next - Market Surveys, 15 of them. The name of this business is getting in front of people and that is what this exercise is designed to do - see if you can do it. If you can knock out 15 in a week, you're a super star. Make sure to get them done in at least 2. Oh yeah, don't forget to ask for references from those you meet with to do the market survey! Very good experience for me overall. I think this is a valuable piece to the hiring equation.
During this process you attend a Monday Morning Meeting at the local office. There you can see what it looks like as all the reps gather for a meeting to go over last week's performance and set the up coming week's goals. I like the accountability.
Next, a meeting with the firm director once again to review your 15+ market surveys and dive more deeply into what's next. All the while, it's been about 3 weeks to a month to this point. You should have learned a lot about the business and about the company by now. Reading this is proof you're doing your homework. Good job :-)
Next, the "spousal close". If you're married, they want to meet your spouse. I like that. Who you're married to says a lot about who you are. Plus they want to make sure you've got the support from your spouse to step into this career...let's face it, it's going to take 100% support from them.
Next meeting, pre-hire contracts and training outline. Without going into too much detail, there are 4 payout groups of licensing, training and projects to complete. Completion of each one of those 4 pays out $1000 for each group. There is a 4 week sales school and 2 more licensing, training & project groups to complete during the training school. Completion of each one pays another $1k each. There is also $1113 of licensing reimbursement to be paid to you once you sign full-time hire contracts.
So for the next 10 weeks, that's what you're looking at above. You'll attend the Monday Morning Meetings and be given office space during that time to work on you task list. Complete sales school and you're off to the races. From the research that I've done, in the first year, do as much joint-work as you can. You'll cut your learning time down significantly and you'll still make a great income your first year.
--- side note --- I've interviewed with several other companies in the area and all are fine companies. Northwestern just seemed to have it together the most. There are several reasons I choose Northwestern: 1) I like the people and the atmosphere that I have experienced there, 2) The training is polished and from what I have learned/been told, the best training in the country for this business, 3) The upfront compensation structure to help get you going, 4) The commitment to helping you be as successful as you are willing to make yourself. --- pay looks great too compared to the other companies.
I'm excited for the opportunity! Hard work ahead but it will be well worth it!
... Everyone want's what you've got, just not everyone is willing to do what it takes to get there ...
Interview Question – Once you meet with the firm director, they will go over your assessment tests with you. That could be an eye opener! Answer Question
Negotiation Details – Lengthy process but well worth it in my opinion.
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