Zurich Financial Services

Ditto..if anyone has had an AC?

When is your AC? Did you have a telephone interview first?

Yes i did, my AC is end of January and starts very early! The telephone itnerview is quite straight forward just asking usual questions and why zurich, qualifications and skills you have. seems like a nice job but location wise its not the most ideal.

Cool good luck with that! I have an AC on Tuesday for preferably general insurance - commercial lines so will put up advice/what the day entailed after that!

hey how did it go?

Hey - I was offered a job :-) so it went pretty well.

The day for me went like this -

1. Individual Presentations + Questions
2. Interview - Competency Based questions + Motivation questions (make sure you know about the job and what it entails)
3. Group Exercise
4. Case Study

Plus there was lunch with the grads and interviewers/observers who were around all day as well so opportunities to ask questions throughout the day as well as at lunch.

awesome thanks for the quick reply! Did u apply for the grad development programme, i have applied for business change.
Also what was the presentation like (content wise) and were there any tricky questions? Also is your job based in Fareham?

No problem, the job is actuarial and it is a grad development programme. I will be based in Farnborough though not Fareham.

The presentation was like 10 mins long and was just a simple business-type question relating to Zurich, I think the idea is to see what solutions you can come up with for a business problem and how you communicate them.

The questions weren't too tricky in the most part although there were a couple of difficult ones but nothing catastrophic! Good Luck! When is your A/C?

Hi ma51rg,

Thank you very much for sharing the information. It's indeed very helpful!

I will have one AC in March 09.
As I know it is the last one for grad.
The Feb one is fully booked.
Wanna know more details about the AC, say case study and group work...
Many thx for information sharing to all.

Hi all,

Got an assessment centre soon for graduate actuarial position.

ma51rg gave some good details of the process. Can anyone add to this experience?? Would help a lot!

Hey Aldo008,

I applied for underwriting, my AC was quite a while back now but I've written up what I can remember – the case study and group exercise weren't role specific, so I assume you'll get something similar, if not the same.

First off was the interview - this was pretty straight forward and consisted of motivational and competency questions. A lot of them were similar to the ones asked on the telephone interview - if you've done this kind of interview before I can't imagine it would be too much of a struggle. But do make sure you really know what the job is about, what your day to day activities will involve etc.

Second, was an individual case study, for which we got a about an hour to prepare and then
had to give a 10 minute presentation. You're provided with a calculator and a flip chart. This is to assess presentation skills, decision making ability, ability to explain your choices, and how you use figures etc. The case study we were given involved a multinational resteraunt chain which wanted to open a new branch, we were given a choice of 2 possible locations with information on both. I found this part quite tight for time as there was a lot of background information provided - but it's important that you read through it all. There were some pro/con factors included in the information that I didn't include in the presentation (simply because there was so many) - but I was asked about by my assessors, nonetheless. I'd say the best thing to do is to prioritise what the most important pro/con factors are, so even if you don't get on to talking about everything at least you've discussed the most important ones.

We were then given a break for lunch, and a chance to meet some of the current graduates and employees.

Third was the group exercise. I found this part the hardest for several reasons. Firstly there were 7 of us which in my opinion is too large for this sort of exercise, secondly, as with the case study there was a lot of information to get through in a limited time, and finally there was one very annoying person who kept dominating and talking over everyone! As a result I don't think I contributed enough, which I think is what cost me the job.
The exercise was this : your group is working for a tech company who has some future graduates from Asia coming over for a week long visit - your group has to organise an itinerary, accommodation etc within a budget. You are given a list of the students and what they are interested in, an extensive list of possible activities with prices, a price list for accommodation, travel expenses etc. Also half way through we were given 'additional information' by our assessor that the budget had been cut.

Again because of the amount of info you are given you need a systematic and logical way of going through it. If the situation arises that there does happen to be an overly talkative and annoying person, remember that this is effecting the rest of the group - not just you so, for example, if they are talking over someone else say something like "I believe x here was just about to say something". The fact that you're helping other people be included in the group will go down well with the assessors.

Finally, there was the presentation which we were given details of in advance (I assume you have already got these). This was fairly straight forward as long as you've done your research and prepared in advance. Aside from your communication skills I think they really want to see evidence of commercial awareness here - I was asked about who Zurich's main competitors are etc, so make sure you're up to speed on that

Good Luck!

That is sooo helpful Yasirah, thank you so much!

I've also experienced an overcrowded group exercise before, and was told I was dominant and kept interrupting...... most of it was down to nerves, and not realising how I was coming across to other team members. I didn't get the job... So I doubt your annoying friend got the job either! (I hope!) But I think i know what to do this time, and you've also given me some great advice.

I am pretty mince at presentations, but at least I know what to expect now so hopefully will be a bit more confident. Sounds like you just missed out on gettin that job.... which is what happened to me in my last AC. But I hope you've already got something else lined up!

If there were more posts like this, I am sure AC success rates would be much higher!

Hi

I've applied for the Global Associate Program. I recently got through the online tests (verbal, numerical and pyschometric- SHL) and am now preparing for the telephone interview.

Just wondering if anyone else has applied for the G.A.P. or if they have already done it- what tips they may have or comments about it?

I assume the selection process is the same as the other programs - online testing, telephone interview, face to face interview, A/C and presentation.

JD

anyone going to the ac this thursday 10th dec?

How come I failed the Zurich tests. I am still waiting for the feedback. I am very strong in numerical test. So I guess I didnt past the verbal. shit.

Anyone knows the percentiles of pass tests for Zurich? 70%?

hi guys, I have to do online tests for a finance role, are the tests standard in terms of difficulty? thanks

Hello everyone,

Has anybody had a telephone interview with Zurich for actuarial work? It would be helpful to know the questions they asked you or for any advice?

Many thanks!

Hi guys

Like xyz009, I too have a telephone interview with Zurich, but for the finance stream. Anyone with prior experience for any stream: advice would be much appreciated!
Thanks!

@top_cat87, when is your telephone interview?

I have yet to book it...How about yours?

Mine is tomorrow.

hi xyz009, how did you find the interview? Please could you share your experience, I would great appreciate it!
Thanks

Hi guys

I posted on this forum last year regarding my application for Zurich's GAP programme. Im delighted to say that I got in and have been on the programme since last September. The tips I got here were great and really helped me out. I have to say Zurich is a great place to work and the people are really friendly and co-operative.

From what I can remember the application process was fairly similar to the processes detailed in the advice section of this website- telephone interview, competency interview, online tests etc. so defintely read up on them to prepare. Obviously read up on Zurich and the insurance industry, if I have any advice apart from the excellent advice already given on this website it would be:

1. In the interviews be honest and open- what you want to do is have a connection with your interviewers. Essentially your hiring manager is trying to judge if you are the right fit for their department, while the scripted answers are handy to have dont forget to project your personality to make that personal connection.

2. Confront your shortcomings- dont hide them. From my experience Zurich are interested in the full picture of the candidate. Nobody is perfect and if you feel you have done badly on an element of the application process or feel you are lacking in an area then confront it head on at the interview and detail how you are willing to actively address it.

3. Let them know how much you want it. Zurich has a very 'global' culture and are interested in people who are willing to develop their skills in new and challenging environments. Let your interviewers know you are willing to travel and take on diverse challenges. Having respect for other cultures is paramount as Zurich is a very culturally diverse workplace.

Since joining I've met many people who started with Zurich in one function and in time switched to a completely different function so dont think for a second you will be limited to the career stream you initially join.

Best of luck with it guys- if I can be of any help please post you question here on the forum (Im subscribed) and I'll try to get back to you asap.

Make sure to check out this website:

http://www.zurich.com/main/careers/toptips/introduction.htm

JK

Hello everybody

In 10 days, I am having a phone interview for the Voyager Graduate Development Programme - Finance (Accounting). Could you be so kind and share your experience of the interview? What kinds of questions can I expect? Do you have any specific advice?

Thanks a million for any hint!

Let me revive this thread :D

Had a phone interview the other day and it was different than usual. The interviewer was very inquisitive about all sorts of staff, it wasn't just a regular competency staff.

Make sure you know all the details about insurance industry, competitors, Zurich, the position you applied for, your motivation, your qualifications for the job, etc. Learn everything because they will ask everything.

Second part of the interview comprised very regular competency questions, not much surprise here.

I am still waiting for the outcome and keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks again to everybody who sent me their advices on PM.

I've got an interview with them Wednesday so thanks, that info's very useful. I'm a bit nervous cos I'm out of practice interviewing for grad jobs.

hey just had a small question to ask you....Did they tell you if you got through on the same day? Also could you please give me some tips I have an AC on 27th for Business Change and IT. I would be very thankful to you if you can. Thanks a lot.

hi ppl is anybody coming for the 27th April assessment centre in Swindon?

Hi nikki400,
i will be @ swindon on 27th for the AC..

hey I was wondering if you could please help me out. what was the case study like? Was it an intensive data based one or was it a strategy or approximate an answer type? I have an AC with them and am very worried. Wondering if you could please help me out. Thanks.

hey yasirah I was wondering if you could please help me out. what was the case study like? Was it an intensive data based one or was it a strategy or approximate an answer type? I have an AC with them and am very worried. Wondering if you could please help me out. Also how was the structure? Was everyone given the same case and were sitting in one room to work through the solution. Or was it individual and an assessor was with you while you worked through it. Did they answer any initial questions you might have had?
Thanks a lot.

.........

Hi guys,

has anybody recently done the Global Associate Program Recruiting Short presentation?

what are they looking for mostly? contents or how you held it?

any suggestions on how to do it the best?

thx...

Hi

Has anyone had a Telephone Interview for the Finance scheme?

If so, what type of questions were asked? The more specific, the more helpful.

Thanx

just had my phone interview for change management programme =)

Hey vonrichthofen!

I'm having mine next week for the same program! How was your interview? How was it like? Any tips or questions????

Hia,
interview went ok. I can tell you exactly what I got asked for the second section. The first was about Zurich and their products, competitors etc... I failed on this section really (having to look up stuff while talking. I didnt get to the third stage - they let you know within three days.
The second section questions were:
1. tell about a situation when my work was criticised and how i responded.
2. tell about a time when I had to make a decision or take action without all the information or the total picture.
3.tell about a time when i had to deal with conflicting priorities.
4. example of a situation when i have to support a weaker team member in order for them to reach their goal.
5. example of a time when i had to go out of my way to meet a customer requirement.

hope this helps. Good luck.

Thanks for that vonrichthofen! I got my telephone interview on Monday at 2.30..I think I will run over my lunch break!!

Thanks for the information vonrichthofen!
Good luck with your interviews KGB1981 and Irfan_1987!
I also have my telephone interview on Tuesday for the finance programme!

Thank you for all the information Von!!! Really helped me mate!
Good luck to all the other guys applied for Zurich!

Had my telephone interview yesterday, got invited to the Assessment Centre on the 15th!

The questions asked came in the exact same order as above.

Also they asked about my degree, why I chose it, and past work experience.

Brilliant. Thrilled for you! Glad I could help in some way, and well-done.
vR

Thank you very much vonrichthofen!!! You helped me a lot! Thank you! By the way could someone provide information about what is the assessment centre like?

Hi All,

I didn't get the position..

Here is what happened on the day:

1) They present to you
2) You have 15 minutes to write a 5 minute presentation on an event or situation in your education career that has made you who you are today. I had a panel of 3 to present to.
3) Interview - competency based, but NOTHING like the telephone interview, so bare that in mind. I had a panel of 3.
4) Case study - you need to choose which insurance product out of three to go with and why - you will then present this at the end of the day. I had a panel of 2 to present to.
5) Group Exercise - can't really to be honest, there were 8 assessors watching us

Hope that helps.

Irfan

Really sorry to hear that you didn't get the job... The AC seems to be difficult... Thank you very much for the information.

Thank you Irfan
could you tell me about more about what questions were asked in the interview?
did they ask you anything like talk about a current financial issue that you are interested in?
and the group exercise, I was told there will be 7 of us in the group, would it be very difficult to talk between you?

I failed the telephone interview but here is some advice:

Our telephone interviews are designed to allow candidates the opportunity to show evidence of certain key competencies, some of which are detailed below:

- Business Motivation and Expectations – questions assess candidates’ commitment to a career in their chosen business area. We are looking for a clear evidence of a thorough research into our company, the business division you wish to join, as well as the role itself.

- Integrity, Confidence & Accountability - we are looking for evidence that you take responsibility for own actions and responses, you are willing to voice an opinion and take a stand on critical issues, either one-on-one or in a group.

- Planning and organising (or Executing Impeccably) – candidate ensures implementation of plans or projects in a timely, efficient and effective manner. We are looking for examples where you demonstrated initiative, handled the tasks through to completion, planed and followed through on commitments, as well as monitored and guided others to fulfil their commitments. We need candidate to show he is open to and considers alternative means when faced with obstacles to ensure task or project completion.

 -        Innovation with the customer in mind – candidate considers different and novel ways to satisfy the customer, anticipate their needs and exceed their expectations. We are looking for example when you demonstrated customer-orientation in behaviour. In your example we would like you to describe how you create creative solutions to customer issues and requests and seek feedback from customers on the level of service provided.  
 

It’s very important to cover four elements in all your answers: description of the situation which occurred, task you had to carry out, actions which you took and results of your actions. Please bear in mind that some candidates have more relevant work experience and therefore are able to provide more relevant examples.

Hey Irfan_1987!

Sorry to hear that mate! I hope things go better for you next time....

I am waiting to be called for an AC with Zurich and I would appreciate if you could answer my questions... Your experience would be very useful for me mate! So...
Did you have any SHL format tests? They say at their web-site that you have your on-line tests initially, but you may be asked later on to complete tests again (obviously to make sure you did them by yourself)
In what ways was the interview different to the telephone interview? Different questions or different competencies? Did you have any technical questions as well? Like for insurance industry in specific?
Finally, how technical was the case study? How many things do I need to know about insurance products? Did you find any similar c. studies anywhere?

Thanks for everything mate! Hope you can provide me with any answers!

PS: if anyone else can answer me, please do so!!!! Cheers!!!

Hi,

No re-tests mate.

I had no technical questions, talk about why you are applying for what you are.

The interview questions were about taking responsibility, working towards goals, initiating a project, team working analytical thinking and lastly motivation for the programme.

Hope that helps!