• The greatest emphasis should be placed on your most recent (last 5 years) work experience. You can be more general when describing previous roles. Your current position should be listed first.
• Pay attention to style and format. A strong résumé is visually appealing and easy to read. This is most easily accomplished by using a common text such as Times New Roman, a font size of 11 or 12 point (10 point minimum), and by avoiding the use of logos, designs, special characters or pictures.
• The one page résumé rule does not always apply. Take the space you need to present your qualifications, but keep it to an appropriate length.
• Do not put your résumé in the first person. (ex: "I have been pricing annuities...")
• Use meaningful verbs: manage, analyze, etc.
• Include all institutions of higher education you have attended, including your GPA if you feel comfortable, and it is high (over 3.5/4.0)
• Note your Society of Actuaries designation(s), if any, and exam credit total. For Pre-Associates, it is often helpful to cite those exams you have completed.
• Spellcheck! Proofread! Spellcheck again!

Our clients often begin the interview process with a telephone interview. This is an opportunity for the client to delve deeper into the details of your resume and assess your communication skills. Be prepared! Have a copy of your resume in front of you, and be prepared to discuss anything on it. If there is additional information not included on your resume that you feel would help illustrate your fit for the position, feel free to discuss it. In addition, a client will want to know your reasons for considering positions outside of your current company. Make an effort to speak as clearly and concisely as possible. The "backroom actuary" is largely a thing of the past - hiring managers are interested in your communication skills as well as your technical ability. Also, prepare questions for the company - it will help you better understand the opportunity and demonstrates an interest in the position. Finally, if you like what you hear during the conversation, it is important to express interest in the position and the company directly to the other person. Pinnacle Group will set up all phone screens for you, and will provide you with information on the company and person conducting the screen prior to the event.

You have made it past the resume screen and telephone interview, and you have been invited to the company's home office for an in-person interview. Pinnacle Group will work with you and the client to set up dates, times and travel arrangements. Keep the following in mind for your in-person interview:

•  Be Prepared! Be knowledgeable about the company when you interview. Know their products, their needs and the details of the position you are being considered for. Know the aspects of insurance companies versus consulting firms. Utilize The Pinnacle Library- company specific information designed to educate candidates about our clients. Web sites can also be good information resources.

•  Be Prompt! Know where you are going and when you need to be there. Pinnacle Group will provide you with directions and an interview schedule, if one is available. Remember to bring several copies of your resume with you.

•  Practice! Think about your interview ahead of time. Think of questions you are likely to be asked and prepare answers for them. What has given you trouble if you have interviewed in the past? Practice making eye contact.

•  Dress for Success! Unless otherwise noted, wear your professional best. It is always better to overdress than underdress! Bring an attractive portfolio or briefcase. Press your shirt, shine your shoes, style your hair and don't go overboard on the make-up or perfume!

•  Be Confident! Know your skills and your experience- be ready to sell yourself. You are a valuable commodity, and you are in demand.

•  Address the Location. Are you local? Did you grow up in the area? What are your ties? If you have none, why are you considering the area? Assure the company that you would be a worthwhile and long-term hire.

•  Ask Questions. Keep in mind that while you are the interviewee, this is a mutual selection process. Asking questions will demonstrate your interest in the position and the company, and will also provide you with information necessary to make the right career decision.

•  Send a Thank-You Letter. Follow up an interview with a thank you letter to those you met with. Thank them for the time they spent with you, and reiterate your interest. Thank you letters should be typed and proofed. Mail (or email) it within two days of the interview. Whatever the outcome of your interview, the actuarial community is small - a positive and professional impression may benefit you in the years to come.

•  Utilize Your Recruiter! Always feel free to ask your Pinnacle Group recruiter questions - before or after an interview. We are a resource for you.

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• Tell me about yourself. - The interviewer is really saying “I want to hear you talk”.  Use this opportunity to summarize your qualifications, career history and abilities, emphasizing those skills relevant to the job in question.
• Are you happy with your career? - The interviewer is really trying to gauge your self-confidence, career aspirations and whether you are a happy, positive person.  Your answer must always be, “yes”.  If however, you’ve hit a career plateau or you feel you are moving too slowly, feel free to qualify your answer.  It is always best not to say anything negative about your current/previous employer.
• What do you dislike about your present job? - The interviewer is trying to find out whether the job in question involves tasks you dislike.  Answer this one with extreme caution.  If you’re too specific you may draw attention to weakness.  A safe approach is to play up a characteristic of your present company that’s different from the company you’re talking to.  For example, if your corporation is large, you might say you are frustrated with slow decision-making.  Or if it’s small, you could say that a lack of opportunities make you feel unfulfilled.
• What are your strengths? - There are no excuses for being unprepared for this question.  The interviewer wants a straight forward answer as to what you are good at and how you can add value to the company.  Concentrate on discussing three or four of your strengths and how they could benefit the employer.  Strengths to consider include technical proficiency, ability to learn quickly, determination to succeed, a positive attitude, leadership or management experience, your ability to relate to people or achieve a common goal.  Be prepared to cite examples. 
• What is your greatest weakness? - A favorite of interviewers, this one is really about your level of self-awareness.  So, don’t say you don’t have any weaknesses.  Just name one in an area that is not vital for the job.  Or, describe a personal or professional weakness that could also be considered a strength, and the steps you have taken to combat it.  For example, “I know my team thinks I’m too demanding at times.  I tend to drive them pretty hard, but I’m getting much better at using the carrot and not the stick.”  Do not select a personal weakness such as I’m not a morning person.”
• Why do you want to leave your current employer? - Your response to this should be straightforward.  State how you are looking for more challenge, responsibility, experience and a change of environment.  Never give negative reasons for leaving.  Finally, it’s hardly ever appropriate to cite salary as your primary motivation. 
• What have your been achievements to date? - The interviewer is trying to find out if you are an achiever.  Describe a fairly recent, work-related achievement.  Identify the skills it demanded and its benefit to the company.  For example: “my greatest achievement was to design and implement a new predictive modeling initiative that analyzes portfolio profitability and account pricing schemes.
• Where would you like to be in five years?
• How would your colleagues describe you?
• Why should I give this job to you?
• How do you feel about working long hours/weekends?
• What can you bring to this organization?
• Which part of this role is least attractive to you?
• Do you prefer to work alone or in a group? Why?
• What are you looking for in a company?
• Have you received any work-related awards for outstanding performance?
• Talk about the last time you disagreed with your boss.
• When was the last time you were angry at work?  How did you cope?
• What kind of people do you find it difficult to work with? (Answer with caution: you never know the personality of your prospective boss.  Be diplomatic and tactful at all times.)
• What kind of pressures have you encountered at work?
• Are you a self-starter?  Give examples to demonstrate.
• Describe the biggest problem you have faced recently and how you resolved it.
• What changes in the workplace have caused you difficulty and why?
• Describe a situation where you found yourself in over your head.
• Can you give an example of when you had to delegate authority and/or responsibility?
• What are some additional responsibilities you have taken on?  Why?
• Give an example of when you worked the hardest and felt the greatest sense of achievement.