Interviewing Workshop Presented by:Peter Wick, FCAS, MAAA Sarah Shoemaker Milliman, Inc. September 10, 2009

2 Agenda  Introduction  Ten Ways to Blow an Interview  Follow-Up  Questions

3 Introduction  Peter G. Wick, FCAS, MAAA – Principal and Consulting Actuary, Milliman, Inc. – Milwaukee, WI – University of Wisconsin Graduate – 1978 – 31 years experience, last 24 at Milliman, Inc. – Chairman, Milliman Recruiting Committee  Sarah Shoemaker – Actuarial Assistant, Milliman, Inc. – Milwaukee, WI – Purdue University Graduate

4 10 Ways to Blow an Interview 1. Come in Jeans and a T-shirt

5 What to Wear  Men – Suit & tie – Belt – Dark socks – Make sure your shoes are tied – Clean shave – Wear conservative jewelry and cologne  Women – Suit – Skirts are acceptable but should be knee length – Blouse – Nothing low cut or revealing – Simple jewelry – Nothing dangly that can become a distraction – Be conservative with makeup and perfume

6 10 Ways to Blow an Interview 2. Act like you would rather be somewhere else by avoiding eye contact or acting nervous

7 How to Act  Shake hand firmly  Speak clearly  Show an interest in the interviewer  Focus on the style of the interviewer and adapt  Have a positive attitude  Research the company  Plan ahead and be ready to support everything on your resume  Practice interviewing

8 10 Ways to Blow an Interview 3. When asked if you have any questions, just say “no”

9 Questions to Ask  Describe the duties of the job for me  What do you offer students in terms of study hours?  What is your pass ratio?  In what ways is a career with your company better than one with your competitors?  What do you like best about your company?  What skills are especially important for someone in this position?  When should I expect to hear from you or should I contact you?

10 Questions NOT to Ask  What does this company do?  Will I have to work overtime?  What do I have to do to get to your position?  Why do you think I’d be a good fit for the company?  If I get the job, how soon can I use my vacation?  How much will I get paid?

11 10 Ways to Blow an Interview 4. Tell the interviewer you did not learn anything in college because your professors were idiots

12 How to Respond  Avoid negative comments and single word answers  Try to maintain a flowing conversation  Give appropriate responses that relate to the interviewer or company

13 10 Ways to Blow an Interview 5. Explain your 2.3 GPA by saying “I wasn’t motivated, but if you hire me I will be”

14 Motivation  If you did well, be able to explain why you were so successful  Avoid being a know-it-all  If you had a rocky patch, it is OK as long as you can show why and explain what you changed

15 10 Ways to Blow an Interview 6. Explain your lack of exam progress as being due to excessive drinking

16 Exams  Interviewers do not need to know specifics about your life outside of school work  Every company will be different when it comes to exams – Passing two exams will open many doors – Can you have too many exams?

17 10 Ways to Blow an Interview 7. Tell the interviewer from Wisconsin you can’t wait until Purdue beats the Badgers in football, basketball, and every other sport

18 First Impressions  Don’t make a bad impression  You are trying to find out about the company, but the company is also trying to find out about you  Be yourself  Know your audience  Networking is a big part of the working world - - you never know who you might run into down the road

19 10 Ways to Blow an Interview 8. Tell the interviewer the best way to contact you is via your cell phone and then lose it

20 Best Form of Contact  Be careful with call backs. – Could happen at an inconvenient time for you – Roommate answers – You pick up not knowing who is calling – Make sure you are in a quiet environment  Using as best form of contact is acceptable as well

21 10 Ways to Blow an Interview 9. Have incriminating photos on Facebook

22 Social Networks  What you put on the web is out there for anyone to see, not only your friends  Facebook and other social networks can give employers the wrong impression of you

23 10 Ways to Blow an Interview 10. Return for your afternoon of onsite interviewing covered in your lunch

24 Dining Out  Be careful with what you order – Wings, ribs, and spaghetti are all very messy  Alcohol not acceptable for lunches – If taken to dinner and alcohol is ordered, watch your consumption

25 10 Ways to Blow an Interview 1.Come in jeans and a T-shirt 2.Act like you would rather be somewhere else by avoiding eye contact or acting nervous 3.When asked if you have any questions, just say “no” 4.Tell the interviewer you did not learn anything in college because your professors were idiots 5.Explain your 2.3 GPA by saying “I wasn’t motivated, but if you hire me I will be” 6.Explain your lack of exam progress as being due to excessive drinking 7.Tell the guy from Wisconsin you can’t wait until Purdue beats the Badgers in football, basketball, and every other sport 8.Tell the interviewer the best way to contact you is via your cell phone and then lose it 9.Have incriminating photos on Facebook 10.Return for your afternoon of onsite interviewing covered in your lunch

26 Follow-Up  Order of importance – Handwritten letter – Typed letter –  Send in a timely manner – 1-2 days  Do not send exact same letter to everyone in the company  Will not make or break your interview, but could be a deciding factor

27 Questions??