What questions can I answer for you?

"I have the experience needed to perform the job and am familiar with what the role looks like, but every department is different. So, based on the department's rules, regulations, and systems and processes, what does a day on the job with your department look like in this position? Did you encounter anything unexpected when you started with Allstate as an employee? How would you describe the members of the team in this department?"

You are interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you. The more questions you ask, the more genuinely you seem to be pursuing this opportunity. The more research you've done on the company and this position, the more questions you'll have to ask, and the more likely you are to be self-guided and successful at your job. Your answer will also provide them an opportunity to advertise their merits and what they offer to convince you this is a great opportunity.

"If I were offered a job with Allstate what could I do to add value in my first 90 days?"

Do you prefer more creative work or following a predetermined set of rules?

"In the workplace, I naturally lean towards my preference of straightforward rules and expectations. From there, once I am comfortable with my knowledge base, I can start to think outside of the box. So, to answer your question, I would say I bring a healthy balance of both."

Your answer to this question will help the interviewer assess how adaptable you'll be to their way of doing things and how flexible you'll be in varying your tasks as needed. It may also tell them whether you are innovative and strive to go the extra mile or prefer more predictable work and consistently strive to meet the status quo. Most organizations prefer to hire candidates who show potential for creative outside-of-the-box thinking while adhering to the company's protocol and guidelines.

"I am most comfortable when my creativity is challenged. I like to think of new ways of working and create alternate solutions to various scenarios. With that said, I am more than capable of following a predetermined set of rules."

"Although I do not bring industry-specific post-secondary education, I do have some Job experience that would be transferable to this role with Allstate. The business administration experience I have comes from on the job training."

"I think being a creative thinker is important but not until I am well adjusted into the role knowing the predetermined rules first. I once identified part of the script used in obtaining verbal authorizations was slowing the team down in some areas. I got permission to adjust the script and was able to save time which allowed us to spend that time obtaining more authorizations."

"As far as work goes I prefer straightforward rules.. as a mortgage loan processor there was no gray area. There were a set of rules and regulations that had to be followed. I do tend to be more creative when talking to clients and problem-solving.. with ______ my job allowed more creative work with customers BUT within their marketing guidelines."

Would you rather be the worst player on the best team or the best player on the worst team?

"If I were the best player on a losing team, I suppose that would be quite the challenge to train my teammates to get them to improve. But if helping train and develop them wasn't the goal of being on that team, I would choose to be the worst player on the best team. That would present an incredible opportunity to improve my skills. I assume if every other player is better than me, they've all got there from helping each other out. So, that's a team I not only want to be a part of, but I would look forward to being as good as through collaboration and humble learning."

This question speaks to your leadership potential, sense of team collaboration, and motivation. The nuance is all in how you answer this question. Choosing to be the worst player on the best team could imply your desire to grow and learn from the best and exhibit your self-awareness, motivation, and integrity, which all speak to your greater emotional intelligence. Proclaiming you'd rather be the best player on the losing team could suggest less regard for your fellow teammates and that you are in it for yourself rather than the welfare of the team, preferring to look better compared to those around you. So, be careful in how you answer this question.

"Easy I was the worst player ON the best softball team as a small girl. I was able to learn from the best and grow my own skills. In business, I’d prefer the same. Surrounding myself with people I can learn from is more important to me than being the smartest person in the room."

Do you feel performance should be rewarded over experience?

"I feel that employees should be paid and rewarded based on their performance. A new employee would be greatly motivated through being rewarded for performance, and it encourages healthy competition with tenured employees."

This question allows you to quantify your skills in relation to your years of experience. If you feel you've made leaps and bounds in your career and self-development and are way ahead of the curve, this question offers you an opportunity to present this. By demonstrating your experience, confidence in your abilities, and leadership potential, you advertise your professional worth.

"I feel performance and experience should be equally rewarded and weighted."

"I feel both performance and experience should be equally rewarded and weighted."

"I think it is beneficial to reward both, but indeed an employee should be recognized for outstanding work regardless of experience."

When have you shown integrity at work?

"In my last position, I was responsible for the cash deposit every day. There was never a discrepancy in the four years I worked there. I best show my integrity by being a consistently reliable employee."

There is an expression that a person's character is reflected by the actions they take when no one is looking. When speaking about your integrity, offer examples where your honesty shined through, where you prioritized the needs of others, and convey you are consistent in living according to your values.

"I show integrity at work all of the time. It's essential to consistently show excellence through integrity. In the workplace, I show integrity by keeping my promises, earning and keeping the trust of my colleagues, and avoiding all workplace gossip."

"In my position as a cashier, my cash draw is always clean and never short. There has never been a discrepancy in the 7 years that I worked there. I best show my integrity by being a consistent, reliable employee; avoiding all workplace gossip."

"I did a denial based on incorrect application info without verifying it. The next day I contacted the client to verify and was able to approve the benefits however a day late. I told my boss immediately of my untimely error. In my QA meeting, I accepted my boss's constructive criticism on how I could've prevented this with additional verification and that sometimes shortcuts make things longer."

"At my previous job, I had strict deadlines to meet so my customer's businesses could run smoothly. By meeting deadlines I gained their trust, which lead to a stronger business relationship and greater customer satisfaction."

Do you think honesty is always the best policy?

"Sometimes full disclosure can damage someone's self-esteem, and reality isn't always best expressed in full and can be self-indulgent depending on the person's intention. In those instances, honesty isn't always the best policy."

This question isn't about the subjectivity of honesty. It's more a question of your integrity and intentions. Describe what your word means to you. Touch on your approach to emotionally confusing situations and how your integrity guides your actions and responses. Explain that you see great value in transparency while consistently respecting the chain of command. Address the nuance of those more complicated situations where alternative means of communication are taken and how these are intended to protect your clients' interests. Your examples should all be guided by your integrity.

"I feel that honesty is the best policy so long as the honest comment does not come to be hurtful."

"Honesty is always the best policy and I believe my integrity shows in my work.It's important to also know when to use empathy when being honest about negative or unpopular facts."

"Honesty is the best policy as long as it is not meant as a personal attack with the intent to hurt someone else."

How do you respond to feedback?

"Even though it can be difficult to hear criticism, I always pause before I respond and take time to think about it first. If it catches me by surprise, I usually ask if my supervisor can clarify or explain. I want to grow and improve, so the more specific my supervisor can be, the more helpful it is."

This question is an opportunity to showcase your emotional intelligence and how you take ownership of your professional development. Some consider no news good news and prefer not to rock the boat. Others seek out feedback to continually develop their skills and are driven to further their careers. Your response will help them assess whether you respond defensively or objectify the information you receive and separate it from the person delivering the feedback. It will inform them of your attitude and approach to your professional self-improvement and team mentality.

"I love receiving feedback from my employer because the feedback allows me to understand where I need to improve."

"I like receiving feedback from my employer or Team Leader because it allows me to better understand where I need to improve."

"I attend monthly one on one QA sessions currently. I embrace constructive feedback as an opportunity to grow and to serve our clients better."

"Feedback is always welcome. It’s the only way to learn and grow in a career."

What type of work environment best fosters your productivity?

"I understand that your work environment is very collaborative. I come from a similar environment and found that I could be very productive in that type of environment."

You'll want to perform adequate research on Allstate and all the position entails, but make sure to thoroughly research yourself. Consider what working environment you typically thrive in and how close Allstate comes to your ideal working environment. Think about other environments you find distracting. Make sure you can align your preferences with what they have to offer. Feel free to ask any clarifying questions you couldn't answer on your own.

"I work well in a high-pressure, demanding environment that requires you to work smart and make your mark."

"A happy work environment attracts good people and helps the people who work for you to do the best for the company, culture, and interactions between employees and employers."

"A work environment that allows me to be productive has a good work culture, is drama-free, and has knowledgeable and motivated team members who collaborate well when needed."

"I work well under pressure. I have always worked under deadlines. Whether meeting a closing date on a purchase of a home or meeting delivery and equipment installations dates with a beverage company for a new restaurant opening!"

What kind of recognition do you prefer to receive for your accomplishments?

"I am an over-achiever and find that the best way to be recognized for a job well done is words of kindness and recognition. I am easily encouraged, and the best reward for me is to know that my hard work is noticed."

This question aims to assess what contributes to your job satisfaction, what your motivators are at work, and what kind of recognition incentivizes you to continue to give your all. It will also help them determine whether your interest in this position is financially motivated or career motivated. They are more likely to select a candidate who feels this position with Allstate will further their career goals and pass on those candidates who would take any job anywhere for a pay increase. So be sure to explore all this position at Allstate has to offer and their potential growth opportunities from within.

"I do not particularly love public recognition, so I would say that the best way to recognize me for my accomplishments would be increased responsibilities and continued autonomy."

"I do not particularly love public recognition, so I would say that the best way to recognize me for my accomplishments would be an increase in responsibilities."

"It is nice when we get emails from management recognizing a job well done. It is rewarding for me to know my work is being noticed."

"I like to be recognized for a job well done. A personal email from my supervisor or a client or a shout-out on a huddle call is always appreciated!"

Do you prefer working face to face with clients or behind the scenes in a research and analysis role?

"I am more of an analyst type and prefer to be in the background, making the numbers happen. With that said, I am still a people person and would always put my best face forward in any customer-facing situation."

This question aims to determine which working environment your personality is most likely to thrive in and if you are an extroverted interpersonal, socially interactive individual or an introverted, analytical person. A more introverted individual needs a solitary environment to recharge their battery, whereas an extroverted individual recharges in social settings. Most people, however, fall somewhere in the middle. Focus your answer on what it takes to perform at your best without focusing on how difficult it may be to maintain your focus in other environments.

"I am more of a face-to-face communicator. I love being in the buzz of it all and thrive in customer-facing situations. I am also able to work in the background when needed."

"I like to be face to face and communicate with customers. I love to help customer-facing situations. I am also able to work in the background when needed."

"Ir's rewarding helping clients with general policy questions or being empathic and helping them through difficult times. Working behind the scenes researching, fact-finding, applying policy, approvals, and denials, etc... is just as important. Currently, my day is split between working with clients, and working behind the scenes doing casework and I feel I'd thrive in either scenario."

"I have been successful in both roles. I tend to enjoy a mixture of both."

Do you prefer working with business/commercial insurance contracts or health/life insurance? Why?

"I understand that Allstate offers their clients a full suite of services. I have experience working in all types of insurance and am comfortable in most areas. If I had to choose one area of strength, I would say that I have a few more years of experience in commercial insurance."

Your answer will help the interviewer evaluate your compatibility for this role and how adaptable, ready, and willing you are to perform the work necessary to get the job done. Your answer will also help them assess your willingness to step outside your comfort zone and whether you are a team player. Before your interview, thoroughly research the necessary qualifications and expectations of the role you are contending for. During your interview, you want to exhibit you're a team player who will go above and beyond and do whatever it takes to support your team.

"Although I have more experience in health and life insurance, I am eager to gain more momentum in commercial insurance. The variety and challenge would be welcome at this point in my career."

"I like to work with anyone that I can help; it's in my nature to be a better person every day. I am very eager to learn more about insurance, and the variety would be great."

"Due to my 14 years of experience with medical coverage, I feel I would thrive in supplemental medical coverage or anything to do with injury. However, I am comfortable transferring my policy experience and learning business, and commercial policies."

"I am new to this business so I haven’t developed a preference. I am willing to learn as much as I can whatever I am assigned."

Within Allstate, many of our positions require a Bachelors or Masters Degree. Have you considered furthering your education to advance your career?

"I currently have a bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and have considered completing my MBA through online coursework on the weekends and evenings. If a Masters's Degree is required to reach particular levels with Allstate, then I am happy to do so."

While it may not be required for all positions, some roles within Allstate may require higher post-secondary education. Discuss with your interviewer whether furthering your education is in line with the career goals you've set out for yourself, and, with open-mindedness, express an interest in learning more about the potential opportunities for growth within their company.

"I am always open to additional training and coursework. Since I already have my MBA, I would not return to full-time studies; however, if there is a course you recommend, I would be happy to attend."

"Yes, I have considered furthering my education, I would love some recommended online courses that would help me start my education."

"Absolutely. I would like to finish my college education path to further my career with Allstate. I would continue my education with credits that count toward insurance such as underwriting, legal courses such as damages, and workers' compensation."

"I currently have a bachelor's degree but I am always open to learning more!"

Where do you see your career five years from now, and how does Allstate fit in?

"As you can see on my resume, I have strong tenure with my previous employers. I would love nothing more than to find a long-term home where I can naturally grow. Over the next five years, I would love to be promoted within Allstate as I prove my strengths and abilities."

Interviewing, vetting, and hiring a new team member is expensive and time-consuming for any company. A hiring manager has a vested interest in ensuring your career plan and the goals you've set would best be accomplished in a career with them. Demonstrate the measure of your career goals and how they align with what Allstate offers. Assure the interviewer that if you are hired on with Allstate, you plan to stay long-term.

"In five years, I would like to see myself as part of your executive team. I would also like to see the size of my portfolio triple in value from where it is today."

"I would like to learn something new and different and gain experience at Allstate that I can use for many years to come and call Allstate home."

"I like staying with companies long-term to grow stronger in the policies I work with and serve clients better. I'd like to grow with Allstate and see myself promoted into a senior role or supervisory position in 5 years with Allstate."

"As my resume indicates I intend being with a company for a minimum of five years. If given the opportunity with Allstate I would love to eventually explore the special investigation unit. As a person who has always been on the right side of the law, I have a low tolerance for criminal behavior."

How do you help your clients understand their detailed and lengthy Insurance contracts?

"I understand that insurance policies and contracts can appear complicated to my clients. I will walk them through each section before they sign and use simpler terms and analogies when needed. I have often had clients comment on my ability to relay the information to them in an easy-to-understand method."

No matter which insurance company you work for, client contracts and policies containing complex legal language may be challenging for the typical layman to understand. Allstate is looking for assurances that your communication and customer service skills meet their standard. How you frame your answer to this question could potentially provide your interviewer with insight into how effective a communicator you are. Offer them a self-evaluation of your communication skills while trying to communicate as clearly and professionally as possible.

"Yes, insurance contracts can be difficult to understand! I do not want to assume that a client is struggling, so I will let them go through the contract at their own pace and then encourage questions through all steps in the process."

"I have experience walking the client patiently through the policy step by step in words and at a pace that they can understand. I encourage questions and use simplified examples when needed."

"Insurance documents, just as mortgage documents, can seem daunting to those who do not see that paperwork every day. I found by asking the client if everything was clear to them, or did they need more explanation was the best strategy. Sometimes people don’t know what to ask, so trying to be as thorough as possible allowed me to feel like I did my best for them."

How would you rate and quantify your communication skills?

"I rate my communication skills as a 9/10 as I am not always as clear as I would like to be. My supervisor and co-workers will attest to my clear and concise communication skills. Because I am an open leader, my team will let me know if I need to clarify anything."

To effectively answer this question, highlight the skills a highly functional communicator possesses. Emphasize your non-defensive communication skills, like being a proficient active listener, and exemplify your ability to mirror, validate, and empathize. Extra points if you can adapt your communication style to that of others, especially where others are less skilled and less adaptable. Then, to rate yourself, contrast your skill level against yourself five years ago.

"I will rate myself an 8/10 because I value communication, but, like most people, I have things to learn. I ensure clear communication by utilizing multiple methods of delivering messages and give ample time for questions before implementing changes."

"I'd rate myself an 8. My communication is clear but there are always new things to learn.I'm asked on a daily basis by clients to explain the share of cost policies. I've learned effective communications courses to use active listening to ensure the client knows they are heard. Clients always thank me for taking the time to make sure they understand complex parts of the policy."

"I would rate myself an 8 out of 10. There is always room to improve. While working in mortgage services it was imperative I explained closing documents as concisely and clearly as possible: otherwise, I was not doing my job.. whether it was a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned homeowner the need to be clear with communication was key."

Tell me about the culture at Allstate.

"I have researched Allstate a great deal and have found that your company maintains a strong focus on a family-based atmosphere, even through your growth mode. I appreciate that your company rewards employee dedication through career growth and educational opportunities."

To ensure you aren't solely playing the numbers game, they want to ensure you've earned this opportunity by performing your research on their company culture, their principles, and core values. That includes combing through Allstate's company website, exploring what current and previous employees are saying about what the experience of working for them is like, reading up on customer reviews, and speaking to those you know who work for the company. You could go even further and see if there are any recent interviews with their company executives or any recent media coverage about the company. That will display to the interviewer that you are engaged and invested in this opportunity. For example, the following is from their website pages: "The words we live by... As the Good Hands... We empower customers with protection to help them achieve their hopes and dreams. We provide affordable, simple and connected protection solutions. We create opportunity for our team, economic value for our shareholders and improve communities. Build your career here. At Allstate, we work hard to help people live a good life every day. Allstaters are dedicated to serving clients, customers, and communities, which allows employees to find meaning and value in their work. Allstate offers an environment that fosters innovative thinking where you'll be able to explore your ideas and feel proud of the work you do. Allstate helps protect nearly 16 million households with auto, home, life, and retirement products. We want every professional connected to Allstate to be committed to giving our customers the best and that means finding the best talent. We want you to be our next great addition. It's easy to search and apply for a new opportunity with Allstate. Simply use the links below to identify the openings that interest you."

"Your company has an impressive industry reputation, and I would be thrilled to learn from your leadership team. From my research, I learned you are very involved in the community and put a lot of effort into developing your employees."

"I have researched Allstate a great deal and have found that your company maintains a strong focus on a family-based atmosphere, even through your growth mode. I appreciate that your company rewards employee dedication through career growth and educational opportunities."

"I know that Allstate goes the extra mile to promote inclusion, diversity, and also promote safe teen driving. I live in Florida and serve a diverse customer base so I'm looking forward to taking part in Allstate ERG classes to serve the clients even better. I also have a son who will be driving in the near future so learning about safer teen driving will be very useful."

"What I have noticed from a few Allstate employees is that loyalty goes both ways. Allstate culture is incredibly diverse, and as an individual reentering the workplace, I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity."

In your opinion, how has globalization impacted the Insurance industry?

"I feel that globalization has forced many companies to be creative and flexible in their business insurance needs. Namely, companies that now have international offices hire offshore employees and participate in global trade. It has caused the Insurance industry to think outside of the box and has, in my opinion, created some very thought-provoking challenges."

Questions like these will test your knowledge and scope of the big-picture on a wide array of issues that could potentially impact the business. You might be asked about anything, from globalization to the impact of climate change on the industry to international trade. Research such issues, especially Allstate's position on each issue. Whatever perspective you share should not be at odds with the company's view on the topic you are asked about, especially since you are interviewing to be a representative of their company's brand.

"I think that globalization has made the insurance industry more competitive; thus, creating a greater need for good reviews and customer satisfaction. Customers are better educated, and that holds the entire industry more accountable."

"Globalization creates a more diversified market for customers to choose from and increases competition. Staying focused on improving customer satisfaction will be part of staying resilient in a global market."

How do you stay up to date on changes in the Insurance industry?

"I find it very exciting to research and study new trends and ideas in the Insurance marketplace. I have a few favorite blogs that I subscribe to. This way, I receive quick updates in my inbox every morning. If I am interested in or need clarification on any topic, I research the concept or trend further."

This question evaluates how invested you are in your career and self-development as a professional. A proactive professional will exhibit a growth mindset at all times and leadership potential. Set yourself apart from reactive followers by demonstrating how you stay up to date on the developing changes in the insurance industry and how what you learn informs your sense of innovation while anticipating trends in an ever-changing landscape.

"To stay up to date on insurance industry trends, I subscribe to several google alerts. I am also an avid reader who follows industry influencers. With that said, I love to learn about new resources! What are your favorite methods of staying on top of industry trends?"

"Insurance is very new to me, and when I'm in the industry I would want to know how to stay on top of the changes. I would ask the interviewer about how you stay on top of new developments in the Insurance industry."

"In my experience, I know the field is constantly evolving. I think it's important to continue education, learning, and train to stay resilient in the field."

Do you have any Insurance-related licenses or certifications?

"In 2009, I completed my Certificate in General Insurance through the Insurance Institute of America (IIA). I am currently completing my Associate in Insurance Services (AIS) certificate. Are there any other certificates or licenses required to work in this role?"

Depending on the municipality you work in, some positions within Allstate may require you to hold special certification or licensing. This question presents an opportunity to discuss your career goals and recent accomplishments. Feel free to take advantage of this opportunity to ask about their expectations and requirements beyond the scope of any questions you could answer for yourself in your preparation for this interview.

"I am newer to this industry and recently completed the Insurance Claims Training Course through FEMA. Are there any courses that you suggest I take immediately? I want to be well-prepared for career growth at Allstate."

"I am newer to this industry and would like to expand my knowledge in insurance claims through training courses, do you suggest any I can take immediately to prepare myself in a career growth with Allstate."

"For the past 14 years, I've obtained annual HIPAA certification to work with medical cases. I am also new to the adjusting field and have acquired my Florida All Lines 6-20 adjuster license."

"I am currently taking an All-lines adjusters course and preparing for the exam."

What do you consider the most significant insurance industry changes to occur since beginning your career?

"The biggest change that I have seen in the Insurance industry, since my start in 1999, has to do with technology. There are so many great mobile trends now, including apps that make information simple and easy to access; it's been incredible to see."

This question is another opportunity to showcase your adaptability through how you responded to changes in the industry that impacted your company and career. Look back at your career, examining how the companies you've worked for responded to changes within the industry, what they did to adapt to those changes, and how they stayed ahead of the curve. Highlight the measures you took to support the company and its approach to adapting to those changes. Underscore any occasions where you contributed to such innovative thinking. Keep your tone as positive and forward-thinking as you can, and resist coming across as opinionated or negative. Change is inevitable, and those who resist it often fail to see the opportunities it presents and are left behind.

"I would say that the most significant change to the insurance industry since I joined has been technology and the changes that come with it. The industry has become more competitive because of it. With that said, I encourage the competition because it keeps most people in the industry honest and encourages us all to try harder for our clients."

"I am very new to the Insurance industry, and I have only started with Medicare in the last year but would love to learn more so I could help the clients with their insurance needs and what we can do better."

"The biggest change has been technology-based. From 2004 I have seen the industry shift from a document only, to web-based. and now mobile apps. I invite the technological advances and see them as a way to communicate better and quicker with our clients."

Tell me about a time you worked with a difficult coworker. What made them difficult, and what did you do to help them?

"I worked with an employee who seemed to struggle with their attention to detail. They frequently made mistakes, and their attendance was a bit spotty. I'd frequently reach out to them, trying to help with this growth opportunity. At first, they were resistant, in denial there were any issues, as they were. But eventually, they came around and freely admitted they had some obstacles to overcome. After working together for a while, I identified that their biggest struggle was their sense of time, and their time management skills were lacking. We worked on this together, and it took some time. But as they gained a stronger sense of how to break down their goals and efficiently manage them in attainable ways with the time they had, they gradually improved in every manner. They felt more confident and comfortable with their assignments, suffered less stress, and felt less rushed, and their attention to detail improved. Now they're the rising star of the office."

This question is about what you consider the keyword 'difficult' to imply, as it could be interpreted in many ways. How you interpret this question will give your interviewer insight into your outlook on the world. It will also inform them of what you perceive as a difficult coworker and how you related with them - through avoidance, exploiting their weaknesses, or through collaboration, a sense of team, and promoting their strengths while helping mentor them to overcome the challenges they face, that which made them challenging to work with. Not only is the interviewer trying to get an idea of who you are, but also an idea of your communication skills and focus on a team mentality.

"When I first started at _______ I was assigned a mentor for the week. She was amazing, a wealth of industry knowledge, but resisted the newer technology. I was new and only had access to the updated technology. That week was a struggle. But by the end of the week she had taught me more about the business than anyone could have and together we figured out the quirks of the new system."

How would you describe your relationship with your clients?

"My customer and client relationships are best described as open and honest. I believe that the more upfront and transparent you are with your clients, the more likely they are to return. I value my clients and nurture those relationships as much as possible."

Allstate phrases it this way on its website; "Allstate agents and staff build personal relationships with customers to balance risks and costs and offer the best insurance solutions at the right price." From their web pages, you'll see that their approach to customer service is professional yet approachable, highlighting social responsibility to provide the best service to their customers. It is essential to understand the company's unique approach to its style of customer service. One company might refer to its customers as family, while another might have more clearly established boundaries yet strive to distinguish itself from its competition by providing the most responsible and socially conscientious offerings on the market. Spend time thoroughly familiarizing yourself with their language and approach to customer service, and determine how their approach aligns with your own.

"My customer and client relationships are most important to me. A happy client is a client that will help me to achieve my targets and goals. Happy clients offer referrals and give you their business because you have developed trust with them. My client relationships can best be described as valued, nurtured, and well-crafted."

"Caring. I ensure my clients are not just satisfied but that they are heard. I am always polite, friendly, patient, and I'm able to identify when empathy needs to be used. I'm often complimented by the clients for my service and am asked for my email address or phone number for future inquiries and service."

Are you interviewing with anyone else?

"I've had a few interviews and have a few more scheduled this week. I feel I am honing in on some of the most viable jobs. I think everyone should benefit from this experience. It's all about being professional and respecting the time and efforts everyone contributes to the process."

If asked this question during your interview, your interviewer is likely looking to see whether they're your top choice, how they compare to the other companies you are interviewing with, and if you are under a timeline. Feel free to talk with the interviewer about your search so far, and don't hesitate to let them know that a role with Allstate is at the top of your wishlist. Honesty is always the best policy with this question, and it always puts a little fire under a hiring manager if they're aware that you're actively looking for a new position. The interviewer will have a folder with all the resumes of the candidates they are interviewing and their questions and notes from each interview, which they'll refer to later when making a decision. You should have something similar for all the interviews you've performed. Detail, for your eyes only, what each of them has to offer and what you offer them. Have tabs separating your notes for each interview, with a breakdown of the pro and cons of each employer. Having this with you will exude yourself as an organized professional, taking all your prospects seriously, and help market you as a viable candidate.

How do you like to spend your spare time?

"I am a triple black belt in Aikido. I prefer Aikido because it is a more passive martial art, yet there is still discipline and respect. However, I spend more of my time performing tai chi. It helps regulate all of my emotions 24/7. I rarely ever experience stress, and I credit this to my extensive training in this regard."

Feel free to share any hobbies or interests that speak to your work ethic or desirable qualities. Try to make yourself seem relatable. Find common points of common interest if you can. Having interests in common with your clients can go a long way in establishing work/client relationships. The less guarded you are about your personal life, the more it shows you'll be able to foster interpersonal work relationships. Your interviewer will consider this when evaluating your fit into their teams.

Tell me about yourself.

"My name is Al, and my parents were both insurance agents. I grew up in that environment and followed in their footsteps. I'm originally from Castle Rock, Maine. I attended Fordham University and graduated with a bachelor's in business management. From there, I landed a position with XYZ agency, where for five years, I worked hard to achieve many of my career goals. At this point, I feel as if the opportunities within the company are too few, and I am anxious to advance my career, so I've decided to explore opportunities elsewhere. So here I am."

They want to gain insights into your personality and professionalism to assess how well you would complement their teams. Share the basics of who you are, why you are here, where you come from, and where you're going professionally. Verse yourself in their language, keywords, mission statements, and core values, and incorporate some of their language into your answers when you can do so naturally. Emotional maturity, ambition, self-growth, conscientiousness, and integrity are some driving components they hope to hear from their candidate. Try not to dwell on the hardships and hurdles you've overcome. Focus on the positive takeaways from the experiences that shaped your character.

Tell me how your educational experience has prepared you for a career with Allstate.

"I will apply every valuable piece of knowledge gained from my Bachelor of Business Administration Degree to my work with Allstate. My University experience was a positive one. I applied myself wholeheartedly and graduated at the top of my class. In addition to the knowledge gained, I also developed strong organizational skills and a keen ability to multitask, additional skills that I look forward to bringing to Allstate."

Your interviewer wants to know what you gained from your studies and experiences, what they've lent to your professional experience, and how this would benefit Allstate if you are hired. Describe your college experience as the first stage of the journey of your career path. Describe how it has facilitated your trajectory so far, the transferable knowledge you gained, and share the unexpected twists and turns it may have fully prepared you for. Perspective and attitude are everything, especially when it increases your emotional intelligence and contributes to your leadership potential.

"Although I do not bring industry-specific post-secondary education, I have completed some coursework that would be transferable to this role with Allstate. These courses include business administration, portfolio management, and organizational behavior."

"Although I do not bring industry-specific post-secondary education, I do have some Job experience that would be transferable to this role with Allstate. The business administration experience I have comes from on the job training."

"All of my experiences from college will be applied to my work at Allstate. My all lines adjuster coursework has prepared me for claims adjusting processing. I also have done coursework in nursing, health sciences which may come in handy with injury cases. Report writing, communication always helps when creating a report and communicating with clients."

Have you ever been in a car accident? Tell me about it.

I consider myself a very safe driver, but there is only so much you can do to protect others and yourself. A couple of years ago, traffic was somewhat jammed, and it was stop and go for a while. Then it cleared, and everyone started increasing speed to get back to the speed limit when a car one lane over made a dangerous maneuver and caused an accident, which veered into my lane. I immediately and effectively veered over to the shoulder of the road and slowed down to avoid any potential debris. But the driver behind me wasn't looking far enough ahead, and when he saw the accident, he veered into the shoulder of the road as well. That's when I heard the screech of tires, and he rear-ended me. He rushed out, apologizing all over the place. Thankfully, no one was hurt. My car wasn't badly damaged, and it was a dangerous situation. I was just glad he was okay. The accident ahead of us, which we both safely averted, for the most part, was pretty serious. I hope everyone involved in that accident was okay.

This industry-related question aims to reveal more about you and your personality than meets the eye. Your attitude and professionalism regarding the circumstances of your accident, including who was at fault, can indicate the attitude you'll bring with you into their teams, whether you hold yourself accountable for your actions or blame others and frame yourself as a victim, your ability to reflect on the event situationally like a professional, and the emotional state you regress to when recounting the event. When answering this question, approach it as you would when on the job. Accidents happen. How we deal with the situation as it happens is the test of our character.

In your most recent position, what was the size of your client portfolio? Was that manageable for you?

"With my current company, I have a portfolio of $55M, which I grew from $15M when I first started. I am comfortable with this volume but can certainly handle more if required. May I ask what the average Insurance agent's book of business looks like with Allstate?"

If interviewing for an account manager or sales-related role with Allstate, you'll want to prepare to speak on your significant achievements and progression through your career. Highlight any awards or recognitions you've received and be fully versed in the job expectations regarding the size of the portfolio you're expected to manage. Frame yourself as prepared and equipped to handle the volume required of you should you be offered the position.

"My most recent portfolio was smaller than I would have liked, which is why I am seeking a new opportunity. I prefer to have an active portfolio in the $25-30 million range."

"I work at a call center for Medicare. I take 50-70 calls a day to help them with insurance issues they are having."

"On a regular month, I handle a caseload of 150 cases which is completely manageable with standard planning. After a catastrophe, my caseload will be maximized to 500 cases per month which is manageable with team effort, careful planning, and the ability to be flexible because tasks will constantly shift when working as a team."

How often do you take work home with you?

"I utilize my work hours very efficiently, so the only time that I take my work home is when there is an extremely stringent deadline. I would say that, overall, I take my work home maybe twice per month. It's all about being diligent with your time in the office!"

There may be occasions where a person aims to go the extra mile by taking their work home, working overtime, or putting in extra hours. However, how frequently a person takes their work home can send very different messages, especially if they take work home often and unnecessarily. That suggests the employee may have trouble balancing their work and personal life. The specifics of a person's example could imply issues with emotional maturity and stress, poor time management, poor project management skills, or a lack of career satisfaction and feeling burned out in one's job. Consider these points while formulating your answer.

"I will take my work home with me anytime I feel a deadline may be close. I would much rather work overtime hours than let a client down."

"I am efficient in managing my time but will work overtime when a deadline may be too close. I will work overtime between one and two times per month. I'm OK with working overtime rather than letting a client down."

Have you ever worked in a cross-functional environment?

"I am regularly exposed to cross-functional teamwork in my current position. A cross-functional team project can be very successful when expectations are communicated clearly from the beginning. I go into these projects with an understanding that everyone has their own strengths and limitations based on their expertise and job function."

Working with teams from another department isn't uncommon in larger companies. Whether collaborating on a project or working on behalf of a customer to address all of their concerns and insurance needs, from sales to billing, this question aims to reveal your experience through your comfort level. Your emotional response will be as telling as the words you choose. Share any challenges you've faced that required cross-functional collaboration, and relay how you overcame them. It's okay to show pride in your work as long as you remain humble and showcase your expertise and what you learned from the experience. If you haven't much experience in this regard, do your research, and talk up your knowledge while communicating how you look forward to the opportunity to accomplish such a career milestone.

"I have worked in a cross-functional setting for many years, primarily with the HR and Accounting departments. Clear communication is key when collaborating with different teams. Clarity in expectations is of huge importance."

"I have worked in a cross-functional setting for many years. Primarily as an administrative assistant in a Nursing Department and then the education department and Risk Mgmt and HR Clear communication are key when collaborating with different teams. The clarity in expectations is of huge importance."

"For many years now I have worked in a cross-functional environment. I may be asked to train and mentor new employees, report writing and fact-finding for the fraud team, or crowd control at community recovery sites after a major catastrophe. I know the functions well and can be counted on to complete these tasks with little direction."

What causes you to feel dissatisfied on the job?

"I can feel dissatisfaction when I do not feel heard or when there is no mutual respect among the team members. I work best in more harmonious situations with little drama or gossip."

Everyone has triggers that could lead to feelings of job dissatisfaction. However, your attitude and general perception reveal more about your career satisfaction and whether you'd fit into their working environment and culture. Rather than the negatives, focus on the working environments where you most thrive. You could simply explain that when these things are missing, the environment is less conducive to team collaboration and innovation. That will reveal what motivates you on the job and what you look for in gainful employment. Try to align this with the environment and culture Allstate offers and why this has motivated you to pursue this position.

"I have felt dissatisfied when I feel underpaid and overworked. I don't mind working hard at all, but I don't like to feel as though I'm being taken advantage of."

"I have felt dissatisfied on the job when I feel underpaid and overworked. I don't mind working hard at all, but I don't like to feel as though I'm being taken advantage of."

"I dislike situations in my experience where there was office drama and gossip. It can slow productivity in the office so I've learned to block it out and focus more deeply on my work."

What leadership skills do you possess?

"I feel that I am good at motivating a team. Last year, I motivated my sales team every day, and we were the top sales team in the company for the year!"

How you answer this question will help them evaluate the scope of your soft interpersonal skills and which of the five main leadership types you most align with - authoritarian, participative, delegative, transactional, and transformational. Reflect on your experience and share how you mentored others on your teams. Focus on your flexibility, creative thinking, communication skills, and ability to adapt your communication style to those outliers whose motivators are unique. Share your full scope of the big picture. Place extra emphasis on your sense of team collaboration.

Some great qualities of a leader are:- Being someone who people naturally want to follow - Exceptional interpersonal skills - Strong relationship-building skills - Taking ownership for the team's errors and mistakes - Excelling at motivating others - Providing kudos to your team - Knowing how to select and hire the right people to join the team - Having a vision for the future

"I have led a team of temps at disaster sites and have also mentored new employees.I set good examples for them to follow and use effective communication.I add a touch of motivation when I communicate.I am naturally approachable and can be counted on for knowledgeable responses to policy by team members that I mentor."

"I feel that I have the ability to motivate a diverse team of individuals towards a common goal. For example, I coordinated 12 separate language churches to participate in a community-wide Festival of Nations program in my last role. It was a great success. I am an empathetic and effective delegator, full of integrity, confident and yet humble, and an active listener."

Describe a mistake you made because of a communication breakdown between you and a member of your team.

"I recall one instance when I misread an email from one of my subordinates. The punctuation was incorrect, and I read it in a dire tone rather than in a positive one, as it was intended. After a tense conversation, the employee clarified her intention, and I realized I was mistaken. She and I agreed to exercise verbal communication regularly to avoid a similar situation from happening again."

On occasion, mistakes will happen when communication breaks down. Even when we acknowledge the communication is less than ideal and make extra efforts to clarify with all the communication tools we have in our kit, the message sent isn't always the message received. Share with your interviewer a time this occurred with you in the workplace, where the message someone sent was not the message you received. Discuss how you resolved the situation, what you learned from it, and how you enhanced communication after this example.

"A manager once texted me about a client who was not happy with the results of my work. I was upset because I always try my best and felt that the conversation would have been better delivered to me in person. The next day, I approached the manager and requested that future communication be conducted in person rather than by text message. I did apologize for my initial defensive reaction."

"I was asked to delegate work to a co-worker with more years of experience than I. I assumed due to his years of experience he would only need a brief description of what the work required. He left the work incomplete and explained my instructions were not detailed enough. I learned it's safer to be detailed and always let the recipient know you are open to questions if needed."

Tell us about the last time you had to respond quickly to a sudden change.

"I can think quickly on the job and respond well to sudden change. Last week I was asked to tweak a presentation with just 30 minutes' notice. The changes were significant, but I work well under pressure. The presentation went well, and our clients were happy."

Sudden changes will occur in the workplace on occasion. This question tests your ability to adapt and cope with stress. Your answer will help your interviewer assess your emotional intelligence. Someone who keeps calm under pressure, remains grounded, and thinks fast could be considered decisive and resourceful. Someone who freezes up and suffers from task paralysis would be considered dominated by their emotions and less emotionally intelligent. Assure the interviewer that you can respond quickly and professionally and are resourceful in finding solutions in even the highest pressures working environments.

"The insurance industry can be quite volatile, and I think quickly in response to change, multiple times per day. When I need to pivot quickly, I do so in a safe and calculated way that can benefit all parties."

"Yes, especially when you're on the phone with someone upset because of the situation they are in."

"At a community recovery site after Hurricane Irma, I was assigned to manage crowd control 20 minutes before opening. I set up teams to get clients in the parking lot safely, guide the crowd to the offices, and transport our senior and disabled clients safely to the site. No safety breaches occurred and I responded to being a crowd control manager from insurance worker within minutes."

"I frequently experienced situations in my previous role at Lilburn First Baptist Church where I needed to respond quickly to change. For example, I was responsible for managing facilities and accounts receivable for 12 separate language churches. Therefore, it was necessary to prioritize tasks and requests quickly to meet each congregation's needs."

What are your salary expectations?

"Currently, I earn a base salary of $45,000 per year plus a potential 20% annual bonus. Last year my earnings were $52,000, and I would like to stay in the same range or slightly higher."

The timing of discussing salary in an interview is nuanced. An interviewer bringing up salary far too late in the interview process could speak to their lack of professionalism and suggest they are stringing you along and taking advantage of their power differential. For you to ask salary or benefits-related questions too early could speak to your lack of professionalism and suggests pay is your only motivation for pursuing a position. Additionally, if not navigated correctly, you could sell yourself too short. Still, it is best to showcase your belief that this opportunity is a good fit and wait for the interviewer to bring it up first.When the topic is broached, use your current earnings as a starting point. Be open and honest about your professional worth contrasted against the current job market, and allow for a range of flexibility. If you left your job before finding another, allow for greater flexibility, as it could lower your potential professional worth. Write down that number range. Next, write down any benefits you receive from your current employer, including how frequently pay raises occur. That should also include any bonuses or incentives, commuter perks, employee resources such as mental health care, health/dental/vision, retirement packages, stock options, PTO, etc. These perks lower your cost of living and can equate to income. Therefore, research what these would cost you out of pocket annually. Write down that number underneath your potential salary range. Now it is fair game to find out what they are offering, and it should give you bargaining room to play with your expected salary range.Once you've determined your numbers, answer their question by sharing what your current wage is, along with the benefits you receive, and how they reduce your expenses feel free to give them those numbers as well to showcase your professional worth. Next, share how frequently you received pay raises and offer them your projected salary over the next year. Align this with what they have to offer, determining where they're meeting, exceeding, or wanting in this regard, and you can further adjust your number accordingly. Be open, realistic, and honest. This way, you aren't selling yourself too short, nor are you aiming too high. You are simply giving them an understanding of what they have to compete with and what it would take to bring you onboard. With this approach, transparency is the best choice. The better your interview performance is, the stronger your bargaining position will be. So practice, practice, practice.

"I am currently making $100,000 per year with two bonus opportunities. I am looking for compensation that is aligned with the role and provides an opportunity for growth."

"Based on my experience and education I am satisfied with the introductory salary listed in the job description."

"I am looking for compensation that is aligned with the role with the opportunity for growth."

Allstate Interview Questions

Go Back

1. What questions can I answer for you?
2. Do you prefer more creative work or following a predetermined set of rules?
3. Would you rather be the worst player on the best team or the best player on the worst team?
4. Do you feel performance should be rewarded over experience?
5. When have you shown integrity at work?
6. Do you think honesty is always the best policy?
7. How do you respond to feedback?
8. What type of work environment best fosters your productivity?
9. What kind of recognition do you prefer to receive for your accomplishments?
10. Do you prefer working face to face with clients or behind the scenes in a research and analysis role?
11. Do you prefer working with business/commercial insurance contracts or health/life insurance? Why?
12. Within Allstate, many of our positions require a Bachelors or Masters Degree. Have you considered furthering your education to advance your career?
13. Where do you see your career five years from now, and how does Allstate fit in?
14. How do you help your clients understand their detailed and lengthy Insurance contracts?
15. How would you rate and quantify your communication skills?
16. Tell me about the culture at Allstate.
17. In your opinion, how has globalization impacted the Insurance industry?
18. How do you stay up to date on changes in the Insurance industry?
19. Do you have any Insurance-related licenses or certifications?
20. What do you consider the most significant insurance industry changes to occur since beginning your career?
21. Tell me about a time you worked with a difficult coworker. What made them difficult, and what did you do to help them?
22. How would you describe your relationship with your clients?
23. Are you interviewing with anyone else?
24. How do you like to spend your spare time?
25. Tell me about yourself.
26. Tell me how your educational experience has prepared you for a career with Allstate.
27. Have you ever been in a car accident? Tell me about it.
28. In your most recent position, what was the size of your client portfolio? Was that manageable for you?
29. How often do you take work home with you?
30. Have you ever worked in a cross-functional environment?
31. What causes you to feel dissatisfied on the job?
32. What leadership skills do you possess?
33. Describe a mistake you made because of a communication breakdown between you and a member of your team.
34. Tell us about the last time you had to respond quickly to a sudden change.
35. What are your salary expectations?

Allstate Interview Questions

1. What questions can I answer for you?

2. Do you prefer more creative work or following a predetermined set of rules?

3. Would you rather be the worst player on the best team or the best player on the worst team?

4. Do you feel performance should be rewarded over experience?

5. When have you shown integrity at work?

6. Do you think honesty is always the best policy?

7. How do you respond to feedback?

8. What type of work environment best fosters your productivity?

9. What kind of recognition do you prefer to receive for your accomplishments?

10. Do you prefer working face to face with clients or behind the scenes in a research and analysis role?

11. Do you prefer working with business/commercial insurance contracts or health/life insurance? Why?

12. Within Allstate, many of our positions require a Bachelors or Masters Degree. Have you considered furthering your education to advance your career?

13. Where do you see your career five years from now, and how does Allstate fit in?

14. How do you help your clients understand their detailed and lengthy Insurance contracts?

15. How would you rate and quantify your communication skills?

16. Tell me about the culture at Allstate.

17. In your opinion, how has globalization impacted the Insurance industry?

18. How do you stay up to date on changes in the Insurance industry?

19. Do you have any Insurance-related licenses or certifications?

20. What do you consider the most significant insurance industry changes to occur since beginning your career?

21. Tell me about a time you worked with a difficult coworker. What made them difficult, and what did you do to help them?

22. How would you describe your relationship with your clients?

23. Are you interviewing with anyone else?

24. How do you like to spend your spare time?

25. Tell me about yourself.

26. Tell me how your educational experience has prepared you for a career with Allstate.

27. Have you ever been in a car accident? Tell me about it.

28. In your most recent position, what was the size of your client portfolio? Was that manageable for you?

29. How often do you take work home with you?

30. Have you ever worked in a cross-functional environment?

31. What causes you to feel dissatisfied on the job?

32. What leadership skills do you possess?

33. Describe a mistake you made because of a communication breakdown between you and a member of your team.

34. Tell us about the last time you had to respond quickly to a sudden change.

35. What are your salary expectations?