Progressive HireVue Interview Questions & Answers

Table of Contents

1. Accomplishment Questions
2. Ask The Interviewer Questions
3. Behavioral Questions
4. Career Goals Questions
5. Compatibility Questions
6. Direct Questions
7. Education Questions
8. Job Satisfaction Questions
9. Leadership Questions
10. Salary Questions
11. Scenario Based Questions
12. Tough Questions

Accomplishment

1. What is your greatest professional accomplishment?

The Goal

The hiring managers at Progressive want to know about one of your standout professional achievements. The goal of your response is to provide evidence that you have had success at work, thus making you a competitive candidate. You can accomplish this goal by telling the story of an accomplishment that highlights your work ethic and makes you feel proud.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Pro Tip

Talk about a memorable achievement and be as specific as possible when discussing how you accomplished this milestone. If possible, describe an accomplishment related to this position with Progressive and one you achieved recently.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

How to Answer

This question presents the opportunity for you to be a storyteller. Telling a story about a significant achievement will give the decision-makers a clear idea of the type of accomplishments you value. You can use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to form an engaging story-based response.

Show the hiring managers at Progressive more about your personality, work ethic, diligence, and what motivates you. It's okay to brag a bit when answering this question but remain confident rather than arrogant. Your reply should also spotlight why your past accomplishments indicate future success. You should be proud of yourself for what you've accomplished so far!

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

What You Need to Know

The average HireVue interview takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. This one-way video interview typically includes 3-5 questions. Depending on the HireVue parameters set by Progressive, the asynchronous interview platform will generally give you 30 seconds to prepare a response and up to 2 minutes to answer each question. It's important to note that HireVue stops recording as soon as your time limit is up, so it's better to run under time than overtime.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Answer Example

"(Situation & Task) While working as a Data Analyst with Company XYZ, I was responsible for supporting my team through risk management and product design analysis. During the pandemic, we began to find that regulations were becoming more stringent, and we were required to have greater safeguards against insurance compliance breaches. This situation presented an excellent opportunity for our small firm to explore a more robust, more efficient tech stack. (Action) I began researching new tools, processes, and systems to boost our teams' efficiencies and safeguard us through a better-consolidated system. After a couple of weeks, I made solid recommendations to the management team. (Result) By spotlighting the upside of greater efficiencies and added security, I initiated smart and responsible change within the firm. My manager was very pleased with my initiative, and today, the firm has stronger processes for managing risk, supported by tech."

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Going back to school and finishing my degree."

Marcie's Feedback

Why did you leave school? What obstacles did you overcome to go back and get your degree? Give more details to make your answer more impactful. Good job!

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Anonymous Answer

"About 2 weeks after I became an Independent Adjuster I was hired for a Catastrophic Flood event in New York and New Jersey. I was ecstatic to be hired so quickly and felt my inspecting and construction estimating skills would be perfectly aligned with this job. However, once I began my inspections and estimates I realized I was lacking the expert skills needed. I immediately began watching videos and contacted a mentor for guidance. I began taking a course between my fieldwork and within a short time came over the hurdle and was able to provide the carrier and property owner with the expert estimate and scope they were expecting."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! You've done a great job here using the STAR method to structure your answer. While your example is a strong one, it's a little risky given that you talk about lacking the skills necessary to complete a job you'd been hired for (the interviewer won't want that to happen again in their case!) If you can think of another professional accomplishment, you might want to talk about that instead. If not, this one works - just be careful with your language. Try to downplay the fact that you were lacking the necessary skills (maybe say '...I realized that I needed additional information and know-how to complete the project at the high level I expect of myself' instead, for example.) Good job!

Anonymous Answer

"While working at _____ mortgage I was required to become state and federally licensed to write loans. During this time I had to work as part of the process /training for the company, sometimes 10-12 hours a day as well as studying to prepare for the exam. I developed new study skills, mastered innovative ways to multitask, and effectively made every second count with incredible time management skills. I'm extremely proud to say that I passed in a few months. Later I was known as one of the top Mortgage bankers to achieve my goal in the whole company within 4 days and surpass the goal that month leading to an incredible promotion the following month."

Jaymie's Feedback

You selected a relevant example that demonstrates you set and achieve a goal and that you are able to add value to the next organization. You shared what your goal was, the steps you took to accomplish it, and your success with the company, and that's just what an interviewer would be looking for. Great job!

Anonymous Answer

"I feel that my greatest professional accomplishment was when I started my own cleaning business. I started with nothing and built this company for 12 years. I had to research the ins and outs of a small business. I was an owner/operator. I am motivated by the outcome of my work. My goal was to satisfy all customers in a timely manner."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a great example that shows you are a self-starter, you're able to create a plan and execute and build and maintain relationships to build success!

Anonymous Answer

"My greatest professional accomplishment is photographing a beautiful wedding on my own. The wedding photography business is a bit difficult to get into, considering the amount of pressure and responsibility that one photographer has. I had never photographed a wedding before, but it was something I wanted to do. I had a couple reach out to me about working with them for their wedding, and even with me explaining to them that it was something new to me, they still wanted to proceed with hiring me as they had great trust in me to capture their day well, based on my portfolio. The amount of trust they put in me meant so much to me, and I captured their day with no issues and it turned out wonderful! Those images have provided me with a great portfolio to use for future weddings I may want to work on as well."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is an excellent example to share as it demonstrates your desire to provide an exceptional customer service experience. It's clear that you take great pride in your work- well done!

Anonymous Answer

"Throughout my professional career, I’ve gained extensive experience in different sectors.

I decided to open up my own business. I knew that it was going to be a lot of work. However, I implemented everything I had learned throughout my professional career at other agencies. Within the first month, our small business already had returning customers."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a great start! Can you go into more detail on your experiences and the industries you've worked? Perhaps you've gained specific skills and experiences in customer service, budgeting, process improvement, communication, etc. Also, if you have specific data to share regarding the volume of sales you've done or how many customers you have, that will be more impactful as well.

Anonymous Answer

"While working as a personal injury attorney, I took on a case with a lovely woman that had been having a difficult time handling her claim on her own. Her case had some major complications. The biggest issue her case had was that she had a substantial gap in treatment from the time she was referred to physical therapy by her primary care doctor and starting her physical therapy plan. The gap in treatment was approximately 10 months. I had to find a way to get her case settled. Prior to sending a demand package to the insurance carrier, I had a conversation with my client about her treatment, her injuries, and her circumstances. I set expectations by explaining the likely difficulty in getting an insurance carrier to accept treatment after such a large gap in treatment. I also talked with her about the circumstances that led her to have such a gap. She was a traveling researcher. She frequently traveled around due to her job and was away from home during that gap in a location where she was unable to get treatment. I listened while she explained to me what steps she tried to take herself. She had used YouTube videos to follow and complete a home exercise program. As I suspected, the adjuster initially made an offer that did not give any consideration to my client's physical therapy treatment. I talked with my client about what her expectations were and what kind of settlement she was looking for. While negotiating with the adjuster, I brought up the unique circumstances that my client had experienced. Eventually, I was able to get the adjuster to give some consideration to her physical therapy treatment. As a result, I was able to get a settlement that my client was happy with and she became a return client."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a great achievement to share! It demonstrates your ability to show compassion and empathy toward your client, think critically, problem-solve, and effectively communicate and negotiate. Great job!

Anonymous Answer

"My greatest achievement was being promoted through self-motivation and learning."

Jaymie's Feedback

You're off to a great start! This is your opportunity to brag about yourself and show the interviewer your capabilities. Can you give more details on your promotion? What role were you in and what were you promoted to? What span of time was this in? How did your hard work result in this success? Adding those details to your response will help the interviewer understand this accomplishment.

Ask The Interviewer

2. Do you have questions for Progressive's hiring team?

The Goal

At the end of your HireVue interview, Progressive might provide you with the opportunity to ask questions about the role, the team, and the organization. The goal of your response is to show that you have put thought and care into the interview process and have come up with a couple of highly thoughtful and insightful questions for the hiring team.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Pro Tip

Be sure to avoid obvious questions that would be very easy for you to answer through simple research. For example, avoid questions like 'How many years has the Progressive been around' You should already know the answer to this question from your research.

With the right amount of preparation, you could think of dozens of appropriate and helpful questions to show the decision-makers that you are interested in the job and engaged in the interview process. Going into your HireVue interview with insightful questions will show Progressive that you have put thought and care into your interview prep.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

How to Answer

There are endless topics to approach when asking questions at the end of a HireVue interview. It's essential, however, to remain on topic and professional. Consider asking questions related to:

- The job and your day-to-day activities
- The team/department you will be joining
- The training and tools you will receive
- The departments' performance expectations
- The company/departments' short or long-term goals and objectives

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

What You Need to Know

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Answer Example

"Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions today. My first question is, what is the most important quality Progressive looks for when assessing candidates? Next, in your opinion, how can I best succeed in this role at Progressive?"

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"What does it take, and what skills do you need to succeed in the role?"

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! Having two or three thoughtful questions lined up for the interviewer is perfect. You might also ask about their onboarding process or what your day-to-day schedule will look like if you're hired. Good job!

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Anonymous Answer

"Yes, What is your time frame for hiring? Do you have additional training and guidance for new employees?"

Marcie's Feedback

Great! It's a good idea to have three or so thoughtful questions lined up to ask the interviewer if you get the chance. You can always inquire about the next step in the hiring process, what the onboarding process is like, or what your day-to-day routine will look like if you're hired.

Anonymous Answer

"I appreciate the opportunity to ask a question. Could you explain the department's expectations and goals so I understand better."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a great question!

Anonymous Answer

"What type of advice would you give one wanting to succeed in this role at your company?"

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a great question to ask. It's thoughtful and not an answer you can quickly research on the internet.

Anonymous Answer

"What are the company’s expectations for the role of the Claim adjuster? Is there room for growth as a Claim adjuster?"

Jaymie's Feedback

Great!

Anonymous Answer

"Yes, I have several questions if you don't mind. What is the most important quality you are looking for in a candidate for this position? What would my day-to-day look like? What does the team structure look like?"

Jaymie's Feedback

These are all great questions that can't be easily researched before the interview!

Anonymous Answer

"Yes, tell me about the licensing requirements for this job. Does Progressive offer assistance to help the Employee pass the exam? When are new hires be eligible for benefits? Is this position 100% Remote?"

Jaymie's Feedback

These are good questions to ask if they are not stated in the job description.

Anonymous Answer

"What does a day in the life of a Progressive Agent look like?

What can you tell me about the onboarding process?

What qualities do your top-producing agents possess?"

Jaymie's Feedback

These are all great questions and ones not easily researchable online.

Behavioral

3. Talk about a time when you succeeded despite being under intense pressure.

The Goal

The hiring managers at Progressive want assurance that you can handle the pressure that comes from working in the high-pressure, ever-evolving insurance industry. The goal of your response is to provide evidence that you have the mindset and tenacity to behave professionally and appropriately while working under pressure.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Pro Tip

This question presents the opportunity for you to be a storyteller. Using the STAR method, form an engaging story-based response that showcases your proudest accomplishment. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result.

Use a solid and compelling example of your poise under pressure. Be as specific as you can while remaining concise and on topic. If possible, provide a story of a time when you were under a type of pressure related to this position's duties. Your response should come from a recent scenario.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

How to Answer

The expectations placed on you at Progressive might feel overwhelming at times. For this reason, the hiring managers are looking for evidence of your ability to face pressure while still ensuring that you deliver high-quality work.

Talk about a specific time when you were under a lot of pressure at work, yet you succeeded. Outline the situation, explain why you felt under pressure, and describe your actions. Spotlight that you made well-calculated decisions even though you felt some strain or conflict. If your actions made a measurable impact, discuss the results you generated.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

What You Need to Know

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Answer Example

"Throughout my career in the professional services sector, I have gained the skills required to deal with stress constructively. (Situation) Last year, one of our Insurance Managers retired, and she passed me one of her most important legacy accounts. I was thrilled to have the opportunity; however, this account was notorious for being complex. (Task) I knew that onboarding this client would be challenging. It would take a great deal of diligence, research, and time on my end. I felt overwhelmed, but I knew that serving this account to the best of my ability would help my department meet its goals, and it would be a valuable addition to my portfolio. (Action) I sought out a mentor with more industry experience to ensure my success. This individual taught me incredibly beneficial approaches and tools for managing my time, controlling stress, and regulating my mindset under pressure. (Result) As a result, I successfully onboarded this account and even received accolades from the client, which felt great. Now, when I feel immense pressure on the job or in my personal life, I lean on these mechanisms and techniques to get me to the finish line with focus and poise."

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I consider myself a top performer when the going gets tough because of my ability to stay focused on the task at hand and remain calm. Over the last year, teachers have been working very short-staffed, and this has caused major stress for everyone. My principal has praised me for prioritizing work smartly and efficiently so I can chip in to help others."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! Can you talk more specifically about a time or two when you stepped in and helped a teacher? Give details so the interviewer understands exactly what you did and what kind of pressure you were under. Emphasize your ability to work effectively in a hectic and intense environment. Good job!

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Anonymous Answer

"I took over an assignment that another Estimator failed to complete. The assignment had already been open for 3 weeks and was due in two days. This was a large water loss on the second floor of an apartment building and affected several units. I was able to reschedule my current assignments and visit the location of the loss within 24 hours, performed my Inspection and scope, and was able to upload the renovation estimate within the time frame originally given."

Marcie's Feedback

Awesome! This is a powerful example because it shows you are willing to move quickly and work hard to meet an urgent deadline. Can you talk more about the pressure you felt? Why did the other estimator fail to complete the job? What was difficult about it? Finally, how did getting the estimate uploaded in time benefit the client and your company?

Anonymous Answer

"During my career at ______ Mortgage being successful under pressure was a daily part of work life, and I loved it. The first month of banking I was able to achieve my goal within four days. This taught me how to gain the most trustworthy relationships with my clients and team members. I achieved my goals because of a positive mindset and determination. Despite whatever is around me the pressure helps me to stay focused on the task at hand."

Jaymie's Feedback

Great start! Consider adding more context around what your specific goals or targets were, so the interviewer really understands the impact of your achievement in the example.

Anonymous Answer

"The first wedding I ever photographed I was under intense pressure. A wedding is something that only happens once, there's no do-over for the photographer, so if you mess it up in any way, there aren't many options to fix the problem. Many things can go wrong when photographing a wedding between time constraints, camera batteries dying, memory cards failing, missing the shot during important times, forgetting what poses to use, etc. By taking the time beforehand to prepare for all of these issues that may come up, and being sure to stay calm throughout, I was able to avoid any obstacles and successfully photograph their wedding."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is such an excellent example to use! Great job speaking about preparation and maintaining your composure to get the job done under pressure.

Anonymous Answer

"As a program manager, one of the many tasks that I had was to assign 13 teachers to a classroom at five different locations throughout the valley. At that time the teachers we had in our pool were getting hired by school districts so we were losing our teachers. Time was ticking and I had about one week to interview and hire new teachers to help start the new programs. It was going to be difficult because I wanted to make sure that the right candidates were brought on board in order to have a successful program. I met with my team and delegated the work."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a great example to use with specific information that helps the interviewer better understand the task. If possible, go into more detail on how you made sure the right candidates were selected and what the outcome was of this assignment. Highlight skills you used that would help you stand out, like communicating, prioritizing tasks, follow-ups, planning, and organizing, and give as much detail as you can. For example, did you take the initiative and lead the project? If so, how many people did you lead?

Anonymous Answer

"I took over handling a wrongful death case from an attorney that left our office. While handling the probate for the wrongful death case, we had a significant amount of beneficiaries and debt collectors that had to be served notice for the hearing for the estate with a minimum of 10 days' notice. When we were approaching the date, we still did not have service on all those that needed to be served. I made contact with each party that had not been served to discuss the circumstances and try to get signed waivers on the service. I was finally able to get all the signed waivers by the day of the hearing which allowed us to go forward."

Jaymie's Feedback

Great job! This was definitely a high-pressure situation, but it sounds like you handled it with great care and experience which resulted in a positive outcome.

Anonymous Answer

"Recently, at work, a 3-year-old patient was given a Kit Kat candy bar by his Aunt. She wasn't aware it may have been made with other peanut products and since he was allergic to peanuts, he quickly went into anaphylactic shock right in front of me. In the 30 years, I've been doing this, I fortunately have never had to do any emergent type rescue. Thankfully, my brain remembered the 1st step was to immediately administer an EpiPen. As the patient was passing out, he woke up a couple of minutes after the administration."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a great example of a high-pressure situation you experienced. Your response shows you can remain calm and take action.

Anonymous Answer

"Working as a Tax preparer is something I have only done informally for myself and my family. After completing a crash course, tax season began. My plan was to work just a couple of days a week, but after a couple of weeks, 4 of the 6 people that started left and I was asked to work full time.

Challenges were:

The obvious increase in the volume of clients I saw,

I was tasked to prepare more complex returns,

Speed became as important as the quality

Although the first 8 weeks were intense I managed to keep up with demand and made consistent progress in speed and quality.

By the end of the season, I completed over 200 tax returns and became the go-to preparer in the office for business return-related questions."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a great example to share! It shows you're able to remain calm and focused under pressure, learn quickly, and take on challenges! It's always important to focus on success and share the result of your perseverance, as you did here in this example.

Behavioral

4. Tell us about a time when you faced an unexpected change in the workplace. How did you adapt?

The Goal

Change is prevalent in the workplace, and the hiring managers at Progressive want to know that you can embrace change. The goal of your response should be to help the decision-makers feel confident in your ability to adapt to unexpected changes in a workplace setting.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Pro Tip

Avoid focusing on a time when you encountered negative change. For example, 'When my company hired a new manager with a horrible temper, my entire work environment changed.'

Also, avoid examples that sound like you are blaming others. For example, 'I recently had to do an entire project by myself because my co-worker quit unexpectedly.'

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

How to Answer

Behavioral-based interview questions that begin with 'Tell us about a time when...' are best answered using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the hiring managers with the right amount of information and detail.

Pick an example of a time you faced a change in the workplace, and your response was constructive. Explain how the change directly impacted your job and talk about how you maintained a positive approach during the transition. Perhaps your job duties shifted, there was a significant revision in policy, you had to welcome a new manager, or your company was acquired. These situations make excellent examples to draw on when you form your story-based response.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

What You Need to Know

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Answer Example

"(Situation) Last year, my company shuffled around a lot of our team members with no notice. (Task) This shuffle meant that, overnight, the team of 40 that I was leading became a team of 60. (Action) I had a great rapport with the current 40 and needed to develop a fast strategy for connecting with the additional 20. I chose to throw a team-wide after-work event so that everyone could get to know each other and make meaningful connections. (Result) My idea worked like a charm, and everyone clicked right away, making the best of an abrupt situation."

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I worked for 9 months primarily as the Lead Estimator on a large foreclosure renovation account with Wells Fargo. My schedule was taxing but I always met my deadlines. During a staff meeting, I was informed another Adjuster would be taking my position and they were relocating me to another office. I had no idea this change was coming so it was a shock. I went to the supervisor after the meeting because I was concerned they felt I was no longer fit for the position. She expressed that they were simply rotating the Adjuster and that it was not a reflection on my work. I had to make a few adjustments but was accepting of the change."

Marcie's Feedback

This definitely sounds like a big and unexpected change. You do a good job using the STAR method here to describe the situation, your task/actions, and the end result. Since the question specifically asks how you adapted to the unexpected change, can you elaborate on the adjustments you had to make and how this made you feel? Emphasize that you learned and adapted quickly. Nice job!

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Anonymous Answer

"_______ Mortgage the company I worked for embraced change daily, monthly, and sometimes by the hour! I loved every min of it and particularly the second month of my team's promotion we changed some team members and even a whole new building. It taught me to adapt to my environment, surroundings, and new faces. I continued to exceed expectations and helped my teammates adapt to our new surroundings. My team leader praised my new leadership skills and admired my determination to succeed through the changes we faced daily."

Jaymie's Feedback

Good work!

Anonymous Answer

"I was working part-time and loved the department I was in. I wanted more hours and the company was cross-training me in another department. Eventually, they moved me into the new department without asking me. I just took on a new role in the new department and was very successful. Eventually I was given a full-time position."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a good start. Consider going into more detail about the hardship or stress that the move caused you and how you overcame them. Maybe it was meeting and working with new team members, talking to management, being patient and open-minded, etc. You did a great job using your last sentence at the end to share the outcome of the situation and how it benefited you.

Anonymous Answer

"Change happens often in the photography business as a lot of times, the work is based on the weather, and children. Two things that are often unpredictable. One time, I planned on shooting 4 separate, 15-minute sessions, back to back, at a specific location that I had already sent to all of my clients. I arrived at the location early, only to see that it had begun to be under construction, so I could no longer use that location. I had to quickly problem solve and find a new location to use, as well as notify each of my clients in a timely manner in order to start everything on time. In the end, each of my clients found the location, arrived on time, and the rest of the job went smoothly."

Jaymie's Feedback

That would have been a stressful situation! Your response demonstrates your ability to think critically and quickly to meet the customer's needs, as well as your ability to communicate changes to others.

Anonymous Answer

"Two attorneys were terminated from our firm. I was tasked with contacting all of the litigation clients and handling the transfer of their files. This was a huge change as I lost two colleagues and gained an extra 60 clients. With the added clients, I reviewed the files and contacted each client to introduce myself and discuss their case. With the extra clients/cases, I implemented additional organization strategies to help monitor all of my cases. This has allowed me to handle the heavier caseload without spreading myself too thin."

Jaymie's Feedback

Things happen beyond your control in the workplace, but interviewers want to know you can handle the stress and quickly adapt and overcome it. This example demonstrates that you have a can-do attitude and you're willing to jump in and support the team and clients when called up. Good job!

Anonymous Answer

"Situation/Task: Prior to the pandemic the sales and marketing at my previous company was almost exclusively done face-to-face in schools. Obviously, that could not continue given the near-total shutdown.

Action: I put together a Marketing process utilizing more traditional for the industry, but foreign to our culture. The plan would walk our agents through every step of the marketing process. Training Call with detailed instructions of the process, Technical training, and a Q&A session.

I presented my plan to my Executive Leadership team and began a pilot of the program via Zoom.

Results: It was a little rocky at first, as we hit an unanticipated technical training deficit, but I brought in subject matter experts to provide additional training and got over that obstacle. Soon afterward we started seeing an increase in sales activity and expanded the program to a national level."

Jaymie's Feedback

The pandemic brought many challenges and unexpected changes to the workplace, so this is a great example to share of a time you faced something beyond your control but faced the problem head-on. Excellent job explaining the challenge and ways you found solutions to overcome the obstacle. To make your answer even more impactful, you may consider adding (if that data is available) specific numbers to help highlight the impact on sales or the number of states or salespeople that it grew to nationwide.

Behavioral

5. Talk about the most difficult decision you have had to make recently.

The Goal

The hiring managers at Progressive want to know how you approach complex decisions. The goal of your response is to showcase your strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Pro Tip

One common mistake that interviewees make is to give a highly personal response. This question is not the time to talk about the hardest personal decision you've ever made. Be sure to keep your answer career-focused and related to the job opportunity at Progressive.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

How to Answer

Making difficult decisions is an essential skill for anyone working in the insurance industry, where tough choices are inevitable. Provide the hiring managers at Progressive with evidence that you can move through challenging decisions.

Behavioral-based interview questions like this, where the hiring managers ask you to "Talk about...," are best answered using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the hiring company with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling answer.

Use an example relevant to your work, such as changing majors in university, quitting a job that wasn't healthy for you, selling your business and re-entering the traditional workforce, relocating to a new city for better opportunities, or even starting a new professional venture.

Be sure to highlight how you approached the decision and take the decision-makers through your critical thinking and decision-making process. You should also include details of how your decision worked out for the best. At the end of your response, remember to connect your critical thinking skills and how they will benefit Progressive when they choose to hire you.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

What You Need to Know

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Answer Example

"(Situation) The biggest decision I have ever made was to quit my last job and move to Denver. (Task) I have a lot of friends in Denver, which made the choice a bit easier, but leaving my hometown to explore other opportunities was certainly a major decision in my life. (Action) I decided, despite my fears, to move forward and make the location change. I actively looked for a new job opportunity and leveraged my existing network to make valuable new connections. (Result) Today, I have zero regrets, as I love this city. It's my home for good!"

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"When I worked at a past job, it came to my attention that one of the teachers had become addicted to painkillers prescribed after he had surgery. His performance was being negatively impacted, and he needed to get some help. I spoke with him privately, and I helped him arrange a weekend treatment program that was covered by his insurance. Fortunately, he got his life back on track and received teacher of the year about six months later."

Marcie's Feedback

Wow! This is definitely a powerful example, but just make sure your examples line up with the question asked. In this case, the interviewer wants to know about a difficult decision you've made. Was it a hard decision to decide to help your coworker in this situation? Probably not, which makes it a questionable example to cite here. Do you have another example highlighting a hard decision you had to make that you can mention here?

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Anonymous Answer

"I recently had to make the decision to change my career path from PA back to IA. I had been contemplating the choice for about 2 years. I decided to return to an all-lines adjuster because I feel my experience and skills will be more useful and I will have more opportunities to learn and grow."

Marcie's Feedback

This is a good example to discuss here. What prompted you to contemplate making a change in the first place? In what ways will your experience and skills be more useful as an IA instead of a PA? Also, consider talking about exactly how you made the decision. Did you make a pros and cons list? Did you talk to mentors and trusted friends? Did you reflect on what you really want in your career? Adding more details will make your answer even more meaningful and memorable to the interviewer. Great job!

Anonymous Answer

"My husbands' job was moving us from TN to FL. I had to close my small cleaning business that I had for 12 years. Now I am looking for a new job opportunity to grow and use the skills I have learned throughout my career."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a great start, as you've demonstrated how hard you worked on building this business in a previous answer. Give a little more detail on which particular skills you feel will be transferrable and add value if given this opportunity.

Anonymous Answer

"To be honest, the most difficult decision I have had to make recently was to take a step back from my photography business and pursue a job that is more consistent and stable. While I love photography, the income and hours are not stable enough for me and my family at this time in our lives, so it will have to go on the back burner and become something I do more in my spare time rather than be a full-time job. I am now eager to pursue a new career and provide more stability in my family as well as grow in a new area for myself."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a very genuine response, and that would have been a difficult decision to make. Your desire to get your foot in the door and excel will be clear to the interviewer.

Anonymous Answer

"My firm hired an assistant for our litigation department. He had no experience in a law office or legal setting but our management was confident that he would be an asset to our litigation department. However, it quickly became apparent to me that he was not grasping what we were trying to teach. He was becoming a burden to us, and he did not seem happy in his role. I made the difficult decision to have him removed from our department. As a result, our work moved more smoothly and I found a role for him outside of my department that suited him better."

Jaymie's Feedback

This sounds like a difficult situation to be in and one that you did not take lightly. You were able to problem-solve and find a solution that worked for both parties. Well done!

Anonymous Answer

"Leaving my co-workers/friends that I've developed over the years of service at my current Employer but I'm ready for a new adventure!"

Jaymie's Feedback

This would indeed be a difficult decision to make! It sounds like you're able to build relationships with coworkers and you've got a positive outlook on the future and your next opportunity.

Anonymous Answer

"Situation: A difficult decision I made was to relocate from my home state of Connecticut to South Carolina. Task: What made the decision most difficult is that my family and most of my good friends still live in CT.

Action: There are a lot of positives to living in SC, and after discussing my decision to move with those closest to me I went forward with my plan.

Result: Love my new home state and my family and friends visit often and they love it here too."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a good situation to share. You did a good job walking the interviewer through your decision-making process and then sharing the positive outcome of your decision.

Behavioral

6. Talk about a time when you showed initiative at work.

The Goal

The hiring managers at Progressive want evidence that you are the type of person to take the initiative in the workplace. The goal of your response is to show that you are interested in succeeding, growing, and taking on responsibilities beyond your typical work scope.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Pro Tip

Avoid giving a general answer regarding your initiative. For instance, stay away from vague statements like, 'I always take the initiative in life; it's just who I am.' Taking the initiative could mean that you take on responsibilities independently without being asked or continually coached by your manager. It could also mean that you are the type of person who jumps in and assumes the lead before others do or before you are asked.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

How to Answer

Behavioral-based interview questions like this, where the hiring managers are looking for a story example, are best answered using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Organizing your response using this framework will help you provide an effective story-based response.

Start by telling the hiring managers about a specific time when you showed initiative at work. Outline the situation, describe the task, and explain the actions you took to take the initiative. Give as much detail as you can regarding the positive results of your actions. At the end of your response, be sure to describe your high level of initiative and how this characteristic will benefit Progressive when they choose to hire you.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

What You Need to Know

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Answer Example

"(Situation) Last month, I realized that many of our staff training manuals had outdated information. Most notably, the company recently changed from Zoho CRM to Salesforce CRM. This change meant that the entire team had obsolete instructions on inputting important customer data into the system. (Task) As the administrative lead, it wasn't my responsibility to ensure this update was complete; however, I knew that the administrative manager was already overwhelmed with other deadlines. (Action) So, I decided to draft the training manual updates myself. The update took me about one week since I worked on it between other high-priority tasks. Once I finished the draft, I asked the admin manager to review and approve the changes. (Result) They were very impressed that I noticed the issue and took the initiative to make updates. The sales and customer service teams were also thrilled that I cared and took the time to streamline their work. Should I be hired for this role with Progressive, I will be sure to embrace the company's core values. For instance, Progressive places focus on objectives. I will set ambitious goals and evaluate my performance and my team's performance by measuring what we achieve and how we achieve it."

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"For example, during my last job, when we were going through a quiet spell, I wanted to look for ways to improve the school's transportation system for special needs students. Without being asked, I researched different systems that could make things more manageable for the teacher and safer for the students.

I created a color coding system for each bus and the students who rode the bus. My principal was very pleased with the fact that I’d been self-motivated enough to make a positive difference for the school."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent! It's great that you utilized a slower period to research and implement a helpful initiative for the children. Why did you believe that the school's special needs transportation system needed to be improved? Did your color coding system help the kids who rode the buses? At the end of your answer, reiterate to the interviewer that you will be proactive and innovative in this new position too. Good job!

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"Working in a group setting on a large renovation project. The project was a 20-unit condo renovation. The group was meeting to begin the planning. No one wanted to lead the group or organize the project. I volunteered to begin the project. I assigned each person a part of the project to work on from getting information on permitting and engineers to meeting contractors, sub-contractors, and landscapers. We were able to begin the renovation within the allotted time."

Marcie's Feedback

Great! This is a clear example of you taking the initiative. Conclude your answer by reminding the interviewer that you're proactive and not afraid of taking the lead. Nice job!

Anonymous Answer

"I was new to a department and inventory was coming up quickly. I had never done inventory for this company before. I observed a lot of areas of concern and loss. I took it upon myself to try and fix the problems and asked other co-workers to work with me in resolving the issues. Due to our efforts our inventory ended up being one of the best inventories in a while."

Jaymie's Feedback

Excellent example! If you have numbers or data to reinforce the impact, share that information as well!

Anonymous Answer

"When I worked at the child development center, I worked on a team of 11 other providers. Occasionally, we were asked to do tasks or projects outside of the classrooms. One time, we were asked to volunteer at a job fair on the military base. The fair was on a Saturday afternoon, so not many people were offering themselves to serve. I took the initiative to volunteer myself, along with another provider, so that the positions would be filled."

Jaymie's Feedback

Great example!

Anonymous Answer

"Last year, I realized that our firm has no universal or master list for cases that are being reviewed by litigation. Due to the structure of our firm, cases coming into litigation are transferred to the pre-litigation attorney that had been previously handling the case so there are lists for each pre-litigation attorney. As one of three litigation attorneys, I knew we needed a better system so I created a master list in Excel that condensed all the pre-litigation attorney case lists into one list which allowed the litigation attorneys to better review the cases that were coming into litigation."

Jaymie's Feedback

Perfect! You saw an area of opportunity and took the initiative, which resulted in more efficiency for you and the team. The interviewer will find this to be a highly desirable quality in a candidate.

Anonymous Answer

"For example, our office is going through a quiet spell, I wanted to look for ways to improve the staff's knowledge of certain machines in the office that we rarely use. Without being asked, I researched training videos for all of the machines and everyone participated as if they were the patient. It gave them a better understanding of the machine as well as how to explain the test to the patient."

Jaymie's Feedback

You gave a specific example, your role in the process, and the positive outcome as a result of your taking the initiative. Excellent!

Behavioral

7. Talk about a time when you used logic and common sense to solve a problem at work.

The Goal

The hiring managers at Progressive want to know about a situation where you used good judgment to solve a work problem. The goal of your response is to assure the decision-makers that you approach issues with care and logical reasoning. The decision-makers should envision you using good judgment in the workplace.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Pro Tip

Avoid giving a vague response like, 'I use good judgment and strong logic all the time! If you hire me, I will always make decisions that are good for Progressive.' Although the hiring managers will be happy to hear that you plan to make wise decisions, this type of response fails to give a measurable example of your logic in action.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

How to Answer

Behavioral-based interview questions that begin with 'Talk about a time when...' are best answered using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result.

Give a work-related story example that showcases your logic and reasoning abilities. Share a brief overview of the problem you faced, discuss the pros and cons of each decision you could have made, and tell the hiring managers why the solution you chose was the best. Be sure to include details of the positive impact you generated for your employer by using strong judgment.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

What You Need to Know

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Answer Example

"(Situation) With Company X, we had a serious space issue in our warehouse. (Task) As the Warehouse Manager, it was up to me to find a creative and affordable solution. (Action) I rearranged our shipping lanes to allow smaller customer orders to be contained in one area. Next, I arranged for large customers to have a dedicated shipping area. (Result) This change made locating shipments and loading trucks much easier. My team of operators was thrilled with the change."

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"With everything I do in life, I always do my best to apply logic and common sense. I remember watching these teachers bring carts of books to put into storage bins. After the second trip, I said to them why don't you bring the bins to the books and wheel the bins over to the library. I was always taught to work smarter, not harder."

Marcie's Feedback

The interviewer will appreciate that you use common sense and logic to solve problems. Can you talk more about how this made things more efficient and easier for the teachers? If you can think of another example with a more lasting impact, that will further improve your answer. Good job!

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"Every day."

Marcie's Feedback

Lol. I'm sure! And you can definitely say this to the interviewer because it's true and you'll get a laugh. :) But then follow up by providing an example of a specific instance when you used common sense to solve a problem at work. It can be something simple; you just want to emphasize that you're logical and can think quickly on your feet.

Anonymous Answer

"I had a scheduled session to photograph a family for their son's first birthday photos. They had a 4-year-old daughter as well as a 6-year-old son. We chose a beautiful, wooded location for the session. I arrived early and realized that there were a lot of mosquitoes at this location, so I grabbed some bug spray from my car. When the family arrived, I notified them of the bugs and offered them bug spray. The daughter was very afraid of the bugs and kept screaming anytime she would see one, which made photographing the family very difficult. With no other options, the logical choice was to change the location, so we moved it to their house and finished the session in their front yard, and everyone was happy in the end!"

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a good example that showed you tried to problem-solve to keep the photo shoot at the initially planned location; however, you were able to quickly realize that it was futile and pivoted to change the location to carry out the shoot.

Anonymous Answer

"I used logic when decided about changing my field. But I also had some goals outside of work, things I wanted to afford, and the family I planned to start one day in the future. So I looked at the situation in the employment market, which positions are in demand, what is the average salary offer, and how the economy will likely evolve in the future. Considering all arguments, I eventually decided to just try and apply. I think it was a good choice. If I manage to get this job with you, I will definitely consider it a great and logical decision."

Jaymie's Feedback

Though the interviewer typically seeks a response about a problem you solved as part of your job, this response could be a good substitute if you don't have a specific job-related example to provide. You did a good job including how you evaluate a problem and the steps you take to solve it.

Anonymous Answer

"Situation: Onboarding salespeople at my last job was challenging and was hindering their ability to sell effectively until several weeks after they started. They lacked equipment, authority, business cards, etc…

Task: It was a well-known problem, so I discussed some ideas with my supervisor and she gave me approval to build a plan.

Action: I created an Onboarding Checklist, and a prepackaged Onboarding Kit to order when the employment offer was signed, and moved some home office education processes around. All minor but logical changes.

Result: Salespeople could now onboard 2 weeks faster than before, and are ready to sell on day 1."

Jaymie's Feedback

Excellent! Using the STAR method is very helpful as you carefully walked the interviewer through each step.

Behavioral

8. Talk about a time when you received critical feedback from a leader or peer.

The Goal

It can feel challenging to receive criticism in the workplace, especially from your leader, who you want to impress. The decision-makers at Progressive want to know how you react in the face of criticism. The goal of your response is to show that you can hear criticism, respond professionally, learn from the feedback, and willingly take action to make improvements.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Pro Tip

In order to succeed at Progressive, it's essential that you're ready to receive feedback from your direct managers, team members, clients, and others. Constructive feedback will help you grow, learn, and develop the emotional intelligence required to succeed in a large company like Progressive.

The way you receive and respond to feedback is critical to Progressive. Show the hiring managers that you react to constructive feedback with an open mind vs. becoming defensive or engaging in conflict.

Avoid discussing a time when you received criticism about your character. Instead, consider providing an example where you received feedback on your skill level and were able to make noticeable improvements. Also, avoid discussing criticism around skills that are a must-have for the role.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

How to Answer

This question is another way for the hiring managers at Progressive to ask about your most significant weaknesses. For this reason, be sure to give a clear example of a time when you received critical feedback on an important skill.

Using the STAR method, clearly outline the scenario and how you worked hard to improve. Be sure to highlight what you learned from the situation and spotlight how this criticism helped you improve your quality of work. Your response should end on a positive note about a lesson learned and how this lesson has boosted your career or work performance, benefiting Progressive when they choose to hire you.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

What You Need to Know

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Answer Example

"(Situation) Last year, while working as the Research Analyst for Company XYZ, my director sat me down during my performance review and asked that I submit my weekly documentation faster than I had been. I agreed with his feedback. I knew that I preferred working on other tasks and less on typing up reports. (Task) I understood that timely reporting was critical to the success of our projects. (Action) I started to time block my calendar, giving myself three 20-minute time slots every day to complete my documentation. I set the time and did the work with no excuses. (Result) Eventually, the documentation became a natural part of my workflow. Now, my documentation is detailed, and my reporting is consistently on time."

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"While working for my last employer, a situation emerged where I was criticized for a mistake. At the time of the criticism, I felt disappointed in my own performance but knew it was important to learn from my mistake and improve for next time. I understand that not everybody is perfect, and when we make mistakes, it is the ability to move on and improve for the next time. I spoke with my supervisor after the mistake was made, apologized, and made certain I improved my performance in that particular area. Now I always take criticism as a learning experience."

Marcie's Feedback

On the surface your answer seems perfect, but, in actuality, it's just too vague. Giving specifics will make your response so much more powerful. What was the situation that emerged? What mistake did you make? What lessons did you learn? How did you improve your performance?

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"I had provided my estimate from a loss which included a roofing replacement and severe interior damage. My manager reviewed the estimate and did not agree with my choices in cost or repairs. I was required to rewrite the estimate in the format and scope he preferred. I did not agree, but he is the Manager and I respected his expertise and knowledge."

Marcie's Feedback

This example can work, but it's important that you emphasize any lessons you learned from your manager's feedback. If you didn't learn anything from his input and only made the required changes to satisfy him, you might want to pick another example to discuss here. Emphasize to the interviewer that you view feedback as a learning opportunity. Good job!

Anonymous Answer

"When I was a childcare provider out of my home, my supervisor would often times stop by and inspect my home at random to make sure that everything was up to standard. Everything had to be set up correctly, and safely, and provide everything needed for the children in care. She would go through a checklist and make sure all of the things were done and I remember during my first inspection, she found quite a few things that weren't done the best and gave me some critical feedback about the way I had things set up. I took the feedback and changed the way my daycare was set up so I could then provide better care."

Jaymie's Feedback

Great answer! It's always impactful to demonstrate that you can accept feedback and take action. To take it a step further, if you had a high rating or perfect inspections thereafter, be sure to speak to that as well.

Anonymous Answer

"Early on in my career, my supervisor told me that I had an issue with delegating tasks and that I needed to learn how to delegate. I realized that in order to put trust in my assistants and delegate tasks, I need to build a relationship with them and set standards for my expectations. I worked with them one-on-one with each of the tasks I would be having them work on until I made sure that they could perform the tasks to my standards. As a result, I was able to place more trust in my assistants and open myself up to focus on more important tasks."

Jaymie's Feedback

Interviewers want to know that candidates can be open and receptive to feedback. You gave a great example that shows you were able to receive and digest the feedback, then put it into action. You did a great job walking the interviewer through how you overcame this area of development and the positive outcome you experienced from it.

Anonymous Answer

"One time I received feedback on prescription issues for a client. The owner of the Practice was informed by the parent how pleased she was that I spent so much time trying to find a medication for both her daughters that is in a nationwide shortage. I called every area Pharmacy to locate this medication for her family. I successfully found it and made a customer very happy."

Jaymie's Feedback

When interviewers ask situational questions about critical feedback, they are typically looking for a time you received constructive feedback or even negative feedback. The interviewer wants to know that you can take feedback (good and bad) and use that feedback to self-reflect, learn and grow and make necessary changes to improve performance or meet expectations. Your example is a good one to share, but perhaps in a "tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a customer" type question.

Anonymous Answer

"Situation: Onboarding salespeople at my last job was challenging and was hindering their ability to sell effectively until several weeks after they started. They lacked equipment, authority, business cards, etc…

Task: It was a well-known problem, so I discussed some ideas with my supervisor and she gave me approval to build a plan.

Action: I created an Onboarding Checklist, and a prepackaged Onboarding Kit to order when the employment offer was signed, and moved some home office education processes around. All minor but logical changes.

Result: Salespeople can now onboard 2 weeks faster than before, and are ready to sell on day one."

Jaymie's Feedback

With this question, interviewers are often looking for an example of a time when you received critical feedback in more the sense of critiques or suggestions. Can you think of an example where a leader or peer critiqued your performance or suggested you did something different in the workplace? The interviewer wants to hear that you can be open-minded when being provided feedback and that you're willing to accept that feedback and make improvements or learn from it. They are looking for candidates who can remain positive in this situation, and who don't take feedback personally, but rather use it as learning and growth opportunities.

Behavioral

9. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

The Goal

The hiring managers at Progressive would like to know what captures your interest outside the workplace. The goal of your response is to tell the decision-makers something unique and memorable about yourself, ensuring you are a standout candidate.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Pro Tip

When talking about what you do in your spare time, avoid offering a negative response like, "Spare time - what spare time! Between work and my kids, I am back-to-back with tasks all day."

Instead, talk about a passion or interest that you have. Your answer should be memorable so that when the hiring managers review your HireVue video submission, they can say, "Remember that's the person who...(insert your interesting hobby or passion here)."

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

How to Answer

Having hobbies and interests outside of work is incredibly helpful for maintaining your health and happiness. Talk passionately about the activities that interest you outside of the workplace. Although you should always be yourself, try to avoid activities that may feel controversial to others, such as hunting.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

What You Need to Know

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Answer Example

"In my spare time, I love to read. I recently bought copies for my entire team of 'The Obstacle is the Way' by Ryan Holiday. The book has been beneficial for my team and me because it talks about reframing obstacles and making them work for you. Since we started reading this book, I noticed a significant shift in our mentality when approaching challenges as a team."

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I exercise, go to sporting events, and fish to help manage stress."

Marcie's Feedback

Great! Can you somehow connect these hobbies to the role? Do they alleviate stress after a hectic day? Making a connection will make your response more meaningful to the interviewer. Good job!

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Anonymous Answer

"I enjoy gardening and cooking. I am considering a culinary course for fun."

Marcie's Feedback

Great! Now connect something about your hobbies to the role. For example, does gardening require you to be adaptable (able to complete lots of different tasks) or hardworking (able to accomplish challenging tasks)? Does cooking require you to be organized, detail-oriented, creative, or open to learning? Can you connect any of these qualities to the position so your answer is more meaningful to the interviewer?

Anonymous Answer

"I enjoy spending time with my family and going on day trips to explore the area. I love to walk my dogs and watch the sunsets."

Jaymie's Feedback

Perfect! These are good conversation starters, and the interviewer will likely inquire as to what places you like to go specifically or what types of dogs you have to help further build the dialogue.

Anonymous Answer

"In my spare time, I enjoy doing things with my family and being outdoors. I am big on being outdoors as it provides a lot for me/us such as fresh air, vitamin D, communication, as well as peace and mindfulness for myself. I enjoy watching nature and wildlife and taking photos of it, as well as teaching my children about it and how to respect it."

Jaymie's Feedback

This gives the interviewer some insight into who you are and what you enjoy. Great job!

Anonymous Answer

"I love to read. I have hundreds of any topic and genres you could think of. Currently, I just finished reading "Trial by Human" by Nicholas Rowley which offered a lot of insight on building relationships with witnesses and jurors in the courtroom."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a great hobby to share! It shows that you love to learn and you did a great job sharing a specific title of something you recently read that would add value in this role. Well done!

Anonymous Answer

"I enjoy spending time with Family. Especially if the weather is nice, we like to take the dogs out for walks and the dog park. We swim at the neighborhood pool and sometimes go to visit friends on a local Lake."

Jaymie's Feedback

Perfect! You gave the interviewer insight into your personal hobbies and interests, without revealing too much personal information.

Anonymous Answer

"I enjoy woodworking and DIYing in my spare time. Not only do I receive a great sense of joy and accomplishment when I finish a project, but it is also an excellent reminder to me that there is a process for every task, a proper tool for the job and to always measure twice before you cut once and for all."

Jaymie's Feedback

Excellent!

Behavioral

10. Talk about your biggest weakness and the action you are taking to improve.

The Goal

The hiring managers at Progressive are looking for evidence that you know your shortcomings. They also want to see that you embrace opportunities to grow and improve. The goal of your response is to show the decision-makers that you are self-aware, reflective, and can readily identify areas for improvement.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Pro Tip

Avoid talking about weaknesses that are a red flag or potentially point to a more significant issue. For instance, if time management is a weakness, the interviewer might wonder if you can meet your deadlines or if you are frequently late to work. For this reason, it's best to choose weaknesses that will not impact your ability to succeed in the role.

It's also essential to give a thoughtful response. Avoid cliche or overused statements like:

- I work too hard
- I am a perfectionist
- I am a workaholic
- My weaknesses are also my strengths
- My greatest weakness is chocolate (insert uncomfortable chuckle)

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

How to Answer

On its careers page, Progressive states, 'We're an award-winning company with forward-thinking approaches, state-of-the-art technology, and endless opportunities to risk, learn, and grow within the organization.' The hiring managers at Progressive want you to be honest about your weaknesses. At the same time, they want assurance that you are proactive in improving yourself so that you can risk, learn, and grow within the organization.

Choose a weakness that is not a core skill for the position. For instance, if you are interviewing for an administrator role, your greatest weakness should not be your Excel skills.

Perhaps you are watching YouTube tutorials to gain skills in a particular area. Maybe you are reading the latest-and-greatest books on the skills you wish to improve, or perhaps you are taking an online workshop to bridge a skills gap. When discussing your most significant weaknesses, you must display your interest in professional growth. Be sure to maintain a positive tone, show confidence in your ability to improve, and demonstrate a desire for improvement.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

What You Need to Know

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Answer Example

"When it comes to my professional weaknesses, I struggle with delegating seemingly minor tasks to my team members. If the task is quick, my default is to do it myself because it saves time explaining the task, passing it along, and following up on the completion. Quite possibly, I do this to accommodate my team members, which isn't a negative quality. Still, I can find other ways to be an accommodating manager. I also realize that this approach inhibits my team members' professional growth. To move away from this tendency, I have spent more time training employees to take a task from A to Z. Rather than jumping in, I have started coaching them more often. Since changing my approach, my team members have been much more proactive, and our overtime hours have decreased, which is a pleasant surprise. By improving my delegation ability, I have become a much better leader. When hired at Progressive, I will come with a fresh mindset ready to empower others to be the best version of themselves through growing responsibilities and new learning opportunities."

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Probably saying No.

A weakness is sometimes I cannot say ‘no’ to requests and take on more than I can handle.

Trying to make everyone happy adds a burden to my shoulders. To ensure I am improving in this area, I use a project management app to visualize how much work I have and know whether I can take on more work.

As someone passionate about their career and has ambitious career goals, it is hard to maintain a balance between work and personal life. I have seen a negative impact on my motivation and focus when I ignore my individual needs. As a result, I have made it a point to make time in my schedule to focus on spending time with my family. Maintaining a work/life balance has allowed me to produce more quality work and stay healthier."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! This is a good weakness to cite because it can also be seen in a positive light. It's great that you mention how you're trying to improve in this area. Also, the interviewer will no doubt appreciate that you find it important to strike the right balance between work and your personal life. Great answer!

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"I have a type A personality and that leads me to take on extra workload when my plate may already be full. I have started working on self-awareness. Evaluating what my workload is and if I could efficiently take on another project or if I could offer my co-worker guidance on how to manage their workload."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! This is a good weakness to discuss because it can be seen in a positive light. The interviewer will want to know what you're doing to improve yourself in this area. Discuss in more depth what you're doing to overcome this. How exactly do you evaluate your workload every day? What do you do if you are too busy to take on additional tasks? Do you take steps to alleviate stress and practice self-care? The more details you can provide, the better!

Anonymous Answer

"When it comes to my biggest weakness I tend to take on too much at a time because I am a hard worker. Over the years I am slowly learning that delegating usually ends up getting a lot more done. I try to share my knowledge so that the whole department wins."

Jaymie's Feedback

Great example. If there are other ways you're improving in this area, share that as well. For example, evaluating your workload, prioritizing, learning to say no when necessary, communicating with your manager, etc.

Anonymous Answer

"My biggest weakness is multitasking projects a little at a time instead of spending more time completing one or two tasks at once. I will often times start something, such as a project around the house, and then stop doing that one and start another, and sometimes another. This causes me to have multiple projects I'm working on at one time and can cause some clutter or unnecessary waste of space. While most get done in the end, some lose their importance and sit in the closet for months. I'm working on teaching myself not to start a new project until the previous one is done, or I get rid of the previous project that did not get finished."

Jaymie's Feedback

Depending on the role you're applying for, this may not be the best example to use if being an expert multitasker is required to be successful in this role. Letting the interviewer know that it's an area of development is good, so if this is the example you use, you may want to elaborate more on the strategies you're using to be more successful. For example, making a list and prioritizing by order of importance and creating deadlines to have each completed, along with milestones to stay on track. If the job description requires you to multitask, consider giving another example that would be less of a concern to the interviewer.

Anonymous Answer

"I am someone that enjoys being seen as useful, knowledgeable, and helpful. I also have an A-type personality which can be a difficult combination. When people come to me for help, I immediately want to take the task, add it to my plate, and accomplish it in the best possible way. This results in me spreading myself thin, and overloading myself. Realizing this, I have been much more selective in what I accept on my own task list and, instead, try to educate my colleagues rather than take the task over."

Jaymie's Feedback

Excellent! This is a common area of development for many and shouldn't be a red flag or deal breaker for the interviewer. They want to know that you're self-aware, can identify gaps, and take action to overcome and it sounds like from your response, you've done just that!

Anonymous Answer

"My biggest weakness is public speaking. Over the years, I've slowly tried to become more comfortable with speaking to a large crowd by attending more events that allow me to meet various people so that I can become more comfortable with speaking in public."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is an appropriate area of development to share that likely won't be a deal breaker for the interviewer. You did a great job speaking about a strategy you're using to grow and develop to overcome this weakness.

Anonymous Answer

"Professionally speaking, I sometimes struggle with delegating minor tasks. I often conclude that by the time I explain what it is that I need, I could’ve just done it. I have gotten better at catching myself in the act, and when I do think of how I could use delegating the task at hand to someone else as a growth opportunity."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a common weakness and one that likely won't be a red flag or deal breaker for the interviewer. The most important part of the response is how you are addressing and working to overcome this area of development, which you covered nicely in your response. Great job!

Behavioral

11. Take a moment to introduce yourself to the hiring team at Progressive.

The Goal

Progressive may use this question as an icebreaker to start the HireVue interview. The goal of your response is to give the decision-makers a glimpse into who you are as it relates to the job opportunity. You also want to spotlight the factors that make you the best candidate for this position at Progressive.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Pro Tip

A HireVue interview may not always ask this question using this exact phrasing. This question is essentially asking, 'Tell us about yourself.' Other forms of asking this question include:

- Take a couple of minutes to talk about your career journey.
- Please walk us through your resume.
- Talk to us about your career.
- Take us through an overview of your professional background.

When answering queries of this nature, there are a few things to consider:

- Keep your answer work relevant. Keep your points job-related as much as possible. You can discuss competitive sports, educational achievements, or volunteer work if you are new to your career.

- Avoid overly personal statements. You can add a splash of personal information; however, choose 'I love to read science fiction books' versus 'I was recently diagnosed with...'

- Be sure to qualify yourself. To qualify yourself means to add in a sentence or two regarding your strengths and why you are a good match for this role with Progressive.

- Remember to talk about your goals. It is essential to discuss what you want to achieve in your career and how Progressive fits those goals.

- Sprinkle in some achievements. Interviewers love to hear quantifiable statements, including numbers, percentages, and measurable accomplishments. For instance, rather than saying, 'I am the best salesperson,' you could say, 'I was awarded Top Sales Rep for three consecutive months.'

- Show your passion for Progressive's mission. Try bringing in words from the company's job description, vision statement, or core values. Show the decision-makers that your goals align with Progressive's goals.

- Practice your response. You will want to avoid sounding robotic or rehearsed; however, the more you practice, the easier it will become to develop a natural-sounding response.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

How to Answer

The Past, Present, Future framework can help you build a memorable answer to questions that ask you to review your resume, talk about your background, or introduction yourself.

- Past: Discuss how you got to where you are today.
- Present: Paint a picture of what you are currently doing.
- Future: Discuss what you want for your future. Then, connect how a career with Progressive aligns with your goals.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

What You Need to Know

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Answer Example

"(Past) I have worked in the commercial insurance industry for over fifteen years, focused on business development and nurturing key accounts. (Present) Right now, I work for Insurance Company XYZ as a Territory Sales Representative for regional accounts. My primary responsibilities include initiating and setting up meetings with prospective in-state clients in the automotive industry. (Future) Over the past few months, I've started looking for opportunities that include sales focused on larger, more complex accounts. I also wish to expand my sales experience nationally. I understand that Progressive is looking for a Territory Sales Manager ready to use their strong interpersonal skills while influencing agencies within their territory to market Progressive services and products while also providing marketing strategies. My strong interpersonal skills and ability to influence others certainly make me an ideal candidate for this opportunity."

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Thank you for meeting with me today, a bit about myself-I come from a construction and estimating background. Prior to becoming an Adjuster, I worked for a Contractor who worked on Insurance renovations. That is where I got my passion for customer care. I soon realized moving forward into Adjusting and Estimating was the path for me."

Marcie's Feedback

Great! What about working for the contractor sparked your passion for customer care? How did you make the transition from that career into adjusting and estimating? Don't forget to discuss the skills, experience, qualities, and education you bring to the table. Conclude your answer by indicating how excited you are about the position. Good job!

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Anonymous Answer

"I really like helping people and solving problems. I have been doing customer service for 30+ years. My real strength is being a self-starter, a hard worker, sociable, and responsive. I am looking for a company where I can add value and join a strong team. Is this what you are looking for?"

Jaymie's Feedback

Great start! Give a little more insight into what roles you've held in customer service or the industry. Consider also throwing in a couple more personal details as well (IE, you're new to the area, went to school at X University, or have X education, etc.)

Anonymous Answer

"I have been in and out of careers for the last 10 years since my first daughter was born. Being a stay-at-home parent was a priority to me so that I would be able to raise my children and spend more time with them than a childcare provider. Fortunately, my husband and I have prepared our lives well, financially, so that I could successfully be a stay-at-home parent when needed. I picked up photography about 7 years ago as a way to bring in some extra income, but still be at home with my children whenever I could. Now that my youngest will be starting school soon, I am eager to seek a career that provides more consistency and stability for me and my family, as well as flexibility and growth in the company!"

Jaymie's Feedback

Well done!

Anonymous Answer

"Thanks for taking the time to meet with me today! Just a little about myself, I have a background in customer service and asset protection. I worked full-time through law school and I have been practicing in personal injury for almost five years. Currently, I work for ______ as a litigation attorney. In my role, I primarily handle cases where lawsuits have already been filed but I have also handled pre-lit cases. I am looking to join a team where I can help build a strong and aggressive litigation department, and become a long-term asset. I understand that Progressive is looking to hire a litigation attorney for accident claims in this area. I believe that my background in personal injury litigation and asset protection makes me a great candidate for the role. I have handled hundreds of accident cases on the Plaintiff's side as a personal injury attorney. As a previous asset protection associate, I handled loss investigations to assess and minimize the company's financial losses."

Jaymie's Feedback

Great! Your introduction is brief yet gives the interviewer a high-level overview of your experience and skillsets.

Anonymous Answer

"Thank you for meeting with me today, a bit about myself-I come from a Medical background. Prior to becoming a Medical Assistant, I worked for a fine dining store that sold fine china, flatware, and crystal. That is where I got my passion for customer care. I soon realized moving forward into customer service was made to be for me."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a good high-level overview of your professional experience. If you want to share a personal detail or two in your intro, you can share a thing or two that interests you outside of work.

Anonymous Answer

"(Past) I have worked in the insurance industry for over twenty-five years, first as an agent, and most recently as a regional sales manager.

(Present) Right now, I am working as a combo Insurance Agent and Loan officer. My primary responsibilities include marketing to referral partners and potential clients.

(Future) Over the past few months, I've started looking for industry opportunities that would allow me to utilize my advanced skillset while providing income stability. I hope that you will agree that my strong interpersonal skills, product knowledge, and ability to influence others make me an ideal candidate for this opportunity."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is an excellent introduction! It gives a high-level overview of your experience and qualifications and is just the right length to keep the interviewer engaged in your response.

Behavioral

12. Talk about a time when you successfully contributed to a team goal.

The Goal

The hiring managers at Progressive would like to know more about your desire and willingness to contribute to team-based efforts. The goal of your response is to outline the role that you take in a team and highlight how your approach to teamwork is a fit for Progressive's team culture.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Pro Tip

Progressive expresses that the company is committed to an inclusive and equitable workplace where rewards and promotion are based on results and ability. The company does everything possible to set its team members up for success, and now, they want to know that you are the type of person to do the same for others.

When you form your response, consider including detail on what you know about Progressive's take on teamwork and collaboration. Many companies readily offer this information on their careers website or their core values statement. Take time to do your research and think about the connecting points between Progressive's view on teamwork and collaboration and how you emulate these values.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

How to Answer

This question presents the opportunity for you to be a storyteller. You can use the STAR method to form an engaging story-based response that showcases how you approach contributing to your team. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Use a solid and compelling example of your willingness and desire to be a team contributor. Be as specific as you can while remaining concise and on topic. If possible, describe a recent scenario that relates to this new opportunity with Progressive.

At the end of your response, explain how your teamwork abilities will ensure your success and fit with Progressive's values related to teamwork and collaboration.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

What You Need to Know

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Answer Example

"(Situation) As Sales Manager with Company XYZ, my team must successfully collaborate during our final business quarter to ensure we are on track to exceed targets before year-end. We put in overtime shifts and bring our targets to a close together as one cohesive team. (Task) During year-end, I take the role of the project lead. (Action) I work diligently to ensure streamlined processes and that each team member feels like a valued contributor. My approach during these high-demand times is to encourage the team to deliver their best work while being a helpful resource to their team members. (Result) Our team wrapped up the year with such incredible enthusiasm that we exceeded our annual sales target by 26%. The experience was so encouraging. Team conflict was minimal, despite the mental strain everyone felt. Progressive hires people committed to an inclusive and equitable workplace where rewards and promotion are based on results and ability. If hired, I will prioritize active leadership and contribute to this culture of partnership, teamwork, and results."

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"When I worked in retail, I worked in a specific department with 2-3 other sales associates at the same time. We only had 2 registers, so oftentimes we had to share a register. We had a sales quote to meet, so sharing a register sometimes made making our quota a little more difficult. One day, our department was very messy and unorganized, but if we spent the time cleaning up, that meant it would take away from our time at the register to make quota. My team decided that to get our department clean, we would take equal shifts rotating between working a register and organizing the department. By the end of our shift, we were successful at completing that goal and making our sales quotas."

Jaymie's Feedback

This example demonstrates your ability to work together with others to achieve a common goal. You used communication skills, collaboration, delegation, and prioritizing to get the job done.

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Anonymous Answer

"Our firm has a profit-sharing plan based on the firm's overall profits. Each attorney is responsible for contributing to attorneys' fees. Due to the pandemic and the loss of three attorneys, it did not look like we would be able to make a profit last year. I needed to make as much of a contribution as possible. Through my work with a couple of clients, I received referrals for a few very valuable cases that ultimately helped us make a profit."

Jaymie's Feedback

Excellent example!

Anonymous Answer

"The holiday season was approaching, and we were behind with patient flow since the Pandemic. We knew that our year-end bonuses, as well as our personal satisfaction from the job, depended a lot on whether we would reach our goals. And so we really motivated each other as a team, and tried hard with each other and came up with a plan to contact each patient that was overdue on vaccines or well visits and encourage them to schedule appointments"

Jaymie's Feedback

Good example! You described the goal and the role you played in the team effort to accomplish it.

Behavioral

13. Tell us about a time when you disagreed with a coworker.

The Goal

The hiring managers at Progressive want to gain an understanding of your conflict resolution skills. The goal of your response is to provide evidence that you can handle and resolve conflict in a professional manner that aligns with the company culture of Progressive.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Pro Tip

Conflict happens in any workplace, so the goal of your response is not to deny conflict. Instead, it's to show that you can move through conflict in a constructive way.

Finding common ground with a coworker, despite disagreeing with them, shows hiring managers that your desire to collaborate is stronger than your need to be correct. Overcoming disagreements in the workplace also highlights your ability to problem-solve while facing a difference of opinion.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

How to Answer

Even though you may have great relationships with your coworkers, there will be times when you don't 100% agree. Think of a conflict or disagreement you had with a coworker where you responded professionally and worked toward a solution.

When asked to 'Tell us about a time when...,' it's important to remember that the hiring managers at Progressive are looking for a specific story-based example that highlights your professional behavior in challenging interpersonal situations. Using the STAR interview method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), you can form an easy-to-follow and engaging story-based response.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

What You Need to Know

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Answer Example

"(Situation) Last year, my Account Director and I disagreed on the pending termination of one of my team members. (Task) As a manager, my philosophy is to ensure that I have trained and coached my team members to the best of my ability before I ever consider terminating them. (Action) I expressed my desire to spend additional time training this team member. I mentioned that it would be more costly for the company to replace this person than invest in additional training. The Account Director finally agreed that if the team member missed their targets for another 30 days, we would move forward with termination. After coming to a middle ground, I created a plan to spend five additional hours per week training this team member for three weeks. (Result) Remarkably, his performance improved by over 40%! This team member is still with us and often lands on our divisions' monthly Top 10 list for client satisfaction and performance. Because I respectfully disagreed with the Account Director and stated my case with facts rather than emotion, we were able to move past the disagreement with ease."

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I have had issues in the past with a certain teacher trying to handle behavioral students that were not trained. I got called to a classroom to remove a student, and a teacher tried to handle the situation when I got there. I realized who the student was and knew that you had to approach him and the problem a certain way, or things would escalate. I suggested to the teacher that they let me handle the problem, and I would come back to speak with them about the situation.

They were distraught and didn't want to hear anything I had to say. Things escalated, and the student threw a punch at the teacher. After everything was over, I brought the teacher into the office with one of the assistant principals and explained that it was my job to know the students that behave like this. Please do not enter fear next time. I know you were upset, but I could have gotten him downstairs calmly because I have dealt with him many times before, and we have a good relationship. Then I would have come back up and heard your side and put it on the referral. They understood and apologized."

Marcie's Feedback

This is a good example to cite here, and you do a great job of using the STAR method to describe the situation, your task/actions, and the end result. Just make sure that the example you give shows that you also understood the perspective of the other person. In this case, it appears you felt you were right and the other person was wrong. While you may have been more 'right' in this instance, it's important to show the interviewer that you can understand the other person's perspective and come to a compromise. This way they know that in the workplace you will be open to other ideas/opinions and won't always have to get your way. Just some food for thought! Otherwise, great job on being so descriptive and forthright!

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Anonymous Answer

"When I worked in retail, my manager and I disagreed on the reasoning for why I was not making my sales quota due to unfairness. She did not understand that it was difficult for me to make my sales quota because I had to share a register with another associate when the associate next to us used the register to herself and did not allow us to use it, even though we were in the same department. This means that she would get about twice as many sales as we would. I had to take the time to explain this to her so she could understand and then she delegated a schedule for us to rotate the 3 of us on the 2 registers fairly."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a great example to use in your response. It highlights your ability to have a professional conversation and use effective communication to resolve a conflict.

Anonymous Answer

"Last year, we had an attorney that left our firm. My supervisor sent a detailed email regarding the procedure for contacting the clients and transferring their files to new attorneys in our firm. While I needed to contact the clients, I had ethical concerns regarding my supervisor's procedure as laid out. I spoke with my supervisor regarding my concerns and, together, we reviewed the Ohio Rules of Prof. Conduct and consulted with our malpractice insurance carrier. Based on the rules and the opinion of our carrier, my supervisor was advised that my concerns were valid and that the procedure needed to be altered."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a really good example to share in your response. You demonstrate that you can disagree, but remain professional, communicate effectively, and lay out the concerns you have in a respectful manner. Sharing the outcome in these situations is critical, and you did an excellent job of that in your response.

Anonymous Answer

"A colleague and I disagreed about which task should be completed first. I listened to his points and shared mine. He made valid arguments that proved we should follow his suggestion. I agreed with him, and we prioritized his task."

Jaymie's Feedback

Great! It's important to demonstrate your communication and interpersonal skills as well as your ability to negotiate and compromise.

Behavioral

14. Tell us about a time when you failed but managed to turn the situation around.

The Goal

The hiring managers at Progressive are looking for evidence that you can recover from a disappointing outcome. The goal of your response is not to focus on the failure. Instead, it's to showcase your ability to recover from the failure. Your answer should highlight your tenacity, dedication, and drive, even when things don't go as planned.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Pro Tip

Even the most notable professionals have stumbled and recovered from professional failure. Being unable to speak about failure will give the hiring managers at Progressive the impression that you lack self-awareness and have little desire to grow and learn. For this reason, avoid giving a response that sounds as though you have never failed.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

How to Answer

We all fail occasionally, and there is no need to be ashamed of defeat. The magic is in the lessons we learn from these situations. Speak about the outcome of a project/task that was not what you wanted it to be, but you were able to recover. Perhaps you were better off in the end or learned a valuable lesson.

Behavioral-based interview questions that begin with 'Tell us about a time when...' are best answered using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Organizing your response using this storytelling framework will ensure that you provide the hiring managers with the right amount of information and detail.

Outline the roadblock you faced, and share how you approached the situation to ensure a good recovery. Discuss your level of dedication, even in the face of failure, and how you will make an impact in this role with Progressive.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

What You Need to Know

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Answer Example

"(Situation) During and after the pandemic, I had a much higher team turnover rate than usual. Losing people from my team was becoming an expensive and time-consuming occurrence, so I was undoubtedly frustrated and discouraged. (Task) I am an experienced manager who has hired hundreds of people, so my hiring process is normally airtight. However, it was clear that I needed a new strategy to meet the changes that came with the unique landscape of 'the great resignation.' (Action) Rather than lose confidence in my abilities, I engaged the Human Resources department in simplifying our onboarding and training process. (Result) Since this change, we have not lost any employees in the last eight months, which significantly improved the results we were experiencing last year."

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"When I started at my last position, the head coach gave me the task of completing an equipment/uniform check

to see what we had available. In my hastiness to do a good job, I failed to listen to him properly and included items in the stock that I should've excluded.

As soon as I noticed my error, I informed the coach and explained why I made the mistake.

I learned from the situation and took notes the next time, so I would not miss anything."

Marcie's Feedback

To further strengthen this answer, talk in more detail about the lessons you learned. Did you learn to pay better attention when being given a task? Do you strive now to be an active listener who repeats back what you've heard to confirm you understood correctly? Do you take notes every time now? Prove to the interviewer that you took something away from this experience. Also, why was it so bad that you took stock of additional items? Because it took you longer? Make sure that your example definitely discusses a true failure. Good job!

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Anonymous Answer

"One time I had a photoshoot with a family and when I arrived home to import the images to my computer, I realized that my memory card with the images from their session was damaged, and my computer was unable to read the images to import them. I used my recovery software to try to save them but was not successful. I notified the client and told her I would take it to a professional and try to get it repaired to recover the images. The professional was also unsuccessful, which meant that I completely lost all of their photos from their session and had nothing to deliver. I apologized profusely and offered a reshoot. We shot the session again, this time using 2 memory cards so if one failed, I had a backup. Everything went great and I had no more dilemmas and was able to provide them with a beautiful gallery with extra images as well."

Jaymie's Feedback

Excellent response. You explained the situation well, demonstrated your perseverance to try and solve the problem, took ownership of the mistake, and made it right with your customer. These are all aspects the interviewer will find impressive and valuable at their organization.

Anonymous Answer

"I had a case that needed to be filed to protect the statute of limitations. I had previously filed in the county with no issues but they had recently implemented a new e-filing system that I was not familiar with. I did not think I had concerns because I had previously filed in the county so I filed on the date of the statute. The filing ended up being rejected. I thought we had missed the statute but the next business day turned out to be a holiday so I was able to correct my errors and refile. Since that time, I have learned to be more cautious. I file things early with sufficient time to guarantee they are on the docket before the deadline."

Jaymie's Feedback

Great job giving an overview of the situation, what led to the obstacle, and how you overcame it. Interviewers want to know that candidates learn from mistakes and your response demonstrates just that.

Anonymous Answer

"Part of my position is ordering vaccines. One day we ran out of a specific vaccine because I didn't notice we were low. To prevent families from getting upset, I contacted them via phone to give them the option of still coming in, or rescheduling. They were grateful they were warned in advance and most still proceeded with the appt."

Jaymie's Feedback

Great example to use. You took ownership of the situation, were quick thinking to come up with a solution, and communicated proactively to the necessary parties.

Behavioral

15. What are your greatest strengths, and how will they complement this team at Progressive?

The Goal

The hiring managers at Progressive want to know about your most significant strengths, and they want to identify if you have the skills required to do the job successfully. The goal of your response is to highlight your belief that Progressive's needs and your skills are a match. You also want to showcase your readiness to make a specific contribution to Progressive when they hire you.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Pro Tip

Avoid overused generic responses such as, 'I am an excellent communicator,' or 'I am a hard worker.' The interviewer wants to see how you stand out from other candidates. Considering the incredible opportunity ahead, they also want to know which strengths you are most excited to contribute.

Your strengths can be skills or qualities that help you overcome difficult circumstances or accomplish challenging tasks. Consider including:

- Hard skills such as technical expertise or project management skills
- Soft skills such as time management and critical thinking
- Personality traits such as being adaptable, kind, and self-sufficient
- Knowledge-based skills such as speaking multiple languages

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

How to Answer

Instead of giving a generic response, speak about your strengths that will make you good at this specific role with Progressive. When deciding which strengths to mention, it's essential to carefully review the job posting to uncover the company/department's greatest needs. Then, you can talk about which strengths you possess that align with those needs.

Here is a 4-step approach to help you prepare a response:

1) Look through Progressive's job posting, website, social media posts, and other online resources.

2) As you comb through these resources, write down which strengths you believe Progressive needs most in a team member.

3) Go through your list and consider which of those strengths you possess. Pick out 3-5 strengths that will ensure your success in the job and with Progressive.

4) Draft a response highlighting the strengths you chose from your list. Tie these strengths into Progressive's needs and support your answer with an example from your life or work history.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

What You Need to Know

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Answer Example

"My greatest strengths include my ability to build strong relationships. I am also self-aware and a mindful listener, which helps me gain the trust of my team, clients, and other stakeholders. I make sure to relate to others and get to know them and their needs. My client retention rates are the second-highest in my company due to these interpersonal strengths. I understand that Progressive is seeking a leader who can nurture excellent client relationships, and I am confident that my interpersonal skills match the company's high standards."

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"My strengths are my interpersonal skills, willingness to learn, actively listening to people, and learning about what matters to people.

It’s essential to show people that you genuinely understand them. When you actively listen to people and observe their behavior. Empathy develops naturally. Empathy builds trust and is essential when building a solid client relationship.

I believe that my interpersonal skills, willingness to learn and active listening skills will help build strong client relationships. I understand Progressive seeks leaders who can foster excellent client relationships, and I am confident that my interpersonal skills match the company's high standards."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent! This is a strong answer because the strengths you mention align with what the interviewer will be looking for, and you do a great job of connecting them to the role and company. Consider including an example of a time when you used your interpersonal skills to build a strong relationship. Good job!

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Anonymous Answer

"My greatest strengths are my communication skills and patience/calmness when being in high-stress situations. Working in childcare, and being a parent in general, things can often become stressful or overwhelming for some. This makes it easy for some people to yell, get frustrated, or react in ways that aren't helpful to the situation. Over the years I have really learned how to stay calm, even if others are not, and speak to others calmly and clearly to get to a resolution."

Jaymie's Feedback

Communication skills and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations will be very beneficial in this role! Well done.

Anonymous Answer

"My greatest strengths are my adaptability and my empathy. I am versatile in the environment that I am capable of working in. I can easily adapt to quick changes in my schedule, routines, procedures, environment, and relationships. I am also a very empathetic person when it comes to communicating with my clients and understanding their goals and needs. I understand that Progressive is seeking a defense attorney that can clearly communicate with clients and work within a team or solo. I am confident that my adaptability and empathy match the qualities that Progressive is seeking in a defense attorney."

Jaymie's Feedback

Excellent job tieing your skills to those that are necessary to be successful in the role at Progressive!

Anonymous Answer

"I would say one of my greatest strengths is the ability to multitask and remain organized. At my current job, I am approached by several people with different issues the second I walk in the door. I swim through it and get the job done!"

Jaymie's Feedback

Excellent! These are definitely strengths that will align well with roles at Progressive.

Career Goals

16. Tell us about your long-term career plans and how they fit with the career progression that Progressive can offer.

The Goal

The hiring managers at Progressive want to understand how their job opportunity fits your long-term career plans. The goal of your response is to show the decision-makers that your longer-term career desires align with what Progressive can offer.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Pro Tip

The hiring managers want assurance that you see yourself working for the company long-term. They also want evidence that your career goals match what Progressive can offer you now and years into the future. When hearing your response, the decision-makers should feel confident that the company can support you and your career desires.

If you're unsure of what qualifies as a long-term career goal, consider a few of these examples:

- Earning a degree or upgrading your existing education
- Growing a network of followers through consistent thought leadership
- Changing careers to a new industry that excites you
- Figuring out your ultimate dream job and taking action steps to get there

There are a few pitfalls to avoid when answering this question:

1) Giving an unrealistic response. For instance, "My long-term goal is to work my way up the ladder to becoming the next CEO in 12 months."

2) Giving a response that's unrelated to the job. For instance, "My long-term goal is to live overseas teaching English."

3) Giving an answer that shows a lack of preparedness. For instance, "I'm not sure where I'd like to be in the long term. I mean, I definitely don't know the future."

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

How to Answer

The decision-makers at Progressive want to be clear on how this job fits your long-term goals. Showing personal and professional clarity is the key to a great answer. Here is a simple framework to help you form a response:

"In the long term, I would like to (insert your goal). So far, I have (describe the action steps you've taken so far). To meet this goal, I plan to (discuss the action steps you plan to take)."

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

What You Need to Know

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Answer Example

"In the long term, I would like to be a thought leader in the insurance services industry. I plan to become even more well-connected and trusted regarding the work and results that I deliver to my clients. I will take on every continued education opportunity at Progressive with full enthusiasm to achieve this goal. I also plan to learn everything I can from my new leaders at Progressive. In addition to this, I have set a goal to complete my Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional Program, which would take me on the path to significant leadership opportunities at Progressive in the future."

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"If successful, I would like to further develop my skills and knowledge by learning all I can about the role and be a leader in the insurance services industry. I plan to become even more well-connected and trusted regarding the work and results I deliver to my clients. I will take on every continued education opportunity at Progressive with full enthusiasm to achieve this goal. I also plan to learn everything I can from my new leaders at Progressive. In addition to this, I have set a goal to complete my Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional Program, which would take me on the path to significant leadership opportunities at Progressive in the future."

Marcie's Feedback

Awesome! This is an excellent answer. You come across as eager to learn and grow. The interviewer will appreciate that you mention the company by name and discuss both the educational opportunities it offers and its leaders. Finally, including a specific goal (completing the Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional Program) is very effective; it shows your knowledge about the field and commitment to what you want to accomplish. Great response!

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Anonymous Answer

"My long-term career plans are to be in a position that I enjoy. A career that provides stability and flexibility as needed. A career that respects its people and offers confidence and encouragement in growth and diversity. The career progression that Progressive offers includes all of this, plus more, and I have no doubt it would be a great company to help me grow and progress in my career."

Jaymie's Feedback

Perfect!

Anonymous Answer

"For my long-term career plans, I want to join a company and help build a strong, aggressive litigation team, where I can become a long-term asset. As a member of Progressive's team, I will accept all growth opportunities that Progressive facilitates and endeavor to obtain mentorship from Progressive's most senior defense counsel. In addition, I will help Progressive build a strong litigation presence in my area."

Jaymie's Feedback

Your career goals sound like they align nicely with Progressive and that's just what the interviewer wants to hear!

Anonymous Answer

Jaymie's Feedback

Perfect! Interviewers want to know you're committed long-term and want to grow with the business.

Career Goals

17. Talk about your short-term career goals and how this role at Progressive will help you achieve these goals.

The Goal

The hiring managers at Progressive want to understand how their job opportunity fits your short-term career goals. The goal of your response is to show the decision-makers that your immediate and near-future career desires align with what Progressive can offer you in this role and with the organization as a whole.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Pro Tip

Short-term career goals are targets that you believe will help you achieve your long-term career objectives. Short-term goals are achievable and meant to keep you motivated on your journey to your larger, long-term goals. Short-term career goals should also help you meet specific work-related objectives over a shorter period, perhaps in 12 months or less.

Having clarity on your short-term goals is the key to delivering a memorable response. If you're unsure of what qualifies as a short-term goal, consider a few of these examples:

- Completing a new certification, workshop, or course
- Improving soft skills such as communication or networking
- Improving hard skills such as becoming a power user in a particular program
- Reading more business books related to your industry or profession

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

How to Answer

When discussing short-term career goals, be sure that these goals are clear and related to the job opportunity at Progressive. You can break down your response using this simple framework:

"In the short term, I would like to (insert an achievable goal). So far, I have (describe the action steps you've taken so far). To meet this goal, I plan to (discuss the action steps you plan to take)."

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

What You Need to Know

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Answer Example

"I have worked as an Analyst for eight years now and have set my sights on earning a promotion to a management opportunity. I have committed to upskilling my mentorship and leadership abilities to achieve this short-term goal. I am taking an online course called 'Personality Types at Work,' provided by the University of Florida. My natural interpersonal skills helped me develop meaningful relationships with my peers. Now I'd like to learn more about personality types so that I can be an impactful leader when the opportunity arises. I understand that Progressive emphasizes the growth and development of its team members, and I look forward to achieving more leadership and mentorship-related goals while working for this wonderful organization."

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Throughout my career, I've always created short-term goals to help guide my career advancement at a steady and realistic pace. In the short term, I want to settle into my new role with ease to help me produce high-quality content as soon as possible. I want to gain as much knowledge and experience as I can to help me understand and advance in this field."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! Your first sentence is great. How exactly will you 'settle into your new role with ease'? Will you introduce yourself to your new colleagues and talk to your manager about their expectations for you? Will you study all the materials you're given to learn about the company and your role? How else will you gain as much knowledge and experience as you can? Be specific. Good job!

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Anonymous Answer

"My short-term career goals are to find something that offers me stability and flexibility but also gets my foot in the door in a career/business that I will be able to grow in the short term as well as the long term."

Jaymie's Feedback

Great!

Anonymous Answer

"I have worked as a personal injury attorney for almost five years now. I am beginning to seek out more resources and knowledge to better myself in my career. I have applied to the Southwest Ohio Lawyers Trial Association to network and connect with more experienced litigation/trial attorneys. As a defense attorney for Progressive, I would be able to experience the litigation process from the defense side, work with different kinds of clients, and have different expectations, which would ultimately help my growth as a litigation attorney."

Jaymie's Feedback

Highlighting your experience and then sharing your career goals ties together nicely here. Good job.

Anonymous Answer

"My short-term goal is to obtain my license to grow with Progressive successfully."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a straight-forward goal that should align well with the position.

Career Goals

18. Why are you looking for a new job opportunity at this time?

The Goal

The hiring managers at Progressive want to understand the circumstances that sparked the desire to leave your current or most recent position. The goal of your response is to show that you intend to move forward in your career with intention and thoughtfulness.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Pro Tip

As much as a hiring manager understands the desire to seek new work, the question about your motivation remains. When building your answer, avoid being too vague, speaking negatively about your current or most recent position, or giving a cliche response.

A vague response sounds like, "My current position is no longer a fit." Instead, help the decision-makers feel assured that the hiring company, and this new role, will meet your long-term desires. Suppose you are employed and looking for a fresh opportunity. In that case, the hiring authority will want to know precisely how this job at their company differs from the one you want to leave.

A negative response sounds like, "My current company has a toxic work environment, and my boss is awful." Even if a statement about a toxic environment or a bad boss may be true, it's best to keep that information to yourself and focus on the future. Consider what you want that you are not getting now and how you can flip the delivery of your response into a positive tone.

A cliche response sounds like, "I am looking for a new job because I need to feel more challenged." Instead, discuss specific challenges that excite you the most. Express that you cannot gain this particular momentum with your current company, and touch on why that is the case. Then talk about why you believe the hiring company can provide the challenges and growth you seek.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

How to Answer

When forming your response, clearly outline how this new opportunity aligns with your professional goals. Make the connection between your desires and how the company will benefit from choosing you.

Try building your response using this 4-step framework:

1) Set up the situation and mention the challenges you faced/currently face.
2) Outline the positive actions you took/have taken to overcome these challenges.
3) Highlight the transferable skills you have developed despite the situation.
4) Discuss the benefits of these transferable skills and provide measurable examples of how these skills will ensure your success in this new role.

Keeping an opportunity mindset, you can see why providing an opportunity-related response is the most effective approach.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

What You Need to Know

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Answer Example

"Accepting my most recent job was a misstep; however, I learned some important lessons from this experience. Last year, I joined Company XYZ, a start-up insurance tech company with a fantastic business idea. Unfortunately, the overall framework and business strategy did not match the reality of the work environment. I remained in the role for one year before giving my notice and staying on to help train my replacement. Now, I am approaching my next move with more care, ensuring that I make a fully informed decision. I am passionate about serving my employer and generating growth. When I learned that Progressive had this opening, I was thrilled. I understand that this position focuses on delivering excellence every day. I appreciated a team that strives to exceed goals and expectations. Should Progressive hire me, I will work to continuously improve and find new ways to meet the needs of my teammates, customers, and other stakeholders."

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"My current role is going well, but I've been working in the school system for ten years, and it's time to experience another career to expose myself to new challenges and keep growing professionally. I've always liked the insurance field, and I spoke with a claims adjuster about a month back that loves what she does. After researching and reading some fantastic reviews about Progressive, I was sold on the idea."

Marcie's Feedback

Great! The interviewer will be pleased to hear that you want to grow, learn, and take on new challenges. The fact that you've conducted research and talked to people in the field will show the interviewer that you're serious about pursuing this career path. Excellent!

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Anonymous Answer

"I have been blessed to be able to be a stay-at-home parent for the last 4.5 years and spend those years raising my children. Now that my youngest is getting ready to start school, I'm looking to start a career that provides more for my family and can be a starting point for a great career for me personally, as well as for my family, for years to come."

Jaymie's Feedback

Your response helps the interviewer understand why there was a gap in your work history and shows them why you're ready to re-enter the workforce.

Anonymous Answer

"My current role is fine but my capacity for growth is limited and my priorities do not align with my employer. I want to continue to grow as an attorney and join a company that shares my values on integrity. When I learned about this opportunity with Progressive, I was very excited. I have worked with Progressive adjusters and attorneys before and have always had a positive experience."

Jaymie's Feedback

It's natural for employees to want to grow in their profession, so it's understandable to interviewers that someone may be seeking a new role at an organization with more opportunities. Great answer.

Anonymous Answer

"Ultimately, I’ve learned a lot in my current role, but I’m looking for the next step where I can continue to grow with the company. I’ve honed at a company I love, and this opportunity seems to be a great fit."

Jaymie's Feedback

Great job! It's so important to avoid speaking negatively about your previous employer. You focused on what you're looking for in your next role and kept a positive tone.

Compatibility

19. How would your most recent leader describe you?

The Goal

The hiring managers at Progressive want evidence that you have a history of building positive relationships with previous leaders and employers. The goal of your response is to show that your character is strong, that you have built healthy relationships in your previous roles, and that your character aligns with the traits the hiring managers look for in Progressive's new team members.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Pro Tip

Avoid guessing what your most recent manager thinks of you. If you respond unsure, the hiring managers may not feel confident in your employer/employee relationships. For instance, rather than saying, "I think maybe my manager would describe me as dedicated to my work," try saying, "My manager would describe me as dedicated to my work because I deliver on deadlines and often make myself available after hours when my clients need me."

Hopefully your current leader is communicative with you and regularly expresses what they enjoy and appreciate about your work ethic. If possible, form your response around takeaways from your last performance review or a piece of feedback you have recently received from your leader. You can further solidify your answer by referring to reliable references, such as any LinkedIn recommendations on your profile.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

How to Answer

Offer 1-3 of your best traits when you respond. Then, support those traits with an example of when you emulated those behaviors. You can also provide details of a measurable accomplishment. For instance, if you received a 100% customer satisfaction survey result, talk about this achievement as supporting evidence. For example, you could say, "My most recent manager would say that I am customer-focused. In fact, I recently received a 100% customer satisfaction rating in our company's latest customer happiness survey."

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

What You Need to Know

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Answer Example

"My manager has described me as motivated, encouraging to others, and consistent. I strive to exceed expectations when I can, and I encourage my team members to deliver their best work. Previous supervisors have also told me that I frequently take the initiative at work. I proactively sort out problems and work effectively to fix issues when they arise. During my most recent year-end review, my leader commented on how much she appreciates the natural leadership I bring to the team."

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"She would describe me as personable and kind since I always ask people how they are doing. But more than that, she also says I am a quick learner. I catch onto new tasks quickly, and I am happy to pass that knowledge on to others to work well together for our shared end goals."

Marcie's Feedback

It's great that your most recent manager would describe you as personable, kind, and a quick learner who shares your knowledge. What else can you add here? Consider the qualities that are mentioned in the job ad and mention those that are relevant to you. Be honest, but don't be bashful!

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Anonymous Answer

"My most recent leader would describe me as being flexible, a hard and honest worker, and successful in my role due to having many skills in the areas needed to accomplish my goals as well as the team's goals."

Jaymie's Feedback

Great! If you can, try to connect some of the positive feedback that your recent leader would give you with the key skills and qualities listed in the Progressive job description.

Anonymous Answer

"My supervisor would describe me as passionate and invested in my work because I have a genuine interest in my career and the area of law I practice. He would say that I am great with my clients, and build trusting relationships with them that promotes return business. He has told me that I do great work."

Jaymie's Feedback

These are all excellent qualities to share and ones that the interviewer will find valuable in a candidate.

Anonymous Answer

Jaymie's Feedback

Excellent job! When you use real feedback you've received in the past, that increases the impactfulness of your response.

Compatibility

20. Describe your work ethic. Why is it a match for Progressive?

The Goal

The hiring managers at Progressive want a clear idea of what drives you to do the right thing in the workplace. The goal of your response is to show the decision-makers that your moral principles and ethics will be a match for Progressive.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Pro Tip

Work ethic describes the moral principles that you apply to your work. When the hiring managers at Progressive ask about your work ethic in a HireVue interview, they are looking for specific wording they can relate to.

When you read the job posting, check for the mention of particular principles and values. You can also search Progressive's website for the firm's values and mission statements. When you respond, clearly outline how the company's culture and principles align with your work values.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

How to Answer

Avoid giving a general response like, "I'd describe my work ethic as consistent and reliable." The decision-makers want a specific description of how you approach your work, allowing them to understand how well you fit with their workplace environment.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

What You Need to Know

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Answer Example

"I am a very dedicated and loyal individual who consciously makes the right decisions and gives back to others in time and resources. I appreciate that Progressive's culture is described as 'an environment built on empowering others.' This statement resonates with me as I bring integrity to my work and spend time lifting others. For instance, every day, I make the time to encourage others and point out when I see their efforts making a difference."

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I am a very dedicated and loyal individual who consciously makes the right decisions and gives back to others with time. I appreciate that Progressive's culture is described as 'an environment built on empowering others.' This statement resonates with me as I bring integrity to my work and spend time lifting others. For instance, every day, I make the time to encourage others and point out when I see their efforts making a difference."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent! This is a strong answer especially because you mention the company's culture and explain why it resonates with you. This shows that you researched the company and will be a good match for it. Including a brief example is also powerful. Great job!

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Anonymous Answer

"I am an easygoing yet hard-working individual that dedicates my time to getting my work done in a timely manner. Progressive's Golden Rule, "We value and respect our differences, act with kindness and caring, and treat others as they want to be treated" speaks highly to me, as I believe in doing the right thing and treating others fairly and kindly, even if they aren't, and having good communication with others."

Jaymie's Feedback

Well done! This response shows you are familiar with the company's core values and that you align well with them.

Anonymous Answer

"I believe in hard work and dedication. I appreciate that Progressive's culture is described as 'an environment built on empowering others.' I strive to better myself, to bring integrity to all work I do, and to help others do the same. For instance, I make a point to remind assistants of how vital their roles are and how they have contributed to successes, and to talk with them on what their needs are."

Jaymie's Feedback

Excellent job tieing your work ethic into Progressive's culture, demonstrating your alignment.

Anonymous Answer

"I describe my work ethic as dedicated and determined. For example, I was working solo when two co-workers called in sick one day. Rather than working my standard shift and leaving my colleagues to complete more work than they normally would have to, I chose to work a double shift and help finish the day."

Jaymie's Feedback

You took an extra step in your response by giving an example of a time you went above and beyond. Great job!

Direct

21. Progressive is looking to fill this role quickly. Are you actively interviewing with any of our competitors?

The Goal

The hiring managers at Progressive want to know if you are entertaining close competitors or discussing similar roles with other organizations. The decision-makers also want to know if your job search stage will impact their preferred timing for making a hiring decision. The goal of your response is to inform Progressive of your job search status while further expressing your interest in their specific opportunity.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Pro Tip

Avoid giving the impression that you are only counting on this particular opportunity. Think of this interview question as a 'first date' question. If the person you are on a first date with asked for the names of other people you're dating, you wouldn't start listing other people's names. You also wouldn't say, 'I'm fully committed to only you.' Instead, you want to express your interest while remaining open to other opportunities.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

How to Answer

Progressive's competitors include Liberty Mutual, Allstate, State Farm, and more. The insurance industry is highly competitive, so the hiring managers at Progressive want to understand what types of jobs and companies you are entertaining. It will make the interview and hiring process smoother when the hiring managers know what they need to do to remain competitive with your time and attention.

Talk about your search without disclosing every detail of where else you are interviewing. You are never obligated to reveal the names of the companies you're entertaining. For instance, instead of saying, "Tomorrow I have a second interview with State Farm and a third interview booked with Allstate at the end of the week..." consider saying, "I am actively interviewing with two other companies. One is a company focused primarily on auto insurance, and the other company is focused on providing business insurance services."

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

What You Need to Know

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Answer Example

"I am actively interviewing with two other insurance-focused organizations. One is a company focused on auto insurance, and the other is focused on providing business insurance services. I am eager to secure a new opportunity; however, I will wait for the right offer versus accepting the first opportunity presented to me. I am very interested in this role with Progressive and would like to know the hiring team's timeline for this decision. Perhaps we could cover this in our next interview."

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I am actively interviewing with other companies and have multiple applications with different insurance companies. I am eager to secure a new opportunity; however, I will wait for the right offer versus accepting the first opportunity. I am very interested in this role with Progressive and would like to know the hiring team's timeline for this decision. Perhaps we could cover this in our following interview."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent! By stating that you're actively interviewing with other companies, you create a sense of urgency and also show that you aren't putting all your eggs in one basket. But you strike the right balance by indicating that this company particularly interests you. Asking for the hiring team's timeline is also a wise move. Fantastic response!

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Anonymous Answer

"No, I am not. Progressive is a first choice for me based on the core values of the company and how those align with my core values, as well as the amazing things I have heard from those that I know that personally work for Progressive as well as the employee reviews I've read online."

Jaymie's Feedback

Excellent. You could also add the timeline that you would be available to start, as someone who can start quickly will be ideal for them.

Anonymous Answer

"I am actively interviewing with other firms and have multiple applications with different defense firms. I am eager to secure a new opportunity; however, I will wait for the right offer versus accepting the first opportunity. I am very interested in this role with Progressive and would like to know the hiring team's timeline for this decision. Perhaps we could cover this in our following interview."

Jaymie's Feedback

Great! You're honest about your job-seeking status and that helps put timelines into perspective for how quickly the hiring team needs to reach a decision.

Anonymous Answer

"I am not. Provided the position is offered to me, I would need to leave a two-week notice with my current Employer."

Jaymie's Feedback

Not only did you directly answer the question but you also prepared them for the timeline that you would be available to make the transition if made an offer.

Direct

22. What makes Progressive different from others in the insurance industry?

The Goal

The hiring managers at Progressive want you to outline what you believe is its unique selling point. The goal of your response is to show the decision-makers that you have researched the organization and that you are excited about what differentiates Progressive from other potential employers in the insurance industry.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Pro Tip

Before your interview, take some time to learn more about Progressive's business principles, values, mission, and goals. These statements and principles will outline for you what makes the company unique. For example, Progressive states on its careers page that it provides competitive benefits and bonus plans. The company widely supports community involvement and social impact initiatives.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

How to Answer

Your approach to this question will speak directly to how well you have researched Progressive before attending your HireVue interview. Take a look at the company website and its news section. You can also check out Google and see if Progressive is trending on any important industry topics.

When talking about why Progressive stands out to you, compared to its competitors, be as specific as possible and show enthusiasm for the work environment the company has created. You do not need to go into a significant amount of detail on the information that you find. Give enough to show the hiring managers that you pay attention to the company's accomplishments and understand what sets them apart.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

What You Need to Know

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Answer Example

"While preparing for this interview, I learned that one of Progressive's missions is to support its local communities in meaningful ways. I appreciate that Progressive's corporate responsibility is built on 'Giving back by being Progressive together.' When it comes to investing in the future of our communities, Progressive works with many education-focused organizations to promote literacy, which is a mission that I am passionate about. These missions and values are just one of many factors that set Progressive apart from its competitors, and why I am eager to join this renowned organization that places such a major focus on driving positive change."

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"While preparing for this interview, I learned that one of Progressive's missions is to support its local communities in meaningful ways. Progressive is an American insurance company ranked in Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work for, 2019 Best Workplaces for Millennials, and 2019 Best Workplaces in Financial Services & Insurance.

I appreciate that Progressive's corporate responsibility is built on 'Giving back by being Progressive together.' These missions and values are just one of many factors that set Progressive apart from its competitors. I am eager to join this renowned organization that significantly drives positive change."

Marcie's Feedback

Awesome! It's clear from your response that you know all about this company and how it differs from its competitors. This will give the interviewer the sense that you're very interested in their company and being a part of it. Perfect!

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Anonymous Answer

"While many others in the insurance industry may be big on diversity and inclusivity like Progressive is, what makes Progressive stand out more to me is how elaborate you are in making sure that isn't just a statement for the company, but it's put into action. Aside from diversity and inclusivity, Progressive stands out because of the importance of flexibility and growth in the company for ALL of its team members."

Jaymie's Feedback

Well done. If you have specific examples of the company putting DE&I into action in the community or around the country, feel free to share those that stood out to you as well.

Anonymous Answer

"My sister works for Progressive. From what she tells me, Progressive is a diverse, inclusive environment and continually recognizes employees for their hard work and commitment. Not to mention the ability to grow,"

Jaymie's Feedback

It's always helpful to mention when you know someone who works for the company and can provide insight into what you've learned about their experience.

Direct

23. Why did you apply to work for Progressive?

The Goal

The hiring managers at Progressive want to know precisely why you want to work for their organization. The goal of your response is to provide a compelling answer that highlights what excites you about Progressive and this particular job opportunity.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Pro Tip

Large companies like Progressive place significant effort and resources into finding the best talent to fill their open positions. When asked why you want to join Progressive, the hiring managers are looking for evidence that you have a genuine enthusiasm and interest in the company and this particular role. They want to see that you believe in the company's mission and values and are ready to make a specific contribution. Your response should also highlight the match between this opportunity and your career goals.

Before your interview, take some time to learn more about Progressive's business principles, values, mission, and goals. These statements and principles will outline what makes this organization an exciting potential employer. Visit Progressive's news or resources page online to read more about what efforts the organization has been recognized for recently or any awards the company has received.

Avoid giving a general response that fits any company. Instead, ensure that the details of your response are highly specific to Progressive.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

How to Answer

There are many places you could work, and the hiring managers want to know why Progressive is the stand-out employer for you. Genuinely consider why you want to work for Progressive over one of its competitors. Then, take the time to carve out a unique reason that reaches beyond the surface. A surface reason would be because you know someone who works there. A compelling reason is that the company's business principles or mission resonate deeply with you.

The answer to this question should be precise and custom to Progressive, so be sure to do your research and form a highly tailored response.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

What You Need to Know

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Answer Example

"I want to start a career with Progressive for numerous reasons; however, the most compelling is the organization's commitment to rewarding those who work hard. While preparing for today's interview, I read that Progressive is a company that embraces and finds value in differences and encourages its team members to bring their whole selves to work. The future-focused culture, emphasis on diversity, and incredible growth opportunities are just some of the stand-out reasons I applied to work at Progressive. It's clear that, with this organization, all team members are highly supported and encouraged to become the best version of themselves. I look forward to joining and contributing to this culture of excellence and equity."

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"As I continue to develop in my career, I am looking for a company that I can call home, where I can grow and develop. I've always been passionate about helping people, and this position strongly emphasizes that. While preparing for today's interview, I read that Progressive is a company that embraces and finds value in differences and encourages its team members to bring their whole selves to work. The future-focused culture, emphasis on diversity, and incredible growth opportunities are some stand-out reasons I applied to work at Progressive. Clearly, with this organization, all team members are highly supported and encouraged to become the best version of themselves. I look forward to joining and contributing to this culture of excellence and equity."

Marcie's Feedback

Wow! This answer will blow any interviewer away. It's clear from your response that you've thoroughly researched this company and believe it's an ideal fit for you. The interviewer will no doubt find it meaningful and memorable.

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Anonymous Answer

"I applied to work for Progressive because of their core values, their importance on employee confidence and growth, and how inclusive the company is. Being a woman, a parent, a military spouse, and someone who has dealt with a disability, I have great confidence that Progressive will be a great career for me not only for the next year or two but for many years down the road. The many accolades that Progressive has won over the years, such as being named a Military Friendly Employer, Best Workplaces for Parents, Forbes' Best Employers for Diversity, and Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For solidify that working for Progressive would be a great choice for me and my family."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is an exceptional response! It shows the interviewer that you've done your research and were intentional in where you applied for a job.

Anonymous Answer

"I am impressed with Progressives’ dedication to the environment. Initiatives such as reducing carbon emissions, paper consumption reduction, and diverting waste from landfills."

Jaymie's Feedback

It's great to come prepared with knowledge so you can speak to what specifically drew you to the organization.

Education

24. Walk us through your education and training, and describe how it will benefit you in this role with Progressive.

The Goal

The hiring managers at Progressive want to know how your education has prepared you to succeed in this job. The goal of your response is to highlight your education and training. Then, connect the knowledge you gained and how you will apply that knowledge to succeed in this role.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Pro Tip

Depending on the role you're interviewing for, you may be required to have an education in business, computer science, finance, engineering, or law, for instance. Or, you may not be required to have post-secondary education at all.

Whether formal (college, university courses, or career training modules) or informal education (self-learning, self-guided courses), the hiring managers at Progressive want assurance that you have the training and knowledge required to do the job successfully.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

How to Answer

The hiring managers want to know how the knowledge and experiences you have gained from your post-secondary education will positively affect Progressive. Discuss your formal educational experience and highlight the main points that you believe will benefit Progressive when they choose to hire you.

Your answer should assure the hiring managers that you have the skills and training to fulfill the role's duties and exceed expectations. Many of the skills we learn throughout our education are helpful for any situation. People skills and teamwork will help you to interact with your new coworkers. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills will help you analyze information, notice details, and deal with problems on the job.

If you have work experience, focus your answer on how your coursework and training have contributed to your career success so far. Suppose you are interviewing for your first position. In that case, you can talk about how your education will help you to be successful in meeting specific job requirements outlined in Progressive's job posting.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

What You Need to Know

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Answer Example

"Two years ago, I earned my bachelor's degree in Applied Quantitative Science from Arizona State University. We explored real-world challenges using investigative skills that complement traditional methods. This coursework taught me to hone my critical thinking, communication, and quantitative reasoning skills while giving me the ability to make statistical inferences. Now, I can confidently apply and project quantitative reasoning to unfamiliar contexts while using sophisticated insight involving statistical inference and quantitative reasoning. I look forward to contributing this knowledge I gained while obtaining my degree to the team at Progressive while continuing to learn new skills from my leaders and co-workers."

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"In May 2022, I earned my bachelor's degree in Sports Management from Southern New Hampshire University with a 3.8 GPA. Campus administration also selected me to take part among top students in a leadership program with The National Society of Leadership and Success. Working in the school system and my education have taught me patience, critical thinking, communication, and time management to help benefit me in this role with Progressive. Some other training that will assist me in this position is my many years working with my father on automobiles and for his construction company. Now, I can confidently apply the skills and knowledge I gained to the team at Progressive while continuing to learn new skills from my leaders and coworkers."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! You have an interesting and varied background. Can you include some thoughts about how your experience has led you to develop an interest in insurance and why you believe this is the right fit for you? (They might wonder since your degree is in a different field.) Assure the interviewer that this transition is best for both you and them. Otherwise, great job!

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Anonymous Answer

"My education and training have provided me with a lot of experience in working with clients and customers. This has helped me gain skills in many areas such as communication and active listening, thriving in a high pace environment, patience and keeping calm, teamwork and problem-solving, as well as organization and multitasking. All of these skills, plus more, can benefit me daily in this role with Progressive as I will often face problems that need resolution, situations that require me to stay calm and be an active listener with clear communication, and many times may have to multitask in which good organization will be very beneficial."

Jaymie's Feedback

Excellent! If you have a formal education, be sure to share your degree information with them as well (Bachelor's in Business Administration, Associate's in Communication, etc.)

Anonymous Answer

"Although I have been in Pediatrics for over 30 years, It has always been a part of customer service. I know what it takes to satisfy a customer and that has a lot to do with knowledge and determination. Customer satisfaction is extremely important in any field."

Jaymie's Feedback

If you have a formal education, even if it's not directly related, it's still beneficial to share that you have furthered your education. If not, any on-the-job training or courses/certificates you have earned can also be shared.

Job Satisfaction

25. Tell us about your ideal work environment.

The Goal

The hiring managers at Progressive want to know that the work environment they provide is a match for your needs and desires. The goal of your response is to clearly describe your ideal work environment so that the decision-makers can assess if this opportunity is a two-way match.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Pro Tip

When applying for a job, the fit has to match both ways. The hiring managers know this, and they want to ensure that the work environment at Progressive is suitable for you. There are a few factors to take into consideration when looking at the work environment:

- Are questions encouraged without judgment
- Is continued learning and education encouraged
- Does the office allow for flexibility such as working from home or flexible hours
- Are there regular team stand-ups and opportunities to collaborate
- Is it an open-air environment without cubicles or walled offices
- Is two-way feedback encouraged and acceptable
- Are the goals and objectives set as a team, individually, or both
- Are there strict dress codes, after-hours expectations, and other restrictions
- Is the initial training comprehensive, or is there a sink-or-swim mentality
- Is recognition provided for a job well done, or are regular performance incentives provided
- Are employees promoted based on performance or only on tenure

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

How to Answer

Choose two or three work environment factors that are important to you, and discuss why you value these factors. Once you have described your ideal work environment, make a connection between your desires and what you know/have heard about working for Progressive.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

What You Need to Know

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Answer Example

"My ideal work environment is one where I am working with supportive and positive people. I find that the best environment is when we empower each other by uplifting each other and rising together. It's clear that Progressive provides an environment like this. One of the company's values is respecting our differences, acting with kindness and caring, and treating others as they want to be treated. I look forward to learning more and immersing myself in this uplifting work environment."

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"My ideal work environment is one that is supportive and treats all members fairly. When employees are treated equally and as diverse humans, and not just a worker, it benefits everyone because it makes everyone feel welcomed and cared for, which in return makes them enjoy their work, strive for excellence daily, and wants to commit to and grow within that company."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a great answer. If appropriate to the position you're applying for you, you could consider other aspects of the work environment like working remotely, in the office, or in a hybrid role.

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Anonymous Answer

"My ideal type of work environment enforces a positive work culture. While researching your organization on your company’s website, and feedback from my sister, I found that your corporate values strongly align with how I have built my own career. A place where I feel comfortable developing my skills and learning from others is a good fit to do my best work."

Jaymie's Feedback

Great! You shared your ideal environment and why you feel Progressive will align well with that based on your research and the feedback from your sister who works there.

Leadership

26. Describe your leadership skills.

The Goal

The hiring managers at Progressive want to know which skills make you a stand-out leader. They also want to see that you bring a passion for leadership. The goal of your response is to highlight the skills that showcase your ability and desire to be a positive person of influence in the workplace.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Pro Tip

Author and speaker, Simon Sinek says: 'Leading is not the same as being the leader. Being the leader means you hold the highest rank, either by earning it, good fortune, or navigating internal politics. Leading, however, means that others willingly follow you--not because they have to, not because they are paid to, but because they want to.'

With this definition of leadership in mind, consider how you influence others because you want to, not because you have to. Perhaps you are skilled at motivating and encouraging others, or maybe you are a person with a lot of creativity whom others want to learn from. Maybe your leadership superpower is empathy or even decisiveness.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

How to Answer

Companies like Progressive are looking for leaders who naturally accept opportunities to guide others confidently. Leadership traits are necessary to complete your work autonomously. These traits are also required when making decisions about a client account or tweaking a new process.

Before your HireVue interview, prepare examples of when you have been a proactive leader. If this is an entry-level role without a leadership component, the decision-makers will still want evidence that you can take the initiative when there is an opportunity.

Choose 2-3 leadership skills that describe you best, and be prepared to give an example of these qualities in action.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

What You Need to Know

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Answer Example

"In previous performance reviews, my leadership style has been described as attentive, open, and confident. I listen to my team members and give them the room to perform their jobs well. For example, when one of my team members is not hitting their quota, I will step in and begin coaching. I want to believe they are capable of their job unless they show me otherwise. This leadership approach has worked well with my team, and as a result, we are the top-performing sales team in our region."

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"In previous performance reviews, my leadership style has been described as observant, open, and confident. I listen to my team members and give them space to perform their jobs well. For example, when one of my team members is unsuccessful, I will step in and begin coaching. I believe my team can do their job unless they show me otherwise. This leadership approach has worked well with my team, and as a result, we are the top-performing teams in our state."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! The interviewer will be happy to hear that your leadership style is 'observant, open, and confident.' It's also great that you don't micromanage but instead trust your team and their capabilities. How do you know that your team is one of the top performers in the state? Only include a description like this if you can prove it somehow; otherwise, it might come off a little outlandish or even untrue. Good answer!

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Anonymous Answer

"In previous performance reviews, my leadership style has been described as attentive, approachable, open, and confident. I listen to my team members and give them room to perform their jobs well. I make sure of this by teaching them everything that I learned in the past 30 years."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is great information to share with the interviewer that gives some insight into your leadership abilities.

Salary

27. What are your salary expectations?

The Goal

The hiring managers at Progressive would like an idea of what a competitive job offer looks like to you. The goal of your response is to describe the compensation plan you're looking for while supporting your salary request with research and facts.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Pro Tip

Since the HireVue interview is likely your first introduction to Progressive, you can give a high-level overview of your salary expectations. Overall, be open and honest. Transparency is the best choice when salary-based questions arise.

In addition to your base salary, there are many other factors to a competitive compensation package, including:

- Work/life balance
- Amount of travel required
- Overall medical and health benefits
- Additional perks such as car allowance, cell allowance, or a spending account
- Your level of interest in the industry
- The amount of vacation time offered
- The type of clients/customers you would be working with
- The office location
- Future career growth opportunities
- The size of your new team or department
- The company culture and its brand reputation

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

How to Answer

Before forming your ask, take your time to list the most important factors to you when considering a job offer. Then, do your research. You'll want to find answers to a few essential questions:

- How competitive is the candidate/job market for this role
- What's the market range for this kind of role in the insurance industry
- Does compensation vary geographically
- Does Progressive have a reputation for paying above-market value

When discussing salary, lean on your skills and accomplishments as justification. It's compelling for a hiring manager to hear about your achievements vs. only saying that you're worth $X because that's the going range. If you are providing Progressive with precise compensation numbers at this stage, offer a range so that you leave room to negotiate.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

What You Need to Know

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Answer Example

"I can share what I am currently earning and where I would like to be in my next position. Currently, I am earning a base salary of $78K plus an annual bonus opportunity of an additional 10%. Last year my earnings were $85K, and I'd like to earn above that in my next position to reflect the MBA I recently acquired. Overall, I am looking for a compensation plan aligned with the role that provides an opportunity for growth. I look forward to discussing the details of this role so that we can determine a fair compensation plan."

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I can share what I am currently earning and where I would like to be in my next position. Currently, I am earning a base salary of $58K. I'd like to earn above that in my next position to reflect the BA I recently gained. Overall, I am looking for a compensation plan aligned with the role that provides an opportunity for growth. I look forward to discussing the details of this role so that we can determine a fair compensation plan."

Marcie's Feedback

Don't feel obligated to provide a specific amount - you might want to save that for the negotiation table. Instead, consider providing a range you've determined based on the research you've conducted for this type of role in this location. You can also choose to flip this question around and ask the interviewer what they're looking to pay for the role. Mentioning your desire for growth opportunities is a good move. And consider reiterating some of the experience and skills you bring to the table that merits the salary range you're requesting. Good job!

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Anonymous Answer

"My salary is currently $22.50 hourly, but I understand going into an entry-level position, doing something completely different .. may be lower going in. My goal is to succeed so this does not make or break a deal."

Jaymie's Feedback

You aren't required to share your current salary information with employers, however, you can if you are comfortable or you can provide an ideal targeted range like $20-$25/hr.

Scenario Based

28. When facing a difficult situation, how do you react?

The Goal

The hiring managers at Progressive want to know if your reactions to problems reflect maturity and professionalism. The goal of your response is to show the decision-makers that the way you react in difficult situations is a fit for their team and for Progressive's company values.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Pro Tip

Because this question asks how you react (a general instance) vs. how you reacted (a specific instance), you can respond hypothetically. The Situation, Solution, Benefit formula is helpful in this case.

Step 1) Situation: Outline what a difficult situation means to you.
Step 2) Solution: Discuss the solution you would introduce when facing a difficult situation.
Step 3) Benefit: Highlight how your approach to resolving a difficult situation will benefit Progressive when they choose to hire you.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

How to Answer

Hiring managers look for candidates who meet challenges and difficult decisions head-on rather than being intimidated by them. You can show the decision-makers at Progressive that you have the tenacity and excellent problem-solving abilities required for the job by discussing how you approach and overcome complex problems.

If you have a real-life example of a time when you recently faced a difficult situation in the workplace, consider telling a brief story that highlights your problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

What You Need to Know

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Answer Example

"(Situation) I understand that encountering difficult situations in the workplace is common, especially in an industry where regulation and compliance are so strict and constantly evolving. (Solution) When a difficult situation arises, my first instinct is to take a step back and absorb what just happened. I then go into 'brainstorm' mode, jotting down potential ways to resolve the situation. I might use a pros and cons list to determine the best course of action for a fast and amicable resolution. (Benefit) I read that one of Progressive's core values is to demonstrate integrity. Rest assured, should Progressive hire me, I will show integrity in every aspect of my work, no matter how difficult. Even in challenging situations, I will revere honesty and adhere to high ethical standards to gain the trust and confidence of our customers."

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I understand that encountering difficult situations in the workplace is common, especially in an industry where regulation and compliance are so strict and constantly evolving.

When a difficult situation arises, my first instinct is to take a step back and absorb what just happened. I then go into 'brainstorm' mode, jotting down potential ways to resolve the situation. I might use a pros and cons list to determine the best course of action for a fast and amicable resolution.

I read that one of Progressive's core values is to show integrity. Should Progressive hire me, I will show integrity in every aspect of my work, no matter how difficult. Even in challenging situations, I will revere honesty and adhere to high ethical standards to gain the trust and confidence of our customers."

Marcie's Feedback

Perfect! This answer is very strong. It sounds like you have a solid process in place for handling difficult situations in the workplace, which the interviewer will appreciate. (You could potentially include an example that shows how you've used this process in the past.) Mentioning the alignment of your values with the company's is excellent. Great job!

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Anonymous Answer

"I then go into 'brainstorm' mode, jotting down potential ways to resolve the situation. I might use a pros and cons list to determine the best course of action for a fast and amicable resolution.

I read that one of Progressive's core values is to demonstrate integrity. Rest assured, should Progressive hire me, I will show integrity in every aspect of my work, no matter how difficult."

Jaymie's Feedback

These are good strategies to use when problem-solving. Great job!

Scenario Based

29. How would you react if you knew a team member was being dishonest?

The Goal

The hiring managers at Progressive want to know that you are an honest and trustworthy employee. The goal of your response is to provide evidence that you bring integrity to the workplace and that you are unafraid to have uncomfortable conversations.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Pro Tip

Progressive operates in a highly sensitive sector where making ethical decisions and building trustworthy relationships are core to the organization's success. The company needs to make sure that they hire honest and reliable people. Consider giving an example of your honesty in action vs. simply stating that you are an honest individual.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

How to Answer

Since this question is phrased as, 'How would you react...,' you can respond hypothetically. The Situation, Solution, Benefit formula is helpful in this instance.

Step 1) Situation: Express your understanding of the hypothetical situation (your coworker being dishonest).

Step 2) Solution: Outline the solution you would introduce if you encountered dishonesty in the workplace.

Step 3) Benefit: Highlight how your approach to confronting dishonesty will benefit Progressive when they choose to hire you.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

What You Need to Know

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Answer Example

"I take pride in my work and would not tolerate dishonesty since it interferes with company goals and reputation. With a focus on honesty and transparency, I would feel obligated to report a coworker who was being dishonest. Of course, I would refer to any policy or guidelines available and speak to my leader to ensure that I appropriately handle the situation. I would desire to help bring a resolution without escalating the situation or introducing new conflict. For example, my manager was recently on vacation for three weeks. Some of my co-workers wanted to falsify our timesheets to reflect overtime hours that we did not work. I disagreed and convinced them that it was a bad idea and certainly not worth being fired over. If hired at Progressive, I will hold myself and my peers accountable to the highest ethical standards."

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I take pride in my work and would not tolerate dishonesty since it interferes with company goals and reputation. With a focus on honesty and transparency, I would feel obligated to report a coworker who was being dishonest. Of course, I would refer to any policy or guidelines and speak to my director to ensure I appropriately handle the situation. I want to help resolve the problem without escalating or introducing a new conflict.

For example, my supervisor was on vacation for the week. Some of my coworkers wanted to falsify our timesheets to reflect overtime hours we didn't work. I convinced them it was a bad idea and not worth being fired over. If hired at Progressive, I will hold myself and my peers accountable to the highest ethical standards."

Marcie's Feedback

It's great that you value honesty. Before reporting your coworker, you might approach them in a nonjudgmental manner and ask what's going on to confirm an issue exists before escalating it. If you encouraged them to turn themselves in and they didn't, then it would be time to report the issue to a manager. Your example shows your integrity, but be careful because just the association with a group of people who would do something so blatantly wrong (falsifying their timesheets) might reflect negatively on you. It might be better to instead walk the interviewer through exactly how you would handle this hypothetical scenario and leave it at that. Good job!

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Anonymous Answer

"I might approach them in a nonjudgmental manner and ask what's going on to confirm an issue exists before escalating it. If you encouraged them to turn themselves in and they didn't, then it would be time to report the issue to a manager."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a good strategy to follow. It shows you make sure you know the facts before rushing to accusations and if you find someone being dishonest, you can follow a company process to report it.

Tough

30. Why should Progressive hire you?

The Goal

The hiring managers at Progressive want to choose the person they believe will help them solve a problem or a pain point. The goal of your response is to spotlight how you will meet the company or department's most significant needs when they choose to hire you.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Pro Tip

Consider the factors that Progressive looks for when choosing new team members. Progressive asks that you are a motivational fit for the company, ready to support its efforts in building an environment focused on empowering others. Your response should be original and unique. There are some simple ways to ensure that your answer stands out from other candidates:

1) Avoid giving a resume review. Your response should highlight the best reasons why your achievements, skills, and characteristics are a match for Progressive's most pressing needs. Provide a snapshot, not a complete biography.

2) Think about value. Think of how you will add value to Progressive now and in the future. Help the decision-makers picture you with the company for years to come.

3) Sprinkle in achievements. Mentioning specific numbers, percentages, awards, and accolades is an excellent way to grab the decision maker's attention. These soundbites will make you a memorable candidate.

4) Tell a story. Psychology tells us that offering a compelling, relatable story makes us more memorable and persuasive. Some studies show that telling a story makes us 22X more memorable. If you could be 22X more memorable than the next candidate, think of the impact it could make on your interview outcome!

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

How to Answer

First, think about your best skills and qualifications. Ponder on a mix of hard skills and soft skills.

- Hard skills: Specific knowledge gained through training and education.
- Soft skills: Traits you possess, such as emotional intelligence and sociability.

If you can't think of ways you stand out, ask a few trusted friends, family members, or coworkers what sets you apart from others. Their observations may be helpful. If you already know your stand-out skills, that's great! Either way, don't be afraid to brag about yourself a bit. In an interview, you are your greatest advocate.

Also, take your time reviewing the job description. It's essential to approach this question with less focus on your needs and more on Progressive's needs. Looking at the job description or job posting for the role, you can quickly dissect what the hiring managers are looking for in a candidate. Once you know the company/department's primary needs, you can frame a precise answer to this question.

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

What You Need to Know

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Answer Example

"The Claims Representative job posting mentions requiring a person with the ability to handle stress, work independently, and multi-task in a high-volume call center environment. I have worked in a similar environment for Company XYZ for the past three years. I've developed these stress management skills, the ability to maintain productivity in an independent environment, and more. As the job description requests, I am proficient in window-based programs and bring exceptional system and internet navigational skills. Progressive should hire me because I will work tirelessly while applying this knowledge and experience to meet the company's needs and maintain exceptional work quality while taking calls on new and existing losses. Also, I am involved in driving social good in my community through regular volunteer efforts in my personal time. I understand that Progressive focuses on giving to its communities, and I am happy to see that it's more than my skills that align; it's also my passion for doing good and helping others."

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 21st, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"The claims adjuster trainee job posting mentions requiring a person with the ability to handle stress, work independently, and multi-task in a fast-paced environment to help get customers back on the road after an accident. When you have been involved in an accident, it is crucial to have someone you can trust, and that person is me.

Progressive should hire me because I am a person who learns quickly and performs better under pressure. I am an excellent team player that inspires others to achieve the company's common goals and can also work independently. I have the relevant skills, drive, interest, and determination to succeed in this position. I am also interested in discovering and learning new things to enhance my skills in building customer relationships over the phone. I will work inexhaustibly while applying this knowledge and experience to meet the company's needs and maintain exceptional work quality while taking calls on new and existing losses. Also, I drive social good in my community through regular volunteer efforts in my time. I understand that Progressive focuses on giving to its communities, and I am happy that it's not only my skills that align with this position. It's also my passion for doing well and helping others."

Marcie's Feedback

Amazing! You have provided a fantastic response to this common interview question. You took the opportunity to really sell yourself - perfect! Your passion to help others and learn/grow is clearly evident. This is an excellent answer!

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Anonymous Answer

"I have the ability to handle stress, work independently, and multi-task in a high-volume environment. I have worked in a similar environment for the company I am currently employed with. I've developed stress management skills, the ability to maintain productivity in an independent environment, and more. I can bring exceptional system and internet navigational skills. Progressive should hire me because I will work tirelessly while applying this knowledge and experience to meet the company's needs and maintain exceptional work quality while taking calls and meeting my daily work needs."

Jaymie's Feedback

These are excellent qualities and skills to possess that will align well with the role. Great job!