Tell us about yourself.

"My name is Jack. I've been a social justice activist since I was young. I grew up in the insurance and financial assistance industry, and my parents taught me early on how money can be used for good. I, like my parents, have a passion for numbers, research, and helping others. Now I feel as if I am at a point in my career where I have the opportunity to join forces with a company that shares all of my priorities, and I feel as if I don't have to look any further than Prudential Financial. So here I am."

This icebreaker question is designed to get you out of interview mode so they can get a sense of the real you. They will use this to gauge when you are sincere throughout the rest of the interview. They will also use this to evaluate how well your personality will fit in with their teams.

HireVue uses sophisticated algorithms to evaluate your verbal and nonverbal cues to gauge your confidence, communication skills, and the truthfulness of your statements. Compose a bio for yourself in advance and memorize it. Include only the personal details that have fueled your passion for your career choice. Share your encapsulated professional journey, including who you are, why you are here, where you come from, and where you are going in your career.

"I am a junior at Cornell University pursuing a double major in English and Political Science with minors in business law and society. I am a student journalist on campus with a passion for social impact and transparently conveying information, and would like to utilize these skills in the business world. I began learning about the business of journalism while interning at Voice of America where I learned about targeting audiences, preparing to cover news in countries that have strict press laws, and how to convey that information to an audience in order to gain revenue. This past summer I worked for a lobbying firm where I gained experience in client relations and learned about the government relations of the energy, medical, and education sectors. This work in the private sector and my work in journalism is directly translatable to the insurance industry where research and client relations are key aspects of everyday life."

Tell us about a person you admire who serves as a source of inspiration.

"If I could choose one man who inspired me, it was the character from To Kill A Mockingbird, Atticus Finch. He was the embodiment of everything I wanted to be. He fearlessly did the right thing, without question, and treated everyone with equal kindness and respect. He was honest, kind, fair, just, and wholly trusted by all who knew him. A pillar of the community."

A person's source of inspiration can reveal a lot about who they are, the buildup of their character, and what motivates their career pursuits. So this behavioral question will help them determine how well you'd fit into their work culture and how dedicated you are to your career. It can be someone related to you or a stranger. It can be someone living, historical, or even a fictitious character.

Prudential states their "evaluation process helps us get to know you, your skills and your professional background, and how they align with our culture, the role you're applying for and your future professional growth." They state that for each opening, they'll select several qualified applicants for phone and in-person interviews. You may also be asked to complete a digital interview (HireVue) as part of our screening process for select roles. During the interview process, you'll work with their hiring team and meet some of the people who would be your colleagues if hired. This last step is typically a final test to allow their teams to briefly evaluate you. So every engagement matters. Try to spend as much time preparing and practicing for your HireVue interview as possible to put your best foot forward.

"I admire Ruther Bader Ginsburg for her endless fight to gain equality for women under the law. I admire her persistence, creativity, and strength of character it takes to work with both sides of the aisle."

How would you define integrity?

"I'd say, in a professional context, integrity means ensuring I conduct myself with fairness and transparency to best serve our customers, support our teams, and represent the company. The only way to further my own goals is to act with strength of character, by the values I embrace, while performing at my best."

Research Prudential before your interview to successfully convey a firm grasp of their culture and expectations. All of their core values center around integrity, and you'll want to align your definition with theirs. However, don't just reiterate what they have posted. That will come across as simply trying to tell them what you think they want to hear. Share your sincere thoughts on the subject. Their Core Values are "Worthy of Trust. Customer Focused. Respect for Each Other. Winning with Integrity."

HireVue assesses data points in the recorded videos to identify the top performers and those most suited to the company's goals and culture. Once the hiring authority receives the materials, they can view the interviews side by side for further comparison and evaluation. So make sure you spend time researching yourself and Prudential to determine how they are a good fit for you and why you are a good fit for them, and incorporate that messaging subtly into your answers where you can.

What three words would you use to describe yourself?

"I am honest, fair, and trusted. I've been told by my colleagues that I'm honest to a fault. I also believe in social justice and fair and equal treatment for all. Lastly, my clients rely on me as a trusted resource and trust that I am doing my best on their behalf."

Prudential has many three words phrases repeating across their website: "Collaborative. Diverse. Welcoming. / Transparent. Inclusive. Fair. / Passionate. Capable. Ambitious." When researching industry keywords to describe yourself, try to make them suited not only to the industry but also to their work culture.

When speaking, try not to speak too fast and moderate your tone. Speaking too fast could make you come across as nervous. Speak more slowly to appear relaxed, like an equal speaking among your peers. Also, make sure you choose your words carefully. Look up terms that you feel best apply to you or are naturally part of your vocabulary. Use professional adjectives to describe yourself and your situation, such as career-focused, ambitious, persistent, genuine, patient, enthusiastic, disciplined, and passionate.

Are you a numbers person or a people person?

"I would say that I am both. I love being around people and helping others by sharing knowledge and spreading awareness of the opportunities hiding in plain sight. I also have a passion for numbers. When I was a kid, my friends called me the Decoder. I can comfortably say I have my feet planted in both worlds. As Prudential says, I am a numbers person and a people person."

Interviewers use questions like this to determine if you are an introvert or an extrovert. Introverts typically prefer work of an analytical nature, and extroverts typically prefer more interpersonal work. Most people fall somewhere in the middle of the scale, leaning slightly to one side or the other, so don't feel you have to answer the question in black-and-white terms. As Prudential says on its website, "We're numbers people. And people-people."

You'll want to come across as confident and comfortable in your own skin. So before your interview, turn on your camera and practice. Be mindful of your body language, tone, and choice of words. Keep your body language open and relaxed. Also, practice maintaining eye contact with the camera at all times. If you glance down at your notes, the algorithm may interpret that as a lack of confidence or even dishonesty. So try to avoid looking at yourself on the screen and maintain friendly eye contact as if you are looking directly at a person.

What are you looking for in a company? Why Prudential?

"I want to go far in my career and have an equal opportunity to succeed as everyone else on my teams. I am an advocate for diversity and inclusion and a strong women's rights activist. I have trained and mentored many employees at my previous company who weren't acknowledged for their accomplishments, as I believe they should have been. And though there is no way to prove they were overlooked due to their background, I had my suspicions. It is no secret Prudential Financial partly defines itself by its social responsibility. So, working for a company like Prudential, for these reasons, became one of my career goals. And that's why I am here today. I want to feel proud of where I work."

This interview question attempts to identify why you have chosen to pursue an opportunity with them. Are you interested in finding a job you are qualified to perform anywhere, or is there a specific reason you feel this would be a good fit? To answer this question, recognize how the company advertises its merits on the careers page of its website. Show them you've done your research and explain that their recognition and accomplishments played a role in your pursuing an opportunity to work with them.

Prudential was recognized as one of "The World's Most Admired Companies" by FORTUNE, as one of the "World's Most Ethical Companies" by Ethisphere, and as one of "America's Best Employers" by Forbes. Prudential also made the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, was named one of the "Top Employers and Top LGBT-Friendly Companies" by HISPANIC Network Magazine, was named one of the "Best Companies for Diversity" by Black Enterprise, and named one of the "50 Best Companies for Latinas" by Latina Style.

Make sure you are in a relatively quiet place with as little background noise as possible. The camera angle should be at eye level. Positioning it too low will make you come across as domineering. Too high, and you'll seem too weak or small. So center it, and make sure your lighting is equally balanced. Maintain eye contact in front of the camera as if you're speaking face-to-face with a person. Be mindful of your facial expressions. Furrowing your brow while concentrating on your answer can easily be misinterpreted as exhibiting anger and raise a red flag.

Where do you imagine your career taking you in the next five years?

"Primarily, I want to grow and advance in a company with like values that will celebrate my contributions. I have a lot of leadership potential and would like to grow into a leadership position. I am a natural-born coach and mentor and feel strongly about helping those with the desire to succeed in reaching their goals. So I am interested in growing professionally and making an impact by helping others grow. That is one of the reasons I decided to pursue this position."

Questions such as this gauge how far ahead you are thinking about your career. How you answer will inform them of your ambition or the lack thereof. Align your pursuits with what this opportunity has to offer. There are many proposition statements on their website to recruit career-minded professionals. Study what they advertise and the language they use, and try to incorporate their language into your own while formulating your answer.

Here are several of Prudential's proposition statements combined to guide your answer: "Your life and your goals are just that - yours. We encourage people to work on projects that matter to them personally, connecting the dots to the company's goals, in order to make a real difference. We encourage employees to be vocal about their aspirations and skills, empowering them to control their careers at Prudential. We also understand that our employees have a life beyond the office. That's why we give you the flexibility to succeed both personally and professionally. Managers, mentors and sponsors are readily available to guide you, but you'll be free to choose where your career goes."

While preparing for your interview, you'll want to present yourself as a professional in every way. Keep in mind that your surroundings are also a reflection of you as a professional. Wear appropriate professional clothing suited to the role. Additionally, you'll want the interviewer's focus to be on you and not your background. Make sure your space is organized, free of distractions, and work-appropriate.

Why are you currently looking for employment?

"At my previous employer, I supported our leadership and fellow staff from the beginning. I mentored and trained many. My nickname around the office is Coach. Some I trained were promoted, and others who I felt were stars were held back. At a certain point, I felt it wasn't evenly balanced, and I started looking more closely at my career goals. That's when I shifted some of my priorities. The work environment and culture took a front seat to my goals for advancement. Although I am proud of how far I have come in my career and look back with gratitude for the opportunities presented by my previous employer, I realized I could go further elsewhere. When I looked at companies most aligned with my values, I landed at Prudential Financial."

As Prudential states on their website, "Looking to the future. People's preferences, and needs, are changing fast. A job change, no matter where you are in your career, can be intense and emotional. That's why our candidate experience is transparent, fair, and provides easy access to the information to help you reach your career goals." This question helps the interviewers determine if you are looking for gainful employment to advance your career goals. Your answer could also raise red flags, such as not getting along with your coworkers or looking for any job closer to home.

This question will help the assessment vendor evaluate your confidence in your fit for this opportunity and if you're pursuing it for the right reasons. Your answer could reveal if you are shooting for the stars or a more realistic target.

How would you explain Deferred Annuities in laymen's terms to a potential client?

"Annuities are long-term investments designed to provide you with sustainable retirement income. There are different ways of buying into annuities, depending on your needs. The type depends on whether you need the income immediately or later. An immediate annuity begins paying out within a year. A deferred annuity pays out on a scheduled future date. It's an investment you contribute to until it pays out. There are also variable annuities tied to a range of investments, which hold some risk. And then there are fixed annuities, where your principle is secure and predictable."

How you answer this question will offer insights into how developed your communication skills are. Your success at Prudential will depend on how effectively you can communicate such concepts to your clients while gaining their trust and offering them "security and peace of mind." They are counting on their employees to represent their brand to their clients. There is an entire page on their website answering this very question, so read it through, and get a firm grip on their language and how they communicate such things.

The assessment vendor will screen you for how well you communicate. So keep an ear out for any stutters, awkward pauses, or your use of any speech crutch words such as "uh," "like," "um," "you know," "so on and so forth," "and," "well," "but," "so," "ah," "er," and "Etcetera." Record your voice while answering some of these questions to identify your tics so you can better practice answering these questions without relying on such words. Also, pay close attention to your choice of words and what they might suggest beyond your intended meaning. Doing so will aid in presenting yourself as a clearer communicator and more of a professional.

Have you done any volunteer work?

"A local women's shelter makes accommodations for children and pets. I make a habit of prepping meals for them at least once a week. I have also sourced local grocery stores to donate their spoils to the shelter and donate pet food as well. Other times I'll help with walking the dogs or co-supervising the kids' daycare to provide mothers some relief. It is painful yet rewarding work, and this shelter's programs have a strong track record for getting these women back on their feet."

Prudential has long held a commitment to provide insurance to the working poor, with the belief that financial security should be within reach for everyone. They define the purpose of everything they do as making lives better by solving the financial challenges of a changing world and working towards accelerating economic mobility and creating thriving neighborhoods. Their philanthropic activities are many, and this question aims to reveal whether you share similar sensibilities. How you answer will help them determine how well you would fit into their working environment and complement their culture.

Showing your personality can go a long way, just like in live interviews or phone calls. Even though you are talking to the algorithm, you want to imagine you are speaking to a real person. So try to come across as relaxed as possible, speaking in a level yet enthusiastic tone. Maintain eye contact, smile softly, and strike a confident demeanor.

Would you rather work with a client with a high net worth or someone who was low-income and reliant on you to achieve financial security?

"I would be comfortable working wherever I was needed. I have ambitious career goals and love how Prudential has a hands-on development approach to supporting its employees. So after onboarding, I would be more than willing to step out of my comfort zone and be placed wherever my leadership felt I would most thrive."

This question explores where your comfort zone lies and how familiar you are with their business. Prudential's strong sense of social responsibility and community-building was embedded in the company from the beginning. They were the first company in the U.S. to provide life insurance to the working class, which they advertise proudly. Yet, they also work with huge companies such as General Motors and Verizon. Consider this while you formulate your answer. Prepare and practice.

Answer as sincerely as possible. The assessment vendor will use verbal cues to evaluate your honesty, such as stroking your chin and covering your mouth or your eyes, gaze avoidance, the direction of your eyes, excessive fidgeting such as restless foot and leg movements, frequent body posture changes, and grooming behaviors such as playing with hair or pressing your fingers to lips.

When and where was Prudential founded?

"Prudential was founded in Newark, NJ in 1875, priding themselves on being the first company in the U.S. to provide life insurance to the working class. To this day, they consider themselves a purpose-driven company rooted in community, which is why they are still in Newark. They have invested over one billion dollars in the last decade alone to elevate Newark's local communities."

This question tests how familiar you are with the company and to what extent you've prepared for this interview. Approach it as if you are getting a head start on your onboarding and orientation. Even though Prudential was founded in downtown Newark, New Jersey in 1875, explore the reason they are still headquartered there and the principles they founded their company on. Don't feel as if you have to deliver a dissertation. Just go above and beyond in your answer by offering a little more. Answer the question as if you have worked there for years and are proud of the company's humble beginnings.

When researching their website, you'll be able to find language that effectively answers many of the questions posed throughout your interview set. Note their language and value statements. Integrate their language into your answers naturally when possible. That will indicate that you've identified them as an ideal match for what you are looking for and already embrace their culture and values.

"Prudential was founded in 1875 in Newark NJ."

Tell us about a time you experienced a conflict with a coworker or a client.

"I recently worked with a client with strong opinions about how their annuities should be re-invested. A friend had given them insider tips on some risky stocks they insisted could make them a lot of money overnight. I didn't think this was a good approach, and they grew angry with me for not doing as I was told. I explained that I was only motivated to act in their best interests and implored them to hear me out. So they agreed to meet me for lunch. I brought my laptop and created a presentation on the history of this stock and how it had behaved recently. I educated them on its shaky hostile takeover, which quickly shifted into another merger and acquisition after another deal to unload this property fell through. I informed them that a big stock dump selling for cheap could further risk their capital. They came out of that lunch very grateful for my clear communication and presentation. They picked up the tab for lunch, and that was that."

One of Prudential's core values is 'Respect for Each Other.' This question tests your conflict management skills (nondefensive communication, mediation, negotiation, diplomacy, and empathy) and what you consider a conflict. Your answer will potentially reveal your emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills, whether you were the source of the conflict, and whether you take ownership of your part in it.

Often when a person recalls a conflict situation, the emotions of that moment rise to the surface and be re-experienced. That will cause them to narrow their eyes, fold their arms, and furrow their brow. The assessment vendor's algorithm will study you for defensive cues while you recall your experience with a conflict at work. You'll want to come across as emotionally mature and not regress into the emotion of that conflict when reflecting upon it. So avoid any defensive behavior, posturing, movements, or gestures that could be interpreted as insecure, closed-off, unapproachable, hostile, or disinterested. You may think coming across as a strong figure could be beneficial, but true strength comes from within. Therefore, you want to come across as confident and relaxed.

"I experienced a conflict with a coworker over the summer when interning at the lobbying firm. I was receiving instructions from this coworker and he provided me with instructions that turned out to be incorrect which led me to present the boss with information that she didn't need. Even though I was given the wrong instructions, I just redid the task with the proper information."

Describe your approach to customer service.

"I think more than anything, a customer wants to feel secure with the choice they've made and have peace of mind that you are working in their best interest. That takes building trust. The best way to build trust is through clear communication, active listening, mirroring, and validating their pain points, perception, and reality. It also relies on transparency, which means trusting your clients with the behind-the-scenes information they'd find useful and sharing the avenues and tools available to help them. Show them that you're working for their benefit."

One of Prudential's taglines is, "Stay Customer Obsessed. Prudential has been and always will be, about the customer." So this question aims to determine how well you'd represent their brand while showing their clients appreciation for their brand loyalty and how you would continue to drive their success into the future. So prepare and practice before your interview, and compose your customer service mission statement to align your philosophy with theirs.

You always want to seem prepared to answer the question posed while exuding confidence and communicating clearly. Enunciate your words, avoiding stutters or long pauses. However, sounding too rehearsed can make you sound wooden. Practice in front of your computer's camera, maintaining eye contact with the camera lens as if you're speaking face-to-face with a person. Keep at it until you are relaxed and seem natural.

Tell us about a time you had to deal with a volatile client who was unhappy with the outcome of their investment.

"I regularly receive phone calls from a client who suffers from some anxiety issues. They call in at least once a month, anxious about how their investments are performing. They frequently rely heavily on the wrong investment tools and apps I wouldn't recommend, which show how their investments perform. However, these are long-term investments. They should be looking at how they performed over years rather than a few days. So, every week I create a quick performance report for when this client calls in, and I email it to them as soon as I hear from them. I break down what we're looking at and swiftly allay their fears."

Prudential advertises that they're "constantly in pursuit of providing new and innovative solutions to create better lives for their customers. "Connecting with our customers is more important than ever as they not only want a steady, long-term partner, but also a company that's addressing the complex social issues of today." This interview question aims to determine how you would serve their customers and retain them while representing their brand.

When delivering your answers, try not to be in the emotional state of that moment. Practice being in the emotional state you want to convey. If your example doesn't allow you to remove yourself emotionally and observe it situationally, think of another. You want your answer to resonate with authentic sincerity.

Are you willing to undergo a background check?

"I am willing to undergo a background check. It is worth mentioning that there are a few marks on my credit report. I cosigned on a relative's mortgage a while ago, and they ran into some tough times that they didn't inform me about. They have since corrected their issues, but it did lower my credit score as a result. I thought that was worth mentioning."

As part of their evaluation process, all Prudential employees are required to undergo background screening as a standard part of their hiring procedures, so this question is likely to come up. Try to determine what kind of background check they will perform before your interview (criminal, credit score, etc.). If there are any marks that you think would come up, spend time before your interview rehearsing how to provide some context for those. For example, if you have a mark on your record for being arrested at a peaceful protest, that is probably safe to share and likely wouldn't hurt your chances of winning the job. However, not providing context could be interpreted as a lack of integrity.

Remain objective and confident, keeping your face and posture relaxed and your body language open and at ease. Be mindful of the nonverbal cues of nervous or stressful behavior, such as fidgeting, which could include any small movements of your hands or feet, swaying, shifting your weight, rocking or tilting back in your chair, leaning to one side or the other, straightening and freezing your posture, cradling your neck with one or both hands, crossing your arms, cracking your knuckles or biting your nails.

Are you willing to travel for work?

"In all honesty, I wouldn't mind traveling for work on occasion, but doing so regularly wouldn't be my first preference. I'd have to think about it. Nowhere was this mentioned as a prerequisite for this position. I'm curious if that was left out intentionally or if the hiring authority has another position in mind for my skills. If so, I'd like to hear more about the nature of this question."

Thoroughly research the position and the company before your interview. You don't want to be in doubt if this question catches you off guard, nor do you want to ask clarifying questions you could answer on your own. If there was no mention of this being a job requirement, feel free to clarify, and answer honestly. If traveling for work does not fit your career goals or priorities, it is best to say so. Agreeing to something you are not up for will negatively affect your job satisfaction and be a disservice to you and your employer.

Remember, you want to maintain relaxed and confident body language and facial expressions. When confused or moving into a place of concentration, we tend to furrow our brow or redirect our gaze. However, the algorithm could easily misinterpret that as aggression or frustration. So instead, relax your brow and widen your eyes. Slightly tilt your head and nod slowly. Speak slowly and with ease.

How do you like to spend your spare time?

"I am an avid trail runner. I love hiking and fishing, but trail running is where it's at for me. When I'm not trail running, I am on the treadmill watching adventure or survival documentaries. It is all about the great outdoors for me."

This seemingly informal question aims to get you to lower your guard and show the real you. How you answer could inform them of how balanced your life is and whether you consider your well-being a priority. That is something Prudential advertises across their site; how they prioritize the balance of their employees and the incentives they offer to "help you achieve and maintain your health and financial wellness goals, from health and life coaching to gym memberships... to support your overall well-being."

Before the interview, research the body language of a confident and relaxed person in a seated position. Pump yourself up with physical exercise to manifest confidence. Go into a private space with a mirror, look yourself in the eye, and give yourself a pep talk. Raise your arms, stretch your back, and make yourself as big as possible. Then practice your answers in front of the camera and record your voice to cast away any insecurity, nervousness, or self-doubt.

Remain on point and professional throughout the entire interview. While it is important for them to like you and get a glimpse of your personality, you should filter your responses. Considering that this question is likely testing how balanced you are and whether you prioritize your well-being, telling them how you like to go out drinking with your friends every night or binge on ice cream and cheese crisps while watching tv on the couch won't score you points.

How would you feel about working in a culturally diverse and inclusive environment?

"I feel more comfortable in diverse environments. Discovery fuels my passion, and I grow restless unless I am learning something new from someone. So the more diverse an environment, the more I will learn and experience."

Prudential Financial's culture is heavily steeped in cultural diversity and inclusion. As they state on their site, "bringing together teams with diverse backgrounds, identities, and expertise. By working across disciplines, learning from colleagues, and creating a welcoming environment, we discover smart solutions and new outcomes." Before considering bringing anyone new on board, they need to ensure that the person has a degree of cultural competence and is comfortable in such an environment.

Conveying cultural competence requires interest, openness, and curiosity. Nonverbal indicators for these emotions are leaning in, tilting your head as you speak, smiling, and making eye contact. Signs of discomfort and avoidance could be interpreted as indicators of negative bias and antipathy. Such nonverbal cues include decreased positivity, less eye contact and more gaze aversion, fewer smiles, greater interpersonal distance, and increased blinking. Consider these points when formulating your answer.

What are Prudential's eight BRGs?

"This is one of the things that compelled me to compete for this position or any position with Prudential Financial. The eight business resource groups are Able and Differently Abled Partnering Together (ADAPT), Asian-Pacific Islander Americans (APA), Black Leadership Forum (BLF), Generations, Juntos, PRIDE, VETNET, and Women Empowered."

How well you answer this question will inform them of your familiarity with the company. Spend adequate time researching every aspect of Prudential, and you'll learn that across the company and within individual businesses and teams, Prudential has several inclusion and diversity-based employee programs. Their biggest and farthest-reaching is their Business Resource Groups (BRGs). Prudential's Inclusion Council is chaired by its CEO and comprises executive and senior leaders and the leaders of all eight BRGs.

Remember, you should maintain a relaxed and confident presence throughout the interview. When confused or concentrating, we tend to furrow our brow or redirect our gaze. However, this could easily be misinterpreted by the algorithm. So practice relaxing your brow and widening your eyes. Tilt your head slightly and nod slowly. Speak softly and with ease.

How do you stay informed and relevant as a trusted professional?

"There's a variety of periodicals and magazines I subscribe to which come through my news feed. I read up on everything that is trending several times a day. Without this, I'm not sure how I'd create or support any strategies or evaluate the risks of new growth initiatives. I pride myself on being a go-to source of information."

For Prudential to trust you with their clients, they'll need to determine how trusted and reliable of a source of information you are in your industry. So share how you stay ahead of the curve while educating your colleagues and clients on recent industry-related news or developments. Show how adept you are at predicting and anticipating trends by sharing your go-to sources for information.

When answering questions about how professional you are, you want your appearance and your personal space to be as consistent with the words used to relay your answer. Your personal space is a reflection of your professionalism and work ethic. So make sure you choose a space for your recorded interview that is clear of distractions, is not too cluttered, and is neat, tidy, and organized.

When formulating your answer, see if there are ways in which you can incorporate any of Prudential's five Key Fundamentals into your answer: Support business growth strategies and initiatives, Enable the development and launch of new products through the evaluation of risk and volatility considerations, Support key growth initiatives in the U.S. and internationally, Develop the business case and perform price evaluations for new growth initiatives, Shift toward Agile development and more efficient business processes to increase speed to market, and Further execution of Magellan transactions to support capital and growth initiatives.

What is your greatest growth opportunity?

"I haven't had much hands-on experience with Roth retirement plans, and I'd like to grow in that area."

This question is asking you what your greatest professional weakness is or what obstacles you'd like to overcome. This question tests your emotional maturity by asking you to take ownership of your development. As they state on their site, "Whether you're just starting out or an experienced professional, Prudential can help you find a lasting and rewarding career. You'll be part of a growing, dynamic, inclusive company that supports you, and your professional growth. With our Talent Network, you'll learn more about our people, culture, and discover professional development tips from our leaders."

The assessment vendor will study your performance for signs of discomfort or dishonesty. They'll analyze verbal cues to identify if you're exaggerating or not being completely honest, such as repeating a question before answering, speaking in sentence fragments, displaying a change in speech pattern, irregular speech, and rising and falling tone. When your words don't match your gestures, your gestures will be seen as the truth. So maintain eye contact and confident body language, be comfortable, and speak from the heart.

Tell us about a time you made a mistake on the job. How did you correct it?

"I once advised a client on how to invest their funds, and I mistakenly described AAA Limited as USA Limited. I got the company names mixed up and gave them all sorts of information on one company and its potential when I was talking about another company. I was under the weather at the time, dealing with a bit of brain fog, and created this communication problem. This client didn't trust what I was saying and said they had to think about it. They did some research on their own and nearly closed their accounts and went with a competing firm. When I realized what happened, I asked my supervisor how they felt I should handle it. They thanked me for my prompt honesty, took over, salvaged the situation, and sent me home. Since then, I have learned to listen to my limitations and prioritize according to my performance. Quality over quantity."

As Prudential advertises, "Despite your experience, if you're dedicated to managing the economic fundamentals of our businesses, we're dedicated to helping your professional development." When asking you about a mistake you made, the interviewers are trying to determine how you handled the situation and whether your actions were guided by integrity. "Our diverse and talented employees are dedicated to living up to the trust that our customers place in us."

Try to make your responses as structured and concise as possible. Avoid rambling or delivering roundabout answers. Use the STAR method when structuring your answers. Address each answer by first offering the SITUATION involved with your example. Then move into the TASK this situation required. Then share the ACTION you took and the RESULT of your actions. That will add structure to your answers.

Tell us about a time you demonstrated leadership.

"I recently coached someone interested in being promoted to a similar position as mine. There was a lot of training involved, but I had them mirror my schedule and responsibilities. During this time, we formed quite a bond. They were promoted in no time and are thriving. Coaching is one of my favorite things to do on the job."

Prudential values leadership potential and considers developing their employees' professional and leadership skills a top priority. "By encouraging and supporting employees at every level, we know that when individuals thrive, so does their team and the entire company." Whether you mentored a coworker or led a team, share an occasion where you rose to the occasion while describing your leadership style.

Speak sincerely and be confident, relaxed, and at ease. You want to come across as in your comfort zone. Keep it natural, speaking with friendly confidence while maintaining eye contact with the camera. Be mindful of your posture and smile with your mouth and eyes. Keep your body language open and your tone steady, even, and consistent with your statements. Looking at yourself on the screen could be interpreted as looking down, which is a sign of lacking confidence. So practice beforehand until you are comfortable with this interview style, and come across as if you are speaking to a real person or an audience.

What is your strongest attribute?

"I'd say my greatest attribute is my attitude. I am patient and even-keeled. I see the glass as either half full or overflowing. I embrace gratitude every day, and I always consider myself the luckiest person in the world, even if I'm having a bad day. My positivity tends to rub off on those around me, and I've been told countless times that I am fun to have around."

When speaking of your strengths, identify what is unique to you. As Prudential states on their site, "We're always looking for talented professionals with the skills, insight, and an eye for innovation to help move us forward. We truly believe diverse perspectives are key to our success: if our employees stand out, we, as a company, can stand out. If you're at your best, we're at ours."

The assessment vendor is asking you to give them a reason to hire you while studying your behavior to ascertain if you believe in what you are saying. They are evaluating your verbal and non-verbal cues for signs of honesty and confidence in your skills and whether you can identify what sets you apart from the other candidates. Answer with sincerity. If you can align your interests with what this opportunity offers, all the better.

How do you balance your personal and work life?

"I plan everything whenever I can. I make big-batch meals from scratch on the weekend and take care of my health. I also manage my time well and make sure my wardrobe is all squared away in advance. I set things up to ensure my mornings run smoothly, enabling me to consistently get to work early or to afford ample time to address the needs of my home. The more prepared I am, the less stressed I feel when something unpredictable comes along."

"Work-Life Balance" is a big priority. Prudential advertises for their employees. They advertise that they are "Invested in you. And your life." Yet, if they are going to put in efforts towards this aim, they will look for assurances you will meet them halfway. "Work isn't your life. It's one part of it. It's not just talk." Show them how you balance all the competing aspects of your life by prioritizing your emotional well-being, reducing stress at work and home, and effectively managing your time.

HireVue's algorithm will evaluate your consistency throughout the set. That includes how consistent your non-verbal cues are with what you say and whether you unintentionally contradict yourself from the answer to answer or from what you've detailed on your resume. Your answer will also inform them of your attention to detail and the consistency they can expect from your work performance.

How can Prudential Financial motivate you on the job?

"I would love to work towards working with these types of clients (give specific example) and focusing on these types of policies (give specific example), with the intention and graduating towards this type of work in this sector (give specific example). That is the type of work I find most rewarding, and although I have done a bit of it, I would feel most satisfied doing more of this, and potentially in a leadership position, where I'd have the opportunity to train others."

When speaking about how you prefer to be motivated on the job, consider the goals you have set out for yourself or the kind of work you prefer to graduate towards. It's important to set your expectations realistically high for how they can ensure your job satisfaction. However, avoid describing incentives such as pay increases or bonuses as a motivator. They want to know how they can earn your loyalty. Financial gains can be offered anywhere, and discussing them here would suggest your loyalty would be easily bought by the highest bidder.

The assessment vendor will scan your video interview for nonverbal cues, such as slouching, folding your arms, or protecting your neck. It will evaluate your professional appearance, such as how tidy and clean your clothing and surroundings are. It will monitor your facial expressions, eye movements, head movements, and hand movements. It will also scan tone for your vocal cues, such as placing stress or emphasis on certain words, stutters, or taking long pauses.

How do you manage your stress?

"Any time I experience stress, I channel that energy into action and productivity. Just keep moving forward, be positive, and have fun. I have no control over what happens to me. The only thing I have control over is how I react to it."

Interviewers ask this question to determine whether you have control over your emotions or allow your stress to affect your performance. Many experience task paralysis when stressed or react unprofessionally, depending on the circumstance. They are interested in how you navigate stress on the job and how you respond in stressful situations. Effectively managing your stress will impact your job satisfaction and prevent burnout syndrome. As Prudential states on their careers page, "Your well-being is a priority."

This question aims to gauge how well you cope with stress. The assessment vendor will screen you on your non-verbal cues, facial expressions, eye movements, body movements, tells and posture, and the nuances of tone and choice of words. More often than not, when a person recalls stressful situations, they'll revert to the emotional state of stress of that situation. Consider this when you aim to convey that you keep calm under pressure. So practice and meditate on those moments where you acted decisively and drove success for your teams. Reflecting on your best moments, convey how you manage your stress in those best of times. Focus on the pride of that moment and let your confidence and emotional maturity shine.

Tell me about your most significant achievement while collaborating with others.

"There was a big project, and our entire department was divided into groups of four. I set the pace for our work and helped those in our group with the parts when I finished mine early. They all felt even more motivated when they finished ahead of the rest of our department, and they followed my lead and started helping other groups with their work. That had a domino effect. The department beat our deadline by days. It was a great feeling. Determination and positivity were all it took."

Whether you lead a team or significantly contributed to a team effort, think of an occasion where you went above and beyond. The heart of this question is not only to evaluate the ownership you take of the work you are involved with and your sense of team collaboration but how well you work across disciplines, learn from colleagues, create a welcoming environment, discover smart solutions, and contribute to new outcomes.

Exhibit an emotionally mature perspective as you explain how your participation ultimately leads to a successful resolution. Posture yourself in a relaxed and comfortable position. Focus on the positives and how the overall outcome benefitted the team.

What kind of experience do you have working in a cross functional environment?

"I had a client who had a wealth of concerns. They explained that they needed to talk to several representatives from different departments and said they'd need the phone numbers for each department. I asked them to give me a full breakdown of everything they needed and wrote everything down. I then told them I'd take care of it and called over to every department and addressed their concerns one by one. I then called the client back, and they were elated."

"You can make a difference at Prudential in any position, on any team." This question focuses on your sense of collaboration and interpersonal skills. When working in customer service, one will often work with other departments on a client's behalf. Share your experiences, whether coordinating something with another department or building an interdisciplinary team.

Prudential Financial HireVue Interview Questions

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1. Tell us about yourself.
2. Tell us about a person you admire who serves as a source of inspiration.
3. How would you define integrity?
4. What three words would you use to describe yourself?
5. Are you a numbers person or a people person?
6. What are you looking for in a company? Why Prudential?
7. Where do you imagine your career taking you in the next five years?
8. Why are you currently looking for employment?
9. How would you explain Deferred Annuities in laymen's terms to a potential client?
10. Have you done any volunteer work?
11. Would you rather work with a client with a high net worth or someone who was low-income and reliant on you to achieve financial security?
12. When and where was Prudential founded?
13. Tell us about a time you experienced a conflict with a coworker or a client.
14. Describe your approach to customer service.
15. Tell us about a time you had to deal with a volatile client who was unhappy with the outcome of their investment.
16. Are you willing to undergo a background check?
17. Are you willing to travel for work?
18. How do you like to spend your spare time?
19. How would you feel about working in a culturally diverse and inclusive environment?
20. What are Prudential's eight BRGs?
21. How do you stay informed and relevant as a trusted professional?
22. What is your greatest growth opportunity?
23. Tell us about a time you made a mistake on the job. How did you correct it?
24. Tell us about a time you demonstrated leadership.
25. What is your strongest attribute?
26. How do you balance your personal and work life?
27. How can Prudential Financial motivate you on the job?
28. How do you manage your stress?
29. Tell me about your most significant achievement while collaborating with others.
30. What kind of experience do you have working in a cross functional environment?

Prudential Financial HireVue Interview Questions

1. Tell us about yourself.

2. Tell us about a person you admire who serves as a source of inspiration.

3. How would you define integrity?

4. What three words would you use to describe yourself?

5. Are you a numbers person or a people person?

6. What are you looking for in a company? Why Prudential?

7. Where do you imagine your career taking you in the next five years?

8. Why are you currently looking for employment?

9. How would you explain Deferred Annuities in laymen's terms to a potential client?

10. Have you done any volunteer work?

11. Would you rather work with a client with a high net worth or someone who was low-income and reliant on you to achieve financial security?

12. When and where was Prudential founded?

13. Tell us about a time you experienced a conflict with a coworker or a client.

14. Describe your approach to customer service.

15. Tell us about a time you had to deal with a volatile client who was unhappy with the outcome of their investment.

16. Are you willing to undergo a background check?

17. Are you willing to travel for work?

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

19. How would you feel about working in a culturally diverse and inclusive environment?

20. What are Prudential's eight BRGs?

21. How do you stay informed and relevant as a trusted professional?

22. What is your greatest growth opportunity?

23. Tell us about a time you made a mistake on the job. How did you correct it?

24. Tell us about a time you demonstrated leadership.

25. What is your strongest attribute?

26. How do you balance your personal and work life?

27. How can Prudential Financial motivate you on the job?

28. How do you manage your stress?

29. Tell me about your most significant achievement while collaborating with others.

30. What kind of experience do you have working in a cross functional environment?