Do you consider yourself a creative thinker in the workplace or do you prefer to follow a predetermined set of rules?

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

Most organizations prefer to hire candidates who can apply creative thinking when needed, but can also follow protocol and guidelines. If you lean a little more towards one or the other in regard to your skills or personal preference, share that. Doing so could help them place you within their teams, according to your talents, with clear indicators on how to motivate you in your work. However, assure the interviewer that you are an individual who can strike a balance between both.

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

"I like to apply creative thinking when needed but can also follow a protocol and guidelines."

"I like to apply creative thinking when needed, but I follow protocols & guidelines. For example, I had a customer who needed an item our distributors did not carry. I spoke with my manager about ordering the item from a website & obtained permission to proceed."

Have you ever been in a position where you supported an unpopular company policy?

"Sometimes we have to trust in the decision-making processes of upper management, even when at first glance we might disagree with those decisions. We all have a job to do, their jobs are tougher than mine, and it's my job to make their tough job easier, as much as I am able. So I just do all I can do to put my all in when it comes to supporting the operations of the business and our teams."

Policy changes can play out through the growth of any company. Such change can be challenging. This question seeks to understand how you personally deal with, and adapt to change, and how you foster positive growth in the workplace. Provide an example of a situation where you faced such a challenge. Explain how your course of action generated positive insights towards the bigger picture and the end goal. Come across as a supporting influence for your employer. Avoid describing situations in which the change negatively affected you or your outlook. You should not sound like you were sowing dissent in the workplace or contributing to upheaval.

How do you feel about the more monotonous aspects of the job?

"I'm indifferent to that part of the job. I take pride in my work, no matter what I'm doing, and have several systems and processes for every aspect of what I do. When you are good at what you do, you enjoy the work. So I set myself up for success for that aspect of the job a long time ago."

Your interviewer will ask this question to gauge if you lean towards one aspect of the job versus another. They're interested if you thrive on this solitary, more introverted work and less so on the more social aspect of the job, or if you don't prefer that work, and lean more towards social interaction and collaboration. Try to strike a balance when you answer this question. Whether your personality type leans more towards introverted or extroverted tasks, try to present yourself as closer to the center of the scale. The impression you want to set is that you are up to any challenge without hesitation.

When have you shown great integrity at work?

"In my last position, I was responsible for the cash deposit on a daily basis. There was never a discrepancy, in the 4 years that I worked there. I best show my integrity by being a consistently reliable employee."

Integrity can mean a lot of things to a lot of different people. What they are hoping to learn about you is how your core values and work ethic inform your decision making. Taking responsibility for your own actions, looking out for the interest of the team, supporting the vision or your leaders, all while protecting the company's assets and interests are good points to touch on. Research your own background and share a related example where you displayed great integrity in a way that is consistent with your nature.

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

"I’m honest to express and raise any concerns. For example, if there’s a sudden change with a new task demanding me to drop everything I’m doing but it has a conflict with a particular task that is critical for meeting an urgent timeline, I would not simply say yes to that new task, and I would immediately raise my concern with delaying the critical task."

Do you think honesty is always the best policy?

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

This question isn't about subjectivity or the logistics of honesty. What this question hopes to answer are your intentions and your integrity. Being honest about someone else's mistakes which they've already corrected and had no need to be brought to the attention of management might be transparent and honest, but motivated by self interest at the detriment of your teammate. This question is all about what the semantics of your answer could reveal about you and your intentions.

"I do feel that honesty is the best policy so long as the honest comment does not come with the intention of being hurtful."

"I do feel honesty is the best policy provided; it does not have a negative result."

What causes you to feel dissatisfied on the job?

"I can feel dissatisfaction on the job when I am not feeling heard or when there is not a mutual respect among the team members. I work best in more harmonious situations where there is little drama or gossip."

Everyone will have their own particular triggers that cause them to feel dissatisfaction with their job. Talk to the interviewer about any factors that may deflate or discourage you in the workplace. Focus on your overall career goals, aligning your answer with your motivators in this regard, exhibiting a drive to pursue continual growth. In this regard, stagnation, or plugging along with the status quo, could lead to job dissatisfaction for an ambitious, career minded individual. Turn answering this question into an opportunity to give them further clear expectations of what you are looking to accomplish in your next role.

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

"I can fell dissatisfaction on the job when I'm not feeling heard or when there is not mutual respect among team members, also when someone is dishonest."

"I feel dissatisfaction on the job when there is not mutual respect among departments. All departments need to understand we are each here for a common goal & if there is a lack of mutual respect as to what each department offers, it can lead to alienation."

"I felt dissatisfied on the job when I was overworked, the results I produced weren’t recognized, and mutual trust can’t be established among my teammates and me."

When have you had to think quickly in response to sudden change?

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

The heart of this question is how well you deal with stressful situations on the job. Sudden changes can be wildly interpreted in a variety of ways. Assure the interviewer that you are capable of responding quickly and professionally to sudden changes in the workplace. Relay that even in the most stressful situations, you have complete governance over your emotions and are wholly capable of performing under even the most strenuous circumstances.

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

"In 2019 as a supervisor at Optum, we were in the process of moving clients to a new system platform that was changing several times a month as enhancements were made. I would quickly review the enhancements, meet with my team & present how to incorporate the changes into our processes."

"I had to think of re-prioritize all my current assignments to handle the sudden changes. For instance, one day I was asked by my manager to update one of the infrastructure’s architectural diagram for his presentation, I quickly shifted gears, dropped everything I was doing, focused on the updates, and then provided the updated diagram to my manager."

How do you like to be recognized for your accomplishments?

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

We all hold a desire for our accomplishments to be recognized. By asking you your personal preference they'll be able to evaluate how their teams could potentially motivate and maximize your productivity in this role. Share with the interviewer the unique ways you prefer to be recognized for your hard work. Share what encentivizes you to put your all in.

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

"I consider myself an achiever & find the best way for me to be recognized is with words of recognition & entrusted with projects that are typically outside my immediate job function. I am easily encouraged when I know my hard work is recognized."

"The best way to be recognized for a job well done is to be given words of kindness and recognition. The best reward for me is to know that my hard work is being noticed."

Would you rather work face to face with clients, or behind the scenes in a more research and analysis based role?

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

This question seeks to assess where you stand on the scale of being more of an extrovert than an introvert. Most individuals display both to different degrees, and don't wholly lean one way or the other. Ideally, you want to strike a balance, displaying a flexibility to perform in either sphere. Talk to the interviewer about your preference for a number crunching role vs. a customer facing role. No matter your preference, be sure to highlight your ability to be a proud face of the company, and rise to the occasion.

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

"I am more of a problem solver & prefer to be in the background or over the phone making solutions happen. With that said, I'm still a people person & will always put my best self forward in any customer-facing situation."

Do you prefer to work with clients on their business/commercial insurance needs, or health/life insurance needs? Why?

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

Some Insurance companies focus solely on commercial/business insurance while others work strictly on health/life insurance. Other insurance companies offer a full suite of services. Before interviewing with State Farm be sure that you understand exactly what they offer their clients, and what this position entails. Your answer should highlight the ways in which the company and your background align.

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

"Business and commercial insurance, because I was a business owner, and I know the importance of understanding all about business insurance."

"I understand that State Farm offers a full suite of services to its clients. As a new claims associate in the industry, I have not formed a preference & I'm confident I will succeed in whichever Insurance needs State Farm places me in."

At State Farm we prefer to hire individuals with longevity in mind. Where do you see your career 5 years from now?

"As you can see on my resume, I have strong tenure with my previous employers. I would love nothing more than to find a long-term home where I can naturally grow. Over the next 5 years I would love to be promoted within State Farm as I prove my strengths and abilities."

Interviewing, vetting, and hiring a new team member is an expensive and time-consuming process. Therefore, they want to ensure the candidate they hire aligns with their priorities. An ideal candidate is career focussed, with professional growth as their primary goal. Anytime an interviewer asks where you see yourself in five years, they are asking if you have put thought into this, as well as planning out your career goals. If you haven't already, draft up a five-year-career-plan. Update it regularly, and have the most current version with you. Map out clearly the career goals you have set for yourself for the next five years, detailing how this opportunity aligns with those goals. Assure the interviewer that if you were hired on with State Farm that you plan to stay long term.

"In 5 years I would like to see myself as part of your executive team. I would also like to see the size of my portfolio triple in value from where it is today."

How do you respond to feedback?

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

Receiving feedback from a manager or supervisor can be tough. You can't always predict what they may say. You might not always agree with them either, and you also can't always predict how you might feel in response. Displaying that sometimes feedback can elicit a more in-depth conversation, and that you take what you learn in stride with the aim to consistently improve upon your skills is key. The goal is in presenting as emotionally intelligent, and capable of communicating non-defensively.

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

"Criticism is tough to hear, and I always pause before responding, which allows me time to think about it. If it's something that catches me off guard, I ask for clarification. I always look at feedback as opportunities to grow, so I seek it out when I have my monthly 1:1 with my manager."

What do you know about the culture at State Farm?

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

Before you interview with State Farm, it is imperative you perform your research on the company culture, values, and mission. This includes pouring over the company website, reading up on any media releases or interviews with their executives, checking for online customer reviews, employee reviews, and gaining insider knowledge of the company. Display to the interviewer that you are engaged in the interview process by doing your homework on them.

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

"I have researched State Farm and have found your company maintains a strong focus on family-based atmosphere."

"State Farm is committed to community involvement as well as diversity inclusion. State Farm invests in their employee's success through extensive training & providing a committed leadership team."

Rate your communication skills from 1-10 with proper examples backing your given rating.

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

This question is designed to evaluate the importance you place on communication. Offer your clear understanding of how communication is more than getting everyone on the same page. It's about how a message is conveyed. Displaying an ability to adapt your communication style to that of your coworkers. Describe the steps you take to ensure the message sent is the message received. Offering the steps you've taken in the past to contribute to enhancing clearer communication in the workplace. This is an opportunity to present yourself as a desirable candidate.

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

"I rate my communication skills as 8/10 as I had had times when I was not clear as I would like to be. My colleagues & team will attest to my clear communication skills. Because I am an open individual, my team would let me know if I needed to clarify anything."

Tell me about an error or mistake you made because of a breakdown in communication from you or one of your team members.

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

On occasion, mistakes will happen, and communication will break down. Talk to the interviewer about a time where this occurred, and your approach towards resolving the situation. Whatever the inciting event, display your ability to quickly adapt to the situation and not be governed by your stress. What steps did you take to quickly correct the mistake? Highlight your resourcefulness, the strong communication skills employed, without painting yourself or others, in a less than favorable light.

"I had a manager text me one time about a client who was not happy with the results of my work. I was really upset, because I try my best at all times, and felt that the conversation would have been better delivered to me in-person. The next day, I approached the manager and requested that future communication of that nature be conducted in person, versus text message. I did apologize for my initially defensive reaction."

"I had an instance where I misread an email from one of my team members. I thought she was giving pushback to instructions I had just provided. After our tense conversation, she clarified her response & I found myself mistaken. She & I agreed to exercise clear written communication to avoid a similar situation from happening again."

How would you describe your relationship with your customers or clients?

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

Every brand aims to appeal to their ideal demographics, building upon their brand culture, which is designed to inspire brand loyalty with their client base. When describing the value you place on your client relationships, align your approach with the culture of State Farm's brand. Describe how you go about nurturing strong client relationships to ensure they're happy and continue to come back.

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

"My customers & clients are important to me. A happy client helps me achieve my goals & creates/maintains company revenue by creating more referrals. My relationships can be best described as open & honest. I have found the more upfront I was with my clients & setting clear expectations resulted in the client having confidence I will get the job done. I will leverage this same philosophy with State Farm customers by providing honest and well-researched answers to their questions."

"My customers and client relationships are best described as open and honest. I believe that the more upfront and transparent you're with your clients the more likely they are to return."

"I’m open and honest with my customers. If I made mistakes, I would apologize. If there are things I can’t do immediately, I will provide them with better estimates of my target timeline. When I have any concerns that may impact my customers, I will inform them as soon as possible."

Tell me about your post-secondary experience and how it prepared you for a career with State Farm?

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

The interviewer would like to know what transferable skills and knowledge you gained throughout your education which has prepared you for this opportunity. You can choose from your coursework, internships, clubs, extracurricular activities, or valuable life lessons you learned at that stage of your life. Consider any and every valuable lesson you've applied to your success moving forward.

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

"Despite not having working experience with Python and AWS, I’ve completed Python fundamentals coursework offered by my current employer and I’m preparing for my AWS certified practitioner exam."

Have you obtained any Insurance related certifications or licenses?

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

Some positions within State Farm require special certifications or licensing. These requirements may differ, depending on the state. Volunteer any additional certifications you hold or are pursuing, and for those instances where the information isn't readily available online, be sure to clarify their expectations and requirements.

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

"No, but I'm willing to obtain any certification or licenses needed."

"Yes, I enrolled & completed an online pre-licensing Georgia Adjuster course, passed the GA state exam & just recently obtained my P&C GA adjuster license."

The Insurance industry boasts new trends and developments quite frequently. How do you stay on top of these changes?

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

Being 'in-the-know' within the Insurance industry takes dedication as it is an ever-changing landscape. Talk to the interviewer about the ways in which you pursue further learning activities, be it reading blogs, periodicals, or attending lectures, and any other methods you employ to stay on top of new developments in the Insurance industry.

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

"I subscribe to some Insurance groups & companies to stay in the know of new trends & developments. Do you have resource recommendations & your favorite method for staying on top of industry trends?"

Within State Farm, many of our positions require a bachelor's or master's degree. Have you considered furthering your education in order to advance your career?

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

While it may not be required for all positions, some roles within State Farm may require a higher post-secondary education. Yet, even if it isn't a requirement, they clearly place great value on continued education. Talk to the interviewer about your willingness to expand on your post-secondary education.

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

"Yes, I am always open to additional training & coursework. Although I do not have a degree, I'm always looking at relevant training to succeed in current roles & advancement."

What type of work environment allows you to be the most productive?

"I understand that your work environment is very collaborative. I come from a similar environment and found that I could be very productive when there was the "

Be sure to research the type of environment that is offered in this position prior to the interview. An ideal employee displays an adaptability to be productive in any environment and being able to rise to the occasion to wear many hats. Therefore, it is important to recognize this question doesn't ask what singular environment you need to work to perform your job, but rather what environment you thrive in the most. When framing your answer, try not to lean too far in one direction. Preface your answer with an ability to adapt to any environment. From there, use this an opportunity to showcase the systems and processes you've developed for yourself that allows to be the most productive. Then describe how the work environment that facilitates those systems and processes ensures your delivery of exceeding expectation. Then follow up with your aim to put your all in and be the best applies to any environment.

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

"Coming from a call center environment, there are many distractions on the floor, for example, noise. I've learned to tune out background noise as appropriate to focus on my phone conversation with my customer. At the same time, I thrive in collaborative environments & I understand this role to be a similar environment."

Have you ever worked in a cross-functional environment?

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

If you work for a larger company, you may have been asked to work on a project with teams from other departments. Your ability to work with cross-functional teams will prove as an asset to your potential employer, especially if they are a larger organization. Share any challenges that came up and what you learned from the experience.

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

"Yes, for many years. Primarily with Sales, Provider Relations & the Billing team. Clear communication & clear expectations are key when collaborating with different teams."

How do you feel globalization has affected the Insurance industry?

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

Globalization is a business concept that encourages international trade in order to strengthen the economic situation between countries. Perform research on this, and any other relevant topics before your interview. There may be articles or bits of media where State Farm's executives discuss this issue. Think of it as scoring extra credit points on a very important test. Taking an informed approach, discuss with the interviewer your thoughts on how this practice may be affecting the Insurance industry, slipping in any other tidbits that showcase your in-depth knowledge on this subject.

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

Insurance contracts can be detailed and lengthy. How do you help your clients to understand their Insurance contract?

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

This question focuses on your communication skills. Client contracts and policies can be full of difficult to understand details, which often need to be translated to layman's terms for the average client. Take the interviewer through your process when it comes to intuitively explaining contracts and policies to your customers, and how you ensure that the message sent is the message received. How do you reduce the potential for any rework or confused communication issues down the road? Assure the interviewer that your communication skills are solid.

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

"I understand how complicated policies & contracts can be for some. I will walk them through each section & explain in a way for them to understand."

What are your salary expectations?

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

This is the only appropriate time to discuss pay in the early interview process. Yet refrain from blurting out an expectation or a flat number. Better to present your worth by first presenting your current earnings. But don't just detail your wage or salary. Also provide any and all the following; bonuses, incentives, commissions, tips, medical, dental, vision, 401K, transportation perks, stock shares, etc. Contrast your current earnings with where you feel you are on your career path, the job market, cost of living, what your current employer has offered you to stay on with them, and any other factors that could influence your number. This should give them a reasonable expectation of your value and worth.

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

Do you feel performance should be rewarded over experience?

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

This behavioral question aims to gauge your reaction and how you'll interpret this question. Answering whether you feel you should be paid based on tenure or results could speak to what you have to offer. Instead, remain objective and strike a balance between both, depending on the priorities. There are employees that do a fine job, but cruise along day in and day out, having mastered predictably delivering according to the status quo. Although that can have its merits, based on the function of their job, it shouldn't out way innovation and performers who have less seniority but always exceed expectations, going way above and beyond the status quo. Consider these points when formulating your answer.

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

"I feel that employees should be paid and rewarded based on their performance."

How often do you take work home with you?

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

A willingness to work overtime hours or take work home with you can advertise you are a team player. For others, it might a reveal poor time management skills, and having a poor work/life balance. Talk to the interviewer about your time management skills, how you balance your personal life with your work life, how you go about ensuring you meet deadlines, and your flexibility to go the extra mile when the needs of the team call for it.

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

"I make sure to utilize my work hours very efficiently when there is a deadline."

"I make sure to utilize my work hours very efficiently, so I rarely found myself in this situation. If there are business needs requiring overtime or taking work home, I am open to it. How often does a claims associate take work home?"

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

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

Disclose to the interviewer the size of your current, or most recent, insurance portfolio. Share your understanding of the size of portfolio that you expect of this position. Assure them you are perfectly equipped to handle the volume and challenges required, setting yourself as an ideal candidate. Share any relevant examples of where you faced similar challenges and how you navigated them with confident capability.

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

"I supported over $150M in revenue, utilizing a team of over 15 customer service representatives. Although challenging, the size of the portfolio was manageable."

Since beginning your career in Insurance, what do you feel has been the most significant industry change?

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

Discuss with the interviewer your thoughts on any relevant changes impacting the Insurance industry. This is a perfect opportunity to display your passion and insight when it comes to your profession. Be sure to keep your answer in a positive and conversational tone as opposed to heavily opinionated. Maintain an optimistic outlook, focussing on the positives.

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

"The most significant change since 1999 I have seen in the insurance has to do with technology, there are so many mobile trends now, including apps that make information simple and easy to access."

"Coming to work for State Farm will be my initial entry into the Insurance industry. As a customer, I have noticed many technology changes over the years, specifically how to access & make changes to my own policy by introducing apps."

What leadership qualities do you possess?

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

Some people cannot wait to step into a leadership role, but that doesn't necessarily mean they have the skills to perform as a great leader. There are others who display natural tendencies towards leadership, but prefer not to step into those roles. Before answering this question, consider your leadership style and philosophy. Think about leaders you admire and the qualities they possess which inspire you. Then back up your experience with your approach.

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

"I always felt that I maintained an open-door relationship with my team. My engagement & supportive leadership led to increased employee retention."

State Farm Interview Questions

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1. Do you consider yourself a creative thinker in the workplace or do you prefer to follow a predetermined set of rules?
2. Have you ever been in a position where you supported an unpopular company policy?
3. How do you feel about the more monotonous aspects of the job?
4. When have you shown great integrity at work?
5. Do you think honesty is always the best policy?
6. What causes you to feel dissatisfied on the job?
7. When have you had to think quickly in response to sudden change?
8. How do you like to be recognized for your accomplishments?
9. Would you rather work face to face with clients, or behind the scenes in a more research and analysis based role?
10. Do you prefer to work with clients on their business/commercial insurance needs, or health/life insurance needs? Why?
11. At State Farm we prefer to hire individuals with longevity in mind. Where do you see your career 5 years from now?
12. How do you respond to feedback?
13. What do you know about the culture at State Farm?
14. Rate your communication skills from 1-10 with proper examples backing your given rating.
15. Tell me about an error or mistake you made because of a breakdown in communication from you or one of your team members.
16. How would you describe your relationship with your customers or clients?
17. Tell me about your post-secondary experience and how it prepared you for a career with State Farm?
18. Have you obtained any Insurance related certifications or licenses?
19. The Insurance industry boasts new trends and developments quite frequently. How do you stay on top of these changes?
20. Within State Farm, many of our positions require a bachelor's or master's degree. Have you considered furthering your education in order to advance your career?
21. What type of work environment allows you to be the most productive?
22. Have you ever worked in a cross-functional environment?
23. How do you feel globalization has affected the Insurance industry?
24. Insurance contracts can be detailed and lengthy. How do you help your clients to understand their Insurance contract?
25. What are your salary expectations?
26. Do you feel performance should be rewarded over experience?
27. How often do you take work home with you?
28. In your most recent position, what was the size of your client portfolio? Was that manageable for you?
29. Since beginning your career in Insurance, what do you feel has been the most significant industry change?
30. What leadership qualities do you possess?

State Farm Interview Questions

1. Do you consider yourself a creative thinker in the workplace or do you prefer to follow a predetermined set of rules?

2. Have you ever been in a position where you supported an unpopular company policy?

3. How do you feel about the more monotonous aspects of the job?

4. When have you shown great integrity at work?

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

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

7. When have you had to think quickly in response to sudden change?

8. How do you like to be recognized for your accomplishments?

9. Would you rather work face to face with clients, or behind the scenes in a more research and analysis based role?

10. Do you prefer to work with clients on their business/commercial insurance needs, or health/life insurance needs? Why?

11. At State Farm we prefer to hire individuals with longevity in mind. Where do you see your career 5 years from now?

12. How do you respond to feedback?

13. What do you know about the culture at State Farm?

14. Rate your communication skills from 1-10 with proper examples backing your given rating.

15. Tell me about an error or mistake you made because of a breakdown in communication from you or one of your team members.

16. How would you describe your relationship with your customers or clients?

17. Tell me about your post-secondary experience and how it prepared you for a career with State Farm?

18. Have you obtained any Insurance related certifications or licenses?

19. The Insurance industry boasts new trends and developments quite frequently. How do you stay on top of these changes?

20. Within State Farm, many of our positions require a bachelor's or master's degree. Have you considered furthering your education in order to advance your career?

21. What type of work environment allows you to be the most productive?

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

23. How do you feel globalization has affected the Insurance industry?

24. Insurance contracts can be detailed and lengthy. How do you help your clients to understand their Insurance contract?

25. What are your salary expectations?

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

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

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

29. Since beginning your career in Insurance, what do you feel has been the most significant industry change?

30. What leadership qualities do you possess?