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

"Every valuable piece of knowledge gained from my Bachelor of Business Administration Degree will be applied to my work with TIAA. 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 TIAA."

The interviewer would like to know that the knowledge you gained during your post-secondary studies is going to be applied here, if you are hired. Assure the interviewer that you have gained transferable knowledge and that you are prepared to apply that knowledge.

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

"I do not have any plans for post-secondary schooling but would welcome any additional certifications if recommended."

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. Assure the interviewer that you are an individual who can achieve 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."

"We are in an industry of compliance and regulations. So, I consider myself a creative thinker while proceeding within our guidelines as an industry."

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 TIAA will require you to hold special certification or licensing. These requirements may be different depending on the State that you are working in as well. Talk to the interviewer about any additional certifications you may hold and be sure to ask about their expectations and needs.

"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 TIAA."

"Yes, I have a 215 license and a Master Mentor designation from a sales-related course."

When it comes to Insurance, would you rather work face to face with clients, or in the background in a 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."

After researching TIAA, do you feel that they have a strong reputation based around customer relationship? Talk to the interviewer about your preference around number crunching vs. customer facing. No matter your preference, be sure to highlight your ability to be a proud face of the company.

"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 would always prefer to work face-to-face with my clients. That way I can see their reactions firsthand."

At TIAA 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 TIAA as I prove my strengths and abilities."

Interviewing, vetting, and hiring a new team member is an expensive and time consuming effort for any company. Assure the interviewer that if you were hired on with TIAA 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."

"I see myself with this company and my AUM growing exponentially through hard work and determination."

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

"I understand that TIAA 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 TIAA be sure that you understand exactly what they offer their clients. Your answer should highlight the ways that the company and your background are a match.

"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."

"I feel very confident in both business and personal life insurance needs. If I had to choose 1 I would choose health and life. I would grow into the business and commercial needs after completing their personal life insurance needs."

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 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?"

"Our field is everchanging. That is why we must daily spend time researching and never stop learning. That is what will separate an average planner from an exceptional one."

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. Discuss with the interviewer your thoughts on how this practice may be affecting the Insurance industry.

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

"Globalization is not optional. It has given the insurance industry the opportunity to bring its technology up to date and allow advisors to be more competitive with up-to-date tools."

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 change within the Insurance industry. This is a perfect opportunity to display your passion and insight when it comes to your industry. Be sure to keep your answer in a positive and conversational tone as opposed to heavily opinionated.

"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 idea of lifetime income as we continue to live longer. It is strategic in the fact we can have our money in the market but be growing another stream of income for our clients and their spouse."

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 TIAA?"

If you are interviewing for an account manager or sales related role with TIAA, have you inquired into the size of portfolio that you are expected to manage? Disclose to the interviewer the size of your current, or most recent, insurance portfolio. Assure them that you are able to handle the volume required of you, should you be offered the position.

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

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."

No matter which Insurance company you work for, the client contracts and policies will likely be full of detail and be difficult to understand, for the typical layman. Take the interviewer through your process when it comes to explaining contracts and policies to your customers. 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."

"They can be confusing. So, I am careful to take each portion and explain, simplify, ask questions, and document the conversation, before going on to the next section."

Within TIAA many of our positions require a Bachelors or Masters 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 TIAA then I am happy to do so."

While it may not be required for all positions, some roles within TIAA may require a higher post-secondary 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."

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 like to be recognized in some way for our accomplishments in the workplace. Share with the interviewer how you would like to be recognized for your hard work. Through gifts? Financial perks? Public recognition? Kind words? Title promotions?

"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."

"Everyone wants to be recognized for their accomplishments. I am not any different. It is very rewarding to be noticed and valued as a member of the team."

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 another department. Your ability to work with cross-functional teams will be a big asset to your potential employer, especially if they are a larger organization. Maybe you headed a project which required you to collaborate with the members from the engineering and sales teams. You may have had the opportunity to organize a volunteer activity or team building exercise, company-wide. 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."

"I have worked with other teams in a cross-functional environment. I had that in my own office. One team may have had the business insurance and we would work together to bring other services, i.e. financial planning."

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."

Sudden changes will occur in the workplace from time to time. Assure the interviewer that you are capable of responding quickly, and professionally, to sudden changes in the workplace.

"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."

"I find it very easy to pivot a conversation if necessary or meet a deadline that may change my planned day."

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 "

Are you able to be productive in any environment? Are there particular types of environments that you find distracting? Discuss your preferences with the interviewer. Be sure to research the type of environment that is offered in this position prior to the interview.

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

"I like the one-on-one personal client meetings but also welcome a fast-paced environment."

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."

On a scale of 1-10, how skilled are you in communication? Why did you choose that particular rating for yourself?

"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."

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 be broken. Talk to the interviewer about a time that this occurred in the workplace. How did you resolve the situation?

"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 remember an error in a timeline I made with a client. I called them told them my mistake and offered a couple of different solutions. They appreciated the call and were open to rescheduling."

What do you know about the culture at TIAA?

"I have researched TIAA 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 TIAA it is very important that you do your research. This includes scanning the company website, checking for online customer reviews, going to Glassdoor.com to view any employee reviews, and perhaps speaking to anyone you know who already works in 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 know TIAA was started back in 1918 and Creff in 1952.It is providing "help to those who are helping others".Put clients firstValue peopleAct with integrity"

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."

Do you value your client and customer relationships? How do you nurture them to ensure that they are happy and continue to come back? Talk to the interviewer about your strategy for strong customer and client relationships.

"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."

"I would say my clients know I care. They believe I want to see them succeed in their financial future. I believe my clients are loyal."

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!"

The interviewer would like to know that you are able to be a great leader, even if your job title does not include formal leadership responsibilities. Talk about a time when you acted as a leader, whether asked or not. For example, you may state, "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 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 am motivated, determined, and willing to learn. I want to succeed, and I want others to do the same."

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, and you also can't always predict how you might feel in response. Learning how to respond when given a performance review or negative feedback is important.

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

"I desire feedback. I always want to know how I am doing whether that is success or areas I can improve on."

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 on the job. Talk to the interviewer about any factors that may deflate or discourage you in the workplace.

"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."

"When I do not have clear training and expectations."

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."

Is honesty always the best policy? Talk to the interviewer about your thoughts on honesty in the workplace.

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

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 is best displayed through honesty and consistent moral values. Talk to the interviewer about the way(s) that you show your integrity in the workplace.

"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."

What are your salary expectations?

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

The best way to discuss your salary expectations are to use your current earnings as an example. Be open, and honest. Transparency is the best choice when salary based questions arise.

"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."

"I am currently making over 6 figures without being with a broker/dealer. I would definitely need to make a lateral move with the ability to increase each year."

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."

Do you feel that you should be paid based on tenure, or results? Discuss this with the interviewer and back your answer with an example, if possible.

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

"Performance is the benchmark for success. We need that in our business so that we keep our skills superior."

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!"

The majority of people will work overtime hours or take work home with them on occasion. Talk to the interviewer about how frequently to take your work home.

"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."

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TIAA Interview Questions

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

TIAA Interview Questions

1. Tell me about your post-secondary experience and how it prepared you for a career with TIAA?

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

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

4. When it comes to Insurance, would you rather work face to face with clients, or in the background in a research and analysis based role?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

19. What do you know about the culture at TIAA?

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

21. What leadership qualities do you possess?

22. How do you respond to feedback?

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

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

25. When have you shown great integrity at work?

26. What are your salary expectations?

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

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