I had a final round interview for the actuarial analyst position this Monday, still the same building and same meeting people. Got on the 9 o’clock morning bus to Sydney and had a lunch, then a coffee, was nervous for a little bit then calmed myself before I went into the building.
I had to do a 30min writing test which consisted of three questions, first two calculations and the third one related to customer service. I couldn’t really recall the concept of “surrender rate”, so I made two mistakes for the first question. But the next two, I don’t know how it will be evaluated. Even though the hiring manager (who I felt very ease having interview last time) told me the test is designated to check candidates’ logical thinking and analytical skills, the correct answers are not necessary, I still felt annoyed on the bus back because I then realised how to do the first question correctly.
After the test, I had an interview, which was more like random chat with the chief actuary. After that, another chat with two senior analysts. They didn’t ask any behavioural questions (ie. ask me to provide them a specific example to demonstrate my strength), all they did was looking at my resume and picked random bits that interested them to ask me.
Both “interviews” asked about my volunteer experience at the Japanese film festival. “Is the festival big? Why did you do it?”
Both asked me which course during university I have enjoyed the most. I had this question in the previous interview too. I guess, spending 5 years in university completing so many subjects, it would be interesting for them to know what I liked the most. The chief actuary asked about my understanding of “actuary and the works they do”, also asked if I still remember the content of “international banking” course, luckily I had some memories of it due to HSBC phone interview as well as the lecturer. I mentioned about Basel regulations and risk management.
We also talked about my exchange and travel experiences. The chief even asked about my UAI score (ACT system) because I stated top 0.1%. Since it was all random question that didn’t really help me to show my motivation or strengths, I really had to try to seize the opportunity each time I got asked some relevant questions.
From the two seniors, I learned that the team is pretty laid-back though the work and the hours can be a bit annoying, but it seems the culture is good and friendly. Talking to them is just to test if I can fit into the team.
Though I think my weakness now is that I still haven’t completed my Part I exemptions.
Fingers crossed.
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