Interview Questions

Actuary Interview Questions


An Actuary uses mathematics, computer science, and statistics to assess the risks associated with certain events and helps companies plan for or reduce the financial repercussions should these events occur. Actuaries evaluate, manage and advise on financial risks. They apply their knowledge of business and economics, together with their understanding of probability theory, statistics and investment theory, to provide strategic, commercial and financial advice.

The core of actuarial work lies within pensions and insurance, where professionals are most likely to start off. Some actuaries may move on to investment banks at a later stage. Actuarial work can be diverse and ranges from highly technical roles developing complex financial products in investment banks or pensions and insurance companies to consultancy roles for those seeking a client-facing career.

Whether you're a job seeker preparing to be interviewed for the role of Actuary or an employer preparing to interview candidates for Actuary position, these Actuary interview questions will help you prepare yourself for the job interview session.

Actuary Interview Questions

Below are a list of some skill-based Actuary interview questions.

  1. How long have you been an actuary?
  2. Which actuarial programs are you familiar with?
  3. Which fields in actuarial science have you worked in?
  4. Can you tell me about the most interesting actuarial project you have worked on during your career or education?
  5. What's your method for ensuring compliance?
  6. How would you explain what an actuarial report is to someone who is not familiar with it?
  7. Tell me what you know about the current actuarial laws and regulations.
  8. How does one use a cumulative distribution function in statistics?
  9. What skills do you think are necessary to be successful as an actuary?
  10. Name some of the most common actuarial software used in industry?
  11. Tell me about the benefits and disadvantages of different actuarial software.
  12. Explain the role of the actuary in investment.
  13. Suppose you identify an error on a spreadsheet that you've already submitted. How do you remedy the situation?
  14. Explain what does a pension actuary do?
  15. Have you passed all actuarial exams? Can you tell me why or why not?
  16. Are you a member of the Casualty Actuarial Society?
  17. What makes you a good actuary?
  18. Describe Your Daily Routine As An Actuary
  19. Please tell me what actuarial life tables are and why they are useful?
  20. Can you tell me a little about the pros and cons of some of the actuarial software you have worked with before?
  21. Explain what you enjoy about working as an actuary?
  22. Can you explain how lognormal distribution is used in the context of insurance actuarial practices?
  23. How does the degree of confidence impact the risk-management system?
  24. What do you know about SAS and TAS?

Actuary Interview Questions and Answers

Every interview is different and the questions may vary. However, there are lots of general questions that get asked at every interview.

Below are some common questions you'd expect during Actuary interviews. Click on each question to see how to answer them.

  1. What is Your Greatest Weakness?
  2. Why Do You Want This Job?
  3. Are You a Leader or a Follower?
  4. Why Should We Hire You?
  5. Tell Me About Yourself
  6. What is Your Salary Expectation?
  7. What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment?
  8. What is Your Greatest Strength?
  9. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?
  10. Why Do You Want To Leave Your Current Job?

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