Top interview questions to expect

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Why are you interested in this insurance broker role?
3. What experience do you have in the insurance industry?
4. How do you handle difficult clients?
5. Describe a time you had to overcome a challenge.
6. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
7. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR method is a structured way to answer behavioral interview questions. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. You describe a specific situation, the task you had to complete, the actions you took, and the positive result of your actions.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Tell me about yourself.
* Example Answer: “I’m a highly motivated and results-oriented individual with [Number] years of experience in the insurance industry. I’ve always been passionate about helping people understand and secure the right insurance coverage. In my previous role at [Company Name], I was responsible for [Briefly describe key responsibilities]. I’m known for my strong communication skills, ability to build rapport with clients, and my dedication to providing exceptional customer service. I’m excited to apply my skills and knowledge to this role and contribute to the success of your team.”
* Explanation: This answer effectively uses the STAR method:
* Situation: “I’ve always been passionate about helping people understand and secure the right insurance coverage.”
* Task: “In my previous role at [Company Name], I was responsible for [Briefly describe key responsibilities].”
* Action: “I’m known for my strong communication skills, ability to build rapport with clients, and my dedication to providing exceptional customer service.”
* Result: “I’m excited to apply my skills and knowledge to this role and contribute to the success of your team.”

2. Why are you interested in this insurance broker role?
* Example Answer: “I’m drawn to this role because I’m passionate about helping people navigate the complexities of the insurance market. I’m particularly interested in [Mention specific aspects of the role or company that appeal to you, e.g., working with a specific client base, specializing in a particular type of insurance, or the company’s values]. I believe my skills and experience in [Mention relevant skills and experience] align perfectly with the requirements of this position, and I’m confident I can make a valuable contribution to your team.”
* Explanation: This response demonstrates genuine interest and research.
* Situation: “I’m drawn to this role because I’m passionate about helping people navigate the complexities of the insurance market.”
* Task: “I’m particularly interested in [Mention specific aspects of the role or company that appeal to you, e.g., working with a specific client base, specializing in a particular type of insurance, or the company’s values].”
* Action: “I believe my skills and experience in [Mention relevant skills and experience] align perfectly with the requirements of this position.”
* Result: “I’m confident I can make a valuable contribution to your team.”

3. What experience do you have in the insurance industry?
* Example Answer: “I have [Number] years of experience in the insurance industry, working as a [Previous Role] at [Company Name]. During my time there, I was responsible for [Briefly describe key responsibilities, including specific achievements or successes]. I’ve gained valuable experience in [Mention key skills and knowledge acquired, e.g., understanding different types of insurance, policy analysis, client communication, sales techniques]. I’m confident that my experience and understanding of the insurance landscape will allow me to quickly make a positive impact in this role.”
* Explanation: This answer highlights relevant experience and quantifies achievements.
* Situation: “I have [Number] years of experience in the insurance industry, working as a [Previous Role] at [Company Name].”
* Task: “During my time there, I was responsible for [Briefly describe key responsibilities, including specific achievements or successes].”
* Action: “I’ve gained valuable experience in [Mention key skills and knowledge acquired, e.g., understanding different types of insurance, policy analysis, client communication, sales techniques].”
* Result: “I’m confident that my experience and understanding of the insurance landscape will allow me to quickly make a positive impact in this role.”

4. How do you handle difficult clients?
* Example Answer: “I understand that clients can sometimes be frustrated or have complex needs. My approach is to remain calm and empathetic, actively listening to their concerns. I then work to understand their situation and identify the best solutions to meet their specific needs. I always strive to maintain a positive and professional demeanor, even in challenging situations. For example, I once had a client who was very upset about a claim denial. I patiently explained the reasons for the denial, provided them with the necessary documentation, and offered alternative solutions. Ultimately, we were able to resolve the issue to their satisfaction.”
* Explanation: This answer demonstrates conflict resolution skills and customer-centricity.
* Situation: “I once had a client who was very upset about a claim denial.”
* Task: “I patiently explained the reasons for the denial, provided them with the necessary documentation, and offered alternative solutions.”
* Action: “I always strive to maintain a positive and professional demeanor, even in challenging situations.”
* Result: “Ultimately, we were able to resolve the issue to their satisfaction.”

5. Describe a time you had to overcome a challenge.
* Example Answer: “In a previous role, I was tasked with increasing sales for a specific type of insurance product. The market was highly competitive, and we were facing a decline in sales. I analyzed the market trends, identified our target audience, and developed a new marketing strategy that focused on highlighting the unique benefits of our product. I also implemented a new sales training program for my team to improve their product knowledge and communication skills. As a result of these efforts, we were able to increase sales by [Percentage] within [Timeframe], exceeding our target goals.”
* Explanation: This answer showcases problem-solving skills and initiative.
* Situation: “I was tasked with increasing sales for a specific type of insurance product. The market was highly competitive, and we were facing a decline in sales.”
* Task: “I analyzed the market trends, identified our target audience, and developed a new marketing strategy that focused on highlighting the unique benefits of our product. I also implemented a new sales training program for my team to improve their product knowledge and communication skills.”
* Action: “I analyzed the market trends, identified our target audience, and developed a new marketing strategy that focused on highlighting the unique benefits of our product. I also implemented a new sales training program for my team to improve their product knowledge and communication skills.”
* Result: “As a result of these efforts, we were able to increase sales by [Percentage] within [Timeframe], exceeding our target goals.”

6. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
* Example Answer: “One of my strengths is my ability to build strong relationships with clients. I’m a good listener and communicator, and I always strive to understand their individual needs. I’m also highly organized and detail-oriented, ensuring that all policy information is accurate and complete. One area where I’m working on improvement is my time management skills. I’m learning to prioritize tasks effectively and manage my workload more efficiently. I’m confident that with continued effort, I can further develop this skill.”
* Explanation: This answer provides specific examples of strengths and weaknesses and demonstrates self-awareness.
* Situation: “One of my strengths is my ability to build strong relationships with clients. I’m a good listener and communicator, and I always strive to understand their individual needs.”
* Task: “I’m also highly organized and detail-oriented, ensuring that all policy information is accurate and complete.”
* Action: “One area where I’m working on improvement is my time management skills. I’m learning to prioritize tasks effectively and manage my workload more efficiently.”
* Result: “I’m confident that with continued effort, I can further develop this skill.”

7. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
* Example Answer: “In 5 years, I see myself as a successful and experienced insurance broker, contributing significantly to the growth and success of your team. I’m eager to continue learning and developing my skills in the insurance industry. I’m particularly interested in [Mention specific areas of interest, e.g., specializing in a particular type of insurance, expanding my knowledge of financial planning, or taking on leadership roles]. I believe that this role provides the perfect platform for me to achieve my career goals and make a meaningful contribution to the industry.”
* Explanation: This answer demonstrates ambition and alignment with the company’s goals.
* Situation: “In 5 years, I see myself as a successful and experienced insurance broker, contributing significantly to the growth and success of your team.”
* Task: “I’m eager to continue learning and developing my skills in the insurance industry. I’m particularly interested in [Mention specific areas of interest, e.g., specializing in a particular type of insurance, expanding my knowledge of financial planning, or taking on leadership roles].”
* Action: “I believe that this role provides the perfect platform for me to achieve my career goals and make a meaningful contribution to the industry.”
* Result: “In 5 years, I see myself as a successful and experienced insurance broker, contributing significantly to the growth and success of your team.”