I applied through an employee referral. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Northwestern Mutual (San Francisco, CA) in Sept 2011
Interview
This is an position with a massive potential. 80–85% of those that start are unsuccusful. You have to really ask yourself if you are willing to put in 110% of your life. It's tough starting out and NWM made that clear later in the interview process. Even if you think this is a great fit you should talk to the other mutual companies. It will make you look more serious and you will learn a great deal.
The first interview is with a recruiter. This is interview requires you to talk about yourself and answer some set questions regarding your personality. Most people are weeded out at this point. Then you meet with someone with a lot of experience over the next two interviews. These will likely include star performers that are somewhat new, experienced, training manager, and the managing partner. During this process you will be given market surveys. The idea is to have you test your ability to talk with strangers and ask for referrals. If you hate doing this, you should thank them for their time and get out while you can. They asked for 10, I had 15 done at the when I discussed it with them and ended up between 30 or 40 by the end. This was a valuable tool for both myself and NWM.
The online personality test is much better than the New York Life and Mass Mutual test (same test).
There were four or five interviews, if you count the meeting with my future mentor. There were also a few personality assessments. Lots of paperwork. The finance industry is tightly regulated.
The first interview was easygoing and went fairly well. We talked a little on myself and what northwestern was all about. Because they wanted to see how I could fit in to their team and what I would bring.
I interviewed at Northwestern Mutual (Greenville, SC)
Interview
The process was smooth and straight forward. A lot of behavioral based questions, but relaxed and low stress. First phase is a phone screening followed by a teams or in person meeting.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me about the most influential person in your life?