I applied through university. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Northwestern Mutual in Apr 2011
Interview
Pretty straight forward. Just be yourself and you will find out if this job is for you. It takes a certain type of individual to be successful. Do not put on a fake presentation of yourself because if you are not honest with yourself you may fail at this kind of job. Questions were behavioral based and why you are choosing to go into this industry. You should be wanting to help people when you go into this industry and not just for the money because it does pay well down the road. Keep in mind that it takes A LOT of hard work and you will be working 60-70+ hours a week most of the time for 5+ years to really get something like this going. You are basically a slave to your job for a while but once you have it going the job gets nicer for you. Be prepared to develop presentations and conduct surveys and large contact lists (it is what you need to succeed). If this job is right for you then go for it. If you have any doubts definitely think it over. You don't want to jump right into a 100% commission job and not have a decent savings and/or backup plan if it does not work out. Best of luck and remember to evaluate pros and cons through the interview because this kind of job can be extremely rewarding if you listen and do what your mentors tell you too but there is definitely risk as seen with the high industry turnover rate. Fantastic company, great products, great job if its the right match with you.
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?