Sweating about an interview coming up where you’re going to be applying as a Retirement Plans Specialist? Don’t sweat it! Listed below, you’ll find some of the most common Retirement Plans Specialist interview questions as well as some examples of how to answer. Check them out below (and good luck!)
What experience do you have (if any) as a Retirement Plans Specialist?
This one’s pretty simple – discuss your experience as it relates to the job you’re applying for. Of course, on the off chance you don’t have any experience in the role, plan ahead and have some examples of tangentially related experience. In this way, you can turn a simple ‘no’ into an opportunity to demonstrate your awareness of related skillsets.
Answer Sample:
I believe the core requirement for x is y – and through my volunteer work I gained a ton of experience in how x fundamentally relates to y
What are some of major challenges the accounting industry faces looking ahead? How will it impact the role of Retirement Plans Specialist?
To be certain, a wide range of answers are acceptable here. These days, mentioning Artificial Intelligence, software, and related items should do well. However, be prepared to explain why you answered the way you did – and do some research ahead of time.
Answer Sample:
Its hard to know for sure with industry factors such as x and y changing so many things – all I can say is that Im excited for the challenges that come with that
How do you minimize the risk for errors in your work?
While we all make mistakes, accountants can afford no such luxury. While you may be a caped crusader with superhuman error-free work skills, your interviewer won’t buy it. What they’re seeking here is some method you deploy for QA.
Answer Sample:
While it may sound funny, Ive developed my own system for quality control that I call the x – its never let me down yet!
Describe a situation you needed to use data to prove a point?
Numbers don’t lie. What’s being asked for here is an example of when you were able to prove a point by providing truth through the data. A great example here would be anything relating to a decision where your data made a difference.
Answer Sample:
In a recent client meeting, by clearly visualizing some key figures we were able to save them $10s of thousands in tax payable.
Have you ever had to give someone difficult feedback?
Difficult feedback is difficult for a reason. Your interviewer realizes that everyone makes mistakes, and they’re not looking to hang you out to dry. What you’re going to want to do here is be sure to let the interviewer know what you did in reaction to this feedback. Was there ownership of a mistake, or deflection? By showing your cool in the reaction itself, you demonstrate leadership characteristics that employers love.
Answer Sample:
No one likes these situations, but Ive found that dealing with it factually and without predjudice tends to be the best approach
Detail is critical in our industry – what do feel makes you a detail oriented person, and why?
The devil is in the details – and even more so with accounting! No matter what your role in the accounting industry, this one’s important. Like many non-valid responses, your statement ‘yes I am a detail oriented person’ is not going to cut it.
Answer Sample:
My careful attention to x and y prevented a major audit last year
Which online tools, cloud software, or other accounting specific platforms are you familiar with?
Every modern accounting practice will require some level of proficiency when it comes to software. If your experience lies in a single – or outdated platform, be sure you are familiar with the current standards. Spend a night and compile names of cutting edge platforms, and mention these along with their purpose to your interviewer.
Answer Sample:
Most of my experience is with x, but I downloaded a demo of y and really think it warrants a closer look
Culture is important to us here. Which style of work enviornment do feel most productive in?
Culture is king these days, and for good reason. It’s more than simply ‘the way things are done’, it’s how things are done and why. You’ll want to be careful here, indicating that you are able to thrive in a variety of work enviornments.
Answer Sample:
I succeed when given clear, consise direction and find a balance of solo effort and working alongside a team is when Im most productive
What made you leave your last job – and why are you choosing us?
An innocent question, but deadly if answered improperly. Your need for better pay or indicating that your ‘old boss was an idiot’ may leave your interviewer with the wrong impression of you. Regardless of the reason your employment ceased to be, keep it on point and do not get negative here.
Answer Sample:
Working at x was a great experience for a vareity of reasons, but now its time to seek out new challenges