Phone Interview at Mercer regarding Pensions

jaytee158

I am an undergraduate and I've got to the stage of having a phone interview with Mercer regarding becoming an Investment Consultant. They said I would be asked to tell my knowledge of the Pensions market/sector. I was wondering if anyone could shed any light on the situation of what I would need to know, what would impress and where I could do some research to improve my knowledge.

Thanks

MrChips

I would recommend reading their website. You should demonstrate some knowledge of the job (and company) you have applied for so research what their investment department do and offer to their clients.

You should also demonstrate a wider knowledge of the pensions industry. Check out the business sections of some national newspapers or the FT - there are always some pensions stories in there.

Professional Pensions is one of the leading trade magazines in the industry, check out their website for some topical goings on.

http://www.professionalpensions.com/

Otherwise, just try and come across as keen, enthusiastic and someone who
will be a good colleague to work with. They won't expect you to be an expert yet, but they will expect you to have a limited background knowledge as they won't be impressed with you picking this career out of thin air without any personal motivation or interest in the area. They may ask you why you applied to the investment practice as opposed to the actuarial one - so have an answer for that prepared.


I assume the phone interview is a filter process to get the number of candidates down to a manageable level for the interview stage.

dunstonh

A little bit of knowledge can be a bad thing. So, dont go delve too deep. If they are willing to take someone on with no experience or financial qualifications then you shouldnt try and come across as somoene that has.

Know about the company and what they do. Know about the role you have applied for.

jaytee158

Thanks for the advice. I just really need to impress them at this stage because I feel I would find it easier in the face to face interviews if and when I get there as phone interviews I find more difficult.