At DW Simpson, we are keenly aware of how artificial intelligence interviews are changing how actuaries are hired. Many insurers, consulting firms, and even recruiting organizations now use AI-driven interviews and screening tools to evaluate candidates. Employers see the implementation of AI interviews as a faster and more efficient interview process. For actuaries, understanding AI interviews is becoming an essential part of interview preparation.
What is an AI Interview?
An AI interview is a hiring process that uses artificial intelligence to assess candidates through tools such as:
- One-way video interviews – You get a question on video and have some prep time (e.g., 30–60 seconds), and then record your answer (1–3 minutes). These are often powered by platforms like HireVue.
- Automated resume screening – uses software and machine learning to automatically review, rank, and filter job applications before a human recruiter reads them.
- Chatbot-style interviews – You answer questions in a chat-style interface, similar to messaging. Timed responses are common and the focus is usually on situational or behavioral questions. These interviews have been developed to evaluate communication, problem-solving, technical knowledge, and behavioral consistency.
Why Actuarial Employers Are Using AI
Actuarial roles attract qualified applicants, but these job postings also receive a significant number of applications from candidates who are not qualified. AI helps employers:
- Standardize evaluation criteria
- Assess both technical and soft skills simultaneously
- Reduce bias (though not eliminate it entirely)
- Screen candidates more quickly
- Reduce recruiting costs
- Speed up hiring decisions
Recruiting firms like DW Simpson are seeing increased use of these tools as employers incorporate AI interviews into the actuarial hiring processes.
What AI Is Looking For
AI interviews focus on core actuarial strengths, including:
- Structured problem-solving
- Clear communication
- Technical knowledge (R, Python, SQL, predictive modeling)
- Logical and consistent responses
How to Succeed in an AI Interview
If you are working with a recruiter at DW Simpson, they will prepare you for your AI interview. Below are some of the tips we share with our candidates:
Practice on Camera
- Recorded interviews feel different than live conversations. Practicing helps improve pacing, confidence, and delivery.
Use Structured Answers
- Frameworks like STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) work especially well in AI interviews.
- Define the problem
- Explain your approach
- Walk through your solution
- Summarize the outcome
Be Clear and Concise
- Strong communication is critical. Avoid overexplaining or rushing through answers.
Use Relevant Technical Language Naturally
- You will want to incorporate actuarial terminology where appropriate, such as:
- Loss reserving
- GLMs
- Predictive analytics
- Risk modeling
Over-rehearsed answers can come across as robotic. Ironically, AI is often used to detect authenticity.
Test Your Technology
- Have a practice run through to confirm your technology is working and sounds and looks good.
- Good lighting, clear audio, and a professional setup can improve both presentation and interview performance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Speaking too quickly
- Using excessive filler words
- Giving disorganized answers
- Reading directly from notes
- Ignoring eye contact with the camera
Final Thoughts
Most actuarial hiring processes still include human interviews, case studies, and technical discussions. However, AI is increasingly the first gatekeeper. For actuaries working with recruiters like DW Simpson, this means preparation must now include both traditional interview skills and AI-specific strategies.
AI interviews are becoming a standard part of actuarial hiring, but they are only the first step. Human recruiters and hiring managers still make final decisions, but getting in front of them may require passing an AI interview, and preparation is the key.
Partner With an Actuarial Recruiting Firm That Delivers Results
Over the last 36+ years, DW Simpson has placed actuaries in jobs at all levels, and in all actuarial disciplines, and you can find current opportunities here DW Simpson. We are constantly growing and evolving as recruiters and industry knowledge leaders, with an eye towards becoming more effective, better educated, and continuing to drive success for our clients and candidates.
DW Simpson also provides the industries’ most trusted actuarial salary survey Actuarial Salary Surveys – DW Simpson