Swiss Re is one of the world's leading reinsurance companies, headquartered in Zurich with offices in over 25 countries. The company is known for its rigorous selection process, particularly for actuarial and quantitative roles. Candidates are assessed on both technical competence and the softer skills needed to work in a complex, global environment.
Hiring Process Overview
- Online application: CV and cover letter through Swiss Re's career portal
- Online assessments: Cognitive ability tests (numerical, verbal, logical reasoning)
- Video interview: Competency-based questions via HireVue or similar platform
- Technical interview: For actuarial and quantitative roles, includes case study elements
- Final interview: With senior management and HR
Cognitive Ability Tests
Swiss Re uses SHL or Korn Ferry cognitive ability tests for initial screening. For actuarial positions, the numerical reasoning test is particularly important and tests at graduate level. Expect complex data interpretation questions involving financial tables, probability scenarios, and multi-step calculations.
Actuarial Case Studies
For actuarial and risk analyst roles, Swiss Re typically includes a case study element. You'll be given a reinsurance or risk management scenario and asked to analyse it and present recommendations. Key areas include: pricing of reinsurance contracts, catastrophe risk modelling, and reserve estimation.
Swiss Re values both technical actuarial skills and commercial awareness. Be prepared to discuss current trends in reinsurance markets, climate risk, and the impact of AI on risk modelling. These topics frequently come up in interviews.
Competency Interview
Swiss Re's competency framework focuses on: analytical thinking, collaboration, client focus, innovation, and integrity. Prepare STAR examples for each competency. Swiss Re places particular emphasis on cross-cultural collaboration. If you have international experience, highlight it.
Practice advanced numerical reasoning and logical thinking tests at the level used by Swiss Re and other top reinsurance companies.
View Swiss Re GuideIngmar van Maurik is the founder of MakingMoves.ai and Assessment-Training.com. With 10+ years in psychometric assessment design, he has helped over 1 million professionals prepare for job assessments.