Landing an actuarial job is no small feat, especially when it comes to the technical interview. These sessions are designed to test not just your knowledge of math and statistics, but your ability to apply those skills to real-world problems—often under pressure. As someone who’s both taken and given these interviews, I can tell you that preparation is everything. You might have aced your exams and know your way around a spreadsheet, but technical interviews require a different kind of thinking. They’re about showing how you solve problems, communicate your reasoning, and fit into a team. With that in mind, here are 10 practical tips—drawn from experience and industry best practices—to help you stand out and ace your next actuarial technical interview.

Master the Fundamentals Inside and Out #

Before anything else, make sure your foundation is rock solid. Technical interviews often start with questions designed to test your grasp of basic actuarial concepts—things like probability, statistics, risk assessment, and financial mathematics[1]. Review your textbooks, old exam materials, and any study notes you have. Don’t just memorize formulas; understand why they work and when to use them. For example, you might be asked to explain the significance of the assumption of normality in regression models or to define credibility theory and how it’s used in pricing[5]. If you can’t explain these concepts simply and clearly, you’ll struggle to impress.

Practice, Practice, Practice—With Real Problems #

Reading about actuarial problems is one thing; solving them is another. Seek out a wide variety of practice questions—past exam problems, case studies, and even questions from actuarial forums. The goal isn’t just to get the right answer, but to develop a structured approach to problem-solving. For instance, if you’re given a case study about setting reserves for a new insurance product, walk through your thought process step by step: identify the key variables, consider the data you’d need, and outline how you’d calculate the reserve. Practicing this way will help you stay calm and organized during the actual interview[1].

Get Comfortable With Technical Software #

Actuaries rely heavily on software for data analysis, modeling, and reporting. You’ll likely be asked about your experience with programs like Prophet, Moses, R, Python, or Excel. Be ready to discuss not just which tools you’ve used, but how you’ve used them. For example, you might say, “I’ve used Prophet for liability modeling because of its flexibility, but I’ve also built custom models in R for more specialized analyses.” If you’re not familiar with the software the company uses, be honest—but emphasize your ability to learn quickly[3]. Sometimes, interviewers will give you a small data set and ask you to analyze it on the spot, so practice working with real data in your preferred tools.

Work on Your Communication Skills #

Technical skills are crucial, but so is the ability to explain complex ideas in simple terms. Actuaries often need to communicate with colleagues who aren’t experts in math or statistics, so interviewers will be listening for clarity and coherence. Practice explaining actuarial concepts to friends or family members who aren’t in the field. For example, try describing the concept of standard deviation as a measure of risk without using jargon. If you can do that, you’ll show interviewers that you’re not just technically proficient, but also a strong communicator[1][2].

Do Your Homework on the Company #

Every company has its own culture, products, and challenges. Before your interview, research the company’s business model, the types of insurance or financial products they offer, and any recent news or regulatory changes that might affect them. This knowledge will help you tailor your answers and show genuine interest in the role. For example, if you’re interviewing with a life insurance company, be prepared to discuss topics like mortality tables, longevity risk, and the impact of interest rates on reserves. If it’s a property and casualty firm, brush up on claims modeling and catastrophe risk[2].

Prepare for Behavioral and Situational Questions #

Technical interviews aren’t just about math—they’re also about how you handle pressure, work in teams, and approach problems. You might be asked to describe a time you faced a tight deadline, dealt with a difficult colleague, or had to explain a technical issue to a non-technical audience. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. For example: “In my internship, our team had to deliver a reserve report in two days. I organized our workflow, delegated tasks, and communicated regularly with our manager. We met the deadline, and the report was well-received.” These stories show you’re not just a calculator—you’re a professional who can navigate real-world challenges[6].

Mock Interviews Are Your Best Friend #

There’s no substitute for practice under realistic conditions. Arrange mock interviews with peers, mentors, or career services. Ask for honest feedback on your problem-solving approach, communication style, and body language. Did you explain your reasoning clearly? Did you stay calm under pressure? Mock interviews can reveal habits you didn’t know you had, like rushing through explanations or getting stuck on details. The more you practice, the more natural you’ll feel when it counts[1].

Stay Up to Date With Industry Trends #

Actuarial science doesn’t stand still. New regulations, emerging risks (like cyber or climate change), and advances in data science are constantly reshaping the field. Make a habit of reading industry publications, following actuarial blogs, and joining professional groups. Being able to discuss current trends shows interviewers that you’re engaged and forward-thinking. For example, you might mention how machine learning is being used in claims prediction or how new accounting standards are affecting reserve calculations.

Reflect on Past Interviews #

If you’ve had actuarial interviews before, take some time to reflect on what went well and what didn’t. Did you struggle with a particular type of question? Were there concepts you didn’t understand as well as you thought? Use these insights to focus your preparation. For example, if you froze when asked to explain credibility theory, spend extra time mastering that topic and practicing how you’d explain it in an interview[1]. Learning from past experiences is one of the fastest ways to improve.

Show Enthusiasm and Curiosity #

Finally, let your passion for the field shine through. Interviewers want to see that you’re genuinely interested in actuarial work, not just looking for a stable job. Talk about what excites you—whether it’s solving complex problems, working with data, or helping people manage risk. Ask thoughtful questions about the company’s projects, challenges, and culture. Curiosity and enthusiasm can set you apart from candidates who have similar technical skills but lack your energy and drive[2].

Putting It All Together #

Acing an actuarial technical interview is about more than just knowing your stuff—it’s about demonstrating how you think, communicate, and fit into a team. By mastering the fundamentals, practicing with real problems, honing your communication skills, and staying curious, you’ll be well-prepared to impress even the toughest interviewers. Remember, everyone gets nervous, but with the right preparation, you can turn those nerves into confidence. Good luck—you’ve got this!