Introduction:

Join our team as an entry-level underwriter in a dynamic and supportive environment. This role offers the opportunity to apply your critical thinking, drive for results, adaptive communication, and relationship building skills, as you learn the art of underwriting risk assessment from the best in the business.  
 
Through our comprehensive training program, you’ll develop the essential skills needed to excel in a fast-paced production environment focused on quality risk assessment, and exceptional field and client service. Bring your enthusiasm and be part of a collaborative team driving innovation solutions.  

Builds relationships with Financial Advisors and internal partners. Develops the skills necessary to successfully underwrite Life insurance policies in an inclusive and fast-paced environment ensuring all quality, service and production goals are met. 

 
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Field & Client Experience. 

• ​Responsible for credible and effective relations and communications with field and customers. 

• Provides guidance and assistance to the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network and Financial Representatives regarding case underwriting and risk appraisal. 

• Responsible for prescreen inquiries, with guidance. 

 
Underwriting:

• Responsible for the analysis and appraisal of a broad range of insurance applications; approves, classifies, or declines applications for various ages and policy amounts with guidance. 

• ​Demonstrates a basic understanding of application review and adherence to underwriting standards​, NM (Northwestern Mutual) product types and changes. 

• Develops and demonstrates change agility while maintaining mortality and morbidity expectations. 

• ​Demonstrates continuous learning through the early adoption of new ways of underwriting. 

• Develops a basic understanding of financial, medical, and lay underwriting assessments and reinsurance programs. 

• Underwrites applications, maintaining industry-leading mortality and morbidity giving the best possible offer that can be made. 

• Provides active case and requirement management and provides customized service with guidance. 

• Communicates & negotiates with Field Partners to explain modified or declined decisions & assist in policy placement. 

•  Actively utilizes the most effective means to obtain the necessary information, including Internet searches, digital health data, direct contact with the insured, and communication with third party advisors (Accountants, Attorneys, etc.), with guidance​. 

• ​Responsible for adherence to procedures and regulatory processes​. 

• Understands and meets all quality, service, and production goals​. 

• Solve issues & escalations with guidance. 

• ​Discusses cases with peer reviewers, medical and technical staff, as needed. 

• ​Partners with Underwriting Support for case management. 

• ​May serve as underwriting representative for improvement in product process w/collaboration w/functional partners. 

 
Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• Analytical skills with the ability to make independent decisions and apply sound judgment in the application of rules. 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to handle confidential information, exercise tact, diplomacy, and resourcefulness. 

• Proficient in computer skills and using various software packages. 

• Ability to work accurately while maintaining speed and flexibility in a team and independent production environment. 

• Highly organized and the ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines. 

• Displays agility to manage multiple tasks​ and adapt in a changing work environment. 

Internal Interview Guidance:

As you gear up for your internal interview, it's important to approach it strategically, making the most of your knowledge of the organization while showcasing your readiness for this new role. Here are some friendly tips to help you shine: 
 
Understand the role: 

Take advantage of the office hours and explore this Workday learning ‘What is an Underwriter’ to deepen your understanding. It's only 30 minutes and provides great insights. 
 
Highlight Achievements:

Reflect on accomplishments and be ready to share specific examples, emphasizing the results and impact you've had 
 
Prepare for questions: 

Review the skills listed below, think about where you've successfully demonstrated these skills in your past experiences, recognizing skills associated with underwriting will be taught. Key skills we are seeking include adaptive communication, learning agility, critical thinking (which includes information optimization/decisioning), change adaptability, and a drive for results. Pro tip: using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can help you structure your answers effectively. 
 
Consider your questions:

Think about what questions you'd like to ask to clarify any uncertainties and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role 
 
Practice:

 Reach out to your manager, a trusted colleague, mentor, or friend for a mock interview. Embrace feedback to help you present your skills and experiences confidently and concisely. 
 
Maintain Professionalism:

Approach the interview with the same level of professionalism as you would in an external setting. 
 
Good luck! 

Skills