I applied through university. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Northwestern Mutual in Apr 2011
Interview
Make sure that you're in for SALES. Apparently marketing experience is not considered sufficient experience for sales. They'll ask what's your impression of the finance industry, what made you consider a career with them, why sales, where do you see yourself in the next 5 years, etc. Your network is very important to them because their work is based on the circle of people you already know and of course referrals after you've succeeded selling to your clients.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Why do you want to go for sales in the finance industry? Your work experiences is not related to this job.
There were four or five interviews, if you count the meeting with my future mentor. There were also a few personality assessments. Lots of paperwork. The finance industry is tightly regulated.
The first interview was easygoing and went fairly well. We talked a little on myself and what northwestern was all about. Because they wanted to see how I could fit in to their team and what I would bring.
I interviewed at Northwestern Mutual (Greenville, SC)
Interview
The process was smooth and straight forward. A lot of behavioral based questions, but relaxed and low stress. First phase is a phone screening followed by a teams or in person meeting.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me about the most influential person in your life?