Careers at Zurich
Founded in 1872 as a reinsurance company, Zurich Insurance is now Switzerland's largest insurer, with headquarters based in its namesake of Zurich. In 2021, Forbes rated Zurich as the 112th largest public company.
Their insurance policies cover everything from life and home, to property and casualty, and they serve everyone from individuals right through to multi-national corporations.
Zurich is a huge employer, with over 55,000 members of staff working across 215 different countries globally.
The company is focused on delivering an exceptional work experience and has built a robust wellbeing framework to better support employees and to ensure people's mental, financial and physical health are looked after.
Zurich has also made a name for itself as a socially responsible company. Not only do they donate to over 600 charities a year, they have also won several awards for their impact on people and local communities.
Zurich Application Process
The Zurich application process is incredibly competitive due to the large volume of applicants they receive for every posting and graduate placement.
As well as online tests and a video interview, you'll also be required to take part in a digital assessment centre if you make it to the final stage of the application process.
Zurich Online Application
You can either apply via LinkedIn or through the portal on Zurich's own website.
As well as important information such as whether you're eligible to work in the country you're applying to, you'll also be required to share key details from your CV such as your educational history and relevant experience.
Make sure you read each section thoroughly, this is your first chance to make a good impression and get your foot in the door so it's essential you complete the application form to the best of your ability.
Zurich Aptitude Tests
Zurich Value Based Assessment
Similar to a situational judgement test, the value based assessment is designed to examine your key personality traits and characteristics by asking you to respond to a series of hypothetical workplace challenges, similar to what you can expect to experience day-to-day should you get the job.
The 30-minute assessment will present you with multiple different answers in response to a challenge, you just need to select your instinctive response or the one that feels most aligned with what you'd do.
It's important to answer honestly, but it doesn't hurt to reflect on the key traits and values that Zurich will be looking for in their employees before getting started.
Although there are no 'right' or 'wrong' answers, there are answers that fit better with what Zurich are looking for, and if yours are similar then you'll be invited to move to the next stage of the process.
To prepare for this test, you could try out some situational judgement tests to get a feel for the style and format of the questions.
Zurich Game Based Assessments
The next stage of the process involves a series of online aptitude tests. But unlike traditional tests, these are presented in a game format and are supposed to be engaging and fun.
Designed to test your cognitive skills, the fast-paced games can be accessed anywhere, as long as you have a working internet connection. To maximise your performance and ease of use, it's always worth trying to complete the games on a desktop located in a quiet, well-lit room that's free from distractions.
If you do take the tests on your mobile or a portable device, ensuring you are fully charged is essential.
The games vary in length, depending on which ones you're asked to take. Just remember to read the instructions carefully before you start and to take a pause between each game so you have a moment to reflect and reset before you start the next challenge.
Zurich Video Interview
Just like in the gaming section, you'll be able to do the video interview at a time and place that works for you. But it's still important to remember conventional interview advice and ensure you're dressed smartly, can be heard properly and that you're on your own when you record your responses.
The competency-based questions will directly relate to the role or programme you're applying to. You'll be able to look through the questions and prepare a response before filming and uploading it.
You'll normally have to answer between five-eight different questions.
As with at every stage of the process, it's important to carefully read and/or listen to any instructions you're given before responding.
Zurich Digital Assessment Centre
If you get through all of the prior stages, you'll be one of a few people invited to take part in a digital assessment centre. It's a real achievement to get this far in such a competitive application process, so it's important to give the final stage everything you've got.
You'll start with another video interview, similar in style to the one you've completed previously, but with new questions.
This is then followed by an interactive task that'll examine your suitability for the role, understanding of the company and how well you work as part of a wider team. When taking part in group exercises it's really important to speak up without appearing domineering and to listen and respond to your peers.
You should also make sure you research the programme you're applying for, as well as Zurich itself and the services and products they offer. It's also a good idea to look at their values and try to ensure your demeanour and answers on the day are aligned.
You'll be assessed by various senior members of staff, and as well as selling yourself to them, it's a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have and find out as much as you can about what it's like to work at Zurich before they go away and make a final decision.
