I applied through college or university. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Northwestern Mutual (Minneapolis, MN) in Feb 2012
Interview
Pretty good, really casual and nice people. Not very intensive as far as analytical questions, but then again you're selling stuff, and they pretty much give you a map on what to sell to be a success.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Who is your group of people that you believe care about you and will help you in your career.
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?