More than three might be a stretch.... but three exactly, I'd say 95% of companies would be all over that. If you're curious, I pulled that 95% figure out of my butt.

I have two exams and lots of business experience but no actuarial experience, and I'm experiencing a 100% rejection rate in attempting to get interviews. I find it hard to believe that a third exam would convert 100% failure into 95% success.

Agreed that one more exam will not turn it around. There's something else wrong. Likely suspects would be:

Poor cover letter

Approaching the wrong companies

Going through HR when you need to go through the actuarial dept (not always the case, but often it is)

Poor undergrad grades

Poor resume

Restricting yourself geographically or in some other way

Not sending out enough letters

There are many others.

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Not directed specifically at you, but I am tired of hearing from students who "can't find a job anywhere" and have sent out 5-10 resumes (this comment originates from a student I talked to who is not, to my knowledge, on this board). I graduated into one of the worst economies possible, sent out 200 resumes, had 15-20 interviews (including phone screenings), bought plane tickets to three cities I was willing to move to, just to try to convince employers to talk to me, and got one offer, which I took. This current economy is similar. I had great exams, but poor interviewing skills, and it took a while to overcome that. But, I did it through persevereance, not through waiting and whining after sending out 5 resumes.

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How effective is sending resume to chief actuary? I know one member mentioned earlier to stay out of HR dept. Is this because the actuary (chief or manager) knows better on whom to pick or the need of the dept quicker and better?

It's probably a lot better than going through HR, but your best bet is to ask a hiring manager for advice on whom to talk to. Ideally he's say: "Talk to me." Sometimes he'll direct you to someone else (Sometimes that someone else is the right person); sometimes he won't be connected to anyone (some actuaries are solitary folk.)


The form is simple: Be low key and ALWAYS just ask for advice. Then listen and learn. Everyone loves giving advice. Everyone who has time. Doesn't cost them anything; Doesn't force them to commit. At some point you will find yourself doing what you want for someone who wants you.