Principal Financial Group Manager Interview Questions
& Process

It took over a month. They initially shortlisted my CV but then informed me they'd be interviewing for a Delivery Manager role. The first round was a telephonic interview where I was asked many questions, and it lasted over an hour. The next round was face-to-face, but they changed the venue multiple times. Once I arrived at the scheduled venue, I was told to go to a different building. After reaching that building on time, I was made to wait for a long time because the interviewer wasn't present. In the face-to-face round, two people interviewed me. One started asking questions and didn't let me finish my answers, repeatedly saying 'fair enough-fair enough.' It was strange when the interviewer asked about my current and expected salary. Then they inquired about my notice period and asked me to wait outside. After some time, they informed me that due to HR's absence, the next process would be delayed, and I could leave. As I was leaving the building, a consultant asked me to return. When I reached the reception, they asked me to leave again. It was the worst experience ever, completely unprofessional behavior.

It was a long and detailed interview process, similar to what you might expect at Google or Microsoft, but focusing on PM processes with some detailed QA questions. It then moved into Delivery Management specifics, like understanding the impact of risk and how to conduct a risk analysis during busy periods like the festive season when staff might be on leave. There were four rounds in total: two technical interviews focusing on project experience, team dynamics, and cost-benefit analysis; an AVP round covering people retention, motivation, lean methodology, and cost reduction; and finally, an HR discussion about notice period, salary, and fixed/variable pay.

After the recruiter screen, there were three more rounds. First, I met with the hiring manager. Then, there was an interview with two cross-functional team leaders. Finally, I had another interview with the executive and division lead. The interviews were mostly situational questions, including one about strengths and weaknesses.