The Consultant role at Applied Systems is a pivotal position that bridges the gap between complex insurance technology and the business goals of agencies, brokerages, and carriers. Whether you are interviewing for a Business Consultant (Implementation), Solution Consultant (Pre-Sales), or Sales Consultant, your core mission remains the same: to drive digital transformation in the insurance industry. Applied Systems is not just a software provider; it is the backbone of the insurance ecosystem, and as a Consultant, you are the expert guide helping clients navigate this ecosystem to become more profitable and efficient.

In this role, you act as a trusted advisor. You are not simply installing software or reading a script; you are analyzing client needs, configuring workflows in platforms like Applied Epic, or demonstrating the value of AI-driven tools like Cytora. You will work with a diverse range of stakeholders, from technical teams to C-suite executives, ensuring that Applied's solutions—such as Ivans for connectivity or Epic for management—deliver tangible business value.

This position offers a unique blend of industry expertise and technical problem-solving. You will tackle high-impact challenges, such as migrating sensitive accounting data, designing API integrations for carriers, or consulting independent agents on growth strategies. If you are passionate about the intersection of Insurtech and client success, this role places you at the forefront of modernizing a massive global industry.

The following questions reflect the consultative and industry-specific nature of the interviews at Applied Systems. While exact questions vary by hiring manager, these categories cover the core themes you will encounter.

Industry & Product Knowledge

• "How do you stay current with trends in the P&C insurance industry?"
• "Explain the difference between Agency Bill and Direct Bill workflows within Applied Epic."
• "What do you see as the biggest challenge facing independent agents today, and how does our software solve it?"

Preparation for Applied Systems requires a shift in mindset. You need to demonstrate that you understand the nuances of the P&C (Property & Casualty) insurance market while showcasing your ability to navigate SaaS platforms.

Key Evaluation Criteria:

Insurance Domain Expertise – You must demonstrate a deep understanding of the insurance lifecycle. Whether your background is in accounting, underwriting, or agency sales, interviewers will assess your familiarity with industry terminology, workflows, and the specific pain points that agencies and carriers face daily.

Consultative Problem Solving – Applied Systems values candidates who listen before they solve. You will be evaluated on your ability to uncover root causes—not just symptoms—and recommend best-practice workflows. Interviewers want to see how you guide clients through change management and complex configuration decisions.

Technical & Product Aptitude – Depending on your specific track, this ranges from general SaaS fluency to deep technical skills. For Solution Consultants, this means fluency with REST APIs and tools like Postman. For Accounting Consultants, it means mastery of general ledgers and financial transitions within Applied Epic.

Communication & Presentation – You will face clients who may be resistant to change or unfamiliar with new technology. You must demonstrate the ability to articulate complex technical concepts simply, build rapport quickly, and manage expectations effectively during high-pressure implementations or sales cycles.

The interview process at Applied Systems is thorough and designed to test both your industry knowledge and your functional skills. Generally, the process begins with a recruiter screen to verify your background in insurance or SaaS. This is followed by a hiring manager interview that dives into your specific experience with tools like Applied Epic or your history in P&C insurance.

The core of the process usually involves a panel stage or a series of back-to-back interviews. For Consultant roles, you should expect a practical assessment. For Solution Consultants, this often takes the form of a "Demo" or presentation where you must pitch a solution or explain a technical concept. For Business/Implementation Consultants, you may discuss specific scenarios regarding data migration, accounting discrepancies, or workflow configuration. The team is looking for your ability to "think on your feet" and handle client objections gracefully.

Throughout the process, the team will assess your cultural alignment. Applied Systems emphasizes being "indispensable" to teammates and customers. Expect questions about how you collaborate remotely, how you handle conflict, and how you contribute to a culture of continuous learning.

The timeline above illustrates a standard progression. Note that the "Assessment / Presentation" stage is the most critical differentiator; candidates who prepare a tailored, engaging presentation that speaks the language of the insurance industry tend to advance to the final offer stage.

To succeed, you must focus your preparation on the specific demands of the Consultant track you are applying for, while maintaining a strong baseline in general Insurtech concepts.

Insurance Workflow & Product Knowledge

This is the foundation of the interview. You must show you understand what Applied Systems actually does.

Be ready to go over:

• The Insurance Lifecycle: Prospecting, quoting, binding, issuing, and renewing policies.
• Applied Epic Utility: How agencies use Epic for accounting, policy management, and claims.
• Ecosystem Connectivity: The role of Ivans in connecting carriers to agencies and how data flows between them.
• Accounting Specifics (For Implementation): Agency bill vs. Direct bill, trust accounts, and general ledger reconciliation.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "How would you explain the value of moving from a legacy system to Applied Epic to a reluctant agency owner?"
• "Describe a complex accounting discrepancy you resolved in an agency management system."

Technical & Functional Proficiency

Interviewers need to know you can do the "hands-on" work.

Be ready to go over:

• Data Migration: The challenges of moving data from one system to another and ensuring integrity.
• API & Integrations (For Solution Consultants): Understanding REST APIs, JSON, and using Postman to test connectivity.
• Configuration: Customizing software settings to match a client's specific business rules.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Walk me through how you would test an API endpoint using Postman."
• "A client wants to configure a workflow that deviates from best practices. How do you handle this?"

Consultative Soft Skills

You will be tested on your ability to manage relationships and drive projects forward.

Be ready to go over:

• Change Management: Helping users adapt to new software.
• Conflict Resolution: Managing a client who is frustrated with a timeline or product limitation.
• Requirement Gathering: Asking the right questions to understand what the client actually needs versus what they say they want.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Tell me about a time a project was at risk of failing. How did you get it back on track?"
• "Role-play a scenario where a client pushes back on your recommended workflow."