Careers at Principal
Your whole self is welcome here. Discover, grow, and thrive as part of a team that supports you—within a dynamic organization that’s been around for more than 140 years.
We know that our success depends on every person’s unique experiences, background, and talents. That’s one reason we’re included in the top 10 of America’s Best Employers for Diversity.
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Jobs for financial representatives or professionals
Thinking about becoming a financial representative or moving your existing book of business?
Internships
Internships that offer real responsibilities, and a real boost to your resume.
A career with benefits
A big part of helping you live your best life is offering fair pay, excellent benefits, and special perks.
Medical, dental and vision coverage
You’ll have a selection of plans, with coverage options for you, your spouse/domestic partner and/or children.
Retirement plans
Prepare for “someday” with a 401(k) plan and a pension plan. Our 401(k) plan includes a company match of 75% of your contribution up to 8% of your pay. Our pension plan is a 100% company-paid benefit.
Disability, life, and accident insurance
When life doesn’t go as planned, these benefits can help. We offer short- and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance and business travel accident insurance.
Employee stock purchase plan
Buy Principal stock at a discount.
Free access to financial professionals
Get expert guidance and access to financial planning products.
Education assistance program
Want to continue your education? We’ll help you cover some of the costs.
Adoption reimbursement
We'll help you pay for certain costs related to adopting a child.
Employee discount program
Money-saving discounts from local and national businesses.
I've enjoyed working at Principal because of the numerous development opportunities. But what's more enticing is the chance to learn. For someone like me with a natural curiosity about things, it's a great fit because I'm continually learning."
Chris
Des Moines, IA
Our hiring process
Application
After you apply, our teams of dedicated recruiting professionals carefully review all applications to determine potential next steps. Generally within a few weeks of submitting your application, decisions for 1st round interviews will be made.
Interview
If selected for 1st round interviews, you’ll be asked to complete either a video or phone interview with a recruiter. The recruiter will then recommend candidates to interview with the hiring manager. If you’re selected for a 2nd round interview, you’ll speak with the leaders either in person, or via a phone or video call. The number of interviews varies from position to position.
Offer
If you’re a good fit for the position, you may get a job offer. Usually, this happens within a few weeks after interviewing with the leaders/hiring team. If you choose to accept the offer, we’ll follow up with next steps.
As an expectant mom, I appreciate the benefits and flexibility Principal provides. I’ve been able to participate in a prenatal program and have access to healthcare professionals who can help answer my questions."
Kristin
Senior claims examiner
Des Moines, IA
A people-first reputation
Of all the accolades we've received at Principal, we're proudest of being recognized as a top workplace for employees by a variety of publications and associations. Here are some recent awards:
- Recognized by Forbes as one of America's Best Employers. (May 2018)
- Earned a spot among the top 7 companies with 1,000 or more employees in Pensions & Investments' annual list of the Best Places to Work in Money Management for 7 consecutive years. (December 2018)
- Recognized by Working Mother as one of the 2018 Working Mother 100 Best Companies.
- Ranked #1 on Forbes list of Best Employers for Women. (July 2018)
- Included in the top 10 on the list of America's Best Employers for Diversity. (January 2019)
- Named one of the NAFE Top Companies for Executive Women by the National Association for Female Executives—this is our 18th year on the list. (March 2019)
- Recognized by IDG's Computerworld as one if its 100 Best Places to Work in IT for 17 consecutive years, ranking 29th for 2018. (June 2018)
- Scored 100 out of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation Corporate Equality Index for support of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer equality in the workplace. (November 2017)
- Names to Fortune Top 50 Best Places to Work for Giving Back. (February 2018)
- One of Forbes and JUST Capital's Most JUST companies in America. (December 2018)
Our core values
What you can expect from us
We’re committed to providing you with what you need to do your best work. Here’s a few ways we celebrate, recognize, and reward the value created from our customers.
- Total rewards approach. We offer fair pay to help you save enough, protect enough, and have enough—because it’s what we do. Our life enhancing benefits include physical, emotional, mental, and financial wellbeing programs.
- More than just great customer service. We help you understand our customers in meaningful ways. And you'll understand our vision, so you can prioritize your work and deliver value.
- Respect for your unique perspective. What we do matters. We provide an environment based on integrity, inclusion, and trust.
- Continuous learning while doing challenging work. We welcome innovative ideas from all employees. You get to try new things, do important work, and make a difference.
- Work-life flexibility. You can have a great career and a great life. We provide the flexibility you need to best fit your work and your life.
What we expect from our employees
How we do our work is just as important as the work we do. Our core values are the ideals on which we refuse to compromise in pursuit of our purpose—to foster a world where financial security is accessible to all. These are our core values:
- Start with the customer. We start with and solve for our customers—every day and with every decision.
- Do what’s right. Integrity is nonnegotiable. It guides everything we do.
- Own what’s next. We continuously learn and advance ourselves in pursuit of tomorrow.
- Invest for our future. We make smart decisions with our resources to ensure our customers future success and ours.
Start a career at Principal
Discover, grow, and thrive within a dynamic organization that's been around for more than 140 years.
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Contact Principal Human Resources
833-261-3736
Ask about reasonable accommodation
If at any stage of the employment application process you need a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, contact Human Resources. Read our employment policies for more information.
Principal is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer and an E-Verify participant. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. View employment policies at Principal. If you live in or are applying for work in NJ, there are state laws protecting you against employment discrimination. View your rights in NJ (PDF).