How to succeed in your insurance job interview

No matter what job you want in the insurance industry, the basic rules for securing a position apply. If you’re not qualified for a job, don’t look for it. Some jobs have more flexible qualifications and you can substitute other experience instead of the exact position, but if you want a job as an insurance actuary, you really need to be an actuary. If you are looking for a legal staff position, you must first pass the bar if you want to be an attorney for an insurance company. The right experience and knowledge of the industry can get you to the top of the line, but a nice twist on your experience could be just what the company wants.

Agent:

Landing a job as an insurance agent isn’t easy if the company provides you with a stipend for several months until your commissions start rolling in. Before you walk into the interview room, make sure you have a sales plan that you can pass on to the manager. You need an outgoing personality, organizational skills, a neat professional appearance, and a vague idea of ​​how you’ll approach the job. Knowing a type of market or product that fits with your social connections is also a plus. A college degree in any area is a plus.

Companies are often impressed with people who understand the position. You’ll work long hours at first and won’t get sidetracked by the word no. Agents work with the concept that there is a yes to every specific number of no’s. The number varies depending on your skill. Each doesn’t mean you’re closer to making the sale. Understanding that concept is a key to closing the interview.

Demonstrate an outgoing and comfortable personality. One trick to use in any interview is to reverse the rolls. Instead of telling the interviewer everything about yourself, ask questions about how you got started in the insurance industry, how you decided on a career with XYZ Company, and what you think is the most important part of the job.

Two things will prevent you from getting a position as a representative. The first is a criminal history that he tries to hide and the second is bankruptcy. If he has a record that was not sealed when he reached adulthood, but was from his late teens for minor offenses like malicious mischief, he may hurt the interview but it won’t put him out of business. If he’s recently served a prison sentence for theft, embarrassment, or anything that involves converting someone else’s funds, he simply won’t get the job and trying to hide the fact won’t do him any good. Most insurance companies offer securities and in order to obtain that license, you must present a fingerprint card and undergo a thorough background check.

Bankruptcy and a bad credit history can also keep you from getting a job. While poor money management and bankruptcy are a black mark on your record, if the reason was medical bills or something else like that, you might make it to the second stage of the interview. Shoot directly with the interviewer. Sometimes it works in your favor. If you or someone in your family had high medical bills and was uninsured, you probably understand the need for insurance better than anyone. Turn the negative into positive and don’t try to hide it. The background check includes a credit check so the company finds you better if you tell them.

Sales Manager

Most companies want someone with experience as a representative, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get the job if you don’t have that. If you can show a strong positive track record of training sales reps for any type of sales and the ability to learn the industry, you have a chance to fill the position.

Administrative and office staff

If you are applying for a central office position, learn about the position. If you write like the wind and have above-average organizational skills, you can land a position in almost any office. An insurance company is no different.

The local offices where you help the representatives require a special personality. Representatives are notoriously lazy when it comes to paperwork and learning the industry, insurance laws, and often being willing to get licensed is a plus. Never turn down the opportunity to have your employer pay for your leave. Some states require anyone who talks to customers about a policy to have one, and they are somewhat expensive. If you can get it for free, take the opportunity. It is one more qualification for your resume.

Adjust

Regardless of the type of company that employs you, you should have experience in both insurance and bidding for repairs. If you know the construction trades, becoming a homeowners insurance adjuster is a good option. Anyone with auto insurance experience who can estimate a job and know what repairs are typically required has an advantage in the auto insurance industry.

Like all other workers, you must have a good working knowledge of the computer. Most claims programs are computerized. You must also be willing or already possess an adjuster’s license. In some cases, insurance companies train you. Show willingness to take the training and learn. Understand that you have to be friendly, polite and still look out for the company’s interest.