How to Find a Job in the Insurance Industry
If you're interested in finding a job in the insurance industry and wondering how to get your foot in the door, there's never been a better time for a career change. At present, nearly every solvent insurance carrier in the nation is actively seeking new applicants. While other sectors of the economy battle double-digit unemployment rates and struggle to recover from this unprecedented recession, the insurance industry is booming.
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Instructions
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Determine which of the two major lines of the insurance industry appeals to you most: life and health or property and casualty. Do some pointed web research on each category (you'll find an abundance of information) to explore how you'd like to structure your career, what types of customers you'd like to work with, and the products that interest and resonate with you most.
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Update your resume to reflect your interest in the insurance industry, and be sure to emphasize skills such as sales experience, customer service, management, communication, general accounting knowledge, the ability to present or speak publicly, and your experience with commonly used computer programs. Remember: You don't necessarily need experience to find an insurance job, as most insurers actively seek entry-level candidates and also have strong training programs in place.
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Post your updated resume on several major job sites such as Monster.com, CareerBuilder.com and HotJobs.com. Be sure to include all your relevant contact information on your resume, including a phone number---it may sound simple, but you'd be surprised by how many people omit this critical piece of information.
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Proactively look for a job by searching for insurance positions on as many career and job websites as possible. You'll be surprised by how many opportunities pop up. Send your resume, along with a customized cover letter describing your interest in landing an insurance job, to as many companies as you can.
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Wait for the phone to ring, and do a little screening. Chances are, you're likely to receive dozens of phone calls and e-mails from a number of insurance companies looking for new applicants. Use this opportunity to begin screening the companies that contact you. Familiarize yourself with the differing business models insurers use; you should be able to find one that complements your own strengths and goals.
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Be prepared to pony up for the cost of getting your insurance license(s). Before you can sell either property and casualty or life and health insurance products or policies, you must complete necessary coursework and pass your state insurance department's licensing exam. The cost of different insurance licenses varies by state, and you must complete a certain number of continuing education (CE) credits to keep your license in good standing.
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Tips & Warnings
Earning your life and health insurance licenses is typically the best way to begin a career in the insurance industry.
Be wary of legalized pyramid-scheme companies; these organizations tend to focus more on recruiting people beneath you than on actually selling insurance.
