The job market in the insurance industry has been competitive for many years and continues to get more aggressive. The pressure to bring new talent in is being felt at many agencies regardless of size or location. And while there may be several responses to a job posting, not every potential hire is going to be the right hire for the agency.
Here are 4 essential characteristics an agency owner will want to look for during the hiring process:
Critical Thinker –
Individuals who are willing and able to think “outside of the box” will bring new ideas to the table. When an employee can tap into critical thinking skills they will approach their work differently than others. When problems and challenges arise, they are able to look at those things from different angles and generate creative solutions.
Flexibility & Adaptability –
As much as some things remain very much the same in insurance, a lot changes with how an agency needs to operate. Whether it is adopting new technology or revising processes, many agencies are frequently evaluating, re-strategizing and pivoting where needed. An individual who is too rigid and resistant to change will create a lot of work for others and be less productive to the agency. However, individuals who are open-minded and prepared to make adjustments will help move the organization closer to its goals.
Desire to Learn –
A willingness to always be a student of the industry is absolutely critical. The insurance industry can be a complicated world with an overwhelming amount of information even at its most basic level. Insurance continues to evolve whether it’s client needs and demands or the way carriers do business. A candidate who is prepared to stay on top of new developments and information will be a tremendous asset to the agency and its clients.
High Emotional Intelligence –
Every component of the insurance industry is relationship driven. Whether it is from agency to carrier, employee to client or employee to employee, relationships matter. Individuals who possess high emotional intelligence will be empathetic and understanding. This characteristic will allow them to build strong relationships with clients and co-workers alike.
Experience may be desired but should not be the primary focus when assessing a new potential hire for the agency. Seeking out an individual who embodies the right qualities and skills will set the agency and its employees up for continued growth and success.
About the Author
Justin Goodman has spent the past 20 years in insurance. He is the co-founder and CEO of Total CSR and co-founder and Managing Director of Project 55. By the age of 29, he was recognized as one of the top five construction insurance experts nationwide by Risk and Insurance Magazine. He also was named to Insurance Business Magazine’s Hot 100 and most recently the 2024 Insurance Journal Agent of the Year. Justin has trained over 50,000 CSR’s, account managers and producers through his work at Total CSR. He has a passion for developing the next generation of insurance professionals. When not with his family, he devotes his free time to speaking engagements and advising agency owners across the country.
