Need help creating an insurance agent resume that gets results? Use our professional resume example and expert writing tips to build a resume that showcases your skills and experience. Learn how to write impactful descriptions, choose the right format, and include the most relevant information. Follow our guide to develop a resume that will help you get hired.
A resume is one of the most important tools for an insurance agent looking for a new job. It's the first thing hiring managers look at, so it needs to make a great impression fast.
But writing a resume isn't easy, especially if English isn't your first language. What should you include? How should you organize it? What will make busy hiring managers take notice?
Don't worry. In this guide, we break down exactly how to write an insurance agent resume step-by-step. We've even included a full resume example you can use for inspiration.
By the end, you'll have all the information you need to write a resume that clearly shows your skills and experience. And it will be in a format that's easy for hiring managers to review, so they can quickly see your qualifications and fit for the job.
Let's dive in and look at how to structure the different sections of your insurance agent resume.
Common Responsibilities Listed on Insurance Agent Resumes
Sell and promote insurance policies to clients, including auto, home, life, and health insurance
Assess clients' insurance needs and risk profiles to recommend appropriate coverage plans
Explain insurance policy terms, conditions, and benefits to clients, ensuring they understand their coverage
Maintain and expand client base through networking, referrals, and prospecting for new business opportunities
Assist clients in the claims process, acting as a liaison between the client and the insurance company
Stay current with industry trends, new products, and changes in insurance regulations and laws
Maintain accurate records of client interactions, policies sold, and renewals
Collaborate with underwriters and other insurance professionals to secure coverage for clients
Provide exceptional customer service, addressing client concerns and questions in a timely and professional manner
Conduct policy reviews with clients to ensure their coverage remains adequate and up-to-date
Participate in continuing education and professional development to enhance knowledge and skills
Achieve and exceed sales targets set by the insurance company or agency
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How to write a Resume Summary
Sure, let's dive straight into what entails a top-notch summary or objective section on your resume. This part can be paramount to grabbing potential employers' attention. Drawing from my expertise as a seasoned career consultant, I'd emphasize that the summary should be a concise overview of your abilities as an Insurance Agent, peppered with precise information about your skills, qualifications, and any noteworthy successes.
The Essence of a Summary
Imagine the summary as a curated collection of your skills and achievements, modeled in a manner that the reader develops a quick understanding of your potential value addition to their organization. This remains true across all professions, including your role as an Insurance Agent. It's not a space to list every accomplishment. Rather, think of it as a preview of your resume's highlights, which encourages the employer to delve into the subsequent sections.
Framing an Effective Summary
What should an effective summary look like, then? For starters, try to encapsulate it within 3-5 sentences. Brevity is the key here. Be careful not to get verbose or drown the essence in a sea of sentences. While you maintain the brevity, make sure these sentences reflect your professional journey cohesively.
To add authoritativeness to your summary, it's essential to quantify your achievements wherever feasible. Numbers catch the eye and give a solid, verifiable picture of your accomplishments.
The Content
Key elements to include in your summary might be professional qualifications, essential soft and hard skills, prominent achievements, and areas of specialization or interests that align well with the job role in question.
For example, as an Insurance Agent, your summary might speak of your extraordinary knack for rapport-building that has led to customer acquisition or your excellent track record in policy sales.
Tailoring the Summary
While consistency in a resume is important, remember the value of customization in an ever-evolving professional landscape. It can be beneficial to tailor your summary based on the organization or specific job role you're applying for. Insightful customization implies your keenness in the role and the effort you're willing to put in, which are promising traits in any prospective candidate.
Trustworthiness in this context comes from your honesty and transparency regarding your capabilities and experiences. Deceiving the reader could potentially jeopardize your credibility.
Striking the Balance
While it’s encouraged to highlight successes, remember to balance it with humility - presenting yourself as open to grow and learn. Be truthful about your qualifications. Over emphasis or embellishment could lead to unrealistic expectations, directly impacting your performance assessment at the workplace.
Writing a compelling summary or an objective does not require mastery in lexicon or jargons. Simplicity can be powerful too. Use crisp, clear language that clearly communicates your expertise, accomplishments and eagerness for the role.
With these guidelines in mind, you should be able to craft a captivating, concise summary that enhances your prospects of standing out from the crowd and landing that coveted role as an Insurance Agent. As the saying goes, sometimes less is indeed more.
Strong Summaries
Seasoned insurance agent with over 15 years of experience in the industry, specializing in life and health insurance policies. Proficient in customer support and sales with a proven track record of generating new business through strategic negotiation while sustaining existing client relationships.
Dedicated Insurance professional adept at providing optimal coverage options to customers, based on their individual needs. Strong skill set in building customer relations and providing exceptional service with an ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
Insurance agent with a history of surpassing client and employer expectations. Leverage consultative-sales strategies to upsell insurance products and build loyal, lasting client relationships. Excellent communicator with strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of the competitive market.
Detail-oriented insurance professional with an excellent reputation for resolving problems, improving customer satisfaction and driving overall operational improvements. Always up-to-date in insurance laws and state regulations.
Why these are strong?
The above examples are good examples for a summary section for an Insurance Agent resume because they highlight the important qualifications, experience and skills necessary. They talk about expertise area, years of experience, and important skills including negotiation, customer service and understanding of market. They do so in a professional and concise manner, aligning directly with the requirements for the job. The information contained helps make a memorable first impression and sets the tone for the rest of the resume.
Weak Summaries
John has sold many insurance policies.
Insurance Agent!!
I really like working as an insurance agent. I have done it for a long time and I think I'm good at it.
Looking for a job to pay my bills.
Worked in insurance.
Used to be an insurance agent. Want to do that again.
Why these are weak?
These examples are poor choices for a summary section for various reasons. The first example, 'John has sold many insurance policies,' is too vague. It doesn't provide any specifics about John's abilities or experiences. The second example, 'Insurance Agent!!', is unprofessional and lacks content. The third example is conversational and doesn't convey quantitative or qualitative achievements. The fourth example, 'Looking for a job to pay my bills,' is irrelevant, as an Employment history section is not a personal financial situation. The fifth and sixth examples 'Worked in insurance.' and 'Used to be an insurance agent. Want to do that again.' are not only too short, but they also don't provide any useful information about skills, achievements, or why you might be a good fit for the position.
Showcase your Work Experience
As an Insurance Agent, the work experience section of your resume is more than just a summary of your past positions. It's a testament to your skills, competencies, and how you've used them in your roles. This is a chance to paint a picture of your capabilities while providing prospective employers with concrete proof of your practical know-how.
Understand What Matters
The first step to write an effective work experience section is to understand what really matters in your line of work. In the insurance business, things like client relations, claims processing, policy reviews, and sales initiatives can be integral. Achievements in these areas are worth spotlighting prominently.
Accurate Job Titles
Being specific and precise with your job titles can be particularly influential. A vague or inflated job title might create confusion. Instead, stick to what describes your job role accurately and professionally, like 'Insurance Agent', 'Life Insurance Specialist', 'Business Insurance Advisor', etc.
Action-Oriented Achievement Statements
The way you present your achievements matters. Try structuring them in a way that starts with a power verb. For instance, 'Directed client communications for claims processing'. This focuses on your action rather than the gal Mission Statements, which usually don’t say much and could end up being standard statements.
Expert Tip
Quantify your achievements and impact in each role using specific metrics, percentages, and numbers to demonstrate the value you brought to your previous employers. This helps hiring managers quickly grasp the scope and significance of your contributions.
Hard Numbers
Hard numbers can be advantageous as they quantify your contributions, adding weight to your claims. Did you help increase policy renewals by a certain percentage? Or maybe you sold insurance policies worth a significant amount of money?
Skills Highlight
Remember to relate your work experience to the skills you have. For example, an Insurance Agent might possess skills in sales, customer service, negotiation, and risk management. Highlight how you've used these skills in your roles and how it has benefited the organization.
Tailored over Generic
Lastly, remember to tailor your resume to each job application. This shows you're actively considering the requirements of the specific role and tailoring your application to reflect how you meet those requirements.
Writing a work experience section is not just about listing job titles and job descriptions; it's a strategic exercise in showcasing your abilities. Consider each word, statistic, and reference as a further opportunity to showcase your skills and suitability for the role.
Strong Experiences
Strong track record for achieving high customer satisfaction levels by providing top-notch insurance advisory and services.
Experienced in selling various types of insurance including life, health, and property insurances, and exceeded sales targets consistently.
Proficient at evaluating the customer's needs and budget to recommend appropriate insurance policies.
Managed insurance claim process, ensuring customers received fair and prompt payment.
Conducted comprehensive risk evaluations and proposed suitable insurance policies to mitigate potential risks.
Contributed to team’s annual sales targets by achieving personal key performance indicators.
Evaluated and processed claims in a timely manner while ensuring accuracy and customer satisfaction.
Assisted clients with the claims process, while collaborating with adjusters and underwriters.
Why these are strong?
These examples are considered good because they highlight the person's achievements, experience, and skills related to the position being applied for. They are specific in what they've done and also show some quantifiable results such as 'exceeded sales targets' which always give a positive impression to hiring managers. It showcases how the applicants can handle customer relations, manage claims, and recommend policies based on evaluation - all of which are key responsibilities of an Insurance Agent. Further, they suggest the person's capability to work in a team and contribute to team targets, which indicates their team player attitude.
Weak Experiences
1. Worked as insurance agent.
2. Handled insurances for clients.
3. Did my job.
4. Met with customers.
5. Packaged policies.
6. Sold insurance
Why these are weak?
The above examples provided give a very vague and non-specific perspective of the applicant's role as an insurance agent. The bullet points lack measurable achievements, detailed task descriptions or any mention of the skills utilized. Phrases like 'Did my job' or 'Met with customers' are too vague and common to be meaningful. Also, using figures such as the number of policies sold or clients handled could make the resume more impactful and beneficial. Providing a brief on the types and complexity of insurance policies dealt with can also help in better showcasing the candidate's expertise in the field.
Skills, Keywords & ATS Tips
Whether you're an experienced insurance agent or a person trying to make a career in this field, understanding the significance of hard and soft skills in your resume is vital. Also important is the relationship keywords play when navigating Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), and how matching skills can boost your chances of landing an interview.
Hard and Soft skills
Your hard skills are your tangible, teachable abilities. These skills are often acquired through education, training, or work experience. For an insurance agent, hard skills could consist of industry-specific knowledge, knowledge of insurance products, risk assessment abilities, computer skills, or data analysis skills.
On the other hand, soft skills, also known as interpersonal or people skills, reflect how you work and interact with others. These are not specific to any industry and are often subjective. For an insurance agent, essential soft skills can include communication skills, listening skills, problem-solving abilities, and being detail-oriented.
As crucial as both hard and soft skills are, demonstrating the right balance on your resume is important. A prospective employer wants an insurance agent who not only has the necessary expertise (hard skills) but can also build relationships, solve problems, and efficiently communicate (soft skills).
Keywords and ATS
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by organizations to manage their recruitment processes. One crucial feature of an ATS is the ability to scan and sort resumes, searching for industry-specific keywords. The staffing process then becomes more efficient as relevant resumes are filtered through quicker.
Including the right amount of keywords related to the job role, in this case, an insurance agent, aids the ATS in identifying your resume as one that fulfills the requirements. Ensure the use of these keywords appears natural and authentic, not crafted solely for bypassing the ATS.
Matching Skills
Matching skills to a job description is an effective strategy to make your resume ATS-friendly and appealing to the hiring manager. Once you find a job listing that appeals to you, listing the skills you possess that fit the requirements can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed.
Analyze the job description, identify the skills (both hard and soft) needed, and highlight these in the skills section of your resume. Including relevant keywords enhances your chances of getting past the ATS, making your resume more likely to be noticed by the hiring manager.
In simple terms, highlighting your hard and soft skills and understanding the role keywords and matching skills play, increase the chances of your resume making it into the hands of the hiring manager. It is then likely that you'll be invited for an interview, and hopefully, secure that desirable insurance agent job.
Top Hard & Soft Skills for Full Stack Developers
Hard Skills
Risk Management Understanding
Customer Service
Knowledge of Insurance Policies
Sales Tactics
Numerical Proficiency
Negotiation
Financial Planning
Understanding of Legal Documents
Computer Skills
Records Management
Policy Administration
Claims Management
Product Knowledge
Technical Writing
Marketing Strategies
Business Strategy
Soft Skills
Communication
Listening
Problem-solving
Empathy
Attention to Detail
Organization
Time Management
Patience
Interpersonal Skills
Adaptability
Motivation
Critical Thinking
Teamwork
Leadership
Resilience
Decision Making
Stress Management
Ethics
Independence
Positivity
Top Action Verbs
Use action verbs to highlight achievements and responsibilities on your resume.
Administer
Analyze
Advising
Communicate
Coordinate
Negotiate
Prepare
Present
Sell
Solve
Understand
Validate
Evaluate
Operate
Organize
Plan
Prioritize
Produce
Review
Underwrite
Manage
Design
Education
To add your education and certificates to your resume as an insurance agent, simply create a section titled "Education and Certifications." List your formal education first, including the name of the institution and degree received. Then, state your relevant certifications in bullet point format, mentioning the certification's name, issuing organization and the year you earned it. This will indicate your qualifications and boost your credibility in your chosen career. Remember that your most recent and pertinent details should fall towards the top.
Resume FAQs for Insurance Agents
question
What is the best resume format for an insurance agent?
Answer
The most effective resume format for an insurance agent is the reverse-chronological format. This format highlights your most recent experience and achievements first, making it easy for hiring managers to see your relevant qualifications.
question
How long should an insurance agent's resume be?
Answer
An insurance agent's resume should typically be one to two pages long. If you have less than 10 years of experience, aim for a one-page resume. For those with more extensive experience, a two-page resume is acceptable.
question
Should I include a summary or objective statement on my insurance agent resume?
Answer
It's recommended to include a professional summary rather than an objective statement. A well-crafted summary showcases your key skills, experiences, and career highlights, giving employers a quick overview of your qualifications and what you can bring to the role.
question
What skills should I emphasize on my insurance agent resume?
Answer
Highlight a mix of technical and soft skills on your insurance agent resume. Important technical skills include knowledge of insurance products, sales techniques, and industry-specific software. Valuable soft skills include communication, problem-solving, customer service, and time management.
question
How can I make my insurance agent resume stand out?
Answer
To make your insurance agent resume stand out, focus on quantifiable achievements and results. Use numbers and percentages to demonstrate your success in sales, customer retention, or other relevant metrics. Additionally, tailor your resume to the specific job description and company, showcasing how your skills and experience align with their requirements.
Insurance Agent Resume Example
An insurance agent's role involves understanding clients' needs, analyzing risks, and recommending suitable insurance policies. Key skills include strong sales and customer service abilities, excellent communication, and attention to detail. When writing a resume, highlight relevant licenses and certifications, quantifiable sales achievements, and expertise in insurance products and processes. Emphasize skills like active listening, problem-solving, and computer proficiency with insurance software and data entry. Present a clear, well-structured resume highlighting your qualifications and track record.
Genesis Obrien
genesis.obrien@example.com
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(607) 594-8518
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linkedin.com/in/genesis.obrien
Insurance Agent
Dynamic and customer-centric Insurance Agent with a proven track record of delivering exceptional service and tailored insurance solutions. Adept at building strong client relationships, assessing risks, and providing expert guidance to help clients protect their assets and secure their financial future. Committed to staying up-to-date with industry trends and regulations to ensure clients receive the best possible coverage.
Work Experience
Senior Insurance Agent
01/2019 - Present
Allianz Insurance
Consistently achieved 120% of sales targets by leveraging extensive product knowledge and effective networking strategies.
Developed and implemented a client retention program that increased customer loyalty by 25% and reduced policy lapses.
Collaborated with underwriting teams to assess complex risks and develop customized insurance solutions for high-net-worth individuals.
Conducted regular policy reviews and provided recommendations to ensure clients maintained optimal coverage as their needs evolved.
Mentored and trained a team of 5 junior agents, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
Insurance Agent
06/2016 - 12/2018
Liberty Mutual Insurance
Achieved an average of 110% of sales targets by identifying customer needs and presenting appropriate insurance solutions.
Maintained a high client satisfaction rate of 95% through prompt and efficient handling of inquiries and claims.
Conducted educational seminars on various insurance topics, increasing brand awareness and generating new business leads.
Collaborated with marketing teams to develop targeted campaigns that increased lead generation by 30%.
Received the 'Rising Star Award' for exceptional performance and dedication to client service.
Junior Insurance Agent
09/2014 - 05/2016
State Farm Insurance
Assisted senior agents in servicing a portfolio of 500+ clients, ensuring timely policy renewals and updates.
Developed a strong understanding of insurance products and regulations through extensive training and self-study.
Contributed to a 15% increase in client retention by providing exceptional customer service and promptly addressing concerns.
Streamlined policy administration processes, reducing paperwork and improving efficiency by 20%.
Consistently received positive feedback from clients and colleagues for strong work ethic and attention to detail.