Tips for Experienced Insurance Job Seekers

Older professionals who are seeking new positions in today’s difficult job market already know that even though age discrimination is illegal, it’s still widely practiced among some employers. Getting an interview can often be difficult for older applicants. For that reason, well-tailored insurance resumes that downplay age and highlight achievements is essential in today’s job search. Once a candidate receives an actual face-to-face interview, they’ve got a much better chance of convincing a potential employer that they are the right fit for the job.

Resume Dates Should Be Limited
Creating an achievement-oriented resume rather than one that uses a timeline is recommended to those who don’t want to be disregarded simply because they are over the age of 50. Leaving out high school and college graduation dates is another way to keep attention away from age.

Remember to keep resumes brief and concise. While an older applicant may have a longer work history, its imperative not to include every qualification, job and skill set. Be selective and include only relevant skills and experience from the last 15 years.

Give Your Resume a Facelift
Redesigning a resume can also give a job seeker a competitive edge over others on the market. Effective resumes are up-to-date, eye-catching and give the most amount of pertinent information with the least amount of words. Superfluous fluff distracts from actual career achievements while also causing the hiring managers to put resumes at the bottom of the pile. The language should be clear and free from over-sized words, and the tone should be brisk and professional. Also, ensure your contact information should is easy to locate.

Modern resumes have changed over the years. Rather than referring to a candidate’s Job Duties or Work Responsibilities, experience is often noted as Accomplishments and Achievements. Also, remove your resume objective, which is considered to be an outdated practice by most hiring managers.

Learn New Skills

Continuing education should be a part of everyone’s career plan if they’re aiming for optimal success. Consistently taking classes can keep insurance professionals current in their fields and really add value to your resume. Remain up-to-date on industry skills by renewing your qualifications and ensure they’re listed on your resume.

Brand Yourself Online
The Internet is the best job search tool currently available to professionals, including both job seekers and hiring managers. Being Googled as part of the hiring process is now a reality and standard practice, so it’s important to pay attention to your online presence. Are your social media profiles appropriate for your boss to see? If not, clean up your social accounts before sending off that insurance resume. Photographs of celebrations with friends and family in which the participants are clearly overindulging in the consumption of alcoholic beverages, for instance, may cause potential employers to view job seekers in a negative light. If you’re not online at all, begin creating your web presence by starting a LinkedIn account. LinkedIn is a business-oriented social networking site where your profile resembles your resume.

As an older professional with years of experience, your resume will likely speak for itself. However, following these tips can help get you that initial interview.

To further your insurance job search, please visit InsuranceJobs.com.

 

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About Author

Bob Thomas

Bob Thomas is the resident insurance employment expert. He has over a decade of experience in insurance employment consulting.