Crafting a standout resume can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to tailoring it for to a specific industry. The process becomes an art form that only a select few can truly master. However, the rewards are unparalleled, and a well-crafted resume can make all the difference in securing your dream job, from the beginning of your professional journey to your retirement.
Creating an impressive resume for the insurance broking industry can be an intimidating feat, as there is no direct academic route to enter the field. Regardless of whether you are seeking to advance in your insurance career, embarking on a new career path, or you’ve recently graduated. Creating a resume that not only checks all the necessary boxes but stands out from the competition can significantly accelerate your career.
We tapped into the expertise of our team of seasoned insurance broking specialists at Fuse Recruitment. Their wealth of knowledge and experience has given us valuable insights into the crucial dos and don’ts when it comes to applying for insurance broking positions. The consultants offered overlapping advice and crucial tips for creating an outstanding resume. With their expert guidance, you can confidently approach your next job application.
The must DO’s of Insurance Broking Resumes
We consulted with Amy Hatfield, the Senior Account Manager at Fuse Recruitment who specialises in insurance and wealth management recruitment. Drawing on her extensive experience, she shared with us her top essential do’s when it comes to crafting an impressive insurance broking resume:
- Incorporate numbers into your CV: For brokers, highlight the size of your portfolio, number and size of clients, growth of books, and the number of assistants you manage.
- Provide specific details: Clarify the types of clients you work with, your primary responsibilities, and the systems you use to manage your work.
- Showcase your achievements: Demonstrate your excellence by mentioning any awards you’ve won, targets you’ve met or exceeded, or other notable accomplishments.
- Highlight your career progression: If you have years of experience in the industry, be sure to illustrate how you’ve advanced in your roles and taken on additional responsibilities.
- Tailor your CV to the job: Adjust your CV to match the requirements of the role you’re applying for. For example, if you’re seeking a team leader position, emphasize any relevant training or mentoring experience rather than focusing solely on your individual achievements.
Sarah Frank, a consultant specialising in insurance recruitment at Fuse Recruitment with years of experience in the industry, shared with us some valuable insights on what stands out most to her in a resume.
“One of the things I like to see the most is the type of insurance products they have experience with. It’s also great to know what industries they service, specifically if they are applying for a specialist position e.g., Construction. It’s also helpful to see the qualifications they hold.”
We also checked in with Madeleine Martin, the National Manager of Insurance and Wealth Management at Fuse Recruitment. With her extensive experience in insurance and wealth management recruitment since 2007, Madeleine knows exactly what makes an exceptional insurance broking resume. Here are some of the key elements she looks for when recruiting for insurance broking roles:
- Ensuring you highlight strong relationships and networks you have made during your career. Eg, insurance associations.
- Types of insurance you have experience with
- Size and details of your portfolio and clients
- Your industry specialisations
- Your portfolio growth
- Your experience in people leadership
- Any relevant industry qualifications you hold.
Resume “DO NOT’S” in Insurance Broking
When it comes to crafting a resume that will help you land your dream job in insurance broking, it can be tempting to include every detail you can think of. However, it’s crucial to be strategic and mindful of what information to include. Here are some valuable “Do Not’s” shared by Amy Hatfield, the Senior Account Manager at Fuse Recruitment:
- DON’T use ‘fluffy’ language: Generic phrases like “good communication skills” and “time management” are unimpressive and overused.
- DO be specific and concise with your language: Instead, provide concrete examples of how you have demonstrated these skills in your previous roles.
- DON’T use long-winded paragraphs: Using paragraphs can make the resume appear cluttered and difficult to read. Recruiters and hiring managers often receive numerous resumes and if yours is not easy to skim through quickly, it may get overlooked.
- DO use bullet points: Bullet points are your best friend. Using bullet points instead of long paragraphs is a great way to make your insurance broking resume easy to read and understand. By breaking down your responsibilities and achievements into clear, concise points, you can help the hiring manager quickly see your strengths and qualifications. Make sure each bullet point is relevant and impactful, highlighting your specific skills and accomplishments.
- DON’T include irrelevant details: Crafting a standout resume requires strategic decision-making when it comes to personal and professional details. Avoid cluttering your resume with irrelevant information, such as ancient part-time jobs or primary school achievements.
- DO include relevant information: It’s important to remember that hiring managers are looking for information that is relevant to the position you’re applying for. Stick to information that showcases your skills, qualifications, and relevant work experience. This will help the hiring manager quickly assess your suitability for the role and increase your chances.
- DON’T start your resume with your first job: Recruiters and hiring managers want to see your most recent and relevant experience, which provides a better understanding of your current skills and abilities.
- DO start with your most recent role: Make it easy for hiring managers to quickly skim through your experience and achievements by putting your current or most recent role first. It’s important to highlight your accomplishments in each role, as this demonstrates your value and potential to future employers. Remember to keep your resume concise and tailored to the role you’re applying for, to showcase how your skills and experience align with their needs.
Curating an outstanding resume for the insurance broking industry requires careful attention to detail and a strategic approach. By incorporating specific details, highlighting achievements, showcasing career progression, and tailoring your CV to the job, you can create a resume that stands out from the competition.
Our specialist insurance team at Fuse Recruitment is here to help you kick-start your insurance broking career today. Whether you’re seeking to advance your insurance career or starting on a new path, our team of seasoned insurance broking specialists can provide expert guidance to help you approach your next application with greater confidence and purpose. You can contact any of the insurance broking specialists mentioned in today’s article today.
This blog was originally posted by Fuse Recruitment. You can read the original here.