If your goal is to become an insurance agent, you’ll need to write a strong resume that showcases particular skills. We share everything you need to know about writing an insurance resume.
1. Write a Compelling Summary
You have only a few seconds to grab your potential recruiter’s attention, which means your resume needs to stand out right away. One insurance resume “must have” is a summary or objective, which is a small paragraph (two to four sentences) at the top of the resume that summarizes your experience, skills or your professional goals related to the position. It’s also a great place to explain who you are, your interests and your values.
Use this opportunity to convince the recruiter that your goals, skills and experience will make you the perfect candidate for an insurance agent. If you have experience as an insurance agent, highlight your achievements in previous roles and how they apply to the company you want to join. If you don’t have experience as an insurance agent, don’t fret! Farm Bureau doesn’t require previous insurance experience to become an insurance agent. Instead, highlight the qualities and experience you do have that will contribute to your success as a Farm Bureau agent.
2. Add Relevant Experience
What should an insurance agent put on their resume? Be picky about what you include. Remember, you don’t have a lot of time to make an impression — avoid irrelevant content and prioritize information that directly applies to the role of an insurance agent. Even if you don’t have experience as an insurance agent, you can still build a strong insurance resume. For example:
- If you’re changing industries, showcase the skills you’ve gained on your resume. Be creative and think about how what you’ve learned in your current career can help you on your new journey as an insurance agent.
- You’re not limited to professional experience on your resume. Do you coach a local team? Do you participate on the school board? If so, you’ve likely gained valuable skills that apply to building a business as an insurance agent.
- Include volunteer experience that showcases your unique skills and your commitment to your community.
3. Highlight Your Accomplishments
Instead of a simple job description, focus on the accomplishments you’ve made while in that position. Now’s the time to brag and present your best professional self. Back up your achievements with facts when possible. For example, if you met your goals, by what percent did you surpass them? If you led a team, how many people were on your team, and what was the outcome? These numbers will give hiring managers a clear idea of your abilities and help them understand the benefit that you can provide for their organization.
Likewise, include awards, certifications or trainings you’ve obtained that showcase your professional capabilities and the personal attributes that show you have the skills that insurance agents need.
4. Customize It
It’s important to customize your resume to reflect what each potential employer is looking for in an ideal candidate. In fact, 63% of recruiters look for resumes tailored to the position. Do some research about the company you’re applying to figure out what the company values, what the position entails and what it’s looking for in a potential candidate. Then, craft a resume that speaks to those needs. Use specific words from the job description when you can – this demonstrates you have exactly what the company is looking for.
Get a Fresh Start at Farm Bureau
Farm Bureau insurance agents come from a variety of professional backgrounds with all kinds of skills and experiences. However, there are two things many of our agents have in common — they have a professional, stand-out resume and are passionate about making a difference in the communities they live and work in. Contact us to learn about the opportunities available at Farm Bureau!