Tips for getting a job at an insurance brokerage

The insurance brokerage industry is hot! There are lots of job opportunities from entry level to senior positions. Here are some suggestions to help you land one of these positions:

1. Scan the positions available – These are up-to-the-minute postings from IBABC member brokerages with immediate openings. Check these listings daily and apply for the openings for which you qualify.

2. Target the brokerages you would like to work for. Many brokerages are happy to keep résumés on file for upcoming openings. To find brokerages in your preferred location go to the Broker Finder and search by postal code, use the Internet or purchase a copy of the BC Insurance Directory (available from the IBABC office or www.insurancewest.ca).

3. Start your job search early. Send résumés to prospective employers as soon as you’ve determined your method of pre-licensing study and the date you’ll be writing your pre-licensing exam (i.e., either the Fundamentals of Insurance or CAIB I). Click on Education and follow the links for more information on licensing courses. Some brokerages have openings for non-licensed personnel.

4. Post your availability on the Job Board. Here are some guidelines:

• Postings that include the person’s name have more success than anonymous postings. If you must post anonymously, do so in a manner that differentiates your posting from the others. There’s no compelling reason for a prospective employer to respond to a posting that looks just like several others.
• Remember that the information you put in a posting is available to several hundred IBABC member brokerages. Do not include any information that you wish to keep private. That said, you must put at least one character in every field or the system will not accept your posting.
• Keep descriptions short. The system will not accept postings that exceed the maximum number of characters.
• Indicate relevant education and job experience such as retail, office or customer service experience. This experience, in addition to your exam passing grade, gives you an edge.
• When you have accepted a job offer, please notify us to have your posting removed.
• The positive first impression you make with your prospective employer starts now. Proofread your posting carefully. Use the Job Board in a responsible and professional manner.