How to Write an Effective Insurance Sales Resume: Examples and Tips

Learn How to Create a Resume That Showcases Your Skills and Achievements as an Insurance Sales Professional

If you want to work as an insurance agent, you need a good resume. A resume is a paper that tells employers about you and your work. It shows them what you can do as an insurance agent. It should have your skills, your work history, and your achievements that are related to selling insurance. It is a way to show them that you can help people with their insurance needs, make good plans for them, and keep them happy.

Write an Insurance Resume for the Position of Insurance Sales Representative

A distinctive resume may help you stand out from the competition in a competitive business area like insurance by showcasing your unique credentials and proving that you are knowledgeable about the sector. For people looking to get a job as an insurance agent, it is essential to spend time and effort crafting a captivating, customized insurance sales representative resume.

Insurance sales representatives are responsible for selling insurance plans to clients. Examples of the responsibilities of an Insurance Sales Representative include identifying prospective clients, working with existing clients and insurance claims, and recommending specialized services. Hiring managers look for resumes that showcase assets, including insurance policy knowledge, life and health insurance licenses, sales skills, life insurance product knowledge, people skills, computer programming, and risk management experience.

Understanding the Insurance Industry

The insurance industry is a vast and dynamic sector that plays a crucial role in the global economy and new business development. It provides a safety net for individuals, businesses, and organizations against various risks, ranging from property damage to health emergencies. Understanding these different areas is vital for prospective insurance agents when crafting their resumes, as it allows them to tailor their skills, experiences, and qualifications to the specific needs of the insurance sector.

Life Insurance

Life insurance agents specialize in policies that provide financial security for policyholders’ dependents in the event of their death. These professionals need a deep understanding of long-term financial planning, risk assessment, financial and insurance products, and customer relationship management. When writing a resume for a life and health insurance sales representative position, it is important to highlight these skills along with any certifications or special training in life and health insurance.

Key Elements of an Effective Resume for Insurance Sales Agents 

Crafting a compelling resume is a critical step in securing a job in the insurance field. It is your first opportunity to make an impression on hiring managers and potential employers, so it is important that it effectively showcases your skills, experiences, knowledge of insurance and financial products, and qualifications. Below are some key elements to consider when creating your insurance sales representative resume.

Insurance Sales Representative Resume Format 

The format of your insurance sales representative resume should be clear, organized, and easy to read. Typically, a summary or objective statement comes first on resumes, then contact information. Next comes a detailed account of your work experience, then your education, and finally, any additional skills or certifications. The reverse-chronological format, which lists your most recent experiences first, is generally preferred as it highlights your current skills and experiences.

Header Area of the Resume

A header in an insurance sales representative resume plays a crucial role as it offers the first impression to potential employers. It typically includes your full name, contact information, including phone number and email address, and often your current job title or career objective. This vital section helps recruiters quickly identify who you are and how to reach you.

Moreover, if done right, it can also portray a sense of professionalism and show that you understand the nuances of the position you’re applying for. A well-structured header can be the difference between your resume standing out or getting lost in the pile. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure this section is accurate, up-to-date, and easy to read.

Example 1

John Doe
Licensed Insurance Agent | Customer Service Expert | Sales Professional

123 Main Street, Anytown, State 12345
Phone: (123) 456-7890
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johndoe
 

Example 2

Jane Smith
Certified Insurance Agent | Risk Management Specialist | Detail-Oriented 

456 Elm Street, City, State 67890
Phone: (987) 654-3210
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janesmith

Summary Statement Section of the Resume

A summary statement gives a brief overview of your professional background, your core skills, and what you bring to the table. It should be concise and tailored to the specific insurance role you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a life and health insurance position, you might highlight your experience in long-term financial planning and risk assessment.

Example 1

Effective insurance agent with five-plus years of experience, proficient at selling and qualifying leads. I am interested in increasing customer retention with Assurant Mutual. The country-consolidated upsales rate is 17% above the departmental average despite changes. 85% success in cold outbound inquiries for the sale. 

Example 2

Results-oriented leader with vast experience in consulting and new businesses. A well-respected sales professional who consistently exceeds aggressive sales goals. An accredited leader capable of preparing, guiding, and motivating highly successful teams to exceptional performances. Effective communicator who is able to create strong relationships between people. Performed administrative tasks. Skills: Word, Excel, Outlook, Lotus Notes, E-mail. Description: Experience: 10 years. Have a management training school diploma.

Creating A Winning Insurance Agent Bio: Tips And Examples

Work Experience Section of the Resume

In this section, detail your relevant work experiences and professional growth, starting with the most recent. Be sure to include your job title, the name and location of the company, and the dates of employment. Under each position, list your responsibilities and achievements, using action verbs and quantifiable results whenever possible. Whenever possible, use numbers to contextualize your accomplishments for hiring managers reading your application. For instance, you might mention how many clients you managed, the size of the policies you sold, or any targets you exceeded. 

Example of the Work Experience Section

Example 1

Senior Life Insurance Agent | ABC Insurance Company, New York, NY | June 2020 – Present

• Sold an average of 20 life insurance policies per month, consistently exceeding the company’s target by 25%. 
• Developed and implemented strategic sales plans that expanded the customer base by 40% within a span of two years. 
• Conducted a comprehensive financial needs analysis for clients to identify suitable insurance products, leading to a 35% increase in policy upgrades and renewals. 
• Provided high-quality customer service, resulting in a 90% client retention rate. 
• Led informative seminars and training sessions for new agents, improving team performance by 15%. 
• Liaised effectively with underwriters and claims adjusters to expedite processing and ensure client satisfaction. 
• Recognized as “Agent of the Year” in 2018 and 2021 for outstanding sales performance and dedication to customer service.
  

Example 2

Life Insurance Agent | ABC Insurance Company, Boston, MA | January 2019 – December 2022 

As an Insurance Agent at ABC Insurance Company, I was entrusted with the responsibility of selling insurance policies to potential clients, advising them on suitable coverage options, and maintaining client relationships.

Achievements:

• Sales Excellence: Consistently surpassed monthly sales goals by an average of 15%, culminating in a record-breaking sale of policies worth $1 million in Q3 2021.
• Customer Expansion: Orchestrated a client acquisition campaign that brought about a 30% increase in our existing customer base within a year.
• Team Efficiency: Introduced a comprehensive insurance training program, which led to a 25% boost in sales efficiency.
• Recognized Performance: Earned the ‘Insurance Agent of the Year’ award in 2020 for surpassing annual sales targets by 35%.

This experience has honed my skills in driving insurance sales, providing exceptional customer service, and developing effective sales strategies. 

Education Section of the Resume

List your educational background, starting with the highest degree obtained. Include the name of the institution, the degree earned, and the date of graduation. If you are a new graduate, you can also include relevant coursework or projects. If you have taken any courses or earned certifications relevant to the insurance field, be sure to include those as well.

Example 1: 

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) University of XYZ, City, State – Graduated May 2017

• Major: Marketing
• Relevant Coursework: Principles of Insurance, Risk Management, Business Law, and Financial Accounting

Certifications

• Licensed Insurance Agent, State of ABC, License #12345 – Issued January 2018
• Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) – Completed February 2019

Continuing Education

Completed over 30 hours of continuing education courses in Life & Health Insurance, Property & Casualty Insurance, and Ethical Practices in Insurance – 2018-2021

Example 2

Bachelor of Science in Finance State University, City, State – Graduated December 2016

• Concentration: Insurance and Risk Management 
• Relevant Coursework: Financial Planning, Business Statistics, Corporate Finance, Insurance Law 

Certifications 

• Licensed Property & Casualty Insurance Agent, State of XYZ, License #67890 – Issued March 2017 
• Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA) – Completed April 2018 

Professional Development

• Attended the annual National Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors (NAIFA) conference for continued learning and industry updates – 2017-2021 

Remember to tailor this section based on the specific requirements of the job you’re applying for. Including relevant coursework and certifications can set you apart from other candidates.

Skills Section of the Resume

This section should highlight your skills that are relevant to the role. The skills part of your resume should include the keywords in the job specification. For insurance agents, these might include sales skills, interpersonal skills, customer service, risk assessment, knowledge of insurance products and laws, and proficiency in industry-specific software. Be sure to match the skills listed in the job profile and provide examples of how you’ve used these skills in your work experience section.

Example 1: 

• Proficient in using CRM software (Salesforce and Zoho)
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong sales and negotiation abilities
• Comprehensive knowledge of diverse insurance policies and regulations
• Exceptional customer service and relationship-building skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet sales goals
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Example 2: 

• Expertise in risk management and underwriting 
• Proficient in insurance quoting software (QQ Catalyst and Vertafore AMS360) 
• Strong mathematical and problem-solving skills 
• Outstanding presentation and negotiation skills 
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and clients simultaneously 
• Highly organized with excellent time management skills 
• Fluent in English and Spanish, enabling effective communication with a diverse client base 
• Solid understanding of digital marketing strategies for lead generation 

Add Other Sections to Your Insurance Sales Agent Resume

The manager wants nothing more than paper. She needs an employee. Add bonuses to the job description. Include your insurance certification on the resume. Put the bonuses under the Education section. Use resume bonus areas to demonstrate soft skills or insurance agent skills. Volunteering is an important way to show empathy and work as a team.

Tailoring Your Resume

Remember, your resume should be tailored to each specific role you apply for. This means not only matching the skills listed in the job description but also using the same language the employer uses. Research the company to understand its values and culture, and incorporate this understanding into your resume. This not only shows that you’re a good fit for the role but also that you’ve taken the time to understand the job requirements and align your qualifications accordingly.

Proofread and Review

Finally, don’t forget to thoroughly proofread your insurance sales agent resume. A resume free of typos and grammatical errors shows attention to detail, an essential trait for insurance agents. Consider asking a mentor, colleague, or professional resume service to review your insurance sales agent resume for clarity, conciseness, and impact.

Insurance Sales Job Description

When crafting a resume for the role of an insurance sales agent, understanding the typical job duties for this position is crucial. This knowledge allows you to align your skills and experiences with what the hiring manager is seeking. Here’s how you can leverage this:

Primary Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Developing marketing strategies: Highlight any expertise or skill you possess in devising and executing marketing strategies to draw in new clients.
  
• Reaching out to prospective clients: Showcase your competence in prospecting techniques and your ability to make the first move with potential new clients.
  
• Understanding customer requirements: Illustrate your capacity to comprehend customer needs and provide suitable insurance solutions.
  
• Selling insurance products: Accentuate your sales skills and accomplishments, such as consistently meeting sales presentations or surpassing sales targets.
  
• Managing clients’ evolving insurance needs: Show your capacity to nurture and expand client satisfaction over time, adapting to their changing needs.
  
• Collaborating with other professionals: If you’ve collaborated with a team or coordinated with other departments (like underwriting or claims), include this to exhibit your teamwork and communication abilities.

Skills and Attributes:

• Oral and written communication: Effective communication is a must for insurance sales agents. Highlight instances where you’ve utilized these skills, like during client presentations or while drafting proposals.
  
• Building relationships: Establishing a good rapport with clients is vital in insurance sales. Provide examples of how you’ve effectively built and sustained client management.
  
• Sales expertise: Exhibit your selling abilities by mentioning specific times when you’ve contributed to revenue generation or achieved sales objectives.
  
• Familiarity with insurance products: Elaborate on your knowledge of various personal and business insurance programs and regulations.

Keep in mind that job postings may emphasize different parts of the role, so customize your resume to match the specific duties and skills emphasized in the job posting you’re responding to. 

A Day In The Life Of An Insurance Agent

Common Insurance Resume Mistakes to Avoid

When doing a job search in the highly competitive insurance field, your resume is your first chance to impress potential employers. However, common mistakes can hinder your chances of landing that coveted interview. Here are some frequent errors to avoid when crafting your insurance agent resume.

Overly Generic Information

One of the most common mistakes is including overly generic information. While it’s important to highlight your overall skills and experiences, your resume should be tailored to each specific role you apply for. This means focusing on the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job at hand. Generic resumes may fail to demonstrate how you are a good fit for the role, which could lead to your application being overlooked.

Lack of Quantifiable Achievements

Another common mistake is failing to include quantifiable achievements. Instead of simply listing your duties or responsibilities, try to provide evidence of your successes. For example, if you have consistently met or exceeded sales quotas, include this information along with specific numbers. This not only demonstrates your ability to perform but also gives potential employers a clear picture of what you could bring to their team.

Neglecting Industry Specific Skills and Knowledge

The insurance business requires a unique set of skills and knowledge. Neglecting to highlight these in your resume may leave potential employers questioning your suitability for the role. Be sure to mention any relevant certifications, training courses, or industry-specific skills you possess. This could include knowledge of insurance products, risk assessment abilities, or experience with industry-specific software.

Failing to Proofread

Even minor typos or grammatical errors can have a major impact on your job prospects. They can create an impression of carelessness and a lack of attention to detail that are far from desirable in an insurance agent. Always proofread your resume carefully before sending it off, and consider asking someone else to review it.

Long and Dense Text

Recruiters often have many resumes to review and may not have time to read through long paragraphs of text. Aim for concise, bullet-pointed descriptions of your skills and experiences. This not only makes your resume easier to read but also allows recruiters to quickly identify the key information they’re looking for.

Next Steps

Resume writing is a crucial step in securing a job at an insurance agency. It’s essential to include relevant keywords, highlight your sales and customer support skills, showcase your industry-specific expertise, and tailor your resume to each role. Avoid common pitfalls such as overly generic information, lack of quantifiable achievements, neglecting industry-specific skills, failing to proofread, and long, dense text.

Remember, your resume is your professional story; make sure it reflects your strengths and the value you bring to potential employers. Use the provided resume examples as a starting point, but don’t forget to personalize it according to your experiences and the specific job requirements.

For further improvement, consider seeking help from professional resume writing services or delve into best-practice articles available online about crafting an effective insurance agent resume. Your journey to landing your dream job in the insurance business starts with a professionally crafted resume. Good luck! 

Step-By-Step Guide To Becoming A Licensed Life Insurance Agent

Resume Examples for an Insurance Agent

Insurance Sales Agent Resume

If you are looking for a job as an insurance salesperson, you might be wondering how to write an insurance sales representative resume that showcases your skills and experience. Don’t worry, we are here to help you with a sample resume that you can use as a guide. This resume is based on some of the best practices.

Resume Example 1

John Doe
123 Main Street, Anytown, USA 12345
Phone: (123) 456-7890
Email: [email protected]
 
Objective:
Motivated insurance agent with over five years of experience in the industry, seeking to leverage proven sales and customer care skills to grow within ABC Insurance Company. Known for attention to detail, time management, and patience.
 
Work Experience:
Insurance Agent, XYZ Insurance Company, Anytown, USA (2019-Present)

– Successfully managed a portfolio of over 100 clients, consistently exceeding sales targets by 15%.
– Developed comprehensive insurance policies tailored to individual client needs.
– Maintained strong relationships with clients through excellent customer service, resulting in a 20% increase in referrals.

Insurance Sales Associate, DEF Insurance Company, Anytown, USA (2016-2019)

– Assisted senior agents in policy development and risk assessment.
– Achieved an average customer satisfaction rating of 95%.
– Improved office efficiency by implementing a new database management system.

 
Education:
 
Bachelor of Business Administration, Major in Finance
University of Anytown, USA (2012-2016)
 
Skills:
– Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
– Proficient in insurance-specific software and database management.
– Comprehensive understanding of life, property, and health insurance products.
– Excellent sales and customer service abilities.

Resume Example 2

Jane Smith 456 Elm Street | Anywhere, USA 67890 | (098) 765-4321 | [email protected]

Career Overview: Experienced Insurance Sales Professional with a 6-year track record in the insurance sector. Exceptional history of surpassing sales goals, crafting innovative marketing plans, and fostering enduring relationships with customers. Adept at identifying client requirements and offering customized insurance solutions.

Professional Experience:

Insurance Sales Specialist

ABC Insurance Corporation, Anywhere, USA | July 2021 – Present

• Regularly exceeded sales objectives by an average of 20%, significantly contributing to the firm’s bottom line.
• Designed and executed potent marketing initiatives leading to a 25% growth in the client base.
• Leveraged deep knowledge of diverse insurance products to effectively meet clients’ needs.
• Managed a varied client portfolio, adapting to their changing insurance necessities and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Worked seamlessly with underwriting and claims units to improve processes and elevate the client experience.
  

Insurance Sales Representative

XYZ Insurance Agency, Anywhere, USA | Feb 2016 – June 2021

• Successfully sought out and onboarded new clients, resulting in a 12% increase in agency sales.
• Delivered exceptional customer service, yielding a 97% client retention rate.
• Resolved customer inquiries regarding billing issues, coverage details, and new business queries.
• Conducted informative sessions with clients to clarify policy features and benefits, leading to informed decision-making and higher policy sales.

Key Skills: 

• Superior oral and written communication abilities
• Exceptional relationship-building skills
• Proficient in persuasive selling and cross-selling techniques
• Extensive understanding of insurance products and industry regulations
• Competent in using CRM software and generating reports

Educational Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Finance

University of Anywhere, USA | 2011 – 2015 

Certifications: Licensed Insurance Sales Professional, State of USA

References: Provided upon request

Tips for Crafting an Effective Insurance Agent Resume

To ensure that your insurance agent resume stands out from the competition, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Tailor your resume to the job description and company: Highlight your relevant skills and experience that align with the job requirements.
• Use bullet points to list accomplishments rather than duties: Quantify your achievements with numbers or percentages whenever possible.
• Keep it concise: Your resume should be no more than one or two pages in length, so prioritize the most important information and be selective with what you include.
• Use keywords: Many companies use applicant tracking systems: (ATS) to screen resumes, so make sure to incorporate relevant keywords from the job description.
• Proofread for errors: Ask a friend or family member to review your resume, as they may catch mistakes that you overlooked.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About the Insurance Sales Representative Resume

Build Your Independent Insurance Agency with Experior Financial Group, Inc.

Experior Financial Group, Inc. can be the perfect place for independent-minded individuals to start their careers. We offer a tri-brid model, unique in the industry, and agents have access to a plethora of insurance partners. 

We offer low monthly fees for agents to have administrative support, and our CRM is included for no additional cost. Find out more about our advancement opportunities, how you can be awarded shares in the company, and how our unique first of its kind Legacy Ownership could work for you and your family. Reach out to us today!

Join Our Team