15 Trends in P/C Insurance Employment

The current P/C insurance employment picture, much like the economic outlook, is mixed. Employers remain cautious about adding to payroll, but there are opportunities depending on the region of the country and job type. After speaking with dozens of insurance employers, Insurance Journal uncovered a number of trends that characterize today’s job situation.

1. More with Less
Many employers got used to doing more with fewer people during the downturn.

2. Slow Going
Insurance hiring may rise, but it will likely still lag behind insurance demand.

3. Touch Somebody
Referrals from employees, friends and clients remain the most popular recruitment tool.

4. Bright Spots
Sales and claims areas appear to have the best opportunities.

5. Tech Knowledge
Where employers are hiring, finding people with good technical skills remains a challenge.

6. Opportunity Agents
Only one-third of independent agencies nationwide expect to boost staff size in 2012: IJ survey.

7. Hidden Opportunities
Importance of networking: Only a fraction of all job openings ever get advertised.

8. Positive Signs
The recovering economy and hardening market are positive signs for the insurance job market.

9. Constant Lookout
Many agencies are perpetually on a lookout for good producers.

10. Temp to Perm
Increase in hiring of temporary workers could signal more permanent hires soon.

11. Tech Takeover
Technology is replacing jobs for service and some personal lines jobs.

12. Smarten Up
Enrollment in insurance degree courses is up.

13. Sticking Around
Turnover in insurance jobs is low.

14. Linked Up
Employers and job-seekers are using social media like LinkedIn to connect with each other.

15. Rising in the East
East Coast looks most favorable for insurance jobs in short-term than West Coast.