Knowledge
If
you are considering becoming an Insurance Sales Agent there are a lot
of responsibilities you will be accountable for. The first of many
responsibilities is to ensure the success of a particular type of
insurance by taking advantage of the tools made available to you in
the form of techniques that are developed to help understand and meet
the needs of both existing and perspective insurance policy holders.
In addition to that it is important to be able to see what future and
present policy holders need, in other words what are there
requirements. In doing so you are much better equipped to give them
advice on products and services that may better suite there needs.
In addition to this it is of utmost importance to be able to keep
current policy holders. The ability to do this often relies on
staying current on information pertaining to there changing needs and
proving these members with a high quality service.
Hours
If you are interested in working in insurance
sales you can expect to work a solid 8 hour day. It is a common
misconception that, if successful in sales you do not have to work as
many hours. This is true depending on how successful you want to be
and is entirely up to you should you work on your own. However most
insurance agencies look for there employees to work a regular 9am to
5pm shift.
Education, Work Experience and Licenses
You
certainly do not need a doctorate to get involved with insurance
sales, but there are some basics that you will need to get your foot
in the door. The majority of insurance agencies are going to want
you to have at least a high school diploma or a GED. A collage
education never hurts and if you have one your probably more
qualified than the non graduate. In addition to education ,most will
be looking for some sales experience. Although many agencies are
willing to train, they always prefer it when they don't have to.
Finally we look at the fact that most agencies will require a General
Insurance Agent Certificate of Authority. There are various Levels
that can be obtained and obviously the higher the level the more
desirable. In most cases not only does the agency ask that you have
the proper licenses, the law requires it. If you do not have one,
you can always get one.
Skills
Most insurance agencies will be look for sales professionals who posses strong customer service skills. In this they will demonstrate a desire to get involved in conversation that focuses on members ultimately leading to that member making a choice to purchase insurance, or maintain there existing policy. There will be a lot of data to enter and research. And in order to do so it is important to be skilled on the computer with a focus on your skills at the keyboard. Quick and accurate is the name of the game. It is also important to possess skills that show you are established in sales that are based on a consumers needs. Along with this is the importance of great interpersonal skills coupled with communication and presentation skills. Insurance agencies pay particular attention to your attention to detail. This is often best demonstrated in your ability to stay organized and manage your time efficiently.
Personality
As
with any job an insurance agency will be looking closely at your
attitude and a positive attitude goes a long way. It is also helpful
to demonstrate that you are a team player and that you have an
outgoing friendly and helpful personality. This, along with genuine
interest for working with the public is sure to be a winning
combination.
In
general this is what it takes to get started in insurance sales. If
this is something that interest you than click here to learn more
about insurance sales. If you are already involved in insurance
sales and would like to increase your sales click here.