So, you took the first step, you obtained your adjuster license, and now you have the “permission” of the regulator (i.e., state) to adjust claims. But now that the job hunt has begun, are you bumping up against requirements for experience you do not have? What to do?

For the eager yet inexperienced adjuster, Jim Greer, the president of AE21, offers the following advice:

“As for getting a job and a start as an adjuster, there is no easy or sure-fire way to do so. It takes research, perseverance, and patience. Forty-one (41) years ago, when I made the decision that I wanted to be an insurance adjuster, I interviewed with adjusting companies (Independent Adjusting Cos., Third-Party Administrators, and Carriers) over 3 continuous states. Unfortunately, I initially received responses like, “I’m sorry. You are exactly who and what we are looking for. Unfortunately, our next couple of hires have got to be female.” I didn’t take it personally. That was just the way it was during that period of our society. But I kept on going.

You may have to make some difficult decisions, and the first one is your ability and willingness to relocate. When I started, I had no strings attached, so I told each prospective employer that I would go anywhere, with no limitations. (Well, maybe not anywhere, I wouldn’t have gone to New York, Miami, L.A., or any of the “mega” big cities). I recommend you research where many of the insurance carriers’ offices are, specifically their “Branch” offices where their claim staffs are larger, and they experience regular turnover. This would be your best bet!

Your resume should provide your background, educational and employment-related experience, and make sure that you present confidence and understanding of the goals and objectives. In other words, do your best to “talk claims” when you have the opportunity, but also let the prospective know that you want to learn more and be one of the best there are. Communicate that you can dig in, apply yourself, and prove that you can more than exceed their expectations. Most of all, you need to believe it, and mean it.

One word of caution. Do not get “wooed” by so-called CAT Adjusters, who claim to make so much money chasing storms and going out after hurricanes come through. UNLESS you’re speaking with a stable adjusting company who has a solid training program and will commit to your training. Otherwise, you will waste your time. Most of the great CAT Adjusters are people who have worked for insurance carriers and have gained solid experience over many years. They have learned what the job is all about, how to do it, and understand the true objective, which is to help those who have suffered loss and make their recovery as easy as possible for them to get back to normal. In other words, treat people (through the insurance claims process) as you would want to be treated if you were in their shoes.

I’ve been doing this for over 41 years, and I’ve never regretted it. In fact, I’m quite proud, and many of my friends and business associates all feel the same way. You’ll need to be patient and a bit stubborn, but it will be worth it.”

AE21 is here to support you on your journey to a long and successful career as an Insurance Adjuster. Feel free to contact us with any questions. https://ae21.com