The pandemic has changed our economy and the job market. The new normal has created new jobs and eliminated others. Mandates and safety procedures have changed the way some people do their jobs permanently. While the insurance industry is in many ways pandemic and recession proof, it is still important to keep yourself not just relevant and employable but shining out among your peers if you want long-term success.

Use these strategies to stay valuable to your current and future employers:

1. Develop a plan of action for your career. Take the time to think about exactly where you would like to go in your career. Be clear about your strengths and their increasing or decreasing value to your company, as well as in the marketplace. Outline skills you have that will be in demand vs. skills you need to gain for the future. Then put together a step-by-step plan of action. Include in your plan the skills and experience you will need to acquire or strengthen and the people you will need in your network. With this plan, it will be much easier to see the path you should take to reach your professional goals
2. Pursue professional development. Continuously working to improve your skills will play a big role in making you more employable. Staying on top of industry continuing education requirements and courses will improve your expertise and make you eligible for more opportunities in the field. Consider getting certified to work in multiple states to increase your value as an in-field adjuster. While many in-person events aren’t happening, with AE21 you can take your courses online from the comfort of your own home or office.
3. Network. Network. Network. Building a strong network of professionals in the insurance industry can increase your chances of hearing about and obtaining new career opportunities. LinkedIn is a great place to network and connect with people in your field and gain access to resources and training from industry experts.
4. Track your career accomplishments. You may not like to “toot your own horn” but it’s important to have examples of your professional achievements on hand, so make a practice of recording your accomplishments when they happen. Your LinkedIn profile is also a great place to showcase your achievements.

Making yourself more marketable to employers will open you up to better career opportunities and even increase your chances of securing a promotion or raise in your current job. Implement these strategies to help you stay employable as the job landscape continues to shift amid the pandemic.

In our next post, we will talk about the skills and characteristics to develop if you want to stay relevant and employable. Stay tuned.