| In the absence of a significant catastrophe like a | | | | you don't know these programs consider taking a |
| hurricane or earthquake, finding a job as an insurance | | | | course in Xactimate or IntegriClaim. If you are unable |
| adjuster can prove challenging. The field for | | | | to take a course, at the very least you should |
| independent adjusters can be particularly tricky and | | | | express clearly in your resume an ability to use |
| those looking to break into the industry need every | | | | Windows-based software. If you are completely |
| competitive advantage available to them. Knowing | | | | computer illiterate, you may consider taking a Basic |
| how to write an industry-focused insurance adjuster | | | | Computing course before you seriously pursue a |
| resume can provide new and experienced adjusters | | | | career in claims. |
| alike with a particularly unique advantage. | | | | Key #4: Insurance Policy Knowledge |
| Crafting a powerful and effective resume for work | | | | Knowing how to read and apply an insurance policy is |
| as a claims adjuster obviously requires first | | | | very important for any adjuster and hiring companies |
| understanding what particular qualities hiring | | | | know it. If you have worked in the insurance industry |
| companies look for. Here are 5 keys to a great | | | | before and have a basic knowledge of insurance |
| resume based upon the particular needs of adjusting | | | | terms and concepts you shouldn't fail to portray as |
| firms and insurance carriers: | | | | much in your resume. Even if it is as simple as having |
| Key #1: People Skills | | | | read your own homeowner's or auto policy (more |
| Insurance claims adjusters should possess excellent | | | | than most do!), you will want to let your prospective |
| people skills and hiring companies will certainly take | | | | employer's know about your comfort level with |
| notice of a resume that paints a picture of superior | | | | insurance policy jargon and interpretation. |
| interpersonal communication. You don't have to be | | | | Key #5: Time Management and Personal |
| Dale Carnegie, but you should be able to | | | | Accountability |
| demonstrate an ability to deal with a wide variety of | | | | Working as a claims adjuster, especially if you want |
| people in various stages of stress, anxiety, and | | | | to be an independent, requires outstanding time |
| agitation. Emphasize in your resume the polite, | | | | management as well as personal initiative and |
| professional, and cordial manner with which you have | | | | accountability. In putting together your resume, be |
| effectively dealt with people under the | | | | sure to think about various experiences in your |
| aforementioned conditions. | | | | professional history in which multi-tasking and personal |
| Key #2: Construction/Engineering Experience | | | | accountability were required and met. Within reason |
| If you are applying for a position as a residential | | | | and your own honest ability, project the most |
| property adjuster, you will most certainly want to | | | | professional, capable, can-do image possible. This, as |
| highlight your experience with residential construction. | | | | much as anything, will leave a positive and lasting |
| Do you have a working knowledge of how a house | | | | impression on your future employer. |
| is put together? Do you know the difference | | | | A Final Thought on Your Adjuster Resume... |
| between soffit and fascia? If so, how do you know? | | | | As resumes and curriculum vitaes are submitted more |
| Have you worked on a construction crew? Operated | | | | and more in electronic form, there is a temptation to |
| as a general contractor? Helped your uncle out with | | | | lower your standards for the appearance and |
| building his deck? Adjusting firms in particular do not | | | | grammatical integrity for your resume. After all, we |
| want to devote significant amounts of time in training | | | | don't observe Strunk and White's Elements of Style |
| their adjusters in basic construction terminology. Allay | | | | when emailing and text messaging - why should we |
| their fears immediately by highlighting your facility | | | | really observe those old-fashioned standards when |
| with the property construction pertinent to the | | | | posting an electronic resume? Indeed, many optimistic |
| position you are applying for. | | | | job seekers are submitting 2nd to 3rd grade quality |
| Key #3: Computer Skills | | | | material to career sites on the Web. Is it any wonder |
| The days of hand-written estimates are essentially | | | | that no one is giving them a second glance? |
| over for the professional insurance adjuster. | | | | Keep your standards high! |
| Estimates are written and submitted electronically and | | | | Take the time to write a well-considered, |
| if you know your way around a computer it will be | | | | grammatically sound, and visually pleasing resume. And |
| greatly to your advantage as you put together your | | | | if you create your resume according to the 5 keys |
| resume. Many companies will not even consider a | | | | above, you will absolutely gain a competitive |
| new hire unless he or she is comfortable using | | | | advantage as you look to launch or advance your |
| Xactimate 24/25 or MSB Integriclaim (the most | | | | insurance adjuster career. |
| commonly used property estimating programs). If | | | | |