Have You Got the Right Skills? – July
Have You Got the Right Skills? – July
Keeping your skills fresh in this competitive job market is no longer optional—especially if you want to advance your career or make a career change. Employers are impressed by an up-to-date resume with recent certifications or ongoing education. So, what’s the best way to get started? Here are our tips for how to get ahead by expanding and improving your skill set.
- Get Certified
Certifications have become the new Bachelor’s Degree, meaning employers have come to expect the best new hires to have them. These days, keeping on top of the latest trends and information is crucial to maintaining your status as sought-after talent. The good news is, depending on your role in the insurance industry, there are many ways to get certified. Designations range from Accredited Advisor in Insurance (AAI) to Registered Health Underwriter (RHU) and everything in between. Various organizations offer these designations, so it is good to check with them individually to see what they offer. Here is a handy reference list:
American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters
The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research
The National Underwriter Company
- Invest in Continuing Education
Ongoing education is a critical part of your skill set that you bring to a potential employer. If you are already certified in your area of expertise, consider investing a small amount in continuing education to keep your skills fresh. Many different institutions offer continuing education programs for insurance professionals, many with courses costing less than $10. For the cost of a few cups of coffee, you could be wowing potential employers with your sharpened skills. WebCE is a good place to start when researching courses.
- Highlight Your Advancements
Once you have your newly minted certification or have enrolled in a course, it’s time to update your LinkedIn profile and resume! Even if it’s a work in progress, it is absolutely okay to promote your continuing education for employers or recruiters to see. Just be sure to note expected date of completion or note that it’s “in progress”.