How do I get my foot in the door?

Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2007 06:54 am Post Subject: hobbies/interests

Hi yeah..I certainly feel that you would now need to do quite a bit of knowledge processing with your own initiative. You have an added advantage that you are proficient in accountancy which falls within the primary criteria to be an under writer.

It would have been better if you can gather a certain knowledge in economics. As far your CV is concerned highlight your accounts related knowledge & performance at your last employment opportunity.

At the same time, I'd also like to tell you that while you create this CV make sure that you maintain a hobbies/interests section where in you mention it as your habit of reading regular updates & news about economics & the happenings of the financial world.
Regards, Fatman

Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2007 07:08 am Post Subject: Just an idea..

Quite right, but then you have mentioned that you have had some experience getting associated with a fortune 500 company for 7long years.
I think that should be the icing on your cake!

Yes it is quite certain that you have to show all that you have in your arsenal but yes highlight accountancy as your strong hold. At the same time, I'd prefer you to display some information about the actuarial world which gives you an edge, since now a days all insurance companies prefer people with a bit of actuarial knowledge.
Moreover you need to know about the recent softwares that the underwriters use to process their data before taking decision over a claim.
Here comes an effective representation of your knowledge within your CV, both in terms of your studies as well as practices. All the best towards your success, Juanita

Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2007 07:47 am Post Subject: jus clarifying doubts

Hi Matkins!
You're looking forward to a shift to this industry...there is nothing wrong in it!
But at the same time it would be a better decision if you would share with us how much you are willing to carry out this profession in the long run!!
This is because, unless you have a good amount of interest in this profession you should re-think about the risks associated with this industry as well...as also take into account your vision to cope with them in the near future. I hope I'm being more vivid to you..at this juncture :) Coloradoblitz

Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2007 12:46 pm Post Subject: Thank you for the insight!

Fatman, Juanita and Coloradoblitz, thank you for the quick responses and advice given so far. Already it seems to be a consensus that I need to draft up a CV rather than a resume which, as I understand, has an entirely different format than a resume. I had originally believed a CV was only a preference in overseas companies or in the academic and medical community.

Are there any specific reading materials that would be recommended in order to give a clear overview of the relationship between probability, statistics, finance and economics? I can understand how the first three would come into play however I would like to gain a better understanding of the economic role in actuarial science. I have a firm grasp on Micro and Macro economic principles already but would like to be better prepared in knowing how they are applied to underwriting.

Coloradoblitz, I am looking to build a long term career in the insurance industry since, as I understand, it involves a strong desire for continuing education. I feel that underwriting would be the best entry point into the insurance industry and one that would utilize my degree in finance. You mentioned that there were risks associated in having a career in the insurance industry. Other than “jumping ship” from my current employer and into a new industry, what are some of these risks inherent to being employed in the insurance industry?

Again, I thank all of your for the time and insight you are providing me by answering my questions and concerns!

Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2007 04:07 pm Post Subject:

Your resume will stand well on it's own the way it is. Most LARGE companies will fully train you at their facilities, THEIR way. I wouldn't worry a bit about any other training right now.

Some 'key' words I would include in my cover letter or resume are; fast learner, detail oriented, thirst for knowledge, or my mind is a sponge that soaks up knowlege, learn quickly, maticulous at documentation, (sorry no spell check!, or I can't find it), something about your vocablulary, memory, and business correspondence.

Most companies will do a telephone screening with their recruiters, then if you pass that there will be a test, (nothing hard or insurance related general aptitude really), then interviews will begin. Most large companies use the 'target section' program for hiring. If you get past all interviews then prior to hiring you will under go a background check (FBI level at least with the company I work for), as well as a drivers license check and some a credit check as well, and some require drug screening.

This aspect of insurance (as in claims) is very detail oriented, and documentation is very key... So I would do my best to stress that.

There is a good web site, I believe it is 'great insurance jobs'.com, or something very similar. I found my last job on line, you could also check the AM Best site, then go to the top insurers (ratings wise). Then go to those companies web sites, they will have an area to search for positions within their company, by different critera, and also links to apply/post your resume and cover letter.

I personally do not think you need to get any additional training prior to looking for or applying your new career. As I have previously mentioned all companies I know of have their own training, and frankly many prefer canidates, without prior experience as to not have 'untrain' them some other companies way. And yes, I have been told that directly by some HR folks. As long as you have a background that compliments the field you are insterested in.

I don't know what the 'risks' are either that Coloradoblitz is referring to, but look forward to that additional imput as well.

I wish you luck, I've been in this career for 21 years, and have found like all jobs, it has it's ups and downs, but one of my favorite lines is, 'Folks working at McDonald's have stress too, and they call it 'work' for a reason, we don't say we're going to play today' ha ha.....

Again, best wishes for a long career, and let me know if I can be of any other assistance to you.........you seem like a very bright, thoughtful, and desireable employee, some company will snatch you right up !!!

Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2007 06:22 pm Post Subject: Thank you Lori...

Lori, thank you for responding and providing so much helpful information. It was a real boost of confidence to read what you wrote. 21 years is a very respectable length of time for one to be in a career and that is what I am looking for.

Thank you again for taking the time to respond and providing ample amounts of helpful advice!

Posted: Sat Mar 31, 2012 07:43 am Post Subject: vZHbsbnurYmDND

yes that is the 29 cutter i have plans to. have you ever read Larry Pardey's book on uilbding their new boat Talisin? he is a very good craftsman boat builder, many good ideas they have on their boat, i will be uilbding mine much the same way, as they say keep it simple and go now i have the same problem you have about finding the lead for the keel, at least finding it cheap may not be so easy. my boat will have 6350 pounds of lead ballast.you guys might like the interior layout of the Pardey's boat, they have gravity feed water, oil lamps, simple navigation and no engine. i am looking forward to uilbding my boat much the same way, it will get me underway faster and less maintanance on extra stuff .good luck on the planking james