Recruitment News

Becoming a Loss Adjuster

The question most frequently asked by Claims Handlers / Technicians when we advertise for Loss Adjusting vacancies is, “how do I secure a job as a Loss Adjuster?” The answer (and it is dependent on personal circumstances) can be summed up generally as: qualifications, a realistic career plan and hard work.

Trainee / Junior external Loss Adjusting jobs, which don’t arise too often, are typically oversubscribed so the first step is to stand out from the crowd. Considering that many Insurers, Brokers and claims organisations now offer to fund and support staff through professional qualifications, it is surprising how many CVs we receive from Claims Handlers looking to obtain a Loss Adjusting vacancy without at least some evidence of progression through the CII examinations. A potential employer, when sifting through the piles of applications for an Adjusting vacancy, will be looking for something in a candidate’s profile that catches the eye; something that shows they are dedicated to furthering themselves within the insurance industry and the Cert / Dip CII designation will be a definite indication of that. Many times, when we’ve been recruiting for a Loss Adjusting vacancy, the applicant who has secured the job over others with similar experience is the one with relevant qualifications.

When speaking to candidates looking to secure a Loss Adjusting job, we are often confronted by some unrealistic expectations; applicants feel that they can jump from a Claims Handler role in to a Domestic or General Adjuster position straight away. Unless the company is looking to take on a trainee, in which case the vacancy will usually be oversubscribed, the transition is not normally this simple. Ideally, a Claims Handler at an Insurer or Broker, looking to break in to the Adjusting profession, will first secure a Claims Technician role with an Adjusting practice to familiarise themselves with the different perspective in handling claims and also because companies will often promote from within – the best Claims Technicians being offered the opportunity to go out on to the road. Together with the obtaining CII qualifications, this can often be the best path to securing a Junior / Trainee Loss Adjusting role.

The final piece of the puzzle in helping to secure a Loss Adjusting vacancy is, of course, hard work. Due to the scarcity of Trainee / Junior Loss Adjusting roles, ensuring that you can demonstrate to a potential employer that you are ready to make the transition to an external position is paramount. The best Loss Adjusters are those who view themselves as the custodians of their Insurer client’s money and they therefore ensure that they are as technically competent as realistically possible. Therefore, if you are looking to secure a Loss Adjusting job, familiarise yourself with policy booklets, push your manager to be allowed to handle more complex and larger claims and when you are unsure about a technical point, ask for help and training. This will help prepare your claims handling skills for the move in to Adjusting.

Qualifications, a realistic career plan and hard work will help you stand out from those Claims Handlers and Technicians you are competing against to obtain a Loss Adjusting vacancy. Don’t be complacent; speak to your manager to find out what training options are available and to suggest accompanying a panel Adjuster on some site visits etc. Your enthusiasm will stand you in good stead.

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