Behind every great new career in Insurance is a line of applicants, all jostling to get in there before you.
Unlike the queue for Still Game tickets, however, sharp elbows and a terrifying stare will not be enough to help get your hands on the prize.
What you really need are stand-out qualities that will make a winning first impression on your new employer.
Like Dynamo’s levitation trick, these are the kind of inexplicable forces that can automatically put you head and shoulders above the crowd.
If only there was a handy list of what never to do, and what you really must, at your interview for a starring role as claims handler, insurance adviser or commercial broker. Don’t worry, at s1jobs we’ve got it covered.
Do come prepared
Imagine you’re taking a first date to the ballet (we know, but stick with it!). This may not have been your natural environment until now, but do your homework beforehand and you can impress with your in-depth knowledge of The Nutcracker.
Well, it’s just the same for your Insurance job interview. Do show off your understanding of the company and relevant specialist areas such as litigation. Do not relate the history of the tutu.
Do not diss your new boss
It’s one thing offering a constructive review of a company’s approach to how they manage policies, it’s another to do an Ali G on your interviewer.
We don’t just mean favouring a nice business outfit over a yellow jump suit.
This is your first meeting with a potential new boss, so your preparation should include practising what polite and relevant questions to ask as well as how to respond.
Do put on your happy face
If you really want something, and the best way you’re going to get it is by persuading the person in front of you, why hold back?
Show the friendly nature but business determination that makes you the best. Make it even easier for them to choose you by volunteering information, such as interests in industry news or blogs you may have written.
Do try to pay attention
If you failed to notice the job application asked for a specific action, such as bringing along written references, how will your prospective employer know you’ll be accurate and meticulous in your role as an insurance broker?
Far better to reread everything the day before the interview than suddenly remember en route you’ve left copies of your CII qualifications on the hall table.
Now go make an impression with the latest Insurance vacancies on s1jobs.com