As recruiters, we frequently speak with candidates who have great experience and qualifications but very basic resumes. Many of these candidates tell us that they have applied for relevant opportunities, however they hear nothing back.
Additionally, no single resume is perfect for every job you are applying for, even if the jobs are all very similar in concept. If you are seriously interested in a role, you should take the time to tweak and modify your resume to highlight your relevant skills and experience that will stand out to the hiring manager as a great fit.
Here are a few ways to tailor your resume and stand out from the competition:
Identify and Highlight Job Keywords
Begin your tailoring process by identifying important keywords in the job posting. The most important keywords to note and highlight in your own resume are job-related skills. Here is an example of where you will find these words:
The Role:
In search of an experienced Commercial Lines Underwriter to manage a profitable book of business focusing on Property, Casualty, Inland Marine, and Workers’ Compensation lines of coverage. Ideal candidates will have experience writing business for industries inclusive of manufacturing, restaurants, retailers, wholesalers, and technology organizations. Working in a team environment, this individual will collaborate to complete new and renewal business production. The right individual will have experience working with both wholesale and retail brokers. Existing relationships in Florida is a plus.
To summarize, search for the following job-related insurance underwriting skills in the job description: lines of coverage, industries, new and renewal business goals, and distribution methods. Add all of these items to your resume (whether or not they are listed in the job description).
Next, look for any transferable and adaptive skills the organization is searching for and work the phrases into your resume. These skills will usually be listed under a requirements section. For example:
Requirements:
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- Ability to maintain excellent customer service standards required
- Strong local market knowledge required
- Thorough knowledge of applicable laws and regulations required
- Fluency in Spanish a preferred
- B.A./B.S. degree required
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Add Figures and Numbers to Highlight Achievements
This is a must for any individual who works in a production driven environment. Numbers stand out, and the eye is drawn to figures that highlight your success in black and white. Plus, this helps the hiring manager picture how you may fit in and succeed with the goals they set.
Additionally, combining the previous concept of highlighting keywords with relevant figures will work as an even more impressive spotlight on your candidacy.
We always suggest adding your achievements YTD and/or previous year. Here are a few examples of the types of figures we look for on an Underwriter’s resume:
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- Currently maintains an $8M book of commercial lines business
- Wrote $2M in new business premiums in 2017
- On track to meet 2018 projected goal of $2M in new business having written over $500k in premium by March 2018
- In 3 years, grew book of business by 150% exceeding new business goals each year
Additional Tips
A few additional items to highlight on your resume that will allow you to stand-out include:
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- Designations you have obtained or are in the process of obtaining
- Insurance related licenses
- Insurance organizations you belong to
- If you’re newer to the industry and your resume is not very long, add any insurance or business internships you completed while in college
Key Takeaways
In conclusion, tailoring your resume for each job you apply to will absolutely up your chances of landing an interview. Good luck!
