If you are running an SME insurance brokerage but are struggling to provide customers with the level of service they require, it may be time to expand. This is a difficult time for a small or medium business as resources may already be stretched. At the same time hiring the best insurance agents available is key to your brokerage success so it isn’t an activity to take lightly. Some of the best ways to find and recruit insurance agents include:
Social channels
Does your business have a LinkedIn profile? It’s a great place for SME’s to begin recruiting but you may have some work to do before you begin posting open roles. In general SME’s do not have the same name recognition as the larger brokerages or insurance agencies so it is important your social presence provides potential candidates with as much information on your business as possible.
Ensure you convey your company culture in your LinkedIn profile and include relevant content including:
- videos
- testimonials
- case studies
- interviews with existing employees
All of these will help potential candidates get a feel for working at your brokerage. You are then ready to post open roles.
Employee referrals
Employee referrals have become an extremely popular way of recruiting for businesses of all sizes. A multitude of research has shown it is an effective way of hiring and retaining suitable candidates successfully. HR Technologist found referred employees are 55% faster to hire, saving your business time and money.
Industry networking events
Offline matters too. Reach potential candidates at insurance industry networking events. Websites like Eventbrite and Meetup are a good place to find upcoming opportunities in your local area. Insurance organisations in your locality may also arrange networking events for members.
College recruitment fairs
If your business needs to fill an internship or junior role, try to have a presence at college recruitment fairs in your area. Provide the college with as much information about your business in advance as you can. Some tips for attracting the right candidates during the fair include:
- communicating the meaningful work your business does clearly and simply
- being approachable
- focusing on soft skills
Specialist recruitment agent
If you don’t have the time to look for suitable candidates, consider employing a specialist recruitment agency to assist. While this will cost more money in the short term, they will take a lot of the most difficult elements out of the recruitment process. Just some of the benefits of using an agency over recruiting yourself are:
- access to a pool of quality candidates
- industry expertise
- knowledge of recruitment law
When you factor in the time taken to find, interview and hire a new employee in addition to salary and benefits, recruiting is expensive. However, taking the time to find the right candidate will be well worth it in the medium term as they help grow your brokerage with their skills and experience.
If your brokerage is looking for an insurance partner in expat health insurance, get in touch, we are happy to answer any queries you have.
