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Recruiter Report: Asking the Right Interview Questions

Recruiter Report: Asking the Right Interview Questions

The current hiring environment requires swift action to secure top talent. Companies are streamlining their recruiting processes and expediting offers to ensure they don’t miss out on the right candidates. This accelerated timeline places added pressure on hiring managers and recruiters to conduct thorough interviews that accurately gauge a candidate’s fit in just a few interactions. In this edition of Recruiter Report, we’re answering the question, "What are the most valuable questions to ask during an interview?" While all managers and recruiters likely have their own set of preferred questions, our recruiters have compiled a list of universally valuable questions drawn from their extensive careers in talent acquisition. General Interview Questions: How would your current/past manager describe you and your work ethic? (For leadership positions, also ask “how would your current team describe you and your management style?) This question serves as a window into the candidate’s interpersonal skills and work dynamics. It helps discern whether they thrive in collaborative settings or prefer independent work. Are they a collaborator who builds strong working relationships or do they excel in an individual contributor role? For managerial roles, asking how their team perceives them sheds light on their leadership style, ability to delegate effectively and the type of work environment they foster. This question will ultimately help you ensure the candidate’s work approach will complement your existing team and align with the role’s requirements. Here is a list of 10 tasks that need to be completed: [list]. Unfortunately, you know you can only get to three of them today. What do you do? This question helps you understand both the candidate’s decision-making process and work prioritization skills. It also assesses their ability to handle stress and make informed choices under pressure, both critical aspects of problem-solving. Moreover, it will provide you insight into the candidate’s adaptability in overcoming challenges in the workplace. Are you interviewing anywhere else? Unless a candidate is truly passive and has been proactively approached by your organization, this question serves as a valuable gauge of their approach to job searching and their motivation to make a career move. You can uncover their priorities, preferences and commitment to finding the right opportunity. If a candidate is currently unemployed and responds that they are not interviewing elsewhere, this could be a potential red flag, signaling lack of motivation or unrealistic job expectations. If you have an urgent problem to solve and your manager is unavailable, what steps do you take to resolve the issue and accomplish what needs to be done? Responses to this question reveal a candidate’s ability to navigate challenges autonomously and their resourcefulness in seeking solutions and assistance when faced with obstacles. Particularly relevant in remote or hybrid work settings, it assesses their readiness to tackle time-sensitive tasks independently. By gauging the candidate’s approach to problem-solving in the absence of direct supervision, you can assess their level of initiative, ownership and adaptability.  If you were a color, what color would you be and why? This is just one of many unconventional questions designed to assess a candidate’s ability to think on their feet and respond creatively and confidently. It also provides a glimpse into how seriously they take themselves and their reaction to unexpected situations. You may have your own favorite untraditional question. Their response to this specific one provides insight into their character traits, values and potential fit within your organizational culture. What qualities do you bring to this role? This question encourages candidates to articulate the unique skills, experiences and attributes they believe are valuable to both the role in question and your organization. Their ability to effectively communicate these attributes and highlight relevant qualifications demonstrates their level of preparedness for the interview. Furthermore, you can gain insight into their approach to self-reflection and personal development. Management-specific Interview Questions: What type of team environment do you prefer to lead? When interviewing future managers, assessing their compatibility with the existing team culture is crucial for maintaining team morale and productivity. Their responses can also reveal their ability to integrate smoothly into your established workflows and team dynamics. This insight allows you to gauge if there will be a seamless transition free of disruptions or conflicts. Can you discuss the size of the teams you’ve previously led and the leadership styles you've employed? This question provides you with a comprehensive understanding of a candidate’s ability to manage teams of varying sizes and dynamics, inclusive of diverse personalities and work styles. You can discover how they approach challenging situations and address performance issues within their teams. By learning about how they support struggling team members, whether through coaching or implementing performance plans, you gain a clearer picture of their leadership style and their capacity to foster growth and development within their team.  Interview Reminders: In any interview, the goal is to walk away with a clearer understanding of the candidate's fit for the role and organization. To achieve this, going beyond surface-level questions and engaging in meaningful dialogue is key. Here are some tips to help you navigate interviews effectively: Approach the interview with a clear understanding of the information you seek. If you need a candidate to be more specific about their response or if you were looking for a different angle on a question, ask. Make the interview conversational and don’t hesitate to ask follow-up questions to delve deeper. Most candidates are able to clearly articulate high-level answers. Exploring their responses further by requesting examples or specifics will provide greater insight. Balance traditional and unconventional questions to gain a well-rounded view of the candidate. While standard questions assess qualifications, unique ones can uncover creativity and cultural alignment, offering a holistic view of the candidate’s suitability for your open role and organization. Expand beyond work-related inquiries. Ask about the candidate’s hobbies and interests outside of work to establish a more personal connection. This not only enhances engagement, but also provides a glimpse into their personality beyond professional accomplishments. In today’s competitive landscape, posing thoughtful and purpose-driven interview questions from the onset is critical to securing the right talent for your organization. By approaching interviews with clarity, curiosity, and a blend of traditional and unconventional questions, you can quickly uncover whether the candidate possesses the qualities and attributes that truly matter for your role and organization. Curious to see other hiring managers' perspectives on must-ask interview questions? Click below to view our LinkedIn poll. For more recruiting best practices, view our past editions of Recruiter Report.

Q1 2024 Insurance Labor Market Study Results: Industry Embraces Cautious Optimism

Q1 2024 Insurance Labor Market Study Results: Industry Embraces Cautious Optimism

The insurance industry is approaching 2024 hiring plans with a sense of cautious optimism. The labor market is stable with steady, low unemployment and there has been a noticeable decrease in voluntary turnover. Our recent Q1 2024 Insurance Labor Market Study, conducted in partnership with Aon plc., found a majority of carriers intend to increase or maintain staff sizes this year. Insurers are taking a more conservative approach to staffing this year. Our survey revealed 52% of companies intend to increase headcounts (compared to 67% in the January 2023 study), while 38% plan to maintain current staffing levels. The most common reason for workforce growth is an expected increase in business volume, followed by expansion of business/new markets. Only 10% of companies plan to reduce staff – a figure fairly consistent with previous studies and thankfully not indicative of mass layoffs. Efficiency gains from technological advancements is the primary catalyst for planned downsizing. Though fewer companies are anticipating staff growth this year, hiring still proves challenging for the insurance industry. Companies responded that nearly all positions are at least moderately difficult to fill with actuarial, executive and analytics roles being the most formidable. Looking ahead, insurers anticipate their greatest staffing need to be experienced professionals (72%), followed by entry-level employees (27%) and executives (1%). Entry-level staff is projected to be in highest demand across operations (51%), claims (40%), and actuarial (35%). Insurers are continuing to fine-tune their policies to strike the right balance between remote and in-person work arrangements to best meet their company’s individual needs. During the next six months, 76% of companies are adopting a hybrid work model for their teams, expecting the majority of their employees to work in the office at least one day a week. Notably, 6% of companies are now mandating their staffs to be in-office every day, a slight increase from the 4% reported last January. The study also found 16% of organizations plan to adjust their approaches later this year to require more in-office presence from employees. Despite the expected slowdown in staffing growth, there are still ample opportunities available within the insurance sector. Professionals can proactively prepare now to quickly seize new job prospects aligned with their personal preferences and career aspirations. If you are contemplating a move in today’s market, view 7 Proven Tips to Supercharge Your Resume to make a stellar first impression. The Q1 2024 Insurance Labor Market Study took place from January 8 through January 29, 2024, with participation from insurance carriers across all industry sectors. The semi-annual survey collects and examines data on insurance industry hiring, as well as revenue trends and projections. For more insight on the industry’s hiring plans and additional labor market details, view the full report.

Jacobson Employee Spotlight - Q1 2024

Jacobson Employee Spotlight – Q1 2024

Each quarter we take time to acknowledge the incredible team members at Jacobson who drive our company's ongoing success. Their dedication to helping our clients achieve their talent goals is truly commendable. Below, we shine a spotlight on a few of our talented Jacobson team members and the roles they play. JESSICA KOSTUK Sourcer, 5 years at Jacobson Hometown: I grew up in Barrington, Illinois and now call Evergreen, Colorado home.  Alma Mater: Indiana University - Go Hoosiers! Describe Your Role: I support Jacobson's corporate talent acquisition. I help identify and recruit new employees to Jacobson across all internal functions. Favorite Show: "The Guilded Age" Jacobson in Three Words: Collaborative, Respectful, Experts A Professional Skill You Are Actively Developing: Active listening  You Are Happiest When You Are: Lounging at home with my kids, a nice glass of red wine in hand, and a steak dinner being prepared by my husband Advice For Newcomers to The Industry: Ask a lot of questions and be willing to learn from the ground up Favorite Food: Sushi or steak  What Inspires You to Excel in Your Role: My co-workers and manager, I have the unique opportunity to partner with many hiring managers at Jacobson and adapt to different processes. This allows me to continually learn from others. CAMERON EADIE Recruiter, 2 years at Jacobson Hometown: Lake City, Florida Alma Mater: University of Central Florida Describe Your Role: I am part of the interim experts team, serving as a recruiter within the temporary staffing department. Our goal is to swiftly address our clients' temporary staffing requirements while actively engaging with professionals within the insurance industry. What Inspires You to Excel in Your Role: My wife, my kids and my team here at Jacobson Advice For Newcomers to The Industry: Treat everyone you connect with the same way you would want to be treated. It helps build rapport, maintain better relationships and grow your network.  Favorite Food: Pizza all day, especially locally owned fresh pizza Last Show You Binge-Watched: I was one of the millions that binged "Suits" last year on Netflix. Highly recommend! If You Won the Lottery, What is The First Thing You Would Do? Our goal has been to: pay off our mortgage and send our kids to college debt free. We would also donate to charities close to our hearts. ANA VILLARREAL Administrative Specialist, 8 months at Jacobson Hometown: Chicago, Illinois Alma Mater: Northeastern Illinois University Describe Your Role: I work in the operations department as an administrative specialist. I am responsible for coordinating travel needs for our consultants. I also assist the office with any administrative tasks. Last Show You Binge-Watched: I just finished watching season two of "The Guilded Age" series. Jacobson in Three Words: Professional, Friendly, Committed You Are Happiest When You Are: With my family Favorite Restaurant: Carson's Ribs Random Fact: In March, I'm attending my first Bad Bunny concert with my sister and cousins. I'm super excited and having my family with me will make the experience even more enjoyable! View previous editions of our Employee Spotlight here. For monthly Employee Spotlights, follow our Facebook page. 

PULSE of the U.S. Labor Market - March 2024

March 2024: Labor Market Pulse

We’re closing out the first quarter of 2024 on a positive note. Unemployment for the insurance carriers and related activities sector slightly dropped to 2% and industry employment continues to grow – reaching a new record high in February. Job openings for the larger finance and insurance industry are the highest they’ve been since September 2023, which hit a record of 509,000 open roles, according to revised numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to our Q1 2024 Insurance Labor Market Study, conducted in partnership with Aon plc, 52% of carriers are planning to add staff in 2024 and just 10% plan to decrease their staff sizes. While insurers are acting with more caution than we’ve seen in the past few years, the industry is continuing to grow. For more insights on what to expect this year, view our full results summary. AT-A-GLANCE NUMBERS INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTS On a year-to-year basis, January* insurance industry employment saw job increases in claims (up 5.1%), reinsurance (up 3.7%), agents/brokers (up 2.5%), TPAs (up 1.9%), life/health (up 1%), and property and casualty (up 0.1%). Meanwhile, jobs decreased in title (down 3.2%). On a year-to-year basis, January* saw weekly wage increases across all areas: title (up 9.8%), agents/brokers (up 7%), TPAs (up 6.5%), reinsurance (up 5.9%), life/health (up 5.1%), property and casualty (up 4.7%), and claims (up 3.7%).   BLS Reported Adjustments: *The BLS Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey report and reports on wages and employment for the industry category are only available for two months prior. The source for the data represented in PULSE is the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Insurance data is derived from the insurance carriers and related activities sector.

Thank-You Notes: A Powerful Tool for Job Seekers

Thank-You Notes: A Powerful Tool for Job Seekers

In today's competitive job market, it's crucial to set yourself apart from other candidates in terms of qualifications and skills, as well as professionalism and follow through. One often overlooked – but powerful – gesture is sending a thoughtful thank-you note after an interview. Not only does this increase your likelihood of being remembered, it also provides an additional opportunity to express why you're the perfect fit for the role. Below are some key points to keep in mind to make the most out of this small but mighty tool: Act quickly.  Hiring decisions are often made fast, with multiple candidates in consideration. Aim to send a thank-you note within a few hours of your interview if possible (24 hours at the most). Handwritten notes are no longer the expectation; send your note via email to increase the likelihood that your message reaches the right person promptly. If you're unsure of the interviewer's email address, don't hesitate to ask the recruiter or individual who scheduled your interview for assistance. Personalize your message. Tailor your thank-you note to each person you met with during the interview process and mention the role, company and key details of your conversation. This could include highlighting a few points that resonated with you or hitting on specific aspects of the role. For instance, even a simple line such as, "I loved hearing about the great things you’ve been able to do at [Company Name], such as [accomplishment],” can help strengthen your connection and demonstrate you were engaged in the conversation.  Maintain a balance of enthusiasm and professionalism. While it’s important to stay professional, be conversational in your tone and express your enthusiasm and gratitude. Thank the interviewer for the opportunity to discuss the position and acknowledge they took time out of their schedule to do so. A simple “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me" can go a long way.  Reiterate and clarify your capabilities. In today's job market, it's not uncommon for employers to meet with several candidates. Your thank-you note is your chance to reaffirm your interest in the position and the company, as well as remind the interviewer of your key qualifications and the value you bring. Was there something you wanted to share but time didn’t allow? Did you feel you didn’t adequately express a certain skill or capability? This additional touch point offers the opportunity to solidify why you are right for the role. Edit and proofread. While your note shouldn't be too short or vague, be mindful of keeping it concise and impactful. Before sending, proofread meticulously for any typos or errors. You may utilize AI-powered proofreading tools like Grammarly for added assurance that you are presenting yourself in the best possible light. Here's a sample thank-you note template to get you started: Dear [Interviewer's Name], Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [job title] position at [Company Name] earlier today. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and learning more about the role and the team. I am particularly excited about [something specific you discussed that interested you about the company or role]. I believe my [relevant skill or experience] makes me a great fit for the position and I am eager to contribute to [Company Name]'s success. If there is any additional information I can provide to support my candidacy for the role, I am happy to share it. I am looking forward to the possibility of joining the team. Thank you again for your time and consideration.  Sincerely, [Your Name] While a well-crafted thank-you note alone won’t land you the job, it is definitely a valuable way to stand out amid a sea of similarly qualified candidates. Even if you ultimately decide the role isn’t for you, being gracious helps build relationships with hiring managers and recruiters for future opportunities. For more insight on a successful and effective job search, view our recent blog on crafting a strong resume. 

Life and Health Job Outlook Improves for 2024

ThinkAdvisor explores insights uncovered in our Q1 2024 Insurance Labor Market Study. The article highlights increased optimism regarding hiring among U.S. life and health insurers, discussing roles currently in high demand.

Q1 2024 Insurance Labor Market Study Results Infographic

Q1 2024 Insurance Labor Market Study Results Infographic

The results of the first quarter iteration of the 2024 U.S. Insurance Labor Outlook Study are now available. The study, led by The Jacobson Group and Aon's STG Performance Benchmarking, examines insurance industry labor and hiring trends. View highlighted stats in our infographic.

Polling Results: How Are Professionals’ Job Expectations Evolving?

As workforce dynamics evolve, professionals’ priorities and expectations have also undergone shifts. Throughout the past few months, we’ve polled our LinkedIn audience on a number of talent topics, including their sentiments around exploring new roles, work flexibility and more. Consider the below information as you build out your own recruiting strategies in today’s landscape. With the "Great Resignation" behind us, we’re hearing an increasing number of insurance leaders share the challenges of recruiting passive candidates. However, 64% of professionals both actively and non-actively job-hunting said they are very likely to explore a new role and 17% said they were “likely” to explore a new opportunity. While some professionals may still be hesitant to make a move, there are several ways to ease candidates’ concerns and help them feel more comfortable learning about a new position and even accepting an offer. Over the past four years, many insurers have adapted to remote and hybrid work environments; and flexibility in work location remains key for job seekers. We polled hiring managers about candidates’ preferences, and 42% felt flexibility in work location is their top priority, surpassing monetary compensation (30%), flexible work hours (24%) and career development opportunities (4%). When we asked this same question in 2021, 42% said flexibility in work location was most important, followed by monetary compensation and career development (tied at 22%).  Asking employees to be in the office even once a week is posing a hiring challenge. A substantial 73% of employers polled find it more difficult to attract talent when requiring employees to come into a physical office once or more a week. While hybrid work may seem like a reasonable compromise between fully remote and fully in-person, it often still limits candidate pools to shrinking local markets, especially as many professionals have taken on remote positions with companies in other parts of the country. When it comes to relocation, candidates have varying preferences: 54% are open to moving for the right job, 32% are exclusively seeking remote roles and 14% are only looking for local opportunities. In order to avoid severely limiting your candidate pool, it’s important to first evaluate whether a role really must be performed in person. Then focus on how you can best communicate the attributes of both the role and organization to appeal to qualified individuals.  For more of our LinkedIn poll results, view our past posts on professionals’ expectations and  insurers’ insights on the talent marketplace. To share your thoughts in our future polls, follow us on LinkedIn. 

Aon and The Jacobson Group Reveal Staff Increase Trends in Insurance Industry

Reinsurance News examines the findings from our Q1 2024 Insurance Labor Market Study. Our co-CEO Greg Jacobson highlights the industry's stable unemployment rate and insurers' cautious hiring approach.

Q1 2024 Insurance Labor Market Study Results

Q1 2024 U.S. Insurance Labor Market Study Results

The Jacobson Group and Aon-Ward conducted a study to investigate hiring trends within the insurance industry. The following presents the findings of an insurance labor survey conducted in the first quarter of 2024...

Fewer Insurers Planning to Increase Staff in 2024

The Claims and Litigation Management Magazine covered Jacobson's Q1 2024 Insurance Labor Market Study, noting that while more companies plan to maintain current staff levels, technology and claims remain top priorities for growth across the industry.

Jacobson: Survey Shows ‘Significant Pause’ in Industry Job Growth

Carrier Management examines the findings from our Q1 2024 Insurance Labor Market Study. While the results reveal industry-wide optimism for revenue growth, our co-CEO Greg Jacobson noted an interesting shift in hiring trends.