However, you need a strong job application consisting of a resume and an outstanding insurance agent cover letter to beat your competition. Writing a cover letter may be challenging as you determine what to add to it.
Here is a detailed guide that will give you tips to help you create a professional cover letter that gets you your dream job. Some of the topics we'll cover include:
- The layout and structure you should consider for your cover letter.
- How to write an introduction that gets the recruiter's attention.
- The dos and don'ts of writing a farewell as you finish your cover letter.
- The right way to add your call to action.
How to Write a Cover Letter for Insurance Agents
Cover letters make a difference in your application by giving more details about your qualifications. You get to showcase your personality as you write about your skills and experience.
Once in a while, you'll encounter a hiring manager who doesn't require a cover letter, but this is also rare. Your application will be incomplete without a cover letter, so always complement your resume with one unless specifically stated otherwise.
If you don't have much experience, highlight your educational qualifications and show the recruiter how specific courses have prepared you for the position. A cover letter also allows you to express your interest in the job.
The structure of your insurance agent cover letter should have the following information:
- A header section
- A formal greeting
- An introduction of your cover letter
- The body of the cover letter(consists of relevant experience, skills, and other accomplishments)
- A conclusion
- The call to action
- A farewell to close the letter.
Start With The Header
The header section of your cover letter will have your personal details and those of the addressee. Your details include your full name, street address, professional email address, and a link to your LinkedIn profile(This is optional).
The addressee's details include their name, job title, company name, and street address.
The recruiter will use these details to contact you, so ensure they are accurate.
Example 1
4991 Cambridge Court
Phoenix, AZ 85034
alicemaynard@gmail.com
linkedin.com/in/alicemaynard
05/19/2016
Brenda Livermore
HR manager
Madison Insurance Ltd
4057 Rhapsody Street
Ocala, FL 34471
Example 2
3483 White River Way
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
jasonblanton@gmail.com
linkedin.com/in/jasonblanton
03/20/2014
Robert Gill
Recruitment manager
Liberty Mutual
1903 Whiteman Street
Camden, NJ 08102
Introduce Yourself As You Begin Your Cover Letter
The introduction section must get the recruiter's attention to ensure that they read the rest of it and go through your application. Remember that this is your chance to make a lasting impression and convince the recruiter to call you for an interview. The introduction should be one to two paragraphs.As you write your resume, use these tips to help you write a strong introduction.
- Start this section with a professional greeting and add the recipient's name. If you have done your research and still couldn't find the recipient's name, you can use 'Dear Sir/Madam,' but this is not always recommended.
- Express your interest in the position in this section and tell the recruiter how you found out about the job opportunity. Keep it short and brief as you add your introduction.
- Mention the good things you've heard about the company and add your experience level as an insurance agent.
Correct example
I'm excited about the open insurance agent position at Allstate Insurance advertised on the company website. I have worked in the insurance field for six years and specialized in property and liability insurance.
In my previous role at Chubb insurance, I won the employee of the year award after closing one of the biggest deals for the company. I also surpassed all my sales targets by 15% by focusing on a niche market that was tough to penetrate initially but eventually paid off. Though I achieved great success in my previous job, I believe it's time for a new challenge.
The introduction above starts with the correct greeting and proceeds to describe the candidate's experience that has prepared them for the position. It also expresses the candidate's interest in the position.
Incorrect example
I recently saw an open insurance agent position at Allstate Insurance and would like to apply for the same. I believe that my experience will allow me to perform my duties diligently and serve your customers well.
The example above starts with a lazy greeting not directed to any specific person. It also fails to give details that show the recruiter what makes you a unique candidate.
Explain Why You're the Best for the Job
The second part of your cover letter is the body. This is where you'll add your job duties/responsibilities at your previous job. As you add them, use figures and facts to quantify the achievements and show the hiring manager the value you could bring to the company. This section of your cover letter can have two to three paragraphs.
The first paragraph of this section focuses on your previous role and the job duties. As you add the duties/responsibilities, incorporate the right keywords and action verbs from the job description. These optimize your cover letter and ensure that it gets past the ATS systems that hiring managers use to filter out resumes and cover letters that don't have the right requirements.
The second paragraph in this section describes how your previous experience and skills have prepared you for the job. This is where you'll add an achievement that sets you apart from everyone else if you have one.
Some of my tasks in my previous role included overseeing a portfolio of 10 clients, identifying new customers and closing deals that increased sales by 20%, and arranging for and maintaining all types of personal insurance policies within the company.
My position allowed me to improve my communication and negotiation skills. I'm also a great team player who collaborates well with people to ensure the company achieves its targets. I believe that my valuable experience and skills will allow me to perform an excellent job.
The example above describes the candidate's responsibilities and shows the recruiter how their experience and skills has prepared them for the new job.
Some of my duties included contacting new clients, upselling customer products and services, and reaching out to old clients to find out their needs. I believe that my experience will allow me to do a good job.
The example above highlights the candidate's duties but fails to give details of their achievements that make them stand out.
Finish Your Cover Letter With a Call to Action (CTA)
A call to action is vital as you conclude the cover letter. It encourages the recruiter to respond to you once they receive your application. Failure to add one may cause you not to hear from the recruiter. As you add your call to action, take some time to thank the recruiter for reviewing your application and ask them for the next steps.
ExamplesYou can reach me anytime on the email or phone number provided.
This gives the recruiter options to contact you when they need to provide information about the job.
Let me know if there are any updates.
This encourages the recruiter to update you on the hiring process, which is great, especially if you're waiting for feedback for more than one opportunity.
I'd love to set up a meeting and discuss my qualifications further.
This might inspire the recruiter to give you a callback and plan an in-person meeting.
I'd like to discuss my background further at your earliest convenience.
This call to action implies that there are more details about you that the recruiter should be intrigued about.
I hope to hear from you soon.
This implies that you're already positive that you'll hear from the recruiter and may encourage them to reach out.
The Farewell: Finish With a Professional Sign-off
If you write an exceptional cover letter but fail to add the correct sign-off, you'll probably miss out on the opportunity. This is the last section of the cover letter. Here are some examples to help you out.
How to finish your letter- Sincerely yours
- Best regards
- Yours truly
- Most sincerely
- Respectfully yours
- Sincerely
- Kind regards
- Respectfully
- Fondly
- Take care
- Love
- Smiles
- XOXO
- Best wishes
- Cheers
- Affectionately
Accompany Your Cover Letter with a Powerful Resume
While a cover letter is an essential document that boosts your application, you still need an outstanding resume to make your application complete. The resume highlights your experience, skills, and top accomplishments. Check out our resume examples that will help you create the perfect resume. Also, use our resume templates or resume builder to structure the cover letter.
Key Takeaways
- Start with an interesting introduction that gets the recruiter's attention.
- Check the contact information you've provided to ensure that it's correct.
- Personalize the greeting at the beginning of the cover letter by adding the addressee's name.
- The cover letter must always have a call to action.
- Check out our cover letter examples to help you write yours.
- Always end the cover letter with a professional sign-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring insurance agents?
According to Glassdoor, the companies hiring insurance agents include:
- GEICO
- State Farm
- Allstate
- USAA
- Liberty Mutual Insurance
- TTEC
- American Income Life
- Progressive Insurance
What should a cover letter for insurance include?
- An introduction
- Body of the cover letter
- A call to action
- A professional sign-off
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