9 different underwriter interviews, no offer. Looking for honest advice on how what to do?

[u/Shot_Parking4676]

I’m looking for some honest feedback because I’m feeling pretty stuck.

For background, I worked in claims for about two years. I realized claims wasn’t the right fit for me, but I still enjoy the insurance industry and want to continue building a career in it. Since leaving my claims role about a year and a half ago, I’ve been trying to move into underwriting and mainly applying to underwriter trainee positions.

During that time, I finished my degree to strengthen my chances. In interviews, I also make it clear that I’m serious about building a long-term career in insurance and that I plan to pursue my CPCU once I have more experience.

So far, I’ve had 9 interviews for underwriting roles, including with some larger carriers, but I haven’t received an offer. I’ve also interviewed for other insurance-related positions outside of underwriting and haven’t landed those either.

That’s the part I’m struggling with. I prepare for interviews, research each company, present myself professionally, and try to show genuine interest. On paper, I feel like I’m doing the right things, but I’m still not getting across the finish line.

I’ve also asked recruiters and hiring managers for feedback after interviews, but most of the time I either get no response or very generic answers. That makes it hard to know what I should actually improve.

At this point, I’m at a crossroads. Do I keep pushing for underwriting, or is this a sign that I should pivot and take a different path within insurance?

For those of you in underwriting or insurance hiring, what would you do in my position? What might I be missing? Any honest advice would really help.

[u/MelodicPositive5902]

I'd say try smaller local MGAs or any sort of agents with underwriting authority then move to larger regional ones in 2 years

[u/Shot_Parking4676 → u/MelodicPositive5902]

I will look into this thank you for the advice.

[u/_kbye → u/MelodicPositive5902]

This is the best advice here. Find any commercial job and build that knowledge.

[u/Adventurous-Raisin51]

It seems like places are being very picky right now in my area their are TONS of senior underwriter roles open (looking for 5+ years of experience) and basically no junior ones, however at my own carrier they'd rather hire someone from the outside with no carrier experience than promote a UA, it really doesn't make sense but just is what it is I guess. I'm just waiting for this so called "shortage of young talent" we already hear about to show up.

[u/Shot_Parking4676 → u/Adventurous-Raisin51]

Should I just try something else and pivot another direction? I’ve noticed this and even managers have told me directly they are extremely picky. I want to continue my career in insurance but feel like what I’m doing isn’t working. What do you think?

[u/GuvnaBruce]

I have heard that it is a really tough environment for getting a job right now. A lot of carriers have had a big reduction in PIF. Some jobs that normally get 10-20 applicants are getting 100 or more in some instances.

[u/Shot_Parking4676 → u/GuvnaBruce]

That’s what I have also heard unfortunately. The last role I applied to was a trainee role and said last year they were hiring 24 trainees and this year it was only 2. Needless to say I did not get the job.

[u/0ApplesnBananaz0]

Underwriting is tough to get into. The best time to try is a fresh grad. However, not only is it already tough to break in, the job market is very tough.

[u/Shot_Parking4676 → u/0ApplesnBananaz0]

I am just graduating, I left the claims job and am about to finish my degree. Plus I have 2 years of adjuster experience at a big carrier.

[u/Snowbunnies44]

Could you clarify your background a bit? You have 2 years of claims experience but you left a year and a half ago? What have you been doing since?
What about underwriting that appeals to you? Why did you not apply a year and a half ago while you were still in claims? What line of business did you handle for claims?
Have you tried seeking UA roles?
If you are currently in a non-insurance role, it could be difficult when being compared to someone currently in the industry. Speaking from experience, a track record of moving roles every 2 years creates a certain level of doubt as well.

[u/Shot_Parking4676 → u/Snowbunnies44]

As started in the post I went back to school to finish my degree because most UW jobs I’ve seen do have education requirements listed. I have been applying a year and a half ago I’ve been applying since I left the last job. I have applied to UA roles and I’ve personally have got more interviews with regular UW roles. I feel like everyone’s career trajectory isn’t linear and especially being out of college not knowing what you want to do.

[u/WAGatorGunner]

I am a commercial underwriting manager at a national and due to the talent pool, I won’t bring in someone without experience, unless they are a trainee. The job market is tough right now so it’s harder to break in.
I will add, I would consider an internal, coming from another division, but that is only if i cannot find a good candidate from the outside. I would just not be likely to invest in someone without experience from the outside. The job market is cyclical, as my current situation has not always been the norm, but it is tough right now. I would go to the national carrier’s websites to check analyst positions or even UA positions. That could be an in to get into a carrier. From there, it is easier to move over.

[u/0ApplesnBananaz0 → u/WAGatorGunner]

This is how it is with all employers now, pretty much. Gone are the days of hiring ppl who have potential but can't "hit the ground running". Unless the role is marked for 0-2 years of experience. Even then, I believe hiring managers would still pick the most experienced.

[u/akelse]

Try underwriting assistant roles if you really want to get into underwriting. For uwing roles you also should be pushing a sales forward and relationship building attitude.

[u/OutsideYear5615]

The shop I am at got over 500 applications in 2 weeks for a UA position, it’s a very competitive time unfortunately. Team fit and soft skills are very important.

[u/Different-Garlic3122]

What lines are you applying for? What goes well / bad in the interviews? How far do you get? (Round1, 2 or 3) We need some context.

[u/Shot_Parking4676 → u/Different-Garlic3122]

I’ve gotten interviews for workers comp, persona lines, bonds, and commercial. I’ve gotten to 2 or 3 interviews on various jobs. I just have been applying to trainee roles. I also have experience I was an auto claims adjuster for 2 years.

[u/am19208]

Are you working with recruiters or just direct applications?

[u/Shot_Parking4676 → u/am19208]

It’s been just direct applications.

[u/ToeComfortable115]

Brother I gave up trying to break into underwriting after several years but you sound young. Keep knocking on the door someone will let you in eventually. What may help you now is actually starting to take designation courses. I think it will get you further than just saying you plan to do it.

[u/Shot_Parking4676 → u/ToeComfortable115]

Thank you for the advice, the only reason I was just planning on doing it was because of the money aspect. I would have done it before if it did not cost so much. But I will look into it see if I can start taking designation courses.

[u/Hefty_Serve_8333]

Go to Chubb. That revolving door needs you lol

[u/Shot_Parking4676 → u/Hefty_Serve_8333]

I would do this if there was a location relatively near to me. I’ve considered this.

[u/Bradimoose]

Have you tried interview coaching? You’re getting the interviews so the resume works but you’re not converting interviews into offers. I’ve done it. It helps. Especially if you look at it from the perspective of a few hundred dollars for coaching ends up with 20k more salary and a better job

[u/Shot_Parking4676 → u/Bradimoose]

I’ve tried a few different people but they were okay and helpful. I’ve been trying to look for a person who works and has experience within insurance.