Here's how you can rebuild your career after a layoff in the insurance sector.

This can be a good opportunity to discover whether you want to stay in the insurance industry. If so, consider if you want to continue in the same role or sell different products. Reflect on what you enjoy most. For example, I was laid off from my position as a car insurance sales representative. This led me to transition to an agency that sold all personal lines of insurance. There, I learned a lot about different carrier underwriting guidelines, which eventually led me to specialize in Life and Health insurance, and ultimately to opening my own agency. Being laid off turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

Después de un despido, es vital no caer en la trampa de dudar de tu valía. Aunque es un periodo desafiante, usa este tiempo para hacer una autoevaluación honesta. Si estás comprometido con tu carrera en seguros, analiza las experiencias que te han permitido crecer y aquellas que no fueron tan beneficiosas. Reflexiona sobre cómo influyeron en tu desempeño y cómo puedes aprender de esos momentos. Identificar tus puntos fuertes y las lecciones aprendidas te equipará mejor para reiniciar tu trayectoria con una base más sólida y una dirección más clara. Recuerda que en ningún trabajo hay alguien indispensable; lo importante es mirar por ti y tu desarrollo profesional.

I want you to consider reflecting on your career trajectory with a personal coach. He might help you obtain a better perspective.

In my experience, it's very important to allow yourself to feel the disappointment or frustration. Bottling up emotions can hinder progress later on. Take some time to process what happened. Please put in perspective the reasons, they will determine whether you need to adjust key element of your professional skills or maybe its due to cultural aspects and prove you can succeed somewhere else.

Tras un despido, toma la iniciativa para destacar en la industria de seguros: especialízate en empresas y grandes cuentas, mejora tus habilidades técnicas y profundiza en el uso de la IA. Comprométete con el aprendizaje continuo mediante cursos certificados y participación en webinars. Comparte tu experiencia y aprendizajes en LinkedIn, involúcrate en debates y sigue a colegas del sector. Ser visible y proactivo no solo te prepara mejor para nuevas oportunidades, sino que también muestra tu capacidad de adaptación y crecimiento continuo. Tu dedicación a la mejora profesional es tu mejor carta de presentación en un mercado competitivo.

After working at an insurance company, becoming an insurance broker might be an excellent career move. I have met many very successful professionals who have moved to a more independent role.

After you figure out what you are actually passionate about, go find a certification or designation and take it. The more you learn in that niche, the more you value you will bring to the right company that needs a subject expert in that area. Don't stop there, there are communities around your niche and you can learn a lot by following these people and interacting with their content.

I agree, this is crucial. You need to constantly find way to add value as a profesional. You need to always be improving your set of skills. Insurance is very technical but don't underestimate transferable skills! For example, if you were strong at project management in your previous role, you can emphasize that skill when applying for underwriting positions where organization is key.

Leveraging colleagues, advisors and your network is the place to start. Be clear about what you are trying to achieve and who is best able to help and always recognise that networking is a two-way street; you should try and find ways of helping those you are seeking input from. Your skills and connections and ideas are valuable to others so network with a purpose and with a proposition.

Leveraging former colleagues can be a great way to network. They can help provide resources about who may be hiring, refer you to new employers, and offer guidance on which groups to associate with.

If you are reading this then you know how to become a subject matter expert already. Stop reading and start writing. Becoming a "Top Voice" in a subject is going to get you noticed by companies looking for people like you. Answer at least three questions a day and watch your value to recruiters grow. Don't know the answer? Great opportunity to research, learn, and solidify your knowledge by teaching others. Video content can also help people get to know you. Since you can control the content, you can make sure you look and sound professional before publishing it on a platform like LinkedIn.

Your network has the potential to pleasantly surprise you. People are often eager to reconnect and offer assistance more than you might expect. Don't limit your connections solely to those within the insurance industry; consider reaching out to family, friends, classmates, and neighbors as well. This broader approach can significantly expand your opportunities and open you up to different avenues.

I know this could be hard at the beginning but let your network know you're looking for new opportunities. You'd be surprised how many people might be able to help. Former colleagues, mentors, and even professional acquaintances on LinkedIn can be valuable sources of leads and support. There is someone out there who needs someone just like you. Also, attend to industry events, they are great places to stay updated on trends, reconnect with colleagues, and also discover new opportunities.

Networking should be part of your personal brand strategy. Updating your LinkedIn profile, defining how you would like to be considered, reaching out to former colleagues, joining professional associations, and attending industry events to make new connections. More importantly, you should work on your self-esteem.

Update your LinkedIn profile. You can even export your complete resume in PDF format from here. A well-crafted resume can set you apart from other candidates.

The more you practice, the better your performance will be. You can use platforms such as Read.ai to analyze your interview performance.

Consider allowing yourself the space to take a break. It's not every day that individuals have the opportunity to step back, take a breath, and reassess their career path. If you've recently been laid off, chances are you have some financial cushioning to sustain you for a few months. While it's important to stay alert for new opportunities, taking time to recharge will ultimately enhance your readiness for the next job opportunity.

For me, it has always been favorable to think that everything happens for a reason, and this is not the exception. The insurance industry is very specialized, hence you will have a lot of opportunities just by staying in the field. The most important thing will be maintaining a positive attitude. Consider seeking guidance from a career coach. They can provide valuable advice and support during your job search and present opportunities.

Consider taking up sales roles. You may get some income and also have an opportunity to build valuable relationships while at it.

After a layoff in the insurance sector, LinkedIn is a great place to rebuild your career. Start by posting regularly, sharing your expertise and experience publicly three to four times per week during peak hours, like lunchtimes. Quickly, you'll notice your connections grow, leading to engaging conversations with people who value your insights. I went through this myself, and the connections I made have lasted the longest, offering abundant opportunities. Regularly engaging on LinkedIn will help you showcase your skills, attract potential employers, and rebuild your career in the industry.