New To The Insurance Industry. Questions About Job at State Farm

[Bhayes23]

New To The Insurance Industry. Questions about Job at State Farm Insurance Position.

Hello. First i want to thank the people that make forums like these possible.

Basicallly im planning on going back to school in the spring of 2011.

But until then i have been given the opportunity to do a phone interview with a state farm insurance branch


the position is for what is called a service - marketing team member. according to the job discription i would work "as an employee of a State Farm independent contractor agent assisting the agent in
marketing State Farm products and services and in providing quality service to State Farm customers."

Aside from going around to websites and doing generic research - i am pretty green as far as the insurance business goes.

thanks to a family connection and a good reference i have FAITH that i will get the job.

i have lots of work experience and as well as a customer service background. infact i used to work for what is called a holding company

as an assistant but i must admit that i am new to this industry.

Does any one have any suggestions on preparation for this position?

Also if and when i get the job i will let you know.

But my family member has advised me to not explain to the interviewer that i plan on going back to school in sping 2011.

this job would start for me in April - May. the spring semester of next year is Feb.- March 2011.

Do you guys have any suggestions on how i should negotiate with my boss to going from a full time - part time schedule that would make time for school 6-7 months from now?

 

[cratos]

Re: New To The Insurance Industry. Questions About Job at State F

Be honest and upfront with your potential employer.

Going to school doesn't happen overnight, so he will know when you tell him that you knew when he hired you. That will damage the relationship that your family member has with him and hurt your chances of staying part time after you go back to school.

Hiring and training new employees is very expensive. You should be respectful of that.

 

[Chazm]

Re: New To The Insurance Industry. Questions About Job at State F

Sounds to me that you are just a regular producer at allstate....making cold calls and getting prospects to sign up. Good luck but you are really going to need it since you are going to be gone in less than 6 months after you are trained

 

[Bhayes23]

Re: New To The Insurance Industry. Questions About Job at State F

Okay people. i did a good phone interview with the gentleman who wants to hire me. now i must do a second panel interview. And i am apparently being considered along with 4 other people who want this job too.

but before i go to that step i have to do some more studying on insurance and how i should present myself and this next panel interview. I will do more research about State farm insurance.

but do i say in the interview "Sir i'm glad you want to work with me but in 8 months i will be going back to finish school" Feb/Mar 2011

do insurance agents work with subordinates who go to school or no?? Should i call him up and tell him to not even waste his time on me? Will he be angry or dissapointed because he thought he was getting a great new team member only to find out that i have other plans?

I just need alittle advice from you guys and gals who know this industry. i don't mean to offend anyone here i just have questions.

 

[cratos]

Re: New To The Insurance Industry. Questions About Job at State F

If I were in your shoes I'd want to have that discussion one on one and face to face, not in front of a panel.

I'd maybe phrase it like "Sir, I'm excited about the opportunity here at State Farm. However, I do have plans to complete my degree and am concerned if it would be possible to do that while excelling in the position"

Maybe not exactly like that, but something similar. Then let him talk. Find out if he would be supportive of your plans for school or not.

 

[Chazm]

Re: New To The Insurance Industry. Questions About Job at State F

If you want to be out in 8 months, then why work there? You wont make much if any money in that time anyways

 

[Wtprice]

Re: New To The Insurance Industry. Questions About Job at State F

Actually, he could make ok money. It really depends on how the State Farm Agent runs his office. He could be straight salary, or salary plus bonus.

 

[Bhayes23]

Re: New To The Insurance Industry. Questions About Job at State F

If I were in your shoes I'd want to have that discussion one on one and face to face, not in front of a panel.

I'd maybe phrase it like "Sir, I'm excited about the opportunity here at State Farm. However, I do have plans to complete my degree and am concerned if it would be possible to do that while excelling in the position"

Maybe not exactly like that, but something similar. Then let him talk. Find out if he would be supportive of your plans for school or not.

thanks for the advice. i appreciate all the input. its nice that forums like this exist where folks can exchange information.

 

[briko3]

Re: New To The Insurance Industry. Questions About Job at State F

Would you try to work while in school?

 

[Bhayes23]

Re: New To The Insurance Industry. Questions About Job at State F

well, that's the thing. i don't know whether or not he will accommodate me, while in school.