Insurance Sales Agents

Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Customize insurance programs to suit individual customers, often covering a variety of risks.86
Sell various types of insurance policies to businesses and individuals on behalf of insurance companies, including automobile, fire, life, property, medical and dental insurance, or specialized policies, such as marine, farm/crop, and medical malpractice.84
Explain features, advantages, and disadvantages of various policies to promote sale of insurance plans.81
Perform administrative tasks, such as maintaining records and handling policy renewals.80
Seek out new clients and develop clientele by networking to find new customers and generate lists of prospective clients.79
Call on policyholders to deliver and explain policy, to analyze insurance program and suggest additions or changes, or to change beneficiaries.78
Confer with clients to obtain and provide information when claims are made on a policy.77
Interview prospective clients to obtain data about their financial resources and needs, the physical condition of the person or property to be insured, and to discuss any existing coverage.77
Contact underwriter and submit forms to obtain binder coverage.76
Select company that offers type of coverage requested by client to underwrite policy.75
Ensure that policy requirements are fulfilled, including any necessary medical examinations and the completion of appropriate forms.74
Develop marketing strategies to compete with other individuals or companies who sell insurance.73

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Monitor insurance claims to ensure they are settled equitably for both the client and the insurer.73
Calculate premiums and establish payment method.71
Plan and oversee incorporation of insurance program into bookkeeping system of company.71
Inspect property, examining its general condition, type of construction, age, and other characteristics, to decide if it is a good insurance risk.67
Attend meetings, seminars, and programs to learn about new products and services, learn new skills, and receive technical assistance in developing new accounts.64
Install bookkeeping systems and resolve system problems.59
Explain necessary bookkeeping requirements for customer to implement and provide group insurance program.58

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Reading Comprehension75
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Listening72
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking72
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking69
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Persuasion66
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Writing66
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Time Management63
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Service Orientation60
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Negotiation56
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Social Perceptiveness53
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Active Learning50
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Coordination50
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

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Judgment and Decision Making50
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Mathematics50
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Complex Problem Solving47
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Monitoring47
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Learning Strategies44
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Systems Analysis44
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation44
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Instructing41
Teaching others how to do something.
Management of Personnel Resources25
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Operations Analysis22
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Operation and Control19
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operations Monitoring19
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Programming19
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Technology Design19
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Management of Financial Resources6
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources3
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Quality Control Analysis3
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Science3
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection0
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Troubleshooting0
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Customer and Personal Service92
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Sales and Marketing91
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
English Language78
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Mathematics65
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Law and Government64
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Transportation62
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Administration and Management60
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Communications and Media52
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Education and Training52
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Computers and Electronics48
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Personnel and Human Resources46
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Economics and Accounting42
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

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Administrative39
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Public Safety and Security37
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Telecommunications36
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Psychology35
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Production and Processing32
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Geography20
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
History and Archeology16
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Sociology and Anthropology15
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Medicine and Dentistry14
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Therapy and Counseling14
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Building and Construction5
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Philosophy and Theology5
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Chemistry4
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Engineering and Technology2
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Food Production2
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Design1
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Fine Arts1
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Foreign Language1
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Mechanical1
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Biology0
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Physics0
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Comprehension75
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Speech Clarity69
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition66
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Written Expression66
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Near Vision63
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Deductive Reasoning56
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Problem Sensitivity56
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Category Flexibility53
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Inductive Reasoning53
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Information Ordering53
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

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Mathematical Reasoning53
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility50
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Flexibility of Closure47
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Fluency of Ideas47
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Originality44
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Selective Attention44
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Perceptual Speed41
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Time Sharing41
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Speed of Closure38
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Far Vision35
The ability to see details at a distance.
Memorization31
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Visualization25
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Auditory Attention22
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Finger Dexterity19
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Hearing Sensitivity19
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Trunk Strength19
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Visual Color Discrimination19
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Control Precision13
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Wrist-Finger Speed13
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Depth Perception10
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Multilimb Coordination10
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Arm-Hand Steadiness0
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Dynamic Strength0
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Extent Flexibility0
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Coordination0
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium0
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Manual Dexterity0
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Rate Control0
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time0
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation0
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Spatial Orientation0
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina0
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength0
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships81
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Getting Information76
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Selling or Influencing Others75
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Working with Computers72
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work67
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards62
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems62
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public60
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Processing Information59
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Developing Objectives and Strategies58
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Performing Administrative Activities58
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge58
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

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Analyzing Data or Information57
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates57
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization56
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Scheduling Work and Activities56
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Documenting/Recording Information54
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events53
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People53
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Thinking Creatively53
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others51
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings51
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others51
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others41
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Developing and Building Teams40
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information37
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others34
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates30
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Training and Teaching Others29
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Coaching and Developing Others27
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials27
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources27
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Assisting and Caring for Others26
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment25
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Handling and Moving Objects17
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Performing General Physical Activities17
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Staffing Organizational Units15
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Controlling Machines and Processes12
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment12
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment11
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment6
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Social Orientation91
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Dependability85
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Perseverance81
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Achievement Orientation75
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Integrity74
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Self-Confidence73
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Attention to Detail69
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Initiative68
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Optimism66
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Self-Control57
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Adaptability56
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Cooperation54
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

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Stress Tolerance53
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Empathy51
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Sincerity44
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Tolerance for Ambiguity44
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Leadership Orientation43
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Cautiousness40
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Innovation39
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Intellectual Curiosity27
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Enterprising83
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Conventional74
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Social45
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Investigative21
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Artistic2
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Realistic0
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

E-Mail
- Every day100%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day100%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important99%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day93%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day84%
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others73%
- Contact with others most of the time26%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important72%
- Very important27%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours82%
- 40 hours18%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually67%
- More than half the time26%
Time Pressure
- Every day52%
- Once a week or more but not every day48%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results58%
- Important results28%
- Moderate results13%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom56%
- Some freedom14%
- Limited freedom16%
- Very little freedom14%

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Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Once a week or more but not every day38%
- Never14%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- Some freedom33%
- Limited freedom14%
- No freedom13%
Written Letters and Memos
- Once a week or more but not every day40%
- Never14%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive25%
- Highly competitive34%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important34%
- Very important13%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important33%
- Very important27%
- Important27%
- Not important at all13%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Every day45%
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Never26%
Conflict Situations
- Every day33%
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month27%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)64%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)16%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)20%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Very important52%
- Important34%
- Not important at all14%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day13%
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
- Once a month or more but not every week33%
- Once a year or more but not every month33%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious27%
- Serious32%
- Not serious at all28%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated28%
- Slightly automated27%
- Not at all automated14%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week26%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never41%
Public Speaking
- Once a month or more but not every week52%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never32%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a year or more but not every month33%
- Never41%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually14%
- Less than half the time58%
- Never28%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- High responsibility13%
- Moderate responsibility12%
- Limited responsibility47%
- No responsibility27%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month26%
- Never42%
Spend Time Standing
- About half the time19%
- Less than half the time54%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually16%
- Less than half the time28%
- Never56%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Moderate responsibility13%
- No responsibility32%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Every day13%
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never62%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time72%
- Never27%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)38%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)62%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day13%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never67%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never62%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month40%
- Never48%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Never87%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a year or more but not every month39%
- Never61%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time25%
- Never75%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time19%
- Never81%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time19%
- Never81%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never87%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never88%
Exposed to Radiation
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never87%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Never94%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never100%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never100%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all100%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never100%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Bachelor’s degree
Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree
High school diploma or equivalent

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Video creation and editing software
Adobe After Effects, Apple Final Cut Pro, YouTube
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
AMS Services AMS Sagitta, Microsoft Dynamics, United Systems and Software Individual Life and Health Administration System, Vulcan Solutions Vulcan Insurance
Customer relationship management CRM software
Allied Financial Software Act4Advisors, Applied Systems Vision, Insurance Technologies ForeSight Enterprise, Tangle S Creations Your Insurance Office
Financial analysis software
Cygnus Software IncomeMax, Insurance analysis software, Insurance rating software, Underwriting software
Medical software
Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS, Medical procedure coding software
Video conferencing software
LogMeIn GoToMeeting, Zoom
Web page creation and editing software
Facebook, LinkedIn
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Document management software
Allstar Software Systems Kofax
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Operating system software
Microsoft Windows
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Instant messaging software
GroupMe
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Data base user interface and query software
Insurance Technology Consultants WOW
Calendar and scheduling software
Scheduling software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Customize financial products or services to meet customer needs.
Sell products or services.
Explain financial information to customers.
Maintain records of sales or other business transactions.
Take product orders from customers.
Develop professional relationships or networks.
Identify potential customers.
Gather customer or product information to determine customer needs.
Prepare sales or other contracts.
Examine documents to verify adherence to requirements.
Develop marketing plans or strategies.
Review accuracy of sales or other transactions.

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Calculate costs of goods or services.
Process sales or other transactions.
Manage information technology projects or system activities.
Examine condition of property or products.
Attend events to develop professional knowledge.
Study product information to acquire professional knowledge.
Install computer software.
Resolve computer software problems.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Insurance Sales Agent (Nof)

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology