IA Playbook Pt. 10 Step 5 - Resume (Audiobook)

Tailoring your resume is key to landing your job, especially in the independent adjusting field. A well-crafted resume can act as a high-impact advertisement for your skills and qualifications, grabbing attention in mere seconds. 

• A resume isn't just a job history, but a marketing tool to sell yourself 
• Customization is essential for each job application, using keywords from postings 
• Keep your resume to one page, focusing on relevant skills and experiences 

If you're looking to refine your resume, download the free template from the IA Starter Kit to get started!

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction to Crafting Your Resume
• 25:16 Customizing Your Resume for Jobs
• 55:16 Ensuring Error

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:16

Step five craft your resume. Your resume is not your work history. It's a six-second ad for you For independent adjusters. A resume is not a record of your life's work. It's a sharp, focused tool that highlights your skills, certifications and potential value to IA. For Remember the person or the software reviewing your resume isn't reading it word for word. They're scanning for key information that proves you're qualified. The key is to grab attention immediately and showcase what makes you the right fit. Let's use the claim method to ensure your resume does exactly that. C Customize your resume. Customizing your resume for each job makes you stand out.

Speaker 1: 1:05

Ia firms, like many businesses, rely on applicant tracking systems, also known as ATS, to filter resumes, and the ATS systems search for keywords that match job postings. This means a generic resume simply won't cut it. Instead, tailor your resume to match the skills and certifications listed in the job description. For example, if a firm emphasizes auto damage estimation or CCC1 proficiency, make sure you use keywords like CCC1 or auto damage, or however they phrase it, and make sure it's prominently displayed in your skills and experience sections. Don't forget to update your summary section to emphasize your certifications and licenses. Start with what matters most to IA firms your auto damage certification, ccc1 training or relevant licensing. Don't bury the lead. List these certifications at the very top. By customizing your resume to their job postings and needs, you'll show firms exactly why you're the perfect candidate for their needs.

Speaker 1: 2:15

L Length equals one page. Your resume should never exceed one page. While it may be tempting to list every job you've ever done, i-firms only care about skills and experiences relevant to adjusting or that you can make relevant to adjusting. Anything else just distracts from the point. Highlight jobs, accomplishments and certifications that prove your ability to write estimates, understand policies or communicate effectively. Side note for you audiobook listeners here, here's the deal Even if you don't have relevant experience, you can craft your bullet points to sound like you have the skills acquired from these other jobs to be able to do the things they want you to do. That's why it's important to customize your resume.

Speaker 1: 3:03

Okay, but use bullet points sparingly but powerfully. Each point should convey a skill or accomplishment with measurable results. For instance, completed 30-day auto damage certification. Mastering CCC1, estimating software and auto damage estimating. Handled high high volume daily claims. Delivering 98% on-time submissions. By trimming unnecessary details, you'll keep your resume focused and easy to read, perfect for grabbing attention in six seconds or less. Share your past job experiences, but only so. It shows why that role prepared you to be a great adjuster.

Speaker 1: 3:43

Arrange your skills, present your skills and experiences in a way that flows logically and grabs attention. Start with a strong summary section that immediately tells IA firms what they want to know Are you licensed? Are you certified? Can you handle claims? Next, break down your work experiences into relevant sections, prioritizing roles that demonstrate your adjusting skills, and use bullet points to highlight accomplishments that align with the IA firm's needs. For example, if the posting mentions excellent communication, include a point like negotiated settlements with policyholders ensuring accurate and fair claim resolution. Always prioritize the most relevant information first. Hiring managers don't have time to dig for it, so make it easy for them to see why you are the right choice.

Speaker 1: 4:36

I Intentional and consistent. Consistency in formatting and messaging is needed to make a professional impression. Use a clean, readable font like Calibri, georgia or Cambria and stick to it throughout your resume. Headers, bullet points and spacing should all follow a consistent style and size. For example, ensure all bullet points are aligned and use the same size font for all sections. Small inconsistencies make resumes look unpolished. Be intentional with your language as well. Make resumes look unpolished. Be intentional with your language as well. Use active, confident phrases like managed, developed or achieved to describe your accomplishment. Avoid vague or passive terms like helped or assisted. A consistent, intentional resume signals to IA firms that you are organized, detail-oriented and ready for the challenges of the job.

Speaker 1: 5:30

M Make it perfect. Your resume must be error-free. Proofread your resume multiple times and use tools like Grammarly to catch grammar or spelling mistakes. Even a single typo can make you seem careless and cost you the job. Ask a friend or mentor to review it for additional feedback. Additionally, ensure every section is aligned and visually balanced. This doesn't mean you need a flashy design. Just make sure everything looks clean and professional.

Speaker 1: 5:59

Hiring managers care about content, not fancy formatting. A perfect resume shows IA firms that you take pride in your work and that you'll bring that same level of care to their claims Certifications. Don't just claim it, prove it. A standout resume is a document that builds trust. Certifications like IA Pass, auto Damage Certification or CCC1 training aren't just credentials, they are proof. They tell the IA firms hey, you can trust me because I've been vetted by industry experts. Without certifications, firms are simply taking your word for it. But when IA Pass certifies you. You're borrowing credibility from a trusted name. Don't bury this. Credibility List certifications prominently in your summary and skills section. Credibility List certifications prominently in your summary and skills section. Make it clear from the very first glance that you're ready to hit the ground running by following the claim method.

Speaker 1: 6:56

Your resume won't just pass the six-second test. It'll demand a closer look, which is what we want. Need help? If you need more help with your resume, check out a book John Bachman and I wrote called the Adjuster's Resume Playbook. Also, I've included a free resume template in the IA Starter Kit. That way, you don't have to worry about anything but what goes on your resume. You can find the Adjuster's Resume Template for free in the IA Starter Kit at ipathcom.