What makes a claims adjuster great?
There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to this fast-paced roll. It’s a high stress job, requiring a strong mindset. Varying skills that demand experience and expertise. And it doesn’t hurt to have the right set of soft skills that lead to a better customer experience and more profitable claims process.
So, where should we start?
Who knows better than the people actively looking to hire claims professionals? Specifically the most desirable skills sought after.
ZipRecruiter scanned over 9,000,000 job postings to create a list of the most commonly required abilities for claims adjusters. According to their research, these are the top 10 skills sought after:
It’s apparent from this list that the majority of skills hiring managers are interested in come from hands-on experience in the role. There are a few exceptions with the soft skills related to creating a better customer experience, such as customer service & communication skills.
If you’re looking for your next job, aligning your skills and resume to what hiring managers are looking for when reviewing candidates will increase your odds of getting hired.
If you’re looking to hire a new adjuster, make a list of what’s most important to you and your team.
But there’s a lot more to being a successful claims manager than getting hired. So it's probably worth taking a closer look at what some of the best adjusters have in common.
It’s not difficult to find several articles that cover this or related topics. In our own research, there happened to be a few skills that showed up repeatedly across several sources.
Communication - As noted above, ZipRecruiter made it a point to add this top choice to their list TWICE - not only communication skills overall, but specifying written communication as well!
The adjusters role lies at the center of the claims process. The ability to negotiate and deal with carriers, contractors, lawyers, claimants, and more is crucial. Especially in likely stressful situations that require adjusters to be cordial, patient, and professional.
Time Management - Time is a scarcity and it’s not uncommon for adjusters to be handed stacks of claims, expected to manage them all.
A skilled claims professional knows how to prioritize caseloads, phone calls, e-mails, meetings, projects and avoid distractions along the way.
Experience - Handling claims is the core function of the job. The claims adjuster who is skilled at closing a high daily number of claims is a profitable one.
There’s a lot that can be learned from repeatedly doing the job. That’s why relevant skills such as property claims, litigation, liability, and estimating are all highly sought after by hiring managers as noted by ZipRecruiter’s research.
Computer Skills - Since the success of a claims adjuster is dependent on their ability to efficiently manage high case volumes, it requires proficiency in the necessary tools and applications.
Investigative - Attention to detail and a keen eye go a long way. The more detail-oriented the adjuster, the more comprehensive and accurate the reports are likely to be.
Mistakes that lead to a reinvestigation can be costly and look bad on an adjusters track record.
Empathy - Claimants are often stressed and frustrated when dealing with adjusters. Difficult conversations can make matters worse for those who let it get the best of them.
The claims professional who shows compassion can stay focused on helping people in their time of need.
Can-Do Attitude - Because of all of this, the job of a claims adjuster is a stressful one. Sometimes, positivity is the backbone of a better customer experience.
Equally, it’s the best way to reduce the stress of the job!
There’s a lot more soft skills to go around. Things like integrity, self awareness, resourcefulness, and adaptability are key to making an adjuster stand above the rest. A strong mindset is a foundational component of what makes an adjuster great!
It’s also worth noting the difference between experience and expertise. Claims professionals who have explicit policy knowledge & application have an advantage in the field and at the desk.
Relevant construction/engineering knowledge can help adjusters prioritize safety on site and provide more accurate estimates. This one is especially relevant for CAT claims adjusters, but similar subject matter expertise can be sought after depending on the types of claims being managed.
We’re always looking to partner with the best independent claims adjusters and professionals. Be sure to send us your resume and, in the meantime, use this article to find an opportunity to increase your marketability as an adjuster.
Should you need assistance from our experienced adjusters, US Claim Solutions is here to help! We bring extensive knowledge and expertise in both field and desk adjusting. We’re here to service your claims needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Email us at customerservice@usclaimsolutions.co or give us a call at (888) 701-1153.
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