Many employers got used to doing more with fewer people during the downturn.
Slow Going
Insurance hiring may rise but it will likely still lag behind insurance demand.
Touch Somebody
Referrals from employees, friends and clients remains the most popular recruitment tool.
Bright Spots
Sales and claims areas appear to have the best opportunities.
Technical Knowledge
Where employers are hiring, finding people with good technical skills remains a challenge.
Opportunity Agents
Only one-third of independent agencies nationwide expect to boost staff size in 2012: IJ survey.
Hidden Opportunities
Importance of networking: only a fraction of all job openings ever get advertised.
Positive Signs
Recovering economy and hardening market are positive signs for insurance job market.
Constant Lookout
Many agencies are perpetually on a lookout for good producers.
Temp to Perm
Increase in hiring of temporary workers could signal more permanent hires soon.
Around the Country
Employment prospects vary greatly by employer, region and job specialty. For a closer look, Insurance Journal editors interviewed property/casualty industry leaders in their respective regions and will be filing the following reports this week: