Brokerages, insurers and agencies across Quebec and Canada compete for the same profiles: property and casualty brokers, underwriters, claims adjusters, financial security advisors. The best candidates are almost always employed and rarely browse job ads. Here is how to improve your chances of hiring them.
Understand what makes an insurance professional move
An experienced broker or underwriter will not change employers for a few extra dollars. Their motivations are often elsewhere:
- The quality of the book and products offered;
- Autonomy and a path to management;
- Flexibility: remote work, schedule, work-life balance;
- Variable pay and how transparent it is;
- The firm’s culture and quality of leadership.
A job ad that only lists requirements misses these levers. Describe what the candidate gains instead.
Be clear about licensing
Many insurance roles require a provincial licence (in Quebec, from the Autorité des marchés financiers). State clearly whether a licence is required or whether you will support the candidate in obtaining one. That one detail widens or narrows your candidate pool considerably.
Go after passive candidates
The best profiles do not apply: you have to reach out. Headhunting means identifying professionals who match the role and approaching them directly and discreetly, on LinkedIn or by phone. The first message must be personal and give a concrete reason to talk.
Bilingualism is often a deciding asset, especially for roles that serve clients across Canada.
Speed up the interview process
An employed candidate who agrees to talk is often meeting other employers too. A slow process loses good people. Limit the number of steps, give quick answers and prepare the offer in advance.
Work with a specialized recruiter
A recruiter who specializes in insurance knows the titles, licences and pay expectations in the market. At Zone B2B we recruit brokers, underwriters, claims adjusters and advisors across Quebec and Canada, with no upfront fees: you only pay if you hire our candidate.