How to write an insurance underwriter CV (with sample)

Insurance is a risk management strategy companies and individuals use to protect themselves from loss in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Insurance underwriters work with them to create appropriate insurance policies. If you're interested in an insurance industry career, understanding how to write a professional CV can help you make a good first impression. In this article, we define what an insurance underwriter does, give a step-by-step guide to preparing an insurance underwriter CV, provide a template and outline an example to inspire you.

What does an insurance underwriter do?

An insurance underwriter is a professional who analyses the risk of insuring individuals or organisations. They're the main link between insurance companies and insurance agents. They use actuarial data and specialised software to determine the likelihood of risks occurring and their potential impact. This analysis allows the underwriter to choose an appropriate insurance premium to charge the client for the insurer to pay on the risk. Underwriters might use this analysis for various insurance estimates, such as health, house and life insurance.

They work closely with actuaries, brokers and risk claim managers, maintaining a balance between attracting and retaining customers with competitive insurance premiums and covering against potential losses through claims. Their duties can include:

• examining insurance proposals

• collecting client's background information in risk assessment procedures

• preparing insurance policy terms and conditions

• operating specialised data analysis software to determine insurance premiums

• determining whether the company could share risks with a reinsurer

• ensuring that premiums are competitive and accounts remain profitable

Related: What does an insurance underwriter do? (With skills)

How to write an insurance underwriter CV in 9 steps

Insurance underwriter jobs are competitive, so preparing an effective insurance underwriter CV is essential. Familiarising yourself with how to prepare one can help improve your chances of employment. Here are some steps you can follow when writing your CV:

1. Review the job profile

Studying the job description gives you a clear picture of what hiring managers are looking for in an employee. This information helps you align your CV to meet the vacant position's requirements. Researching the company is beneficial to understanding its culture and values, helping you to determine the type of language to use in writing your CV.

Related: Job profile vs job description: definitions and differences

2. Identify specific keywords

Hiring managers often receive many applications for a single job vacancy. They may use a tracking system (ATS) to scan through candidates' CVs. This software helps them save time and resources during the recruitment process. It divides CVs' contents into categories and then scans these for specific keywords to determine if the application aligns with the position's requirements.

Some relevant keywords for an insurance underwriter's position may include umbrella insurance, liability, underwriting, claims management, risk management and reinsurance. It's essential to identify and list keywords you can use as a reference checklist.

Related: What is a recruiting ATS and how does it work? A guide

3. Write your contact details

Write your contact details in large, bold font in the header at the top of your CV. Relevant contact details include your full name, phone number, email address and location. Consider also including a professional link if you have one. This information allows recruiters to contact you and provide feedback.

4. Prepare a professional summary

A professional summary is a brief introduction placed at the top of the document beneath your contact details. It's typically two to three sentences long, highlighting your key skills, qualifications and relevant work experience. Use words, such as result-oriented, passionate, experienced and action-oriented, to make this section more appealing to the hiring manager.

Example: Seasoned commercial insurance underwriter with 12 years of experience in the insurance industry, skilled in risk management, financial analysis and client communication. A team-oriented individual who excels in a fast-paced environment, dedicated to personal and career growth.

5. Include your work experience

Describing your work experience highlights your understanding of applying theoretical insurance concepts practically. Consider quantifying your achievements using numbers or other relevant metrics to show recruiters the benefits you can bring to their organisation. Include the institution's name, dates worked and the roles you played. Following the reverse chronological format, organise your work experience from the most recent roles to the least. Mention your previous insurance underwriter, risk management and financial analysis roles. You can also mention your experience using risk assessment and other data analysis tools to determine clients' premiums.

Related: What does an insurance agent do? (Types, salary and skills)

6. Describe your academic qualifications

In this section, describe relevant training programmes you've completed that make you a suitable fit for the position. It's essential to show the institution's name, dates attended and the specific title of the course you completed. Some relevant programmes you could consider might include a bachelor's degree in actuarial science, risk management and insurance, business and commerce, business administration or financial mathematics.

You could also take a diploma course in the same field and earn additional insurance certifications. These certifications might include Certified Insurance Counsellor (CIC), Certified Risk Manager (CRM), Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) and Associate in General Insurance.

Related: List of 14 insurance careers plus salary information

7. State your skills

This section presents the various skills you've gained from previous work. Consider describing the hard skills you gained through academic training and how you use soft skills to relate with colleagues in the workplace. Also, discuss training courses you've completed to improve your skills, such as teamwork and leadership training. These skills might include:

• Computer literacy: Much of the statistical analysis you perform requires industry-specific computer software. Work on developing your computer literacy to operate this financial analysis and data management software efficiently.

• Mathematical knowledge: These roles typically require you to analyse your clients' risk probability when determining the premiums they pay in exchange for risk coverage. Understanding statistics and probabilities is therefore essential for an insurance underwriter.

• Analytical thinking: Sometimes, decision-making processes can be challenging, requiring you to consider multiple factors. This job may require you to evaluate the risk assessment software's automated recommendations to make decisions.

• Attention to detail: Each client is different and has diverse financial circumstances and associated risks. Attention to detail helps the underwriter maintain precision since each data point can have a different effect on the assessment software's results.

Related: Basic maths skills: definition, types and importance

8. Include additional sections

Additional sections allow you to add information that may not fit the above sections. This might include awards, hobbies, professional memberships, languages or publications. You can use this section to add bulk to the document if you have limited work experience and academic background.

9. Proofread the CV

Proofreading the document corrects language and formatting errors. A good technique is to create a checklist of all aspects to review before submitting the document. Consider using proofreading software and applications to eliminate human error in this process. Consider asking a friend or relative to look at the CV and provide feedback on areas for improvement.

CV template for an insurance underwriter

Here's a template you can use as a guide to writing your CV:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Professional email address] | [Location]

Professional Summary
[Two to three sentences that highlight years of experience, relevant skills, education or certifications and achievements as a professional.]

Experience
[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [Location]

• (Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results.

• [Job duty]

• [Job duty]

• [Job duty]

• [Job duty]

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [Location]

• (Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results.

• [Job duty]

• [Job duty]

Skills
[Category]: [Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill]
[Category]: [Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill] | [Skill]

Education
[Degree], [Name of school or university], [Date]

Certification
[Certification name], [Host organisation] - [Year completed or expiration date]

Insurance underwriter CV example

Here's an example to help you write your CV:

Madeline Baker, Bachelor's degree in actuarial science +44 (0) 7700 900794 | madelinebaker@email.com | Brighton

Professional Summary
Meticulous insurance underwriter with nine years of experience in the insurance industry. Proficient in risk analysis, liability underwriting, financial analysis and commercial insurance. Detail-oriented when analysing and preparing financial documents with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Experience
Insurance Underwriter | December 2016 – Current
Moneypence Insurance | Leeds

• gather information on insurance products and the associated risk

• manage the calculation of client's payable premiums, leading to a 10% performance improvement

• collaborate and build relationships with brokers and clients

• oversee the approval and refusal of insurance applications

• perform risk assessments

Insurance Underwriter | January 2013 – March 2016
Bixen Insurance | Manchester

• monitored customer visits and evaluated their financial statements

• directed the operation of risk assessment software and applications

• prepared insurance policy terms and conditions

Skills
Hard skills: Liability underwriting | Risk assessment | Numeracy and statistical skills | Financial analysis software operation

Soft skills: Negotiation | Self-motivation | Analytical thinking | Customer service | Decision-making | Time management

Education
Bachelor's degree in actuarial science, University of Dunburg, 2012

Certifications
Certified Insurance Counsellor (CIC), Dunburg College of Insurance - June 2021
Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR), Dunburg College of Insurance - May 2018

Disclaimer: The model shown is for illustration purposes only, and may require additional formatting to meet accepted standards.