|
Jacobson consultants have a wealth of experience and knowledge, encompassing every area of the talent marketplace for the insurance, healthcare and financial services industries. We often share our ideas through published articles and interviews.
Here is a sampling:
Career Wise: How can an organization address the industry`s shrinking pool of available talent?
By Gregory P. Jacobson, Chief Executive Officer
Published in Best`s Review: May 2008, Copyrighted A.M. Best Company, Inc. 2008, All Rights Reserved, Reprinted with Permission
Recognizing that there is a shrinking pool of insurance talent, regardless of the recent headlines indicating an employment downturn, is a great start.
The Market for Actuarial Talent
Published in The Actuarial Review
"As a trend, companies see the value of providing a balanced experience to their actuaries at the student level and certainly at the Associate level. It`s great for the recruitment and retention of Generation Y!" - Margaret Resce Milkint, The Jacobson Group.
The Changing Face of Insurance: The Industry`s Hiring Outlook for 2008
By Martin E. Murphy, CPCU, Senior Vice President, The Jacobson Group
Published on CPCU Society`s website
The insurance industry is experiencing a makeover. Transformations in the industry`s workforce and workplace are inevitable. This year focus on embracing change, rather than fighting change to progress in your career.
Colonize your Firm`s Future
By Daniel Gattis, Managing Director, Jacobson Executive Search
Published in Resource (From the March 2008 issue of LOMA`s Resource Magazine. Visit LOMA at www.loma.org.)
In ten years’ time, insurers will have organizational structures designed around two driving elements of their businesses: the art and the science.
The Case for the Mature Worker - Writing the Next Chapter
By Margaret Resce Milkint, Managing Partner, The Jacobson Group
Also published in the January 2008 issue of LOMA`s Resource Magazine. Visit the extract at www.loma.org.
It`s time to the "Next Chapter." Redefining the aging workforce is a challenge and an opportunity. It is undeniable that the greatest demographic shift in the history of the U.S. is here.
Networking
By Martin E. Murphy, CPCU, Senior Vice President, The Jacobson Group and Barbara Taylor and Jane Lowenstein of Janbara & Associates
Published on CPCU Society’s website
Networking is critical to building a successful career. It`s not about what you know; it`s who you know! So how do you meet new people and build your network? Where do you start? Take a proactive approach to networking, expanding your contact list and getting the most out of your network.
The Shrinking Pool
Published in TechDecisions
"The talent crisis is real," says Margaret Resce Milkint, partner at the insurance executive search and staffing firm The Jacobson Group. "Competition for claims talent already is more intense than I`ve ever seen, and I`ve been at this for 22 years. The big question for the insurance industry is where is the next generation of talent - who will be my successor?"
Gender Roles: Breaking the Glass Ceiling
By Martin E. Murphy, CPCU, Senior Vice President, The Jacobson Group and Barbara Taylor and Jane Lowenstein of Janbara & Associates
Published on CPCU Society’s website
Today, most are very aware that the two genders should be treated equally; however, there is a residue of the aggressive and passive roles by which each gender was previously identified. How do these affect our professional lives and create a glass ceiling in the insurance industry?
Industry Faces HR Challenges
Published in RESOURCE (From the July 2007 issue of LOMA`s RESOURCE Magazine. Visit LOMA at www.loma.org.)
"Unfortunately, our industry is going to be hit hard by the retirement of the baby boomer generation. Many organizations are not prepared for this coming challenge because training and development programs have lost favor in the dirve to cut costs. However, there appears to be a silver lining as many studies show that a high percentage of baby boomer want and expect to work during retirement." - Gregory P. Jacobson, The Jacobson Group
Mentoring (Part II): How to Make the Most of the Relationship
By Martin E. Murphy, CPCU, Senior Vice President, The Jacobson Group and Barbara Taylor and Jane Lowenstein of Janbara & Associates
Published on CPCU Society’s website
The GROW (Goals, Reality, Options, Will) model encourages mentees to reveal what their goals are, where they are now, how they could move forward and what they will commit to doing to reach those goals.
Mentoring (Part I): Is it for You?
By Martin E. Murphy, CPCU, Senior Vice President, The Jacobson Group and Barbara Taylor and Jane Lowenstein of Janbara & Associates
Published on CPCU Society’s website
Considering participating in a mentorship relationship? This popular route for development is showing up in a growing number of insurance firms. It`s a powerful tool for enhancing personal and professional development.
Opportunities in Insurance for Well-rounded IT Pros
Published in Diversity/Careers
"We see IT folks taking their seats at the leadership table, sharing insights with CEOs and making strategic decisions." - Margaret Resce Milkint, The Jacobson Group.
Marketing Yourself: Creating a Successful Sales Strategy for "ME, Inc."
By Mary Kilkenny, Actuarial Consultant, The Jacobson Group
Published in The Stepping Stone, the quarterly newsletter of the SOA`s Management and Personal Development Section (Copyright 2007, Society of Actuaries. Reproduced with permission.)
Your ideal position just opened up and you are the perfect fit - you graduated in the top of your class from a well-known university, have an impressive exam-passing history and a five-page list of related accomplishments, and were recently named Employee of the Year at your "A++" rated employer. However, if you don`t market yourself properly, you will get overlooked in the masses.
Get Involved With Your Local CPCU Chapter: Support Your Chapter, Support Your Industry
By Martin E. Murphy, CPCU, Senior Vice President, The Jacobson Group
Published on CPCU Society`s website
Along with the prestige of a title, professional memberships, in their essence, exist to enhance your career. Industry-specific societies offer a wealth of information and resources to aid in your professional development and success.
Adding the Human Dimension to ERM - A Crucial Enhancement for 2007
By Daniel Gattis, Senior Vice President, The Jacobson Group
Published in Resource (Copyright 2007, LOMA. Reproduced with permission.)
Most often there is an element missing from ERM that long has been missing from strategic planning in many firms - an equally rigorous assessment of the firm`s human talent and what risks may lie therein.
Networking - Master Key to Opportunity
By Mary Kilkenny, Actuarial Consultant, The Jacobson Group
Published in The Stepping Stone, the quarterly newsletter of the SOA`s Management and Personal Development Section (Copyright 2007, Society of Actuaries. Reproduced with permission.)
Eight-five percent of openings never make it to the classifieds or the Internet. Instead, these roles are filled by someone who had an inside track through family, friends or a professional network. Yes - a professional network.
Actuaries Pursue Safety in Numbers
Published In Seattle Times
"Successful companies need to be more proactive and show that it is a profession beyond sales and claims." - Marty Murphy, The Jacobson Group
Small Companies Adding Year-Round Perks for Employees
Published in Seattle Times
"Business is personal and managers need to start recognizing that employees are emotionally driven." - Sharon Afforde, Consultant, The Jacobson Group.
The Talent Crunch
Published in Insurance & Technology
"The talent crunch is very real," says Margaret Resce Milkint, partner with Chicago-based staffing firm The Jacobson Group. "We have an aging workforce, and boomers are turning 60 this year."
Operation Career Recharge: Part 6- Network for Continued Success
By Martin E. Murphy, CPCU, Senior Vice President, The Jacobson Group
Published on CPCU Society`s website
One of the biggest misnomers of networking is that people only do it when they are looking for a new job. Nonsense. The purpose of networking is to meet new people, learn new things, enrich your life and have fun! It is not about job searching; it is about keeping you on the path to success.
The Hottest Industries for Sales Jobs
Published in Sales and Marketing Management
"It`s hard to attract new salespeople into the insurance industry," says Marty Murphy, senior vice president of professional recruiting for the Jacobson Group.
Experts Share Their Secrets for Successful Recruiting
Published in Employee Benefit Adviser
"You`ve got to make sure you are providing them the services -- back room support, participation in decision-making - the things that really get that person to be tied to your organization," [Marty] Murphy [Senior Vice President of The Jacobson Group] says.
Operation Career Recharge: Part 5 - Prevent Job Burnout with Continuous Learning
By Martin E. Murphy, CPCU, Senior Vice President, The Jacobson Group
Published on CPCU Society`s website
Sixty-eight percent of U.S. workers indicate they suffer from job burnout. Continuous learning and personal evolution are key to avoiding this fate.
Operation Career Recharge: Part 4 - Achieve Work/Life Balance
By Martin E. Murphy, CPCU, Senior Vice President, The Jacobson Group
Published on CPCU Society`s website
What exactly is a life in balance? It is a life in which you spread your energy and effort - emotionally, intellectually, creatively, spiritually and physically - between the core elements of life creating greater energy and focus.
Operation Career Recharge: Part 3 - Control Your Communication
By Martin E. Murphy, CPCU, Senior Vice President, The Jacobson Group
Published on CPCU Society`s website
Whether you are communicating your goals to your manager, assigning tasks to your subordinates, or setting up a meeting with prospective clients, it is important to take control of your communication to ensure that your message is received in the matter you intended. Effective communication is what sets a successful professional apart from the rest.
Claims Management: Stop Paying Improper Claims -- Retool Your Reviews Approach
Published in Managed Care Report (Copyright 2006, Eli Research/Medicine & Health. Reproduced with permission. For subscription information, call (800) 561-5736.)
"If you set up your claims-processing IT to sort claim rejects by specific codes, then you need to make sure you train your staff to manage that level of data," says Rick Jacobson, CEO of Jacobson Solutions.
Claims Case Study: Tackle Claims Through this 5-Step Approach
Published in Managed Care Report (Copyright 2006, Eli Research/Medicine & Health. Reproduced with permission. For subscription information, call (800) 561-5736.)
"You can set your IT system to sort claims by code, but that information won’t lead anywhere if your team doesn’t know which problems are most common for each code," says Rick Jacobson, CEO of Chicago-based consulting firm Jacobson Solutions.
Operation Career Recharge: Part 2 - Make it Happen with Daily Organization
By Martin E. Murphy, CPCU, Senior Vice President, The Jacobson Group
Published on CPCU Society`s website
To realize your annual plan, you must act on your goals. Daily organization is key to mastering your time and completing the tasks needed to achieve your objectives.
Operation Career Recharge: Part 1 - Set the Stage with Annual Planning
By Martin E. Murphy, CPCU, Senior Vice President, The Jacobson Group
Published on CPCU Society`s website
At the backbone of every successful professional is a plan, most commonly an annual plan. An annual plan gives your day context and purpose. Every day you are not just going through the motions; you are working towards the achievement of goals.
The Interview Series: Part 9 - Take a Proactive Approach: Follow Up
By Martin E. Murphy, CPCU, Senior Vice President, The Jacobson Group
Published on CPCU Society`s website
You survived your interview, and thanks to your diligent preparation, you walk away from the prospective employer`s office feeling confident that your meeting was a success. Now what? To continue to enhance your image and increase your chances to get hired, you must be proactive and make follow-up a strategic part of the interview process.
The Interview Series: Part 8 - It`s All in the Way You Move and Talk
By Martin E. Murphy, CPCU, Senior Vice President, The Jacobson Group
Published on CPCU Society`s website
Beyond your appearance and how you respond to questions, there are two other aspects that can add or detract from your interview success - body language and voice characteristics. It is important to be aware of these during an interview as they speak louder than your words.
The Interview Series: Part 7 - Dress to Impress
By Martin E. Murphy, CPCU, Senior Vice President, The Jacobson Group
Published on CPCU Society`s website
Although it may not seem fair, an interview is very subjective. Interviewers choose not only a person that is qualified for the job, but they choose a person he/she likes most. Most interviewers will form an opinion before you even have the opportunity to shake hands or introduce yourself. They will judge you based on your outward appearance. For the most part, you have control over this aspect of your packaging.
The Interview Series: Part 6 - Interview Responses that Work for You
By Martin E. Murphy, CPCU, Senior Vice President, The Jacobson Group
Published on CPCU Society`s website
The purpose of the interview is to prove that you can do the job and add value to the organization. By learning how to carefully craft your interview responses, you will ace your interview and far outshine other candidates.
The Interview Series: Part 5 - Take Advantage of the Freebies
By Martin E. Murphy, CPCU, Senior Vice President, The Jacobson Group
Published on CPCU Society`s website
The interview is your most important performance, whether it is on the phone or in person. You wouldn`t go on stage without practicing your lines; would you? I am not suggesting that you memorize your answers and recite them word for word. Rather, I am recommending that you prepare yourself for certain questions, which will allow you to feel more comfortable in delivering a more polished and impressive presentation.
Help Wanted
Published in Insurance & Technology
"IT professionals need to move beyond the technology expert label. In addition to strong technical skills, IT leaders must be able to offer a multidimensional perspective as a business partner, collaborator, connector and driver of results." - Margaret Resce Milkint, Partner, The Jacobson Group.
Land Yourself in the Interview Room with a Powerful Resume
By Martin E. Murphy, CPCU, Senior Vice President, The Jacobson Group
Published on CPCU Society`s website
Imagine that you are a hiring manager. You have a stack of resumes lying on your desk. How much time would you allot to each resume before making a decision to discard it or save it for a later more in-depth review? The average resume reader spends no more than 25-30 seconds on each resume before making that determination. Moreover, some veteran hiring mangers admit that they only spend a mere six seconds before making their decisions! What does this mean for you? A powerful resume is the difference between landing in the trash or in the interview room.
The Interview Series: Part 4 - Preparation, a Key Interview Strategy
By Martin E. Murphy, CPCU, Senior Vice President, The Jacobson Group
Published on CPCU Society`s website
The very idea of interview preparation seems cumbersome to most candidates and often brings up questions such as why prepare in advance, isn`t there a danger that I`ll sound too rehearsed, why can`t I just be myself, and who has the time? However, if you seriously prepare for interviews, you will be better able to respond to questions and remain calm during them leading to a much more successful presentation. Furthermore, preparation demonstrates your seriousness about the opportunity and will help you stand out from other candidates.
Disability Expert Warns Against Complacency
Published on National Underwriter Online News Service
Participants who sell services to disability insurers said their business has been good. Michael Loiacano, vice president of The Jacobson Group, Chicago, an executive search, recruiting and temporary-help agency, said his firm has noticed an overall increase in demand for its services. "I think people are starting to hire again," Loiacano said. "On the permanent side, we`re seeing the market come back."
The Interview Series: Part 3 - The Underlying Questions
By Martin E. Murphy, CPCU, Senior Vice President, The Jacobson Group
Published on CPCU Society`s website
The basic purpose of job interviews is fairly simple. The goal of those interviewing you is to uncover the answers to three simple questions: can you do the job, will you do the job, and do you fit? Don`t expect the interviewer to come out and directly ask you these questions, because they won`t. However, being aware of these underlying questions will allow you to better tailor your responses to make connections for the interviewer, and ultimately, secure the position.
Succession Planning Newsletter
By Jacobson Executive Search team
On the verge of the retirement of an entire generation, succession planning has become an increasingly important factor in every organization`s survival. To remain competitive, an organization must realize that succession planning is not about simply finding successors for the CEO or other top officer roles. It is about committing to a leadership development planning system to ensure that your very best leaders have the future skills required to maintain and further grow your company. It is a drive to maintain high caliber talent in all positions.
The Interview Series: Part 2 - Interview Styles Exposed
By Martin E. Murphy, CPCU, Senior Vice President, The Jacobson Group
Published on CPCU Society`s website
Interviews occur in various mediums and forms. They are also conducted in a variety of styles, utilizing different techniques to assess your fit with the organization and the position. You will often be confronted with multiple styles - not just one - throughout an interview. Awareness and preparation for these styles will not only ease your nerves when you are faced with them, but will also allow you to tailor your response to successfully answer the underlying questions.
The Interview Series: Part 1 - Interviews Defined
By Martin E. Murphy, CPCU, Senior Vice President, The Jacobson Group
Published on CPCU Society`s website
The art of successful interviewing is knowledge. First, you must understand the basic interview types and formats. What types of interviews might you be involved in? Better educated interviewees can use this knowledge to their advantage and be prepared to use specific techniques to ensure a successful interview and a resulting positive impression.
Establish Goals Now to Rev Up Your Career in the New Year
By Martin E. Murphy, CPCU, Senior Vice President, The Jacobson Group
Published on CPCU Society`s website
As the New Year is upon us, thoughts turn to the fresh start that 2005 offers. We start planning for the upcoming year and traditionally, set New Year`s resolutions. As you make your resolutions, don`t forget about your career. This is the ideal time to reflect on your professional life and set goals to rev up your career in 2005. The key to creating effective career goals, as well as other personal goals, is to make them SMART.
Recharge Your Resume: Review, Revise, Revive
By Martin E. Murphy, CPCU, Senior Vice President, The Jacobson Group
Published on CPCU Society`s website
Presenting a powerful resume is the difference between landing in the trash or in the interview room. You should be prepared to present your polished resume at any given time; even if you are not currently looking and are satisfied in your position, you cannot predict when an opportunity that you cannot pass up will surface. Recharge your resume now to increase your chances for future success.
Perpetual Career Management: It`s not an Option
By Martin E. Murphy, CPCU, Senior Vice President, The Jacobson Group
Published on CPCU Society`s website
According to Merriam-Webster`s Dictionary, to insure is to make certain, especially by taking necessary measures and precautions. Why is it that we are in the insurance business, but we often overlook safeguarding our own careers?
Playing Offense When It Comes to Your Career
By Martin E. Murphy, CPCU, Senior Vice President, The Jacobson Group
Published on CPCU Society`s website
In today`s marketplace, job seekers must take the initiative when it comes to finding employers and career opportunities. If you sit and wait for the opportunity to come to you, chances are it won`t. No matter where you are in your job search, take charge of your career now.
Networking: The Master Key to Opportunity
By Martin E. Murphy, CPCU, Senior Vice President, The Jacobson Group
Published on CPCU Society`s website
Seventy five percent of the job market is hidden. That`s right - hidden. We have all heard, "It`s all about whom you know." In today`s competitive job market, that statement couldn`t be truer.
Survival in our Ever-changing Industry: Adaptability Required
By Martin E. Murphy, CPCU, Senior Vice President, The Jacobson Group
Published on CPCU Society`s website
Personal agility has become even more important than technical knowledge in our industry. To thrive in change, you must embrace the four characteristics of adaptability; you must be focused, flexible, facilitative and fast.
The State of the Actuarial Employment Market - Part Two
Published in The Actuarial Review
"I`ve been in this business for eighteen years, and I`ve seen an evolution in employers` attitudes. There`s greater awareness, greater acceptance and greater interest in diversity." - Margaret Resce Milkint, The Jacobson Group.
Marketing Yourself: Creating a Successful Sales Strategy for
By Martin E. Murphy, CPCU, Senior Vice President, The Jacobson Group
Published on CPCU Society`s website
Your ideal position just opened up and you are the perfect fit - you graduated in the top of your class from a well-known university, you have a 5-page list of related accomplishments and you were recently named Employee of the Year at your "A++" rated employer. However, if you don`t market yourself properly, you will get lost in the masses of want-to-be employees.
Underemployment: Getting & Staying Out of the Rut
By Martin E. Murphy, CPCU, Senior Vice President, The Jacobson Group
Published on CPCU Society`s website
Are you among the millions of Americans who suffer from underemployment? Topping the nation`s list of causes for worker dissatisfaction, underemployment is the absence of a meaningful career challenge in a position that does not fully utilize the employee`s talents and skills.
Payment Due
Published in TechDecisions
"Companies are not going to take a resume at face value," says Margaret Resce Milkint, partner of Jacobson Executive Search, which focuses exclusively on the insurance and financial services industries. "They want to hear about how you`ve impacted direction and the bottom line. They`re looking for a demonstrated record of success doing the kinds of things they need, whether it`s being an innovator or a change agent or working without a road map."
The State of the Actuarial Employment Market - Part One
Published in The Actuarial Review
"Actuaries are now being looked to for measurement towards goals and performance. The role of the actuary is being broadened and today actuaries are taking their place at the leadership table in increasing numbers." - Margaret Resce Milkint, The Jacobson Group.
Why I Love Working With Actuaries
By Margaret Resce Milkint, Partner, The Jacobson Group
Published in Contingencies
Recruiting – specifically actuarial recruiting – isn’t a profession for everyone. According to many of my actuarial resources, the probability of success and happiness as an actuarial recruiter is less than 20 percent. Eighteen years ago, against those odds, I took what many would call a tremendous leap of faith.
Insurance IT Sees a Turnaround
Published in Diversity/Careers
"When it comes to IT employment in the insurance industry, the past year has been something of a roller coaster," says Margaret Resce Milkint, a partner in Jacobson Executive Search.
Will Colleges Fill the Ranks?
Published in Viewpoint
"While the enrollments are small, college degree programs `are having a very positive impact` on the labor market for underwriters and other positions," says Gregory Jacobson, president of Jacobson Associates.
Where are the Underwriters?
Published in Viewpoint
“Underwriting is going to be the most effected discipline in the War for Talent,” says Gregory Jacobson, president of Jacobson Associates.
|
