Stepping Up from Account Handler to Account Executive

 Throughout the last year, there has still been plenty of movement within the UK Insurance market. After all, it’s one of the industries that has remained “open for business” throughout the pandemic. Many firms are now looking to invest in growing their Account Executive teams. For many candidates on the market, this could be the chance to join a firm that you have always wanted to be a part of. For others, it will be the opportunity to step up from your current role as an Account Handler. I speak to hundreds of candidates, confidentially, every month about their career plans and ambitions. Here are just some of the skills and knowledge I find in my most successful Account Executives: Product Knowledge As an Account Handler, you will have spent years cultivating your technical knowledge of Insurance broking. Now, you can use this to your advantage. If you understand your client’s needs, you should be able to apply different products and services to meet those needs. Get to grips with everything your brokerage can offer in order to cross- and up-sell effectively. Communication Certainly, the facts will speak for themselves on paper, but a good Account Executive will be able to effectively communicate with colleagues and clients alike. You should be able to relay critical information to absolutely anyone in a manner that they will understand. Personality is also important when it comes to engaging your clients and achieving any business development goals you might have. Innovation Technology is pervading almost every industry. Insurance is no different. Keep your skills set up to date by learning about and utilising new technologies and techniques that will allow you to solve problems quicker and perform a more efficient and accurate service. The varied nature of the role will most likely allow you to combine traditional methods with contemporary ones. Eye for Detail Being able to spot a small problem before it becomes a far bigger issue is absolutely essential as an Account Executive. Keeping up to date with industry trends and developments will also make you stand out, as you will be able to relay the most relevant information. Getting to know your client and understanding where any issues may arise from will also help you provide an excellent service. Organisation As an Account Executive, multi-tasking will be an everyday occurrence as you manage your client portfolio whilst working to different deadlines. You should be able to handle your workload successfully, so that no issues go unresolved or escalate owing to poor diary management. You should develop a clear structure as to when paperwork needs to be completed by, and the amount of work involved as no two cases will be the same. If you would like to have a confidential chat about current Account Executive opportunities on the market, I would be delighted to have a chat. Click here to drop me an email and get in touch.