Home State License? Check.
Xactimate Training? Check.
First assignment? Not yet, getting on IA Firm rosters.
One of the most common questions we get from new adjusters is, “Now that I’m licensed and qualified, how do I get hired as a new adjuster?”
Recently, I sat down with a recruiter from a major independent adjusting (IA) firm who offered candid insights into what makes a new adjuster stand out, or get overlooked entirely. This recruiter works with hundreds of adjusters each year, and her perspective offers a clear roadmap for getting noticed, getting hired, and getting deployed.
1. Your Adjuster License Matters
Your adjuster licenses are your ticket to work. The more you have, the more marketable you become, especially as a desk (inside) adjuster. Some states (like New York and Florida) are considered especially valuable, and recruiters often look for a minimum of 10 active licenses. (Desk adjusters should have them all.)
New adjusters need to get their home state or DHS license first and then focus on licenses that are both affordable and easily obtainable. States like Michigan offer a great boost without a high upfront cost. Licenses that are difficult to obtain, like those in California and New York, will help you stand out. Those states do not offer any reciprocity, so adjusters who can work claims in those states are always in demand.
TIP: Don’t wait until a major disaster hits. Those who already have licenses in place are the first ones recruiters call. Everyone else? Second or third round, if at all.
2. Say “Yes” to Any Opportunity
New adjusters are often offered less-than-glamorous assignments at first. That’s the norm. But your answer should still be “yes.”
Recruiters are very interested in how you show up. Flexibility, reliability, and attitude matter just as much, if not more, than experience early on. As this recruiter put it: “If you scratch our back, we’ll scratch yours. Say yes now, and we’ll remember you later.”
3. Certifications, Experience, and Additional Training
While licenses open doors, certifications and hands-on training help you stand out. Our recruiter suggested obtaining the following:
- Carrier-specific & specialized certifications (e.g., California Earthquake Certification)
- Construction or insurance industry experience (Find a mentor or ask seasoned adjusters if you can ride-along)
- Safety courses (e.g., rope and harness)
TIP: Update your profile immediately after completing a new training or earning a new credential. This is one of the easiest ways to stay top of mind with IA firms.
4. Relationships Matter
IA recruiters and managers often supervise dozens of adjusters simultaneously. Those who communicate consistently and clearly are the ones who get remembered (and called).
Simple ways to build trust:
- Respond quickly to recruiter messages
- Keep your availability updated
- Treat every deployment like it’s an audition for the next one
- Call or email the Resource Management Team
- Follow the firm’s Social Media Networks and engage with their posts
TIP: Our recruiter mentioned that they don’t mind conducting a quick evaluation of your credentials and providing suggestions on how you can stand out. They appreciate it when people take the initiative and then actually implement their recommendations.
5. Desk vs Field Adjusting
Choosing a path early can help shape your career and goals.
- Desk Adjusters typically start in the office before transitioning to a remote work arrangement. These roles offer stability and are ideal for individuals who prefer a structured environment. Managers generally have fewer direct reports, allowing them to build a stronger support system. On the other hand, the pay (while good) is often considerably less than that of field adjusters.
- Field Adjusters tend to see more early opportunities, often on a commission basis. Performance earns trust and better future assignments, but the environment can be sink or swim with little structure. Managers are overseeing many adjusters and are generally unavailable for hand-holding.
Avoid These Rookie Mistakes
Want to know the fastest way to get dropped from an IA Firm’s active call list?
Here are the top 3 mistakes new adjusters make that permanently damage their chances:
- Not updating your profile with accurate availability, certs, and licenses
- Having a bad attitude
- Saying no to an opportunity
That last one is especially critical. According to our IA recruiter contact, saying “no” to your first opportunity is a death knell.
“Saying no, especially on your first opportunity, signals to us that you’re not ready or serious.
We have a list of a hundred people who are. We won’t call you again.”– Recruiter for one of the largest IA Firms in the country
Final Thoughts:
You’ve done the hard part: getting licensed, getting training, and committing to this career. Now, it’s about becoming the person IA firms want to call first.
That doesn’t require perfection. It does require preparation, responsiveness, and resilience. Every interaction, every update, and every “yes” builds your reputation or kills it.
Ask yourself: if a recruiter were looking at your profile right now, what story would it tell?
If you’re ready to be seen, chosen, and deployed, make sure your profile, attitude, and actions say so.
Next Steps: Visit your state’s continuing education page to see courses on construction, California Earthquake, and other valuable skills that will help you stand out to employers.
