| 04/05/2011 11:22 PM |
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I just finished a school (four month course) and now am faced with the daunting task of finding a job. I've read a lot of other posts by newbie adjusters and see a common trend... the want for quick money and lack of experience.
I realize that school doesn't even begin to prepare me for the real world and breaking into this industry can be very hard and limited. I have already began applying with major insurance carriers and am skipping the CAT adjuster dream right out of the gate until I have more experience.
I am looking for an assistant position perferably, but will take any help I can get! I already have a fairly good working knowledge of Xactimate 27 (will be getting level I,and II certified this summer, I figure that will be good to beef up a resume as well). I'm good with people and can help with phone calls and all aspects of the job. I just need someone to give me a chance and benefit of the doubt that I've done quite a bit of research on the career. If your feeling a work overload during a storm, a good assistant can be the perfect asset.
I'm located in the west Texas area (around Lubbock and Amarillo). I can easily travel to New Mexico or Oklahoma and understand the license/bond requirements of the states.
My personal e-mail to get ahold of me with any opportunities is : alesha_morin@yahoo.com
Resume, References on request
Thanks and all advice is welcome! |
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| 04/08/2011 2:14 AM |
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number 1, make your facebook private (all of it) and get rid of your party pics.
Took me less than two minutes to find them - and yes, employers look.
(Joose is delicious, but not something you want to be discussing at an interview.)
number 2, get to somewhere you can work. I've worked west Texas exactly twice in my career.
Nothing much happens out there in the way of work, and training is usually going to be in Dallas, SA or Austin. (And the training never stops.)
You've been looking -- I'm just guessing that you won't find many openings for staff adjusters in Muleshoe
number 3, Any assistant job is going to be really hit or miss.
The adjusters you want to work with don't need you, and the ones who need you aren't going to be ones you want to learn from.
Keep looking for a staff job -- the pay is criminal, but the experience is invaluable.
I still say you shouldn't be able to work in the field until you put in some time in the office.
Personally, I would skip the XM8 certs and save the money.
Good luck!
Rod
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ChuckDeatonLife Member  Senior Member Posts:1110  
| 04/09/2011 12:48 PM |
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Always learning, never heard of "Joose" much less bought one in a convenience store and drank it. Caffeine and alcohol?????????????????????????????? "Prattling on and on about being an ass with experience doesn't make someone experienced. It just makes you an ass." Rod Buvens, Pilot grunt
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Jud G. Advanced Member Posts:509 
| 04/13/2011 10:13 AM |
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Posted By Rod on 08 Apr 2011 02:14 AM
Personally, I would skip the XM8 certs and save the money.
Rod- why would you skip the Xactimate certifications? |
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Jud G.Advanced Member Posts:509
| 05/21/2011 8:18 PM |
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Rod,
Have you taken any Xactimate courses or attempted their certification tests? |
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| 05/21/2011 10:51 PM |
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sorry Jud, missed it the first time you posted it....
Yes, I've taken several courses, and have not taken the certifications. Somehow, without a single xm8 cert, I manage to close over 1,000 XM8 claims a year....;)
The certs are fine, I just think there are better ways to spend your money. Maybe I'm missing it, but who is asking for the certifications??
Experience will win out over a piece of paper every day :)
Rod
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CatAdjusterX Veteran Member Posts:964
| 05/23/2011 8:53 PM |
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Posted By Jud G. on 21 May 2011 08:18 PM
Rod,
Have you taken any Xactimate courses or attempted their certification tests?
Hey Jud G,
I think what Rod is saying is and what I whole heartedly believe myself and what I tell all of my newly licensed members is to seek XM8 Level 3 knowledge , not XM8 Level 3 certified.
I don't think having an XM8 certification amounts to squat
A Level 3 certification will NOT keep you deployed, level 3 knowledge will.
I tell all the new folks to take as many XM8 classes as needed to be able to do it in your sleep, but do NOT throw away money to take an XM8 certification.
The only reason I believe to justify taking a level 3 certification is for those individuals who wish to teach XM8.
Robby Robinson "A good leader leads.....
..... but a great leader is followed !!"
CatAdjusterX@gmail.com
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| 05/24/2011 3:53 AM |
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Thanks, Robby.
I posted a couple of days ago, but for some reason my post didn't show -- yes I've taken xm8 classes. No I don't need certifications.
Closed claims speak for themselves.
Rod
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Jud G.Advanced Member Posts:509
| 05/24/2011 2:37 PM |
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Good stuff. Closed claims do speak volumes, but if you don't have a foot in the door with claims experience, then are you (and Robby) saying that the Xactimate certifications don't have value?
Additionally, you can close many claims a year using only one method through Xact, but there are several ways to prepare a claim in Xact. The certifications are a benchmark that demonstrate your ability to use them- not just know about them. Attending classes only shows that you attended; not how much you learned or benefited. This can become valuable when you are handling reinspections and need to be flexible to compromise with contractors or PA's.
With fee schedules on the decline, I need to find ways to get faster. Certifications are another way to demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to learn new things. Anyone can attend a class and not learn anything. I'd rather have an Xactimate Certification than a certificate of attendance.
Robby: there are three levels of 'User Certification' and another three levels of 'Trainer Certification'. Then these six are available for version 25 or for for version 27. $100 bucks is hardly throwing money away for learning about such a vast software program and doing it from home. I've been at this for 11 years and am still learning helpful tricks with Xactimate. As long as they keep flooding the industry with new versions, I will continue to see a benefit for their certifications.
Plus the certification will amount to more once you earn it. Siskel and Ebert would argue that you can't critique a movie until you actually see it. I happen to agree, don't you?
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CatAdjusterXVeteran Member Posts:964
| 05/24/2011 8:14 PM |
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Posted By Jud G. on 24 May 2011 02:37 PM
Good stuff. Closed claims do speak volumes, but if you don't have a foot in the door with claims experience, then are you (and Robby) saying that the Xactimate certifications don't have value?
There are 10's of thousands of folks in the adjusting industry with ZERO experience but have "certifications" coming out the wazoo. With that being said Jud, no I do NOT think there is any real "value" to an XM8 certification
$100 bucks is hardly throwing money away for learning about such a vast software program and doing it from home. I've been at this for 11 years and am still learning helpful tricks with Xactimate. As long as they keep flooding the industry with new versions, I will continue to see a benefit for their certifications.
I never said XM8 knowledge is worthless because in all reality XM8 skills are priceless. You state that 100 bucks is hardly throwing money away for "LEARNING" about such a vast software program. You are 100% correct Jud !! However,you are not learning anything when you pay 100 bucks for a piece of paper. I am a strong proponent of XM8 classes and XM8 proficiency and I often extoll the virtue of paying for as many XM8 courses as needed to be able to do this in your sleep.
Once again, being level 3 "certified" will not keep you deployed, having level 3 knowledge will. If you want the nice piece of paper to hang on the wall, more power to you but it is far from a necessary expense.
"A good leader leads.....
..... but a great leader is followed !!"
CatAdjusterX@gmail.com
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Jud G.Advanced Member Posts:509
| 05/24/2011 10:22 PM |
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Posted By Jud G. on 24 May 2011 02:37 PM
...the certification will amount to more once you earn it.
...
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Jud G.Advanced Member Posts:509
| 05/24/2011 10:54 PM |
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Posted By CatAdjusterX on 24 May 2011 08:14 PM
Posted By Jud G. on 24 May 2011 02:37 PM
Good stuff. Closed claims do speak volumes, but if you don't have a foot in the door with claims experience, then are you (and Robby) saying that the Xactimate certifications don't have value?
There are 10's of thousands of folks in the adjusting industry with ZERO experience but have "certifications" coming out the wazoo. With that being said Jud, no I do NOT think there is any real "value" to an XM8 certification
$100 bucks is hardly throwing money away for learning about such a vast software program and doing it from home. I've been at this for 11 years and am still learning helpful tricks with Xactimate. As long as they keep flooding the industry with new versions, I will continue to see a benefit for their certifications.
I never said XM8 knowledge is worthless because in all reality XM8 skills are priceless. You state that 100 bucks is hardly throwing money away for "LEARNING" about such a vast software program. You are 100% correct Jud !! However,you are not learning anything when you pay 100 bucks for a piece of paper. I am a strong proponent of XM8 classes and XM8 proficiency and I often extoll the virtue of paying for as many XM8 courses as needed to be able to do this in your sleep.
Once again, being level 3 "certified" will not keep you deployed, having level 3 knowledge will. If you want the nice piece of paper to hang on the wall, more power to you but it is far from a necessary expense.
Robby: You have two posts in one. What is the difference betwen your first statement in saying that you don't "think there is any real value to an XM8 Certification" and your second statement, "I never said XM8 knowledge is worthless..."? Just in case, you are aware that you have to take a test (demonstrate) to earn this certification- you don't just attend (soak)?
Let's not forget, we are talking about helping someone who's never been deployed. As for me personally, I'm not just seeking to improve my ability, but to get chosen for better assignments. It's one thing to get deployed for any storm, but another to be selected for the right assignments. |
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| 05/24/2011 11:07 PM |
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Jud, if I may, your answer is in your reply. I thnk Robby and them are saying there is a difference between "certification" and "knowledge". I can read volumes of books on flying an airplane and understand all of the dynamics, flight controls, and engineering. If I had that type of flying certification, would you want me as your pilot? There is a chasm between "knowing" how to do something and actually performing the task. The novice boxer knows all the moves and counter-punches but until you actually take a shot to the face you really don't know how you'll react.
Steve McGraw
Professional Adjuster
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| 05/25/2011 1:15 AM |
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Jud,
I'm not sure how XM8 certs help when dealing with a supplement or a PA.....and I don't think they have much cred on a resume.
I get the feeling that you are implying that we don't have the certs, therefore we shouldn't comment on their value.
I would be happy to bet you the $100 that I could pass them.
We can keep going until I get them all, or you run out of money. Deal ??
Rod
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Jud G.Advanced Member Posts:509
| 05/25/2011 2:44 PM |
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Correct, but it appeared necessary to distinguish between certifying what you know by using a test as a benchmark as opposed to just atteding a class. I don't think anyone here (including the original poster) imagines that certifications or classes would serve as a substitute for experience. |
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Ray HallSenior Member Posts:2443
| 05/25/2011 4:46 PM |
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With all the storm damage is the USA it may be a matter of time until some adjuster that has worked thousands of wind claims in the last 25 years is shut out of agreat gig on F5 ground zero losses; BECAUSE he/she can not estimate in xm8,( only program) but can make all or some of the other programs sing the dollar song. hum.... class action lawyers...It also shuts out some very good inside adjusters working from home for the same reason. |
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Jud G.Advanced Member Posts:509
| 05/25/2011 5:18 PM |
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Ray, Xactimate's been the leading software program (over 80% percent market share) of the insurance industry for well over ten years. If an old-timer doesn't know how to use Xactimate by now, that's their own fault. I know plenty of seasoned adjusters who accepted change and, well, 'adjusted' to stay on top of things. I just hope that I can be flexible like the Chuck Deaton's of our industry.
BTW, it was MSB's unwllingness to change or improve their program that finally cost them the Allstate account. They had years to change and finally came out with something right after they lost it. Quite funny in a sad way; they introduced their new version at the PLRB conference in Nashville but it's not compatible with Windows 7...
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Jud G.Advanced Member Posts:509
| 05/26/2011 4:37 PM |
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Posted By Rod on 25 May 2011 01:15 AM
Jud,
I'm not sure how XM8 certs help when dealing with a supplement or a PA.....and I don't think they have much cred on a resume.
I get the feeling that you are implying that we don't have the certs, therefore we shouldn't comment on their value.
I would be happy to bet you the $100 that I could pass them.
We can keep going until I get them all, or you run out of money. Deal ??
You are most certainly correct, the label of the certification doesn't help in dealing with supplements or PA's. Yet, the knowledge required to earn the certification certainly can. By improving your knowledge of BSC's, Xactimate's extensive price database, and other features can give you more freedom/ability to negotiate and compromise with them.
I'm not implying anything; I came out and said it...twice. In reference to one of my earlier posts, do you really comment on movies or books you haven't seen/read before?
Rod, with your experience, I would certainly hope that you could pass them. You or anyone's ability to do so or not is not the issue. The underlying issue of this thread help adjusters determine what they can do to demonstrate their commitment to continous improvement. Consequently, these efforts make adjusters even more valuable in the marketplace. It's not just the alphabet soup that translates into more points on some silly scale, but the certifications can display many intangible elements about that person. Since you can close so many claims a year, it appears that you just don't need any continuing education or certifications. My hat's off to you, really.
With my experience in reviewing resumes and deciding which adjusters to contact for an interview, I classify their Education into two (2) groups: passive (CE seminars or workshops) and active (results based designations; some state licenses, Xactimate, Vale National, AIC, AIM, CPCU). Then, I check to see if the applicant shows a continued effort to improve themselves. This says a lot about that person and their ability to take direction. You do have an Education section on your resume don't you?
I'll pass on the bet; I don't need a vapid bet to validate Xactimate's credibility. |
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Ray HallSenior Member Posts:2443
| 05/26/2011 4:42 PM |
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Jud my post was not about xmate haters or people who can not crank out good claimsUNLESS they use a tool like xmate.
This would be a good hypo example. An adjuster worked as a staff adjuster for 25 years and was able to retire fully vested after 25 years service and held the title as National Adjuster for a major carrier and can draw both retirements when he hit the age bracket.The weather channel got the juices flowing again and he called one of his peers who said hell yes, I am vice president of claims. Go to Joplin and find my team and tell them "I said to give you all of the monster total losses you could work in the next 2 years with as many scopers as want to be responsible for"
This very qualified adjuster get his act togather and goes to Joplin and finds the team leader and gets 100 slab claims. While he is on the ground he finds another old bud with another carrier and gets another 100 slab claims. He knows his boat is loaded now he has to get the work out and says "no more". The 2nd carrier uses an old program that is now windows, but he learned it when it was a DOS program. He know learns the first carrier will not accept any paper work that is not e transfer and xmate.
Do you think he should learn on the job for the first carrier ? I would say yes, but I would keep good records and sue the first carrier in 2 years when all this is over for loss of money lost by comparing both stack of files side by side.
I am not really that hard headed. If I was a cat. adjuster today I would master xmate. I know a lot of good adjusters that think it makes you money. |
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Jud G.Advanced Member Posts:509
| 05/26/2011 4:52 PM |
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Posted By Ray Hall on 26 May 2011 04:42 PM
Jud my post was not about xmate haters or people who can not crank out good claimsUNLESS they use a tool like xmate.
Ray, neither was mine. My post was about change. Change can really suck at times. I just hope that I can get my butt in gear when change dials my number. If I don't, then I'll get run over.
That's just life and I'm not going to go suing somebody for it. You can, but don't invite me to that party. |
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