In a typical work setting, insurance agents:

Interpersonal Relationships

• Have a high level of job-related social interaction. Agents spend a lot of time talking to customers.
• Communicate by telephone, email, and in person on a daily basis. Sometimes write letters and memos, but less often.
• Sometimes deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous people. This may occur when rates increase or policy amounts are higher than expected.
• Sometimes work in a group or as part of a team.
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• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by others.

Physical Work Conditions

• Work mostly indoors. May work outdoors to examine houses or cars that people want to insure.
• Use a car to travel to and from client homes or offices.
• Often work near others. They may share the same office space.

Work Performance

• Must be accurate and thorough in their work. Errors could leave customers without insurance.
• Regularly make decisions that strongly impact their employer's finances and reputation.
• Make decisions that affect their clients on a daily basis. They rarely consult a supervisor before deciding on a course of action.
• Rarely, if ever, consult a supervisor before deciding their daily tasks and priorities.
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• Work in a highly competitive environment. Agents are constantly trying to gain new business.
• Abide by strict weekly deadlines.
• Often repeat the same tasks, such as calculating policy rates and organizing customer files.

Hours/Travel

• May work nights or weekends to meet customers who cannot meet during regular hours.
• May have flexible schedules. Most work a set schedule, however.
• Usually work over 40 hours.