By 
In today’s hiring landscape, professionalism isn’t optional — it’s the foundation of a company’s reputation. Yet, every so often, a candidate encounters a moment that highlights just how far some organizations still have to go.
Recently, I received a message from a company that read:
“Your history doesn’t scream insurance sales – you understanding we are an insurance agency broker?”
At first glance, it’s abrupt. On closer inspection, it reveals several deeper issues that reflect poorly on the organization’s communication standards, hiring practices, and internal culture. Here’s where the company went wrong.
1. The Tone Was Dismissive and Unprofessional
Hiring communication should be respectful, clear, and constructive. Instead, the message came across as:
- Condescending
- Poorly phrased
- Grammatically incorrect
- Lacking basic courtesy
A simple question about experience could have been framed professionally. Instead, the tone implied judgment rather than inquiry — a red flag for any workplace.
2. They Focused on “History,” Not Transferable Skills
A résumé is more than a list of job titles. It reflects:
- Customer relations experience
- Account management
- Leadership
- Problem‑solving
- Communication
- Client support
- Strategic management
All of which are directly relevant to insurance sales.
Dismissing a candidate because their background isn’t “traditional” shows a lack of understanding of modern hiring practices. Many of the strongest sales professionals come from diverse career paths.
3. They Failed to Ask Clarifying Questions
Instead of engaging in a conversation, they made an assumption. A professional recruiter or hiring manager would have asked:
- “Can you tell me more about your customer-facing experience?”
- “What interests you about insurance sales?”
- “Are you pursuing any licenses or certifications?”
This company skipped the dialogue entirely, choosing judgment over curiosity.
4. They Overlooked Key Information
My résumé clearly outlines:
- Eight years of customer service and client-facing work
- Experience managing accounts, training staff, and resolving issues
- Leadership roles
- Marketing and communication expertise
These are foundational skills in insurance sales. A hiring manager who overlooks them signals either:
- They didn’t read the résumé
- They don’t understand the role
- They lack training in candidate evaluation
None of these possibilities reflect well on the organization.
5. They Assumed a Lack of Commitment Without Asking
What the company didn’t know — because they didn’t ask — is that I am actively preparing for my producer license, which I will complete at the end of March.
A professional recruiter would have explored this before making assumptions.
6. Their Message Reflects Their Internal Culture
Communication during hiring is often a preview of what working there would be like. If the first interaction is:
- Disrespectful
- Poorly written
- Lacking professionalism
- Dismissive of a candidate’s experience
…it raises concerns about how employees are treated internally.
Conclusion: Professionalism Matters — Especially in Hiring
Companies often talk about wanting strong communicators, team players, and customer‑focused employees. Yet, the hiring process must reflect those same values.
This interaction wasn’t just a poorly worded message — it was a signal. A signal that the company may not prioritize professionalism, respect, or thoughtful evaluation of talent.
And for candidates who value a healthy, respectful work environment, that’s more than enough reason to walk away.