Worker'S Compensation Claims Adjuster 

How did you get your current job?
I started as a temp worker through an agency.

What was the application process?
Submitted application, took 4 hour exam, panel interview with 4 moderators, hiring interview with 6 managers. Lots of hoops to jump through!

Did you have to interview for your current job? If yes, what did the interview process entail?
First there was an individual panel interview conducted by 4 managers. This was ranked. Those who ranked highest were called back for individual hiring interviews with 6 managers.

If you can remember, what questions were you asked during the interview?
I was asked what I thought this position would entail.

Do you feel your employer properly prepared you for your job? Explain.
I’m not sure. I think we would have benefited from less classroom training and more on the job training. It was information overload sitting there for a month.

Was there training for your current position? If yes, what did it entail?
Yes there was 4 weeks of classroom training. Different instructors would come in and cover different aspects of the job. After we completed this, there was 40 hours of on the job training. We sat with experienced adjusters.

Do you feel your educational background prepared you for your job? Explain.
I feel like my educational backround helps me on a daily basis. It helps me negotiate and difuse really stressful, ugly situation. Also knowing a bit about psychopharmacology helps me. I don’t have to spend as much time as others looking up medications that injured workers are taking.

If applicable, do you feel your internship experience helped you prepare for your job?
N/A

If someone wanted to go about getting a job similar to yours, what would you recommend for him or her to do?
I would recommend they brush up on their math skills to pass the exam. They should also look at civil service exam examples at the public library.

What skills do you think a person should have if they want to pursue a position like yours?
A person would really have to be a “Jack of All Trades” to have a position like mine. They would have to be EXCELLENT at communication, able to prioritize tasks and be a quick-learner. Also the ability to stay calm in very stressful situations would be helpful.

Do you feel that you need a certain level of education or training to be successful in your job?
Absolutely. I think a person would need a 4 year degree or at least 4 years of insurance experience.

What advice would you give to someone who was about to start work in your position/ line of work?
I would tell them to be very flexible. Laws and procedures are constantly changing. I would also tell them to leave all emotions at work. Don’t take it home with you.