State Farm Insurance

It is cliché, but State Farm really is there … and everywhere else for that matter. The leading personal lines property/casualty company, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the No. 1 provider of auto insurance. It also is the leading home insurer and offers nonmedical health and life insurance through its subsidiary companies.

State Farm has grown to include more than 80,000 employees and more than 16,000 agents servicing 71.6 million policies in the United States and Canada. In just over 80 years, State Farm Insurance has grown from a small farm mutual auto insurer to one of the world’s largest financial institutions. But despite State Farm’s growth, its founding philosophy of insurance coverage at a fair price coupled with fair claim settlement has remained.

G.I. Jobs talked with John Martin, an agency recruiter and retired Army first sergeant, on about career opportunities with State Farm Insurance.

GIJ: What do former members of the military bring to your company that you like?

SF: Prior military hires bring the military core values of honor, commitment, family and discipline to State Farm, characteristics that are readily and easily transitioned to help meet our company objectives. Military members bring high levels of leadership, ethics, accountability, performance, consistency and dedication to their day-to-day operations – all of which are highly valued at State Farm.

GIJ: What issues/surprises do you find that military transitioners/veterans need to be aware of when entering the civilian workforce?

SF: They need to be aware of the personal climate and attitudes within civilian organizations and the fact that each company will have its own culture.

GIJ: What advantages do military personnel have over their peers of the same age and education level?

SF: Military personnel tend to have more focus, discipline and attention to detail. Also, they have had the opportunity to make decisions in highly stressful situations. Being able to analyze a problem, evaluate alternatives and make a decision are very valuable qualities in the corporate environment.

GIJ: What disadvantages do you find?

SF: None.

GIJ: What are the most common mistakes military/veterans make in interviews?

SF: Using military acronyms, not dressing appropriately for the type of interview and not knowing enough about the company and job they’re interviewing for are the most common mistakes. Prior to the interview, they should do their homework on the company and the position. This type of research can include using the Internet to learn about the company, reviewing company recruiting materials and talking with company recruiters and managers. The general rule for an interview is business attire (suit and tie), but for some organizations business casual attire would be acceptable (dress pants and shirt).

GIJ: Is relocating essential for promotion within State Farm?

SF: No. As a promote-from-within organization, State Farm relies on our employee force to fill entry-, mid- and upper-level management positions, as well as senior non-management positions. With that in mind, some advancement opportunities may require relocation, but many do not. Promotional opportunities, especially early on, would be a result of job performance and not the employee’s ability to relocate.

GIJ: What types of positions does your company recruit military for?

SF: Military personnel are competitive for many of our positions. However, we actively recruit military personnel for positions in the systems department, as well as in the agency business, specifically State Farm agents. A complete list of opportunities and additional information about State Farm can be found in the Careers section of statefarm.com.

GIJ: Describe the responsibilities of an agent (activities, daily duties, working hours, etc.).

SF: State Farm agents are in control of running their own business and are in charge of all aspects involved with that role. An agent’s responsibilities, daily duties and work hours are set by the agent. The growth of the business will be based, in part, on the leadership, dedication and entrepreneurial spirit of the agent.

GIJ: Can a new hire remain as an agent for an entire career or do you require new hires to “move up or move out” like the military does?

SF: Yes, a new hire can stay in a single position for his or her entire career. However, with our internal job posting program, which fosters our promote-from-within culture, employees have the opportunity to apply for other positions based on their interests.

GIJ: What is the average starting pay for an agent?

SF: Once selected for an agency opening, the salary for the training period is generally determined through negotiation. A candidate’s salary prior to being selected for the agency opportunity is a strong consideration. After the training period, compensation will depend on the growth of the business based on a commission and bonus structure.

GIJ: Describe the benefits of a State Farm agent (health care, retirement, vacation, etc.)?

SF: State Farm agents have the ability to choose from a competitive group insurance package which includes: medical, dental, life, long term care, long-term disability, accidental death & dismemberment, and vision insurance. As independent contractors, agents are able to take personal time as they need, balanced with the needs of their business.

GIJ: Describe a typical career progression for this position?

SF: State Farm agents run and grow their own businesses. The progression realized as an agent is about the growth of the business and not about moving on to other positions. However, some agents do choose to shift into an agency leadership role. Agency leaders work with their assigned agents and assist them in meeting their business goals.

GIJ: How many military veterans work in your company and what percentage of the total workforce does this comprise?

SF: We currently have approximately 2,850 employees who have military backgrounds. This represents just over 4 percent of our workforce.

GIJ: Did any of the senior executives in your company serve in the military?

SF: Yes, and several play active roles in recruiting former military personnel.

GIJ: Did any of you or your family members serve in the military, and if so, which branch and when?

SF: Yes, I served in the U.S. Army for 20 years including 13 with Army Recruiting Command. I retired in August, 2005, after attaining the rank of first sergeant.

GIJ: What are the most common mistakes you see on military/veteran résumés?

SF: A common mistake is writing a résumé that is too long and wordy. Résumés should be streamlined (B.L.U.F - Bottom Line Up Front), focusing on skills and attributes that are transferable to the corporate environment.

GIJ: Any other comments or advice?

SF: Yes, do research on the companies that interest you. Every company will be different when it comes to its particular culture, promotion policy, benefits, stability, time off policies, etc. Doing research prior to accepting a job offer will greatly increase the chances of being happy and successful in a career choice. If you have an interest in becoming a State Farm agent, or are interested in learning more about State Farm, please visit the Careers section of statefarm.com or contact a recruiter in your area. For those residing in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and South Carolina I can be contacted at john.martin.qtyp@statefarm.com.

Martin’s Advice:

1) Civilianize your résumé.
2) Drop the military acronyms.
3) Develop a focused résumé for a particular position you are interested in and are applying for.