Why specialists outshine generalists as insurance hiring tightens

In today’s tight P&C insurance industry job market, higher-calibre candidates tend to be specialists for hire.

Canada’s property and casualty insurance landscape is becoming increasingly complicated and expensive. Firms are therefore looking for professionals who can navigate complex industry challenges, which often requires specialized knowledge. 

“It’s getting more and more complex in newer markets, coupled with the customer expectations and claims expectations,” says Stefan Rolfe, insurance director at Impact Recruitment. “Overall, firms are looking to do better than the competition, which is why they’re bringing in more specialized seniors, more specialized professionals.” 

Although mid-to-senior-level insurance roles are in high demand, Rolfe sees a need for talent across the whole industry. At the same time, some companies are becoming more selective in their hiring, favouring the specialists over the generalists.  

In underwriting, firms want leaders with expertise in complex risks such as cyber, environmental, construction, energy, and specialty lines, according to Impact Recruitment’s recently published Insurance Salary Guide 2025. 

In claims, catastrophe specialization is in high demand. And among brokerages and sales roles, business development, particularly new business production, is what employers want candidates to demonstrate, the guide says.  

CAIB New Edition 1.0 – a New Standard for Broker Education Image

Insights Paid Content

CAIB New Edition 1.0 – a New Standard for Broker Education

Preparing brokers to navigate an increasingly complex insurance landscape.

By 

Sponsor Image

How to specialize

As insurance firms seek employee specialization, candidates are adapting by proactively upskilling or completing their industry certifications.  

“We do have candidates that ask us for roles where they can upskill and specialize in certain areas” or industries, says Rolfe. “They want to excel in that industry and be an expert in that field.” 

Professional designations may also improve client relationships, says Rolfe. By obtaining them, insurance professionals demonstrate a specialized knowledge of their risks and build credibility. 

“Having those designations is very important for clients to see,” he says. “They definitely respond better to those who have got those designations and have [completed] their courses.” 

On the other hand, Rolfe has noticed some candidates who were once specialists — specifically those who once specialized in industry niches — are now experiencing underlying challenges that make it difficult for them to establish a long-term career in that line.  

“We do have those who want to come out of specialist roles and get into more generalist [roles] to broaden their experience. Because if you are honed in on one area…and you’ve spent your whole insurance career in that one space, [you might want ] to minimize the risk if that area doesn’t do well.” 

Rolfe compares upskilling and expanding your specialized knowledge to finding coverage for clients’ insurance needs. “It’s almost like diversifying your portfolio and making sure you’ve got enough coverage.” 

Alyssa DiSabatino

Alyssa Di Sabatino has been a reporter for Canadian Underwriter since 2021, covering industry trends, market developments, and emerging risks.