Computer proficiency is vital for success in an insurance agency. As workplaces increasingly rely on technology, agencies must equip their employees with the required computer competency to ensure efficiency and productivity. Let’s examine the fundamental computer skills that can significantly enhance an individual’s insurance career.
Why are these skills important?
Being tech-savvy is becoming increasingly important in the modern workplace. It can provide you with a range of advantages, from improving your productivity to enhancing your career opportunities. Tech-savvy skills can help you stand out from the crowd and make you more attractive to employers. With technology advancing rapidly, having a good understanding of the latest tools and trends is essential for career advancement. It can open new career opportunities and give you an edge over other candidates in the job market. Being tech-savvy can also help you stay ahead of the competition by keeping up with new technologies and learning how to use them effectively.
Overall, it’s clear that computer competencies are increasingly important for individuals to stay competitive in their careers. Therefore, it is important to invest time and effort into learning these skills to stay ahead of the curve and ensure you’re prepared for any changes or opportunities that come your way.
Microsoft 365 is a must
Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel is required. What level of skill you should have will depend on your specific job description. That is why computer competencies should be included in any job description.
The information below will provide you with a template to use for your agency to describe the different levels of skills necessary to be successful at a particular position. Be sure to modify these descriptions to fit your own needs.
Outlook |
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| Basic | Intermediate | Advanced |
| At a basic skill level, users should know how to compose, send, and manage emails, as well as organize their inboxes and calendar. They should be familiar with managing contacts, searching for items, and navigating the interface while customizing basic settings and appearance. | At the intermediate level, users should be proficient in managing emails effectively through sorting, filtering, and organizing messages into folders. Additionally, intermediate users should be capable of creating and managing appointments, meetings, and events in the calendar, as well as setting reminders and recurring events. Familiarity with managing contacts and distribution lists is also essential. Intermediate Outlook users should be adept at utilizing tasks and notes for improved productivity and collaboration. Lastly, a solid understanding of customizing the Outlook interface, using rules to automate email management, and applying quick steps for streamlining multiple steps. | To reach an advanced skill level, users should be well-versed in mastering advanced email management techniques such as conditional formatting, creating custom search folders, and leveraging Outlook’s built-in machine learning features like Focused Inbox and Clutter. Advanced users should also be able to use advanced calendar features, such as resource booking, meeting delegation, and sharing calendars with various permission levels. Proficiency in creating and managing complex contact groups, as well as synchronizing contacts across multiple platforms, is essential. Advanced users should also be able to integrate tasks with other Microsoft applications, set up and manage advanced rules and alerts, and employ macros and VBA scripts for automation. Finally, a comprehensive understanding of Outlook’s security and privacy settings, including encryption and digital signatures, is crucial for safeguarding sensitive information. |
Word |
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| Basic | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Basic-level skills in Microsoft Word include being able to create and format a basic document, including changing font size and style, applying bold and italic formatting, and adding bullet points and numbering. You should also know how to insert images and other media and create headers and footers. Basic skills in Word also include knowing how to save and print a document, as well as using basic editing features like copy and paste. Additionally, understanding how to use basic page layout tools like margins, orientation, and page breaks is important for creating professional-looking documents. | To have intermediate-level skills in Microsoft Word, you should be able to use more advanced formatting tools, such as styles, themes, and templates, to create consistent and visually appealing documents. You should also know how to work with tables and advanced formatting options, like columns and page borders, to create complex layouts. Intermediate skills in Word also include using advanced editing tools such as track changes, comments, and comparing documents. Additionally, you should know how to use the mail merge feature to create customized letters and documents and how to create and manage long documents like reports and manuals using features like headings and table of contents. | Advanced-level skills in Microsoft Word involve using the program’s more complex features to create sophisticated and professional documents. This includes using advanced formatting and layout tools, such as section breaks, multiple columns, and custom page numbering, to create complex and visually appealing documents. Advanced skills in Word also involve using macros and advanced automation tools to streamline repetitive tasks and improve efficiency. Additionally, advanced users of Word should be proficient in using the program’s advanced editing features, such as advanced formatting tools and track changes, to collaborate effectively with others. Advanced users should also be able to use tools like bookmarks and cross-referencing to create large documents with multiple sections and references. |
Excel |
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| Basic | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Basic-level skills in Microsoft Excel include being able to create and format a basic spreadsheet, including entering data, performing simple calculations, and formatting cells. Basic skills in Excel also include knowing how to use basic functions like SUM, AVERAGE, and COUNT to analyze data, as well as how to create basic charts and graphs to visualize data. Additionally, basic users of Excel should be able to sort and filter data and know how to save and print a spreadsheet. | Intermediate-level skills include knowing how to use advanced slide layouts and master slides to create consistent and visually appealing presentations and how to use advanced formatting tools to customize the design of slides. Intermediate skills in PowerPoint also involve knowing how to use advanced animation and transition features to create dynamic and engaging presentations and how to use multimedia tools like audio and video to enhance the visual impact of the presentation. Intermediate users should also be able to use advanced features like slide notes and presenter view to deliver presentations more effectively and know how to use the program’s collaboration features to work with others on the same presentation. | Advanced-level skills involve using the program’s more complex features to create sophisticated and interactive presentations. This includes knowing how to use advanced animation and transition features to create seamless and dynamic presentations and how to use multimedia tools like audio and video to create interactive and engaging presentations. Advanced skills also involve knowing how to use hyperlinking and navigation to create non-linear presentations and how to use scripting and programming tools to create custom animations and interactive elements. Advanced users should be able to use advanced collaboration and sharing features to work on and present their presentations remotely and effectively. |
PowerPoint |
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| Basic | Intermediate | Advanced |
| To have basic-level skills in Microsoft PowerPoint, you should be able to create a basic presentation, including adding and formatting text, images, and other media. You should also know how to use basic slide layouts and themes to create a cohesive and visually appealing presentation and how to add animations and transitions to enhance the visual impact of the presentation. Basic skills in PowerPoint also include knowing how to save and present a presentation and how to use basic formatting tools to adjust the size and alignment of objects on slides. | Intermediate-level skills in Microsoft Excel involve the ability to use more advanced features of the program to analyze and manipulate data. This includes knowing how to use advanced functions like IF, VLOOKUP, and SUMIF to perform more complex calculations, as well as how to use data validation and conditional formatting to highlight and analyze data. Intermediate skills in Excel also include knowing how to use pivot tables and charts to summarize and analyze large amounts of data quickly and how to use advanced chart formatting tools to create visually appealing charts and graphs. Additionally, intermediate users of Excel should be able to use advanced data manipulation tools like sorting and filtering and know how to import and export data from external sources. | Advanced-level skills in Microsoft Excel involve using the program’s more complex features to manage, analyze and visualize large data sets efficiently. This includes knowing how to create and use advanced macros and automation tools to streamline repetitive tasks and improve efficiency, as well as how to use advanced database functions like INDEX, MATCH, and OFFSET to manipulate large sets of data. Advanced skills in Excel also involve using advanced charting tools and features like sparklines, trendlines, and error bars to create complex and dynamic visualizations. Additionally, advanced users of Excel should be able to use advanced data analysis tools like Solver, Scenario Manager, and Goal Seek to perform complex data analysis and forecasting and know how to use the program’s security and auditing features to protect and manage data. |
Here are recommended skill levels for key Microsoft Office programs for various agency positions.
| Position | Outlook | Word | Excel | PowerPoint |
| Receptionist | Intermediate | Basic | Basic | Basic |
| PL CSA | Intermediate | Basic+ | Basic | Basic |
| High Net Worth CSA | Intermediate | Intermediate | Basic | Basic |
| Small Commercial CSA | Intermediate | Intermediate | Basic | Intermediate |
| Large Commercial CSA | Intermediate | Advanced | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Sales Staff | Intermediate | Basic | Basic | Basic |
