Entry-level claims adjuster resume example

By the Rezumed team · Updated November 7, 2026

A claims adjuster looks at what happened after a loss, checks it against the policy and moves the file toward a fair decision. An entry-level claims adjuster resume should prove you can gather facts carefully, document everything, and stay patient with people on one of their worst days.

What this resume has to prove

The Bureau of Labor Statistics covers this role in its profile of claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators, the closest occupation in its handbook, who "evaluate insurance claims." Their listed duties begin with these: "Investigate, evaluate, and settle insurance claims", "Determine whether the insurance policy covers the loss claimed" and "Ensure that claims are not fraudulent". BLS says adjusters inspect property damage, interview claimants and witnesses, gather evidence such as photos and records, and write reports for examiners. It also notes that adjusters often arrange their schedules to fit evening and weekend appointments with clients.

BLS says "A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for a person to work as an entry-level claims adjuster or examiner," and that some employers prefer a bachelor's degree or insurance-related experience. It says "Entry-level claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators work on small claims under the supervision of an experienced worker." On licensing: "Licensing requirements for claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators vary by state," and some states require prelicensing education, an exam, or both. BLS lists analytical skills, communication skills, attention to detail and interpersonal skills among the important qualities, noting that these workers "must carefully review documents and damaged property". So the resume should count the files and inspections you handled, show how you documented them, and state your license status.

Sample resume

Education and the license line come first because license status is one of the first things a claims manager checks. The internship gets the most bullets, each counting claims, inspections or statements. The body shop job stays because estimating auto damage is close to claims work, and the records job shows careful document handling.

What to put in each section

Experience: claims, inspections, documentation

Claims managers read bullets in units: how many files you handled, how many inspections you attended, how many statements you took, and what you wrote down. Count those, and name the type of claim, such as auto, home or small property. Leave out anything that sounds like you made a coverage decision alone. BLS says entry-level workers handle small claims under the supervision of an experienced worker, so say who reviewed your work.

License status

BLS says licensing requirements vary by state, so name the license you are working toward and where you stand: course in progress, exam scheduled with the month, or passed with the month. Write "exam scheduled, March 2027" only once you have a date. Read each posting too, since it will say whether you need the license before your first day.

Other jobs and education

A body shop, contractor, property management or records job is close to claims work, since it involves damage, documents or both. Estimating auto damage is close to appraisal work, so estimate entry is worth a bullet, plus a line for any repair coursework. List two or three courses that match the posting.

Skills to list

Claims postings often name a claims system, an estimating tool and tasks such as recorded statements or file documentation. Write the exact names for anything you have used, and mark coursework or internship use. The University of Maryland career center also suggests mirroring the job description's keywords.

Tools

• Claims systems such as Guidewire ClaimCenter or Duck Creek
• Auto estimating: CCC ONE, Mitchell or Audatex
• Property estimating: Xactimate
• A phone camera and measuring tools for inspection photos
• Excel and Outlook for diary dates and follow-ups

Abilities

• Taking clear recorded statements
• Reading policy language against a loss
• Writing file notes the next person can follow
• Spotting details that do not match
• Staying calm and kind with upset claimants

Common mistakes

• Settlement totals instead of files. Amounts belong to the company and the claimant. Avoid them and count your own claims, inspections and statements instead.
• Sounding like you decided coverage alone. BLS says entry-level workers handle small claims under supervision. Say who reviewed your files.
• Leaving out your schedule. BLS says adjusters often arrange their schedules to fit evening and weekend appointments with clients. If you can work those hours, say so in one line.
• Claimant details on the page. Never name a claimant or describe a loss someone could recognize. "Small auto claims" is enough.

FAQ

How is this different from a paralegal resume?

Both jobs depend on complete files and careful reading. A paralegal resume centers on legal research, drafting and court deadlines for attorneys. A claims adjuster resume centers on inspections, statements and checking a loss against a policy. If you are applying for both, see the entry-level paralegal example and keep a separate version of each.

Is a claims adjuster resume the same as an insurance agent resume?

No. Agents find clients and explain policies before anything goes wrong. Adjusters come in after a loss and work the claim. Keep sales outreach numbers off a claims resume and lead with files, inspections and statements. For the sales side, see the entry-level insurance agent example.

Do I need a degree?

Not always. BLS says a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for entry-level adjuster and examiner jobs, though some employers prefer a bachelor's degree or insurance-related experience. If you have a degree, list it first. See How to write a new grad resume for the general layout.

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Sources

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Claims Adjusters, Appraisers, Examiners, and Investigators
• University of Maryland Career Center: Resume how-to guide