Questions to Ask at an Insurance Agent Interview
Key questions to ask when interviewing for an insurance agent position to understand compensation, training, expectations, and career path.
1What does a typical day or week look like for an insurance agent here?
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What does a typical day or week look like for an insurance agent here?
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Why this works
Establishes realistic expectations about daily responsibilities and workflow.
2How is compensation structured—salary, commission, or a combination?
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How is compensation structured—salary, commission, or a combination?
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Why this works
Clarifies earning potential and financial stability, especially in the early months.
3What's the average income for a new agent in their first year versus an experienced agent?
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What's the average income for a new agent in their first year versus an experienced agent?
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Why this works
Provides concrete benchmarks for what you can expect to earn.
4What types of insurance products will I be selling—life, health, auto, property, commercial?
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What types of insurance products will I be selling—life, health, auto, property, commercial?
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Why this works
Clarifies the product mix and whether you'll specialize or be a generalist.
5Is there a base salary or draw against commission while I'm building my book of business?
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Is there a base salary or draw against commission while I'm building my book of business?
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Why this works
Assesses financial support during the ramp-up period.
6What training and onboarding do you provide for new agents?
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What training and onboarding do you provide for new agents?
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Why this works
Shows whether the company invests in your success or leaves you to figure it out alone.
7Will I need to get licensed, and does the company cover the cost and study materials?
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Will I need to get licensed, and does the company cover the cost and study materials?
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Why this works
Clarifies licensing requirements and whether the company supports you financially.
8Are leads provided, or am I expected to generate my own clients?
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Are leads provided, or am I expected to generate my own clients?
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Why this works
Reveals how much prospecting you'll need to do and whether support is available.
9What does success look like in the first 90 days, 6 months, and first year?
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What does success look like in the first 90 days, 6 months, and first year?
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Why this works
Sets clear performance milestones and expectations.
10What's the retention rate for agents in their first two years?
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What's the retention rate for agents in their first two years?
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Why this works
High turnover is a red flag for unrealistic expectations or poor support.
11What tools, systems, and technology do agents use to manage clients and sales?
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What tools, systems, and technology do agents use to manage clients and sales?
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Why this works
Assesses whether you'll have the resources to work efficiently.
12Is this a captive or independent agent role, and what does that mean for me?
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Is this a captive or independent agent role, and what does that mean for me?
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Why this works
Clarifies whether you'll sell products from one company or multiple carriers.
13What are the benefits, such as health insurance, retirement, or bonuses?
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What are the benefits, such as health insurance, retirement, or bonuses?
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Why this works
Evaluates the full compensation package beyond commissions.
14What opportunities for advancement exist, and what does the career path look like?
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What opportunities for advancement exist, and what does the career path look like?
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Why this works
Reveals whether there's a clear path to leadership or higher earnings.
15How does the company support work-life balance, especially during busy periods?
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How does the company support work-life balance, especially during busy periods?
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Why this works
Assesses sustainability and whether the job demands are reasonable.
16What's the culture like on the team, and how collaborative is the environment?
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What's the culture like on the team, and how collaborative is the environment?
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Why this works
Shows whether agents support each other or compete cutthroat-style.
17What ongoing training and professional development is available?
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What ongoing training and professional development is available?
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Why this works
Clarifies whether the company supports continuous learning and skill growth.
18What are the biggest challenges new agents face, and how does the company help overcome them?
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What are the biggest challenges new agents face, and how does the company help overcome them?
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Why this works
Surfaces pain points and whether the company has solutions in place.
19What metrics are used to evaluate agent performance?
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What metrics are used to evaluate agent performance?
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Why this works
Clarifies how success is measured and whether goals are realistic.
20What advice would you give to someone starting as an insurance agent here?
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What advice would you give to someone starting as an insurance agent here?
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Why this works
Invites insider perspective and practical wisdom from the interviewer.
Evaluating an Insurance Agent Opportunity
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.