Mass AIG layoffs spark recruitment interest

What’s the bright side of mass insurance company layoffs? According to our Comment of the Week, it’s recruitment potential.
INSURANCE NEWS
By Insurance Business
Feb 21, 2014
When property/casualty giant AIG announced it was laying off approximately 3% of its workforce—roughly 1,900 jobs—Insurance Business readers saw the bright side of the equation.

Candice, Kaimana Kaapana and AJ all identified the job cuts as a potential recruitment opportunity.

“New York Life Hawaii is looking to add 50 new agents this year! We had another phenomnal record breaking year! Please contact me if you are interested in learning about the opportunity,” wrote Kaapana.

Insurance Business caught up with AJ Abdelhkalek, an agent with State Farm Insurance in Sunnyvale, Calif., to further discuss how industry reshuffles can benefit the savvy agency owner.

“If somebody just lost their job at one company, it could be an opportunity to bring them on board, not just in my office but at State Farm in general. We’re always recruiting,” Abdelhkalek said. “These employees already have their license and background in the industry, and could bring a lot of talent to someone like me.”

Abdelhkalek said there is always a place for a talented worker in the insurance industry, and his personal outlook on events like the AIG layoffs is a positive one.

“You should never dwell on the negative. Look at the positive,” he said. “If you have an unfortunate situation where somebody has lost their job, it could be an opportunity for them to grow even further with a different company. It opens up doors.”

Our thanks to Abdelhkalek and all our readers who commented this week!
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