Demand for insurance professionals is strong, according to recruitment company Hays’ report for the quarter to June.

It says the market has become so competitive, insurance companies are now more willing to consider interstate or international candidates for senior and specialist niche roles.

As a result, it has become more common for employers to use video-conferencing for first-round interviews.

Hays says there is growing demand for skilled claims consultants, broker business development managers with the ability to negotiate with underwriters, and distribution managers with skills in business development.

There is also strong demand for experienced auto and fleet insurance claims assessors.

Demand for commercial and domestic loss adjusters is on the rise due to recent weather-related damage along the east coast, creating opportunities for New Zealand candidates.

They are “well positioned for these roles because they have first-hand experience dealing with natural disasters such as earthquakes”, Hays says.

In line with growing demand, candidates’ salary expectations are increasing, especially for general broker and account business development manager roles, where annual pay is expected to be about $110,000.