If you’ve been working in insurance for a while, you’ve probably heard whispers about a talent shortage. But what might sound like a hiring challenge for companies is a unique career opportunity for you especially if you’re looking to grow, pivot, or take on something new. Across Canada, the insurance industry is facing a demographic and skills gap. Let’s break down what’s happening and how you can use it to your advantage.
The Reality: A Shrinking Talent Pool.
According to the Insurance Institute of Canada, nearly 50% of the current P&C workforce is expected to retire by 2035, with a significant portion of leadership roles becoming vacant in
the next 5–10 years. The pipeline of new talent hasn’t caught up. Compounding that is the fact that insurance roles are becoming more complex. There’s growing demand for people who understand not just risk, but also regulation, customer experience, and emerging tech. This shift is driving urgency among companies to find candidates with the right mix of soft skills, industry knowledge, and adaptability. Canada’s P&C insurance sector could see up to 25,000 job openings over the next five years. – Insurance Institute of Canada
The Opportunity: More Choice, More Leverage
The upside for candidates? You have more power than ever to shape your career:
More job openings: Employers are competing for talent, especially for mid-level and specialized roles in underwriting, claims, loss control, and digital transformation.
Faster advancement: With experienced professionals retiring, younger talent is being promoted faster, especially those who show leadership potential.
Negotiation room: Salary, benefits, hybrid work candidates with in-demand experience can ask for more and often get it.
If you’ve been feeling under-challenged, underpaid, or overlooked, now may be the perfect time to explore your options. Companies are more open than ever to bringing in fresh perspectives.
How to Make the Most of It
This isn’t just about jumping at the first offer it’s about being strategic with your career. Here’s how to stand out and step forward:
1. Keep your resume and LinkedIn up to date even if you’re not actively job hunting, be ready when opportunity knocks.
2. Invest in continued learning, credentials like CIP, CAIB, or CRM paired with digital, or leadership training can set you apart.
3. Talk to a recruiter. Recruiters are your inside line to what roles are out there, what companies are really looking for, and how to position yourself for success.
4. Network within the industry, connections are currency. Join events, comment on LinkedIn, stay visible.
Final Thought
The Canadian insurance industry is changing fast and that comes with a lot of opportunity for the professionals who are ready to grow with it. Whether you’re early in your career or
mid-way through, the current talent shortage isn’t just a headline. It’s your chance to take a bold next step.
Written by: The team at Insurance Talent Group
Your ethical, experienced recruiting partner in Canadian insurance.
