--- title: Smarter Hiring for Small Agencies: Simplify Recruiting and Training description: Simplify hiring for your small agency by focusing on clear priorities, avoiding red flag language, and creating structured onboarding and training plans. image: https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/hubfs/Smarter%20Hiring%20for%20Small%20Agencies%20Simplify%20Recruiting%20and%20Training.png --- [Skip to content](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/chicagoland-sia-blog/smarter-hiring-for-small-agencies-simplify-recruiting-and-training#main-content) [facebook-f icon](https://www.facebook.com/chicagolandsia/) [linkedin-in icon](https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicagoland-sia/) [Twitter icon](https://twitter.com/ChicagolandSia) [youtube icon](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjdqbj5lRfSQnvjjGVdrVPg) [![CSIAlogo-2-2](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CSIAlogo-2-2.png?width=200&height=118&name=CSIAlogo-2-2.png)](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/) - [Learn More](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/learn-more) - [Benefits](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/member-benefits) Show submenu for Benefits - [Market Access](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/access-to-markets) - [Increased Income](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/increased-income) - [Training and Learning](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/training-and-education) - [Agency Growth and Development](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/agency-development) - [Digital Strategy](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/digital-marketing-and-strategy-consultation) - [About Us](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/about-us) - [Resources](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/resources) Show submenu for Resources - [Blog](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/chicagoland-sia-blog) - [Video Series](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/beyond-the-dec-page-video-series) - [Podcast](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/licensed-to-talk-insurance-podcast) - [Free Downloadable Guides](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/free-digital-content-strategy) - [Press Releases](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/press-release) - [Our Team](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/our-team) - [Make a Payment](https://chicagolandsia.appliedpay.com/) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Learn More](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/learn-more) - [Benefits](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/member-benefits) Show submenu for Benefits - [Market Access](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/access-to-markets) - [Increased Income](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/increased-income) - [Training and Learning](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/training-and-education) - [Agency Growth and Development](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/agency-development) - [Digital Strategy](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/digital-marketing-and-strategy-consultation) - [About Us](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/about-us) - [Resources](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/resources) Show submenu for Resources - [Blog](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/chicagoland-sia-blog) - [Video Series](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/beyond-the-dec-page-video-series) - [Podcast](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/licensed-to-talk-insurance-podcast) - [Free Downloadable Guides](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/free-digital-content-strategy) - [Press Releases](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/press-release) - [Our Team](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/our-team) - [Make a Payment](https://chicagolandsia.appliedpay.com/) Jun 12, 2025, 8:51:33 AM # Smarter Hiring for Small Agencies: Simplify Recruiting and Training ![Picture of Amanda Yaniz](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Amanda%20Yaniz-1.jpg?width=50&name=Amanda%20Yaniz-1.jpg) [Amanda Yaniz](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/chicagoland-sia-blog/author/amanda-yaniz) Share: [facebook-f icon](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/chicagoland-sia-blog/smarter-hiring-for-small-agencies-simplify-recruiting-and-training) [linkedin-in icon](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/chicagoland-sia-blog/smarter-hiring-for-small-agencies-simplify-recruiting-and-training) [Twitter icon](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/chicagoland-sia-blog/smarter-hiring-for-small-agencies-simplify-recruiting-and-training) [pinterest-p icon](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/chicagoland-sia-blog/smarter-hiring-for-small-agencies-simplify-recruiting-and-training) [envelope icon](mailto:?body=https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/chicagoland-sia-blog/smarter-hiring-for-small-agencies-simplify-recruiting-and-training) Hiring in a small agency isn’t just time-consuming. It can feel downright personal. You’re bringing someone into your daily routine, your client relationships, and your reputation. And when you’re already wearing ten hats, the hiring process can quickly become overwhelming. Here’s how to take the headache out of recruiting, onboarding, and training without sacrificing quality. ## 1. Stop Looking for a Unicorn It’s easy to build a job description that reads like a wish list: licensed, experienced, tech-savvy, client-focused, sales-minded, detail-oriented, self-motivated, able to multitask, familiar with your management system, excellent communicator, and ready to hit the ground running. But in reality? That person is probably already running their own agency. Instead, get clear on what matters most right now. Are you looking for someone to grow a book, service existing clients, or simply bring some order to your office? Prioritize that. Skills can be taught. Attitude and adaptability cannot. ## 2. Avoid “Red Flag” Language Job seekers today are more cautious about where they choose to work. Social media is ripe with posts about what candidates call "red flag" language in job descriptions. These phrases may seem harmless, but they can send the wrong message. Here are a few examples: “We’re like a family” can be interpreted as code for poor boundaries or lack of work-life balance. “Fast-paced environment” often gets translated to “no training, figure it out on your own.” “Must wear many hats” can signal that one person will be doing the work of three people. Instead of vague buzzwords, be specific. If your team moves quickly, say: “We value efficiency, and we’ll support you with clear systems and guidance.” That builds trust before the first interview. ## 3. Build an Onboarding Plan Before You Hire Most small agencies wing it when it comes to onboarding, and they pay the price in lost productivity and frustrated new hires. Have a 30-60-90-day plan. Break it into weekly goals. Give your new hire bite-sized wins to build confidence and momentum. Whether it's shadowing calls, watching training videos, or completing AMS setup tasks, giving your new hire a clear plan makes the process smoother and more productive for everyone. ## 4. Train for Skill, Coach for Confidence You don’t need to hand over your entire book in week one. But you do need to build confidence. Start small. Roleplay common client questions. Give regular feedback. And not just on what needs fixing. Highlight what they’re doing well. Confidence leads to independence. Independence leads to productivity. [Agency Management](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/chicagoland-sia-blog/tag/agency-management) ## Related posts [![](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/4367573_S.jpg?height=200&name=4367573_S.jpg)](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/chicagoland-sia-blog/post/smart-phone-security-tips-for-insurance-professionals) [Cyber Secruity](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/chicagoland-sia-blog/tag/cyber-secruity) ## [Smart phone security tips for insurance professionals](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/chicagoland-sia-blog/post/smart-phone-security-tips-for-insurance-professionals) [Chicagoland SIA](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/chicagoland-sia-blog/author/chicagoland-sia) Nov 6, 2019, 12:00:00 AM [Read more](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/chicagoland-sia-blog/post/smart-phone-security-tips-for-insurance-professionals) [![](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/100899414_M.jpg?height=200&name=100899414_M.jpg)](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/chicagoland-sia-blog/post/many-small-businesses-are-underinsured-or-uninsured) [Insurance Markets](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/chicagoland-sia-blog/tag/insurance-markets), [Insurance Tips](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/chicagoland-sia-blog/tag/insurance-tips) ## [Many small businesses are underinsured or uninsured](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/chicagoland-sia-blog/post/many-small-businesses-are-underinsured-or-uninsured) [Chicagoland SIA](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/chicagoland-sia-blog/author/chicagoland-sia) Aug 5, 2020, 12:00:00 AM There are nearly 31 million small businesses nationwide, and it’s estimated that three-quarters of... [Read more](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/chicagoland-sia-blog/post/many-small-businesses-are-underinsured-or-uninsured) [![](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Beyond%20Paychecks.png?height=200&name=Beyond%20Paychecks.png)](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/chicagoland-sia-blog/beyond-paychecks-low-cost-ways-to-build-staff-loyalty-at-small-agencies) [Agency Management](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/chicagoland-sia-blog/tag/agency-management) ## [Beyond Paychecks: Low-Cost Ways to Build Staff Loyalty at Small Agencies](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/chicagoland-sia-blog/beyond-paychecks-low-cost-ways-to-build-staff-loyalty-at-small-agencies) ![Picture of Amanda Yaniz](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Amanda%20Yaniz-1.jpg?width=50&name=Amanda%20Yaniz-1.jpg) [Amanda Yaniz](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/chicagoland-sia-blog/author/amanda-yaniz) Aug 28, 2025, 7:15:00 AM When your agency only has a few people, every team member matters. If someone leaves, it's not just... [Read more](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/chicagoland-sia-blog/beyond-paychecks-low-cost-ways-to-build-staff-loyalty-at-small-agencies) [facebook-f icon](https://www.facebook.com/chicagolandsia/) [linkedin-in icon](https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicagoland-sia/) [X Twitter icon](https://x.com/ChicagolandSia) --- [![CSIAlogo-2-2](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CSIAlogo-2-2.png?width=200&height=118&name=CSIAlogo-2-2.png "CSIAlogo-2-2")](https://benefits.chicagolandsia.com/) 240 S. 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