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GLENVIEW, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--While recent unemployment reports show the U.S. economy is slowly adding jobs, more than 12 million workers still remain unemployed, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. But what many of those searching for work may not have considered, but should, is that sales not only offers great career opportunities, but can also provide a good stepping stone to finding work in another field.

Combined Insurance, a leading provider of individual supplemental accident,disability, health and life insurance products, understands the struggles that face unemployed workers and has committed to hiring 3,000 new agents and sales managers this year.

With unemployment currently at 7.6 percent, many of those who are unemployed or underemployed are beginning to consider new career opportunities where they can redirect their skills. Sales jobs often provide a good career transition because they build on skills many people already possess, typically require little to no experience for entry level positions, and offer good income potential.

One area of sales that continues to offer opportunity and growth is in insurance. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor statistics, employment of insurance agents and managers is projected to grow 22 percent over the next seven years, faster than the average for all occupations.

Because insurance sales typically has no age or experience barriers, it can be an ideal career choice for some of the hardest hit segments of unemployed workers, such as those 20 to 24 where unemployment is 13.3 percent and for workers 45 and older, many of whom have stopped looking.

“Not only is sales a good career opportunity for older workers who typically have been in the workforce and have a good work ethic and previous job experience, but it’s also a great opportunity for the 20-24 age group of job seekers who may be entering the workforce for the first time,” said Peter Leighton, senior vice president of recruiting for Combined Insurance. “The skills that are gained from a sales job, such as time management, communication, problem solving and working with other people, are qualities that all employers look for and can be transferred to any other job.”

But, because many sales positions are commission-based, those considering a career in sales should look for companies that offer guaranteed income, comprehensive paid training and support, and employee status, to help balance the financial risk.

“A commission based sales job can be a highly rewarding career – both personally and financially – for anyone who has the discipline, passion and drive to succeed,” said Leighton. “There also is an increasing demand for multilingual sales representatives, because they can serve a wider customer base. There’s really no limit to the opportunity for success that an insurance sales job provides.”

For more information about Combined Insurance’s sales opportunities visit:www.combinedinsurance.com/careers.

About Combined Insurance

Combined Insurance is a leading provider of individual supplemental accident, disability, health and life insurance products and part of the ACE Group of Companies. With a field sales force and corporate staff in excess of 5,000 people worldwide, Combined Insurance meets the growing coverage needs of policyholders around the globe. For more information, call 1-800-490-1322 or visit www.combinedinsurance.com.

About ACE

The ACE Group is one of the world’s largest multiline property and casualty insurers. With operations in 53 countries, ACE provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. ACE Limited, the parent company of the ACE Group, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ACE) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Additional information can be found at: www.acegroup.com.

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