In today’s competitive market, finding the ideal actuarial role extends beyond matching credentials with job descriptions. Experienced professionals often miss hidden opportunities that never reach public listings, while maintaining discretion during a job search presents challenges for those currently employed. This is why partnering with specialized actuarial recruiters has become essential for professionals seeking to advance their careers strategically and confidentially.
Among these specialized partners, Ezra Penland Actuarial Recruitment stands apart. We’ve exclusively connected actuarial talent for decades with exceptional opportunities across insurance, consulting, and financial services organizations. Our approach goes beyond traditional recruitment—we build lasting partnerships with actuaries at every career stage.
The Value of Trust and Transparency
The foundation of any successful professional relationship begins with trust. At Ezra Penland, we’ve built our reputation on establishing genuine relationships with actuarial candidates throughout their careers.
“After an introductory conversation where we explore a candidate’s motivations, interests, and other details such as locations, career goals, and salary expectations, I begin my search. I often cast a wide net when searching for roles for candidates and then take time to discuss the specifics with them to help determine if it’s a good fit. When we decide to pursue a role, we highlight any specific experience or skills relevant to the position. It’s all about finding the right fit, not just a good enough fit, and we come to those conclusions together.” – Liz Ritchie, Actuarial Recruiter.
Unlike recruitment firms focused solely on placement metrics, we prioritize transparency in every interaction. We share comprehensive insights into company culture, management styles, growth trajectories, and compensation details upfront. This commitment extends beyond the initial placement, with regular check-ins during your transition period and beyond, ensuring the opportunity meets your expectations.
Decades of Specialized Experience
Ezra Penland brings decades of exclusive focus on actuarial recruitment to every candidate interaction, with recruiters who understand the unique nuances of the profession.
“Ezra Penland has many employees with long tenure. Most of our recruiters have been in the actuarial space for over 6 years, with a combined experience exceeding 70+ years. This is invaluable because we’ve developed deep knowledge of our clients’ workplace cultures and hiring needs. We’ve seen every scenario you can imagine and can advise you on paths that lead to success and pitfalls to avoid as you move forward in your career.” – Jennifer Retford, Partner
This depth of experience allows us to take a more holistic approach to recruitment—one that prioritizes long-term success over quick placements. Jennifer shares a recent example that illustrates this commitment:
“I had a candidate referred to me in 2021 who was struggling to pass exams at an understaffed company. After learning about her situation, I connected her with a company known for exceptional exam support. She thrived there, passing multiple exams. Recently, she reached out about an internal issue. Rather than immediately trying to place her elsewhere, we discussed strategies to address her concerns internally. She resolved the situation and is now even more satisfied with her position. We didn’t make a new placement, but instead helped the candidate do what was best for her—that’s our priority.”
This specialized experience translates directly to better matches. We consider not just immediate fit but how positions align with your long-term trajectory, identifying companies with strong advancement tracks and roles that strengthen your professional profile.
Long-standing Connections in the Actuarial Community
At Ezra Penland, our network represents one of our most valuable assets. We’ve cultivated trusted relationships with key decision-makers across the insurance and financial services landscape.
“The process of working with a recruiter at Ezra Penland is always an ongoing conversation rather than simply a transaction. We know that looking for a new job can be stressful, and it’s our job to make that process easier by listening to you, taking your preferences and background into account, and then making the best mutual-fit matches we can. We have strong connections within the actuarial community that allow us to discuss candidates directly with our hiring contacts, often accessing opportunities that aren’t posted anywhere.” – Lauren Scalzo, Actuarial Recruiter
These relationships provide our candidates with unique access to the “hidden job market”—high-impact positions that never appear on public job boards. Oftentimes, our placements involve roles that were either created specifically for exceptional candidates we presented or were filled through our connections before public posting.
Market Intelligence That Benefits You
Our team maintains a constant presence at major industry conferences and professional events across the country, engaging with industry leaders and identifying emerging trends.
“Connecting with the actuarial community in person at industry events is invaluable. These gatherings allow us not only to strengthen our professional relationships but also to gather insights on emerging trends and market shifts. We then bring these perspectives back to share with our candidates, giving them a competitive edge in understanding where the industry is heading and how to position themselves advantageously.” – Brea Davis, Assistant Recruiter
Our renowned Actuarial Salary Survey provides unmatched clarity on current market rates, becoming a powerful tool when negotiating offers on your behalf. We also track industry shifts that impact career opportunities—when regulatory changes create demand for specific expertise or when insurers invest in new capabilities, Ezra Penland often knows before these developments become widely recognized.
Advice for Early-Career Actuaries
At Ezra Penland, we take special pride in welcoming entry-level actuaries to the profession. We understand that beginning your actuarial career can be challenging, which is why we’ve developed specialized resources specifically for early-career professionals. We invite aspiring actuaries to explore the resources available on our website and join our dedicated LinkedIn group for entry-level actuarial professionals.
“Building your professional presence is essential in today’s digital landscape. Keep resumes concise, ensure your LinkedIn profile includes a professional photo, and make your contact information readily available to recruiters. When preparing for interviews, research the company thoroughly and prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest.” Leia Ziomek, Data Coordinator
Remember that finding the right cultural fit is as important as technical qualifications. Most importantly, maintain balance throughout your professional journey—sustaining your wellbeing and outside interests will contribute to your long-term success and satisfaction in the field.
A Personalized Approach to Career Advancement
When you’re ready to explore new opportunities, our methodology goes far beyond traditional recruitment. We’ve developed a comprehensive process that places your career aspirations at the center of everything we do. We take time to understand your workplace preferences, leadership style, and long-term goals before making recommendations.
“Our personalized approach makes a real difference for candidates. We take the time to understand each individual’s goals and background, which allows us to recommend roles that are not only a technical fit but also align with long-term career aspirations. Our process provides market insights, thorough interview preparation, and consistent communication, helping candidates feel confident and well-informed at every stage of their search.” – Quentin Smith, Senior Recruitment Consultant
If you’re considering your next professional move—whether actively searching or simply exploring possibilities—we invite you to initiate a confidential, no-obligation conversation with our team.
Reach out through our contact form or email us at Actuaries@EzraPenland.com. Engaging with Ezra Penland never commits you to making a move; our goal is to serve as a trusted resource throughout your career journey.
Your career deserves the advantage that comes from working with specialists who truly understand the actuarial profession. Contact Ezra Penland today to build a partnership focused on your long-term success.