what is a broker?

As a good broker, you save your clients time and effort. You inform, advise, and inspire them about properties, insurance, or investments. To perform at your best as an agent, you need specialised knowledge and industry insight. Insurance brokers find suitable policies for their clients that match their life situation. Your clients benefit from independent advice and favourable terms. Financial brokers facilitate the purchase of securities. In doing so, you consider the individual profile of your investors. Are they willing to take risks, or are they more security conscious? If you specialise as a property agent, you assist prospective buyers in finding land, properties, or rental homes. You determine the market value and organise viewings. Thanks to digital support, clients can view properties comfortably from their own homes. This makes your work more efficient. You only accompany clients on viewings when they are genuinely interested. During personal meetings, it’s your task to enthuse clients about the property. Flexible working hours are a given for you as a broker. Interested in a career as a broker? Then read on to find out what awaits you, how much you can earn, and what career prospects are available. 

broker jobs
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working as a broker.

Brokers handle long term financial planning, provide security for individuals, and facilitate the sale or rental agreements. Your offers are tailored to meet individual needs. Exciting tasks await you as a broker. Let’s take a look at this, using the example of a property agent. 

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types of brokers.

Brokers operate in various industries. Even within the sector, you can further specialise. Common types of agents include: 

  • Financial broker: Finance is your passion and you have a thorough understanding of it. You create the optimal financial plans for your clients, taking into account their financial situation and personal goals. You advise clients on suitable investment options, loans, and retirement plans. In doing so, you select appropriate products from banks, insurance companies, or pension funds. Thanks to your expertise, your clients are well taken care of.
  • Online broker: As an online broker, you specialise in securities. You stay up to date and have a keen sense for good investments. Additionally, you know exactly when is the best time to buy and sell. Your clients can access a range of assets through you, including shares, bonds, investment funds, or cryptocurrencies. All they need is an online account and a custody account. Typically, you work as an online broker for a Swiss bank.
  • Insurance broker: If you specialise as an insurance broker, you can operate as either a tied or independent intermediary. You sell products for a specific insurance company or provide impartial advice to clients on suitable policies. You assist with the selection of insurance cover and support clients in the event of claims. Your services are available to both individuals and businesses.
  • Real estate broker: As a real estate broker, you market houses, flats, commercial properties, and land. You find suitable buyers or tenants. To do this, you analyse the market, appraise properties, and conduct viewings. You inform clients about any costs involved and financing options. In personal conversations, you persuade customers or tenants of the property on offer. 
male and female sitting at table having a chat, while female working on a tablet.
male and female sitting at table having a chat, while female working on a tablet.
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salary as a broker.

Your gross salary as a broker primarily depends on your experience, your successes, and your specialisation. Your workload can also play a role. As a part time agent, you typically earn less than full time professionals. Senior brokers usually have more in their pocket than junior brokers. Popular job platforms estimate an entry level salary for brokers at an average of 75,000 CHF. Online brokers and insurance brokers start their careers with over 90,000 CHF. Some companies offer an attractive income based on performance. Often, you’ll receive a remuneration package that includes modern IT equipment, bonuses, and flexible working hours and arrangements. Find out more about your gross earnings as a broker here. 

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training and further education as a broker.

There is no specific training as a broker in Switzerland. Instead, your path typically leads through foundational education or a degree programme. A solid base can be obtained, for example, with the Verbandzertifikat Versicherungsvermittler VBV (Insurance Intermediary Certification). This qualification enables you to advise clients on all matters related to insurance products. The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) recognises this qualification.

After gaining several years of professional experience, you can further specialise as an insurance expert with a federal diploma. This broadens your scope of responsibilities and qualifies you for managerial roles. If you’re interested in the financial sector, it’s advisable to undertake an initial commercial training at a bank. For better career prospects, a degree in economics is highly beneficial.

Are you drawn to the property industry? Then consider a commercial qualification in property management. After accumulating several years of professional experience, you can specialise further as a property marketer. The professional association SVIT offers a range of courses for this. For example, how about pursuing a bachelor’s degree in real estate management? 

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listing as a broker.

As a broker, you'll find interesting positions in various companies. Brokers work in banks, property firms, or trust companies. Your future employer as an insurance broker could be an insurance company or a general agency. Organisations, associations, or public authorities also employ specialists. As an online broker, you can get started in banks and financial service providers. Are you looking for an attractive role as a broker? Take a look at our listings on this page. 

position as a broker
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positions for career changers as brokers.

Self-taught entrants can succeed as brokers if they possess the necessary skills. There are no restrictions on licensing. If you hold recognised certificates and have industry experience, your chances are good. The most important thing is that you can work well with people and enjoy selling. Any skills you lack can be acquired through training courses. With the right combination of professional knowledge and social skills, your career change into the industry can be a success. 

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career opportunities and development potential as an agent.

Brokers are in demand across various industries. With your specialised knowledge and understanding of the market, you have excellent career prospects. Typically, you start out as a Junior Broker within a company. With experience and success, you can progress to a Senior Broker. This not only enhances your reputation but also increases your salary. In addition to specialising, you might even have the opportunity to advance into a managerial role as a fund manager. If you've built a substantial network, you could consider becoming self-employed as a consultant. If you enjoy sharing your knowledge, transitioning into a trainer at a vocational college could be an option. Looking to develop further as a broker? Take a look at our tests and tips

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competencies as an agent.

Brokers facilitate the sale of products and properties. Market knowledge is essential for this. Primarily, however, you will be dealing with people. Key skills for your success include: 

  • Social skills: Whether you're a property agent or a broker, you deal with clients every day. You listen carefully and quickly understand their wishes and needs. This allows you to personalise your approach and build trust. You find the right property, customised insurance, or the perfect investment. Data and facts are important, but ultimately, success depends on the human connection.
  • Persuasiveness: Based on the clients' wishes, you search for the most suitable properties and products. However, clients don't always see things your way. They question and doubt. You convince them with facts that they are making the right decision. After the contract or transaction is completed, they feel confident about their choice. This helps to build ongoing trust in you as their reliable broker.
  • Openness: You are receptive to people and developments in your profession. You advise all characters completely impartially and individually. Every industry evolves, and new trends emerge. You follow these developments closely. If you utilize innovative products or technologies, you have the edge.
  • Networks: One of the biggest factors for success in your career is your network. You benefit from contacts who are close to financial developments. Good relationships with insurers allow you to quickly learn about new products. A potential client base is also helpful for you as a property agent. Thanks to a strong professional and personal network, you are among the first to find out about new properties or products. 
two colleagues walking and having conversation outdoor
two colleagues walking and having conversation outdoor
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benefits of working as an agent with randstad.

There are many good reasons to work as an agent at Randstad: 
✓ exciting jobs at well known companies 
✓ a reliable point of contact whenever you need one; personalised advice matters 
✓ attractive employment conditions and good social benefits 
✓ further education courses and personal development opportunities 
✓ clear information in the myRandstad app 
✓ do you have a fixed term contract? Often, there’s the opportunity to secure a permanent position afterwards. Many well known companies also recruit their staff directly through Randstad

your training budget as an agent at randstad.

If you work as an agent for Randstad, you have access to further training courses. As part of the TempTrainings from swissstaffing, you can attend training sessions. You will be reimbursed for the course fees later, provided you pass the course exam. Your consultant from Randstad is there to support you if you have any questions. This way, you can acquire additional language skills or job specific knowledge, all during your working hours as an agent. 

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application tips for data analysts at randstad.

Have you found your dream job as a broker? It’s not just qualifications and certificates that determine the success of your applications. Careful, error free, and personalised documents will definitely help you in your job search. Here are a few useful tips to optimise your chances: 

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frequently asked questions.

Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about the broker profession. 

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