How to Apply to Unum Group

Key Takeaways

Apply through Unum's Workday portal at unum.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com and create a thorough candidate profile — with only ~30 active roles, competition is focused, so every application detail matters
Tailor your resume to the specific Unum business segment (Unum US, Colonial Life, or Unum International) and use the exact terminology from the job posting to pass Workday keyword filters
Earn or highlight insurance industry credentials — LOMA designations, state licenses, and relevant certifications like CPCU or CLU significantly strengthen your candidacy across most Unum roles
Prepare for behavioral interviews centered on empathy, integrity, and collaboration by developing STAR-format stories about handling complex situations with competing stakeholder interests
Research Unum's strategic priorities — digital transformation, voluntary benefits growth, and workplace wellness — and be ready to articulate how your skills contribute to these specific initiatives
Connect your career narrative to Unum's purpose of helping the working world thrive — candidates who demonstrate genuine motivation for the company's social mission consistently stand out

About Unum Group

Unum Group is one of the world's leading providers of employee benefits, specializing in disability, life, accident, critical illness, dental, and vision insurance. Headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and listed on the Fortune 500, Unum operates through three distinct business segments — Unum US, Unum International (primarily Unum UK), and Colonial Life — serving millions of workers and their families across the United States and the United Kingdom. With approximately 12,000 employees, the company holds a dominant position in the group disability insurance market, where it has built decades of expertise in helping people navigate financial protection during life's most challenging moments. Unum's culture centers on its stated purpose: helping the working world thrive. Employees frequently describe a values-driven environment that prioritizes empathy, inclusion, and community involvement. The company has earned recognition on lists such as Fortune's Best Workplaces in Financial Services and Insurance and the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index. Unum invests meaningfully in employee development, offering tuition reimbursement, mentorship programs, and clearly defined career pathways — particularly valuable in specialized areas like claims assessment, underwriting, and actuarial science. What draws people to Unum is the intersection of mission and stability. Unlike carriers focused primarily on property and casualty, Unum's entire business revolves around protecting people's income and well-being — work that employees describe as personally fulfilling. The company also embraces hybrid and remote work for many roles, has a growing digital transformation agenda, and offers competitive total rewards packages that reflect its expertise in the very benefits it sells. For professionals seeking a career in insurance, employee benefits, or financial services, Unum represents an employer that genuinely practices what it markets.

Application Process

Explore Open Roles on Unum's Workday Portal
Visit Unum's careers page at unum.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com and use Workday's filtering tools to narrow roles by location, business segment (Unum US, Colonial Life, Unum UK), and job family. With roughly 30 active postings at any given time, Unum's hiring volume is selective, so read each job description carefully and apply only to roles where your qualifications genuinely align. Pay close attention to whether the role sits within Unum US or Colonial Life, as the business segments operate with distinct cultures and reporting structures.
Create Your Workday Candidate Profile
You'll need to create an account in Unum's Workday instance, which stores your profile for future applications as well. Complete every field — including voluntary EEO and self-identification sections — as incomplete profiles can stall your application in the queue. Workday allows you to import your resume to auto-populate fields, but always review what the parser extracts, since insurance-specific titles and certifications often need manual correction.
Tailor Your Resume and Attach Supporting Documents
Upload a resume specifically tailored to the Unum role, using language from the job posting and insurance industry terminology where applicable. If the application allows a cover letter upload, include one — particularly for corporate roles like HR Business Partner, Digital Transformation, or Tax Accountant, where explaining your motivation for joining Unum's specific mission can differentiate you. Workday accepts PDF and Word formats, but a .docx file tends to parse more reliably.
Complete Application Questionnaires and Screening Questions
Unum's Workday application typically includes role-specific screening questions — for example, claims roles may ask about your experience with disability claims adjudication, while sales roles may probe your familiarity with broker relationships and territory management. Answer these questions thoroughly, as recruiters commonly use them to rank and filter candidates before reviewing full resumes. Avoid one-word answers; instead, provide concise examples that demonstrate relevant competencies.
Initial Recruiter Screen
If your application clears the screening stage, a Unum Talent Acquisition Consultant will typically conduct a 20-30 minute phone or video screen. Expect questions about your understanding of the employee benefits industry, your interest in Unum specifically, and your salary expectations. This is also where the recruiter assesses logistical fit — confirming your availability, willingness to work hybrid if required, and eligibility for any licensure the role may demand.
Hiring Manager and Panel Interviews
Successful candidates typically progress to one or two additional interview rounds with the hiring manager and relevant team members. For technical roles like underwriting or actuarial positions, expect case-based or scenario questions. Sales and broker-facing roles, such as Regional Broker Manager or Territory Sales Trainer, often include a presentation component where you demonstrate your ability to articulate Unum's value proposition. Virtual interviews via Microsoft Teams are common, though some roles may require on-site visits to Chattanooga, Portland, or Colonial Life's Columbia, SC headquarters.
Offer, Background Check, and Onboarding
Unum's offers typically include detailed total compensation breakdowns reflecting their strength in benefits — expect robust medical, disability, and life insurance packages alongside base pay. A background check, and in some cases a credit check for financially sensitive roles, is standard. Onboarding at Unum is structured, with new hires reporting a comprehensive orientation process that covers the company's products, culture, and compliance requirements — particularly important given the regulated nature of the insurance industry.

Resume Tips for Unum Group

Critical Lead with Insurance and Employee Benefits Terminology

Unum operates in a specialized niche — group disability, life, accident, and supplemental health insurance. Your resume should reflect fluency in this language. Instead of writing 'processed customer claims,' write 'adjudicated group long-term disability claims in compliance with ERISA and policy provisions.' For sales roles, reference broker and enrollment terminology such as 'voluntary benefits enrollment,' 'benefit communication strategies,' or 'producer relationship management.' This specificity signals to both Workday's parsing engine and the recruiter that you understand Unum's core business.

Critical Mirror the Exact Job Title and Key Phrases from the Posting

Workday's search and filtering functionality allows Unum recruiters to query candidates by keyword. If the posting says 'Third Party Risk Specialist,' ensure those exact words appear in your resume — in your summary, a prior job title, or a skills section. Study the 'responsibilities' and 'qualifications' sections of the posting and incorporate matching phrases naturally. This isn't about keyword stuffing; it's about demonstrating alignment using the company's own vocabulary.

Critical Quantify Impact with Metrics Relevant to Insurance Operations

Unum's business is fundamentally analytical — driven by claims ratios, persistency rates, enrollment targets, and regulatory compliance metrics. Wherever possible, quantify your accomplishments with numbers that resonate in this industry: 'Managed a caseload of 150+ active LTD claims with a 97% quality audit score,' or 'Grew territory new premium by 22% year-over-year through strategic broker partnerships.' Even for support roles like HR or accounting, quantified results (e.g., 'Reduced time-to-fill by 15 days across 40+ requisitions') carry significant weight.

Highlight Relevant Licenses, Certifications, and Designations

Many Unum roles — particularly in sales, underwriting, and claims — require or prefer specific credentials. Life and health insurance licenses, LOMA designations (FLMI, ACS, AIAA), CPCU, CLU, or ChFC certifications should appear prominently. If you hold a state-specific adjuster license relevant to the role's territory, list it. For corporate roles, relevant certifications like CPA, PHR/SPHR, or PMP also carry weight. Place these in a dedicated 'Certifications & Licenses' section near the top of your resume so Workday's parser and human reviewers both catch them quickly.

Use a Clean, ATS-Friendly Format Without Graphics or Tables

Workday's parser handles straightforward formatting far better than creative layouts. Avoid text boxes, columns, headers/footers with critical information, and embedded images. Use standard section headings — 'Experience,' 'Education,' 'Skills,' 'Certifications' — that Workday's parser expects. Stick to common fonts like Calibri or Arial at 10-11pt. A clean single-column layout ensures every word you've carefully chosen actually makes it into Unum's candidate database rather than being lost to parsing errors.

Demonstrate Understanding of Unum's Multi-Segment Structure

Unum Group operates three business segments, each with a distinct identity: Unum US (core group benefits), Colonial Life (voluntary worksite benefits), and Unum International. Tailor your resume to the specific segment hiring for the role. If applying to a Colonial Life Territory Sales Trainer position, reference experience with voluntary benefits enrollment, worksite marketing, and independent agent networks. If targeting a Unum US claims role, emphasize group plan administration and disability management. This segment-level tailoring demonstrates you've done your homework beyond the corporate brand.

Include a Concise Professional Summary Aligned to Unum's Mission

Open your resume with a 3-4 line summary that connects your career trajectory to Unum's purpose of helping the working world thrive. For example: 'Employee benefits professional with 8 years of experience in group disability claims management and return-to-work program development, committed to supporting claimant recovery while maintaining operational excellence.' This immediately contextualizes your experience within the work Unum actually does and gives both the ATS and the recruiter a compelling reason to read further.

ATS System: Workday

Unum Group uses Workday Recruiting as its applicant tracking system, hosted on the wd1 instance (unum.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com). Workday parses uploaded resumes to populate candidate profiles and allows recruiters to search, filter, and rank applicants using keywords, qualifications, and screening question responses. Your application data persists in the system, meaning previous applications to Unum are visible to recruiters reviewing your new submissions.

Upload your resume as a .docx file for optimal parsing accuracy — Workday's parser handles Word documents more reliably than PDFs with complex formatting
After Workday auto-fills your profile from your resume, manually review every field for accuracy — insurance-specific titles, certifications, and company names frequently parse incorrectly
Include exact keywords from the job posting in your resume, particularly in your professional summary and experience sections, since Workday allows recruiters to run keyword searches across the candidate pool
Avoid using headers, footers, or text boxes for important content like your name, contact information, or certifications — Workday's parser may skip content in these areas entirely
Complete all optional fields in your Workday profile, including skills tags and education details, as recruiters can filter candidates by these data points when searching for qualified applicants
Use standard date formats (MM/YYYY) for employment dates, as Workday's parser can misread unconventional formats and create inaccurate timelines that raise recruiter concerns

Complete Workday Resume Guide

Interview Culture

Unum's interview process reflects its identity as a values-driven, relationship-oriented insurance company. Expect a structured but conversational approach — Unum interviewers commonly use behavioral-based questioning anchored in the company's core values of empathy, integrity, and collaboration. You'll likely encounter two to three interview rounds: an initial phone screen with a Talent Acquisition Consultant, followed by a virtual or in-person interview with the hiring manager, and for senior or specialized roles, a panel interview that may include cross-functional stakeholders. For claims and operational roles like Trainee Claims Assessor, prepare for scenario-based questions that test your judgment, empathy, and attention to detail — for example, how you would handle a complex disability claim with conflicting medical evidence. Sales-focused positions, particularly Colonial Life's Territory Sales Trainer and Regional Broker Manager roles, often include a mock presentation or business planning exercise where you'll demonstrate your ability to communicate Unum's value proposition to brokers and employers. Technical and corporate roles (Tax Accountant, Third Party Risk Specialist, Digital Transformation Director) typically involve deeper competency assessments. You may be asked to walk through a relevant project or case study, discuss industry-specific regulations, or demonstrate strategic thinking around Unum's evolving business challenges such as digital modernization or enterprise risk management. Culture fit matters significantly at Unum. Interviewers pay attention to how you talk about helping people, how you handle ambiguity, and whether you demonstrate genuine curiosity about the employee benefits space. Come prepared with specific examples of times you showed empathy under pressure, navigated complex stakeholder relationships, or contributed to team success in regulated environments. Research Unum's recent earnings calls, press releases, and community initiatives — demonstrating that you understand the company's strategic direction (such as its growth in voluntary benefits and digital capabilities) signals serious intent. Many applicants report that Unum interviewers are warm and transparent about the role, team dynamics, and growth opportunities. Ask thoughtful questions about the team's current priorities, how success is measured in the role, and Unum's approach to professional development — these conversations tend to be genuinely two-directional.

What Unum Group Looks For

Deep empathy and a genuine orientation toward helping people navigate difficult life events — Unum's entire business centers on supporting people during illness, disability, and loss
Insurance industry knowledge or demonstrated ability to learn complex regulated products quickly, including familiarity with group disability, life, and voluntary benefits
Analytical rigor and attention to detail, particularly for claims, underwriting, actuarial, and compliance roles where accuracy directly impacts claimants and regulatory standing
Collaborative mindset and strong relationship-building skills — Unum's sales model depends on broker partnerships and its operations depend on cross-functional teamwork
Comfort with digital transformation and technology adoption, as Unum is actively modernizing its platforms, data capabilities, and customer experience across all business segments
Alignment with Unum's inclusion and diversity values, demonstrated through your experience working across diverse teams and contributing to equitable outcomes
Intellectual curiosity about the employee benefits industry and willingness to pursue professional development through LOMA, CLU, or other industry designation programs
Resilience and sound judgment under ambiguity — insurance professionals frequently make decisions with incomplete information while maintaining compliance and compassion

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Unum's hiring process typically take from application to offer?

Based on available candidate reports, Unum's hiring process commonly takes between three to six weeks from initial application to offer, though this varies by role complexity and business segment. The recruiter phone screen typically occurs within one to two weeks of applying if you're selected to move forward. Sales roles with territory assignments and senior leadership positions may take longer due to additional interview rounds and stakeholder alignment. Setting up job alerts on Unum's Workday portal allows you to apply early when new roles post, which can accelerate your timeline.

Does Unum require a cover letter with applications?

Unum's Workday application does not always mandate a cover letter, but uploading one is strongly recommended — particularly for corporate, leadership, and specialist roles where your motivation for joining Unum matters as much as your technical qualifications. Use your cover letter to explain why you're drawn to Unum's mission in employee benefits specifically, rather than insurance broadly. Reference the specific business segment and role, and articulate what you'd bring to the team beyond what your resume shows. For high-volume roles like Trainee Claims Assessor, a well-crafted cover letter can distinguish you from candidates with similar baseline qualifications.

What format should I use for my resume when applying through Unum's Workday system?

Upload your resume as a .docx (Microsoft Word) file for the most reliable parsing in Workday. Use a single-column layout with standard section headings like 'Experience,' 'Education,' and 'Certifications.' Avoid tables, graphics, text boxes, and information stored in headers or footers, as Workday's parser may not extract content from these elements. Keep your formatting simple — bullet points, consistent date formats (MM/YYYY), and standard fonts. After uploading, review the auto-populated fields in your Workday profile to catch any parsing errors before submitting.

Does Unum offer remote or hybrid work arrangements?

Unum has embraced flexible work arrangements for many roles, with a significant number of positions offering hybrid or fully remote options. Each job posting on the Workday portal specifies the work arrangement — look for designations like 'remote,' 'hybrid,' or a specific office location. Sales and territory management roles, such as Regional Broker Manager or Territory Sales Trainer, are typically field-based within the designated geography. Corporate roles based at Unum's Chattanooga, TN headquarters or other offices may offer hybrid schedules. Always confirm the work arrangement during your recruiter screen, as flexibility can vary by team and business segment.

What level of experience do I need to apply to Unum?

Unum hires across experience levels, from entry-level roles like Trainee Claims Assessor to senior positions like Director of Digital Transformation. Trainee and associate-level roles typically require foundational skills and a willingness to learn, while mid-level positions commonly look for three to seven years of relevant experience in insurance, financial services, or the specific functional area. Senior and director-level roles typically expect eight-plus years along with demonstrated leadership and strategic impact. If you're early in your career, don't overlook Colonial Life's territory sales roles, which often provide structured training programs for candidates with strong interpersonal skills but limited insurance experience.

How can I stand out in an interview at Unum?

Demonstrate genuine passion for Unum's purpose of helping people protect their financial security during life's most vulnerable moments — interviewers at mission-driven companies can quickly distinguish authentic motivation from rehearsed answers. Prepare specific behavioral examples using the STAR method that showcase empathy, integrity, analytical thinking, and collaboration. Research Unum's recent initiatives — their digital transformation strategy, voluntary benefits expansion through Colonial Life, or community investment programs — and weave this knowledge naturally into your responses. Ask informed questions about the team's current challenges and how the role contributes to Unum's broader strategy. For sales roles specifically, be ready to discuss your approach to building and maintaining broker relationships.

Can I apply to multiple positions at Unum simultaneously?

Yes, Workday allows you to apply to multiple open positions at Unum, and your candidate profile persists across applications. However, with approximately 30 active roles at any given time, a targeted approach is more effective than a scattershot strategy. Apply only to roles where your qualifications genuinely match, and tailor your resume for each submission — Workday stores each application separately, and recruiters can see your full application history. Applying to too many dissimilar roles (e.g., a claims role and a sales role simultaneously) may signal unfocused career goals. If two or three roles align with your background, go ahead and apply to each with customized materials.

What benefits does Unum offer its employees?

As one of the largest employee benefits providers in the world, Unum practices what it preaches — employees typically enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with Unum's own disability and life insurance products. Many employees report access to tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment assistance, generous paid time off, 401(k) with company match, and wellness programs. Unum has also been recognized for its parental leave policies and employee assistance programs. The specifics of your benefits package will be outlined during the offer stage, but candidates often cite Unum's total rewards as a significant factor in their decision to join.

Should I follow up after submitting my application to Unum?

Workday will send you automated confirmations when your application is received and as your status changes. If you haven't heard back within two to three weeks, it's appropriate to follow up — but do so strategically. Connect with Unum's Talent Acquisition team on LinkedIn, where their recruiters are often active and responsive. A brief, professional message expressing your continued interest and highlighting one or two specific ways you'd contribute to the role can keep your candidacy visible. Avoid contacting the hiring manager directly unless you have an existing relationship, as Unum's process is recruiter-driven through Workday.

Sample Open Positions

Sources

Unum Group Careers Portal — Unum Group
Unum Group - About Us — Unum Group
Unum Group Company Reviews and Interview Insights — Glassdoor
Unum Group Investor Relations and Annual Reports — Unum Group