“So you’ve managed to get yourself an interview for a job in Estate Agency; here at Estate Agency Recruitment we know all there is to know about property jobs so if you want to get yourself an Estate Agency job, make sure you follow the steps below”

PRESENTATION – DRESS FOR SUCCESS

Men:

• A matching 2 piece suit – it looks more professional
• Plain shirt – preferably white – white looks fresh and clean
• Basic tie – no funny designs/patterns – you don’t want the interviewer to be distracted by the design
• Shoes – smart and polished
• Hair washed and tidy – now is not the time for your rock star hair style
• Aftershave/cologne – less is more, you want to smell nice without seeming like you bathed in the stuff!!

Women:   

• A smart matching skirt or trouser suit – ensure with skirt suits that the skirt is not too short
• Plain shirt – preferably white – avoid anything with ruffles
• Shoes – Smart and clean – heels work best but not stiletto style
• Accessories – jewellery is ok but avoid wearing tons of bangles or big hoop earrings – simple works better
• Hair – best styled up and off your face as you want the interviewer to be able to see you
• Perfume – again don’t go overboard – you don’t want to overpower them with the smell

Additional:
Your personal presentation is the first impression the interviewer will have of you so it is imperative that you get it right. You are increasing your chances of getting the job if you look the part. Put yourself in their position – Would you prefer to hire the person who made a big effort or the person who looks like they just walked in off the street???

THE INITIAL MEETING – MAKE A LASTING IMPRESSION                             

• Eye contact is key – looking at the floor gives the impression of shiftiness or a lack of confidence
• Smile – this seems welcoming and the interviewer is more likely to relax with you
• Handshake – firm hand shake is essential; this doesn’t mean rip their arm from their shoulder socket. A firm hand shake means a firm grip; again it’s not a hand crushing contest. This rule applies to both male and female so keep this in mind
• Ensure you know the name of the interviewer and address them by name – For example; Hi John, I’m Emily Smith, nice to meet you – they will remember you and instantly warm to you

BODY LANGUAGE – FOCUS YOUR ATTENTION

• Don’t lounge on your chair – it is important to seem relaxed but not as if you are at home watching TV
• Don’t play around with your hair/clothes/nails etc. – it makes you look uncomfortable
• Maintain eye contact – you don’t need to stare but constantly looking away make you seem uninterested
• Smile – it makes the interviewer relax and they will warm to you more
• Look interested in what they are saying – when they speak be sure to nod/agree where appropriate

QUESTION TIME – BE THE INTERVIEWER AS WELL AS THE INTERVIEWEE

Common questions you may be asked:

• Why do you want to get into Estate Agency? – Talk about your passion for the industry
• Why did you leave/are you leaving your last/current job? – Good answers include looking for better prospects, career progression
• What are your strengths/weaknesses? – Have these prepared, make the weaknesses seem like a positive
• What do you know about this company that makes you want to work here? – Make sure you research them before the interview
• What do you feel you can bring to us? – Talk about past experiences you can incorporate into their role
• What makes you different to any other candidate we’ve seen with the same experience? – Talk about your attitude/drive
• Tell me about yourself – Don’t get too personal and try to relate things you like to the job

Questions you should ask:

• As about their top achievers – you want to be comparing yourself to the best
• Ask about the role and how it became available – expansion or replacement – where is the company going or what did the previous person do not do – empathise and agree you can improve it
• Ask what they want you to improve on when coming on board – relate their answer to something you have done
• When do they need someone to start – tell them your availability – it shows your interest in the role
• What key skills are required for the role – again associate them with things you have achieved
• Ask the interviewer where they started in the industry – focus more so on the company they are with now – did they work their way up or come in as a manager

Additional:
The reason for asking so many questions is that people love to talk about themselves and their jobs, make sure you pay attention to what they say and nod/smile/laugh in the right places. All the time they are talking they are less likely to ask you a question you don’t know the answer to. Rapport building is key – you want them to remember you long after you have left.

THE END OF THE INTERVIEW – LEAVE WITH CONFIDENCE

Leave knowing where you stand – ask the right questions:

• How do you think I would fit in with the team?
• Will there be a 2nd interview I would need to attend?
• When will I hear back from you?
• All of the above give you an inkling as to how you did

Leave as you entered:

• Eye contact and smile – “thank you for your time, it was great to meet you John, I look forward to hearing from you”
• Handshake – just as firm and confident as it was when you came in