Job interviews can be daunting and can cause a certain level of anxiety in a lot of people. The need to prove oneself amongst other equally competitive candidates is even a bigger challenge. In fact, the Kenyan Real Estate scene is notoriously famous for this. Besides putting aside your lucky dress or suit for the job interview, here is what you need to do as part of your preparation.
Study the Company
This is an important tip in all fields. However, in an interview for a position in a real estate firm, you need to pay particular attention to the company’s mission and vision. Similarly, ask yourself whether you will be adding value towards achieving their goals. To add to that, take time and read through their core values. Your interviewer will definitely want to gauge your character and how well your principles align with their company. As such, you must be ready to answer these questions. You can even ask a friend to help you prepare for the job interview.
What Exactly is Required in Real Estate
Real Estate agents act as the liaison between sellers and buyers of property. In Kenya, you do not particularly need certification to sell property as a representative of a company. For this reason, your people skills will highly stand out. A successful real estate agent needs to have strong people and communication skills besides just their ability to sell homes. Not only will you get situational questions but behavioral questions as well.
As the company sales rep, you must be able to give directions correctly and have flexible working hours. The real estate space is very competitive and a dynamic personality is an added advantage. Further, ensure you work on your ability to make attractive oral and written presentations. As a prospective candidate, you need to have strong negotiation skills. Consequently, you will compliment client needs with business objectives. Candidates who have a knowledge of real estate markets and best practices will stand out.
Questions To Expect in a Real Estate Job Interview
First, ensure you answer the questions with utmost honesty. Even if it’s your first time, just state it. Some Real Estate companies are known to take chances in new property sellers and offer to train them. Besides your academic qualifications, here are some of the questions to expect in no particular order:
- How will you attract new clients to our company
? - What are the most effective advertising techniques? Explain how you use social media to promote properties.
- How do you manage your appointments?
- If you had to sell a property in a neighborhood you’ve never been before, what would you do?
- What are your obligations as a Real Estate Agent? Are you familiar with industry best practices?
- Do you prefer working independently or as part of a group?
- What is your plan to attract new clients to this office?
- Who was the most demanding client you have worked with? Were you able to meet his/
hers needs? - How would you attract millennial buyers to this agency?
- Do you have experience getting clients through social media?
- Describe your ideal office environment. Do you need a lot of support and resources
- Why did you choose a career in real estate?
- What is your experience working with first-time home buyers? What are some of the biggest challenges involved?
- If you don’t make a sale for 6 months, do you have a plan in place to get by until then?
