Brexit – Is the panic real?

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Brexit – Is the panic real?  It might seem like a long time ago now but just over a month ago on the 23rd of June, the people of Britain voted on whether or not they wanted to stay in the European Union. The result shook Britain but in particular, it shook London.

Now, I work in property recruitment and have seen the impact of the post-Brexit vote, I would be lying if I said it had no effect. But have I seen the result of Brexit, or have I witnessed what panic can do to a city? I have spoken to many people involved in property across London and the opinions have differed hugely, some believe this is the end of the world and others see this as an exciting challenge with exciting opportunities.

What have we heard?

  • London will become like a desert with no food or water, just pure despair
  • London house prices will plummet
  • The pound will plummet so much we can never holiday again
  • Everyone is now a racist
  • Nobody will ever invest in England again
  • Without Europe we are nobody
  • Looting and rioting in the streets
  • Jobs will vanish – literally, there will not be any jobs – ANYWHERE

These are some examples of panic and misunderstanding of the issues. Now some of these are valid points and I’m sure if we look at any situation from various angles we can see things differently. Before the referendum, an out vote wasn’t considered pure doom and gloom but when it happened and everyone panicked (especially in London) for many it was an opportunity to say “I told you so” and use a week of chaos to project this as the future of Britain. What I think people on both sides forgot after the debate is there were clear positive arguments for both sides.

Well, I am optimistic and positive, and it seems so are many of my clients. I spoke to a client last week who said Residential Sales in Prime Central London had increased by 10% and said the 2nd week of July was the best month for sales he had in 2 years. I’m not here to pretend there are not challenges to the Sales market but I believe much of this is through panic (To be honest if I was buying my first home I might be a bit nervous – because of the panic). On the Lettings side, it is booming with many clients saying it’s as good if not better than this time last year. They are open for business as usual.

Are we finally seeing a bit of calm in the market since the Brexit? I believe so, at least LinkedIn isn’t as depressing as it was a month ago. With the IMF (supposedly “experts”) coming out and saying that they made a mistake and now a recession doesn’t look likely, that will surely boost confidence (BUT let’s not forget they got it wrong on their last forecast). But what I have found most interesting are in areas where the majority of people voted Brexit have seen an increase in house price and the opposite for where people voted to remain. This, in my opinion, shows the effect of panic.

What we must realise is there will always be scaremongers we saw it before and after the vote.  But most importantly there will always be change, history tells us this – whether it be to leave or remain. The property industry is not doom and gloom, although with every industry there will be good and bad times.

If you are currently working for a company that is making you feel that deals can’t be done or is using Brexit as a reason to not push forward don’t let them hold you back, there are PLENTY of great agencies still making money, still employing and still moving forward.

Are you the “Wolf of Your Street”?

Posted by & filed under Advice, Motivating, Opinion, Starting a new Job.

Are you the “Wolf of Your Street”? On a daily basis, we get asked by candidates what they can do to make themselves more successful in order to secure their dream job in estate agency.
This is something that many of us have wondered within the estate agency industry, what makes a successful estate agent, is it all to do with mind-set, is it personality or do you just need to model yourself on Jordan Belfort?

Here at Cherry Pick People, we think the most successful estate agents have the following traits:

 

1. They have a positive mind-set

Spend time with positive like-minded people, do not waste time with people who focus on negative things. Successful people focus on the positives when going through rough patches, making their rough patches easier to handle.

2. They are passionate and enthusiastic

Estate agency can be tough at times, be committed to providing outstanding customer service, keep your landlords, vendors and buyers and tenants updated at all stages. Return their calls and emails in a timely manner, don’t wait for them to chase you. Every call you make to them should be like it’s the first call you have made all day.
If you want them to buy/rent a property from you, show them that you are passionate about the property. Sales is a transfer of enthusiasm!

3. They know their area

Become a local expert and engross yourself in the patch that you work in. Landlords, tenants, vendors and buyers want to pick the right person to do the job and having that knowledge of the market and a proven track record creates confidence. When a question is asked about a street, you need to know what has sold recently, what the highest rent achieved is, where they can go for a hipster coffee, where does the best unlimited prosecco brunch, where they can go for the best breakfast martini or Camden pale ale.

4. They put in the hours 

The most successful estate agents are the first ones in the office and the last ones out, they are in early picking up all of the leads and the last one out of a night doing viewings and valuations. If people don’t answer, call them again, use the technology you have at your fingertips, call, text and email them, set reminders.  Simple, yet effective.

5. They understand their client’s motives for buying, selling, letting or renting

The best estate agents will know the situation as to their client’s motives and work closely with them to get the best results. By taking the time to really get to know your client’s needs, you build a stronger connection ensuring you offer only the best solutions.

6. They have a great network

Make sure that you know who the best contractors, surveyors, mortgage brokers and solicitors are. By offering contacts that have the same level of service you do can really help you develop a strong network and just as you will recommend your contacts, they will recommend you meaning that many people will come to you based on reputation alone.

7. They practice their pitch

Deliver your pitch confidently tailoring it to suit the client that you are speaking to. Confidence is such an important part of working in agency. I know people who still practise their pitch in front of the mirror, even after 15 plus years in agency. They are always striving to be better and are some of the most successful estate agents I know.

8. They don’t let other people’s negativity bring them down

If you are doing well at work, there are always others who may not be. Don’t catch their negativity, if you are working hard and achieving your targets, keep on going and you will continue to succeed.

9. They appreciate the value of hard work

They want to make money as ultimately a sales job is about making money. They like to buy nice things, go on the best holidays, eat at the most amazing restaurants and really enjoy their lifestyle.

10. They use the best recruiters

Cherry Pick People work with some of the best people in the estate agency sector, we guide candidates through all aspects of their careers, as we have the knowledge and understanding of how the market works. The majority of the team come from a property specific background and are experts in their fields, meaning that we really know what it takes to be successful in estate agency. We meet all of our clients and candidates face to face, which is invaluable as we can really ascertain a candidate’s suitability for the role and also that the candidate will fit into the working environment and match the company’s values and culture. We cover all aspects of property, from front line estate agency, to administration, property management, construction and back office support.

Why not give us a call on 0207 801 6318 and see how we can further your career.

The dreaded “Tell me about yourself” interview question

Posted by & filed under Interview Tips.

Some interview questions often throw my candidates when they’re interviewing for a job in Estate Agency – let’s start with one of the most common interview questions ever-

“Tell me about yourself”

This question is probably the one I am asked for advice about the most – what is the best way to answer it? Remember, it is a way for the interviewer to see how you react to a non-structured question and see what you deem as important!

Firstly, this is not a cue for you to tell your life story (this is probably the biggest mistake candidates make with this question – “well I was born in Richmond in 1990 in a little house by the Thames, I went to St Marys School and really enjoyed my cycling proficiency test…” don’t get me wrong – It’s great to open up and tell the interviewer about your past – but please, save it for when you actually get hired.

Another key mistake is to answer with “well, what would you like to know?” …Goodbye to the job you have just been preparing for the last week – this would just scream a lack of preparation and not being able to work well under pressure. Seems harsh? Well yes, it is, but so is a sales role!

And lastly another common mistake – the 20-minute answer! Going off on tangents is a very common mistake (which trust me, I am very capable of too). Keep it as short as possible 1 to 2 minutes max! You will have more chances to show your strengths and attributes later on in the interview.

Remember, this question is a perfect time for you to take control of the interview and to sell yourself as to why you are the perfect candidate for this role and accomplishments you have achieved to show this. What experiences and skills you have which are relevant to the job you are applying for!

So, what is the best way to answer this question?

Research conducted by Marc Cenedella (founder of Knozen) suggests you focus on what you can do to fulfil the needs of the company you are interviewing for. So when being asked the “tell me about yourself question” think about the qualities the company will WANT in order to do the job successfully. For example, “I’d really describe myself as a person with a versatile skill-set, a lot of integrity and a willingness to go the extra mile to satisfy a customer.  Perhaps the best way to let you know what I’m about is to share with you some relevant experience I have.“– ALWAYS give examples in the workplace where you have shown this!

If you have NO experience – do not worry! The company will have already seen your CV and want to see you anyway – focus on the attributes you have to make you successful at the job – for example “competitive – having played netball throughout school and college” etc. A lot of the time personality is 50% of the job done! Energy and enthusiasm are also just as vital!

So when you’re going for your next estate agent position and you’re being asked the dreaded “Tell me about yourself” question, grab the opportunity with both hands and really sell yourself as to why you would be the perfect candidate for the job!!

Good Luck!!!

Why a failed first interview is like a failed first date!!!

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Why a failed first interview is like a failed first date!!!  Having worked in Property recruitment for nearly two years, I often link property recruitment or indeed recruitment generally to dating… or in my case a matchmaker.

You do your searches, send a message, hope to get a reply, get to know and understand what each other are looking for, arrange a date and hope to either meet again or get a happy ending (but not the type you’re thinking of).

I often tell my candidates that going on a first interview is very much like going on a first date especially if they’re nervous and need a little extra support and guidance.

So here are my top tips for your first interview (or dating if you need help with that too)

  1. Peacocking – This is a massive factor, first impressions are so important on a first date. The same can be said for an interview.  Turn up in your neatly pressed suit and scuff-less shoes with a portfolio in tow and smelling good and you’ll come across as professional and well put together.
  2. Sell yourself – An interview is as much about getting to know each other as it is about your skills and experience otherwise recruitment would be Tinderised, you would swipe right and hope it’s a match! Your answers should always be professional but talking about experiences outside of work is a great way to show your personality.
  3. Show an interest – There’s nothing worse than being on a date with someone who comes across like they don’t want to be there. The same goes for an interview. Make a connection with the interviewer. Ask questions, smile and be positive.
  4. Have things to talk about – It’s easy to get a little nervous, and this can sometimes lead to you giving one word answers and not enough detail. This would not go down well on a date and the same is true for an interview.  Research the company, make sure you know all there is to know about them, research the interviewers on LinkedIn get an understanding about them and their interests which will come in very handy during the interview especially if you have things in common. (By this I’m not condoning stalking your date on Facebook before meeting them)
  5. The Close – “So are we going to see each other again?” is usually how a first date ends if everything goes well. In an interview, if you really want the job, be sure that you have done enough to get a second interview. Ask the interviewer, “based on our meeting today is there anything that you’re unsure of?” This hopefully gives you a chance to overcome any reservations they have.

So here is my comparison on the recruitment process and dating… If you’re looking for your next job or looking for someone new to join your team, then get in touch with myself or the team at cherry pick people.  Unfortunately, we do not provide match making services of the dating kind.

A Love letter to a Property Manager….. (from a recruiter?!?)

Posted by & filed under Advice, Opinion, Starting a new Job.

A Love letter to a Property Manager….. (from a recruiter?!?)

My Dearest Property Manager,

Some say truly that love grows deeper and fonder with each passing hour. Each passing day.

With each passing week, my heart yearns for you.

It’s been eight business days, and still no word.

I’ll reach you on a lunch break – your CV looks worth it.

I know you received my last two phone calls;

I dialled all the digits perfect.

I digress, as my desire for property takes over. My Darling, since my eyes first laid sight on your experiences within this vibrant sector, I knew right there… right then. The perfect role for you.

Three years here and eighteen joy filled months there; all I crave for is for your patience. Your time. All I ever longed for was to assist you. Your job search. Your career and what makes you smile; what pays your bills, buys your new shoes or a new watch, but most of all…what fills you with a full working week of customer service fantastic’ness.

You helped me see the light; that there was a brighter side to Property Recruitment. That through the dropouts, the cancelled interviews and rearranged appointments… there is hope.

There are candidates that make our hearts beat once more. That make us feel alive. Like the only Property Recruiter in the world.

All that I ask, my love. Is that you let me know, some-time and some-how that you are still looking, still searching. Or perhaps your heart has moved elsewhere and our worlds have drifted apart. One favour is all I ask, Dearest Property Manager. Just let me know. Let me know your direction so my soul can rest. The perusal shall end until next time. Until Next time you search for property jobs.

Yours faithfully & forever,

(or at least until 8pm)

Your Property Recruitment Specialist

with love

Not another recruiter!

Posted by & filed under Advice.

Not another recruiter! I often get asked as a recruiter ‘what makes you stand out’? ‘why are you any different to x companies’ or ‘what can you offer me the others can’t’…

I recently spoke with one of my clients about this topic – what is the USP of a recruitment agency; what really makes a recruiter stand out from another? He said one of the main things was the person who you are directly dealing with, their ‘personality’ and ‘honesty’. Too many recruiters ‘blag’ or ‘say what you think they want to hear’, whereas though the truth may be awkward or not appeasing – it will make them respect you.

I have been in recruitment for 4 years starting out as a fresh faced Marketing Graduate Intern to 5 promotions later a Principal Consultant for the Estate Agency Team and I believe one of the main reasons for my success is my clients. Now don’t get me wrong – I have had some very tricky situations in the past few years with clients and some which I got wrong/ or should have managed in a different way. The following are my tips:

  • Don’t be an email recruiter – this has to be one of the biggest recommendations, you are in an awkward situation, someone has cancelled an interview again for the 3rd time this week with a client. Let’s just email – it’s the least awkward way. WRONG. I would not email a client with this kind of news without trying to call them at least 2 times, and when I emailed I would say ‘Can you please call me ASAP’ instead of feeding the news through an email. I have had clients say to me many times where recruiters have gone wrong before was ‘hiding behind emails’ – it looks weak. My clients don’t want that ?
  • Empty promises – I can’t tell you the number of times my clients complain about recruiters who have been trying to impress them for ages! Then when they get given the opportunity to work a brief, they take a full qualification and say ‘yes I definitely will be able to get 3 people over to you by Friday’. If this is viable then great – but making unrealistic promises and then not being able to deliver is detrimental to the relationship. Disappointing a client in the first few days of working with them is not a great way to impress! Instead – ‘as soon as I get a suitable candidate for this role I will email them over and then call them to discuss their pros/cons’.
  • Meet them! – I think this has been my biggest success with clients, I have met with all my clients and some more than once. I have been to their offices, met their staff – understand who works there and team fit. This is vital in knowing who would suit their roles and it will ‘put a face to a name’. You are no longer a voice at the end of the phone but someone they can relate/ speak to.

If you’re interested in working with a consultant that will go the extra mile and will deliver as promised and is not just ‘another recruiter’ then feel free to get in touch.