“Treat finding a job like a job”
Who better to get job search advice from than one of the most influential talent solution experts in the Global Real Estate sector, Andrew Deverell-Smith.
Over his 22 years of experience, he’s gained invaluable insights working with highly successful organisations across the world and works with professionals every day to elevate their careers.
He sat down with us in the devcast… studio to discuss his advice for job hunters today, how to stand out from the competition and land your dream job aside from using the perfect CV.
Watch his podcast clip below or read our full job-hunting tips.
Treat finding a job like a job
Approach your job search with the same level of dedication as you would bring to any professional endeavour. Set aside dedicated time each day to scour job boards, customise your applications and network with industry contacts. Creating a structured schedule, complete with tasks and goals, similar to how you would organise your day in full-time employment will help you keep yourself accountable. Taking your job search seriously will not only increase your productivity but also demonstrate your commitment to prospective employers.
The value of networking
When job hunting, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Networking remains a powerful tool for uncovering hidden job opportunities and gaining valuable insights into your target industry. Attend industry events, join professional associations and leverage social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with peers, mentors and potential employers. Networking isn’t just about asking for favours, it’s about building genuine relationships and offering support in return.
The property industry has plenty of networking associations and events that you could attend:
Movers & Shakers: They are a property network forum that holds events to bring together the leaders, influencers and change-makers in UK property.
deverellsmith ‘Kick-off for Kindness’: Taking place on the 23rd May, deverellsmith are hosting a corporate charity fundraiser at the iconic Craven Cottage, home to Fulham Football Club.
Ladies in Real Estate: LiRE was started by a group of women in the London property industry, who meet informally for breakfast once a month. The goal for the group is to provide informal networking opportunities for women at all levels working across the sector.
Stay visible
In today’s digital age, maintaining an active online presence is crucial for staying on recruiters' and hiring managers' radars. One way you can do this is by regularly updating your LinkedIn profile with relevant skills, experience and accomplishments. For example, if you’ve passed your MRICS or ARLA qualifications, that is something you should share with your network. Another great way to stay visible is by sharing insightful articles, sharing your thoughts on industry trends/topics and engaging with thought leaders to demonstrate your expertise and passion. All of the above will increase your chances of being discovered by potential employers.
Research, research, research
Before diving headfirst into the job market and sending your applications out, make sure you take the time to research your target companies thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with their mission, values, products and even recent developments. It's great to tailor your applications and interview responses to align with the company’s culture and goals, demonstrating your genuine interest. Not only this, researching will allow you to ensure you are applying to companies that also align with your own goals and values, making sure that you end up working somewhere you enjoy with people that will help elevate your career. The more you know about the company, the better equipped you’ll be to make a compelling case for why you’re the perfect fit.
Highlight your work ethic outside of your CV
While your CV is a great tool to showcase your skills and experience, it’s tricky to highlight your work ethic and character effectively beyond ‘pen and paper’. All of the tips mentioned above will help you to do this, meeting employers in person, and discussing your experience and journey to where you are now will have a great impact on them and it’s always easier to showcase your personality and drive when face-to-face. Highlighting instances where you’ve demonstrated skills like resilience, adaptability and teamwork in your cover letters and interviews is also a useful way to display your work ethic.
Job hunting requires a combination of strategy, perseverance, and authenticity. By treating your job search like a job, networking effectively, staying visible online, conducting thorough research, and showcasing your work ethic, you'll position yourself for success in today's competitive job market. Remember, every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow, so stay resilient and keep pushing forward.
Your dream job awaits—go out there and seize it!
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