ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU – HOW TO BE THE CANDIDATE THEY ARE LOOKING FOR

He’s making a list, he’s checking it twice…no not Santa, but your future employer. If you want to make sure you’re not on the ‘naughty’ list, then you’d better read the advice below.

We spoke to employers to find out exactly what they look for in a candidate. Take notes and you could be the whole package, starting the New Year with a new job.

Get your CV all wrapped up

The first step to getting noticed is making sure it covers all of your relevant skills. You may be the perfect candidate but if you don’t make this clear on your CV then you won’t even get that foot in the door. As a job seeker it can be hard to remember that you know you have certain skills and experience, but your potential employer doesn’t know this. Not unless you tell them. Make sure you outline as much as you can on the CV – detailing all of the skills and experience that make you perfect for the job.

Where possible tailor it to the job – if you need tips for creating the perfect CV then read our top tips to writing the perfect CV. A cover letter is also the fitting place to show how your skills match and really sell yourself. Your recruitment agency can also help you with this, as they will be able to tell you a lot about what the employer is looking for. Your recruitment consultant is a mine of information and there to help you, so make sure you put their knowledge to good use.

The interview

This is your place to shine. Take time to research the company well ahead of time, as well as your interviewer. LinkedIn can be your saviour here. The job spec is also an essential tool, it will give you important clues to what the employer is looking for. Make sure you can cite examples: times when you have demonstrated these skills or qualities.

We recommend you read our interview advice section too!

What are the key attributes of a great candidate?

Attitude is what it’s all about. We find that many of the estate agents we work for are looking for a keen attitude to learn, great emphasis on teamwork and a passion for the industry, and this applies to every role.

Many attributes cross all industries. We asked these employers on Twitter what they look for:

“1.Willing to learn from as well as mentor peers #teamwork 2.Values work/life balance but will go extra mile whenever needed 3.Personality & good humour.” – @NitinMakadia

“Passion is everything, reliability and consistency – anyone can have a good day! Good staff have loads.” – Origym Centre of Excellence

“I look for whether I feel happier after speaking to them, and whether I learned anything from them during the interview” – Rachel Carrell, Tech founder and CEO

When it comes to the estate agent industry in particular who better to ask than Anthony Hesse, Property Personnel’s very own MD who has been working in recruitment in the property industry for over 30 years? He says “When I recruit I always look for the following traits: A great work ethic, a positive mental attitude, adaptability and, above all, coachability. A candidate can have all the ability in the world, but without these traits, rarely makes a great employee.”

If you need help finding that perfect job in property, then get in touch with our recruitment experts who will guide you through the process – we’ll wrap up the ideal role for you, ready to start the New Year in style.