Are you changing jobs for the right reasons?

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

Handing in your notice can be a daunting experience that most people face in their working careers but are you changing jobs for the right reasons? I’ve certainly faced it during my career in estate agency in both my roles as sales negotiator and Assistant branch manager so I know how it feels.

 

handing-in-notice

 

10 things to consider before handing in your notice

  1. Do you really want to change roles?
  • Is this just a knee jerk reaction to something that has happened in the office, can you speak to your director and resolve the issue.
  1. What are your reasons for changing roles?
  • Will changing companies actually benefit you or will it just be a short term solution to the existing problem?
  1. What can you bring to the role?
  • If you get the role, can you deliver on the promises made in the interview?
  1. Is Property the right industry for you?
  • Do you genuinely enjoy your role in estate agency or do you have a passion for another industry but may not be brave enough to take the plunge?
  1. What do you know about the company?
  • Have you spoken to other negotiators or managers who work in the company, have you done research and due diligence?
  1. What are their values?
  • How do they do things? Do you have similar values? Can you work in the same way that they do? Do you believe in the same things they do?
  1. How many deals do you need to do per month as a negotiator for the move to make financial sense?
  • Are the targets achievable? Will you be able to perform in the role?
  1. Will you make more money?
  • In the long term will the move leave you financially better off?
  1. Are you prepared to start from the bottom again?
  • Trust and respect is earned and you will have to earn this.
  1. What impact will the move have on your work life balance
  • What is the work/life balance like, are you prepared to put in the ground work whilst you establish yourself in your new role?

It seems like a lot to think about when handing in your notice, but these key questions will allow you to fully weigh up the pros and cons before you accept a role.

As property consultants specialising in the property sector, we have these conversations with Sales and Lettings Negotiators and managers on a daily basis to ensure that our candidates are making informed decisions about their future. We follow up with our candidates throughout their career, as we want to be on hand to help and offer advice at every stage.

Should you be considering your next move or just want some friendly advice, feel free to get in touch with me on 020 3587 7687 or email me at lisa.clarke@cherrypickpeople.com

handing-in-notice

 

6 reasons why accepting a counter offer is rarely a good idea!

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

6 reasons why accepting a counter offer is rarely a good idea!  So, you’ve accepted an offer to work for a new company and its time to quit your current job. You do all the right things: give notice, offer to help in the transition, say thanks for the opportunity. But instead of just shaking your hand and wishing you good luck, your boss hits you with a counter offer – one that includes more money, more holiday, and better benefits.

It can be easy for candidates to be dazzled by a hike in salary and commitment from their current employer. However, the chances are your boss has ulterior motives. Employee resignations can hurt a manager’s record. Or, maybe, he or she wants to keep you on long enough to find a replacement. Perhaps it’s their motive because it’s far more cost effective to pay you a bit more than it is to recruit, hire, and train a new employee.

In some instances, accepting a counter offer may be a good move. However, once the dust has settled statistics show that 80% of people either voluntarily leave within 6 months or are let go in a year. We see this first hand, candidates that accept a counter offer from their current employer are active again – more often than not within 6 months.  So before you say yes, consider these reasons why you might want to consider declining.

 

1. If you have previously requested a pay rise and not received one you have to ask where the money is coming from for your counter offer? It is likely this was simply the money allocated for your next bonus or raise, diminishing the true value of the counter offer.

 

2. Don’t forget your original reasons for looking for a new role – if company culture played a part in this a pay rise will only temporarily mask this issue. You also have to question the company ethics if it takes you to tell them you’re leaving to realise how much you’re worth.

 

3. From this point on your employer will question your loyalty – after the initial euphoria at you staying they won’t forget that you came close to jumping ship. Be aware that in months to come this could affect future promotions and potential for progression.

 

4. It’s not just your employers that will change their behaviour towards you but colleagues may see you in a different light and your relationships may suffer – ultimately adding to your workplace unhappiness.

 

5. Going back on an offer you accepted from another company can hamper your impression on the new company as well. Even though the acceptance could just be verbal, it is still viewed as an agreement between you and the new company. If you decide to stay with your current company and things again don’t work for you as promised/expected, you’ve burned a bridge with a company that may have been a much better fit.

 

6. As mentioned above, once the dust has settled statistics show that 80% of people either voluntarily leave within 6 months or are let go in a year. You will be first in the firing line if cutbacks are made as they know that your commitment is not truly there.

 

The advantage of being on board with Cherry Pick People is that we can help you manage this process to get the best outcome and guide you through every step of the way. Feel free to get in touch with Lema for advice on 020 3587 7687 or by emailing lema@cherrypickpeople.com

 

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.

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

5 Essential Tips to build a high performing business

Posted by & filed under Advice, Opinion.

5 Essential Tips to build a high performing business.  Running a recruitment consultancy means I have had the opportunity to meet and learn from some phenomenal businesses over the years, from small boutique SMEs to large corporates – I’ve seen it done well and also very badly!

I’ve always been fascinated with the development of high performing teams – I help build them for my clients but also, of course, have needed to create them for my own business.

I have spent lots of time studying this subject and below I have included the 5 key traits I feel your business must possess in order to outstrip the competition.

 

  1. Clear Vision

Your company must have a clear, ambitious goal. It needs a strong vision that excites and challenges the people within the organisation. A clear vision drives and aligns strategy, objectives and goals throughout the business.
Remember your vision is outwardly facing – it’s where the company will be in 5 years’ time – it should be ambitious and inspiring.

Top Tip: Test your vision – regularly (twice a year at least) test team members on the company vision and values, this is a great way to ensure full adoption!

 

  1. Leadership

Your leader MUST be honest and sincere and live with integrity – lead by example. The leader is essential in creating and driving the business towards the vision. A strong leader will exercise control, monitor team performance and establish internal processes that all team members must abide by (including themselves!).
A good leader will engage their team and develop people as “passion champions” and remove anyone who is not on the same wavelength.

Top Tip – Annually or Bi-annually run an engagement survey internally, to see how you and your leaders are performing.

 

  1. Learning Culture

All high performing businesses foster a learning culture; a culture focused on coaching rather than advising (i.e. developing individuals and empowering them to make a decision, rather than dictating decisions). They also invest in their team, offering extensive internal and external training.

Top Tip – Invest in your team – training mustn’t stop after the first few weeks / months. You will help develop future leaders and increase engagement and retention.

 

  1. Simple Organisation and Teamwork

Your business should always be striving towards simplicity, cutting out any unnecessary bureaucracy. You must foster company-wide sharing of information, knowledge and best practice.

TOP TIP – Audit your processes quarterly – ask your team anonymously what processes they feel could be improved and how?

 

  1. Hiring Strategy

Top performing businesses attract and retain the best people. The skill shortage across all sectors is immense at the moment and it puts a huge pressure on our businesses.
You need to have a clear, coherent plan for growth and recognise the time it takes to find and secure the best people. Securing the best talent is the most important objective for any business, do not cut corners.
And when you have them – you need to keep them! Ensuring you follow the 4 points above will dramatically increase retention.

TOP TIP: Have a clear proposition to put to potential employees, utilise your network and that of any trusted employee or partner. Develop your brand utilising social media

I’m really interested to hear what other business leaders have found to be key in their success – do any of these points ring true? Do you do something else that you feel has been essential to your success???

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.