We "interview" every day.

Ours is one of the few businesses out there, where we interview for employment each and every day.

We have to be at our best, because everyone is a potential client.  The mailman, the landscaper, grocery cashier, neighbour, teacher, your child's soccer coach, your best friend... They're all potential homeowners, homesellers or referral resources.

So we have to treat each interaction, each conversation as an interview.  We need to be professional, upbeat, knowledgeable, approachable... etc...

And then, when all of that has worked, and one of those folks has actually "called us in for an interview", we have to put on that smile, and "bring it".

In my younger years, when I actually used to go out and do "official interviews" for employment, I always thought I was a good interview. I would come away from an interviewing knowing that it went well, and the job was mine, if I wanted it.  Most times I was right, occasionally I misread the interview.

I read all the books on how to interview.. (make sure you dress professionally, ask a couple of insightful questions about the company to show interest, be on time...) and all of those qualities still make a good interview.

* Show some interest in your client.
* Listen to what they're saying.
* Find something positive to say (whether it be about their home, the market or SOMEthing).
* Show up on-time.  Five minutes late is NOT on time.
* Don't show up intoxicated (this one should probably go without saying).
* Don't have a blood stain down the front of your shirt (even if it really IS from cutting yourself shaving)
* Juggling their Fabergé egg collection is not a good idea... yes, it shows an interest in them, but possibly sends the wrong message.
* Try not to kick their pets... even by accident.  (I know, I know... even if it's a cat)
* Don't forget to wear pants.

Today, after a listing presentation (read that as "interview) most times I come away knowing that I've got the listing, if I want it.  Occasionally they "hire" someone else, and every now and then they file a restraining order.

For those of you "new" agents... this is a skill worth learning... those restraining orders stay with you a long, long time.

Okay, okay... I admit, some of those were just tongue-in-cheek and meant to be humourous.
Of course they're not all real.  For example, you don't really have to 'listen to what they're saying'...
and feel free to 'kick the cat'..  I know... how ridiculous was that one?