Trey - This is an astute observation.  Picking up on an person's soft skills is an excellent way to evaluate them .

I agree with your statement about "the broker is also being interviewed by the agent".  When I first began in this business I wanted to find the broker that offered the best training! I didn't care about the location, size of office or appearance of the office.  Now, things have certainly changed!  Now, I do care about location and most important the overall appearance of the office and its staff.  I want my clients to perceive and feel that I provide quality, professional services and my office has to reflect just that, a professional environment!

Good observation, Trey.  If they are more interested in impressing you than in having a dialogue, that's a pretty good indicator of how they will interact with clients.

Hi Trey,

Funny how many think that sales is about talking....the good ones know it is about listening. 

Dick Beals

Erik

Soft skills can be mighty important.

I try to talk very little in the first half of the conversation. I sit back and ask a few probing questions, then let them take it from there. You can tell alot about a person in a few minutes that way. If I think I'm hearing what I like--if i think they'll mesh with my company, then I take over a bit and tell them about  the company and what we have to offer. If it's not clicking, or they're giving me signals that they won't fit here, I end it pretty quickly.

Hey Brian,

How goes it?  Yes... some have led me to believe they will save the universe for customers and the firm and then when they stop talking I find out how little they do know.

Martin,

Great comments! Professional appearances are so important.

Erica,

You sound like you have a good deal of expertise in interviewing. Some folks show their personality, knowledge, and makeup  sooner than others in the process.

Dick

You are so right my friend!