An Open Letter to the Applicant Who Emailed Me Recently

Jason maybe they found another broker to work for. In that case, they should of contacted you and let you know.

Wow, that's really bad. Not checking voicemails for 4 days is a NO NO especially in this business ! Your telephone and pc are your life line. I guess some will never get it.

BTW - The above " new agent" sounds like a spitfire and if I read it correctly he/she is in your area.

Jason you hit on one of my pet peeves.  Maybe this agent should try an REO company.  Those agents seem really good at avoiding return calls. In fact I think they look for that type when interviewing.

the first thing that came to mind to say was 'ouch'...but Pippa beat me to it!  Great post Jason.   I hope you got my message after you left me a message that time ---- I would hate to think that you think that I don't return my calls or check my messages ;)   

What?  Four days is too long to reply?  Cmon, can't ya give um at least 2 weeks? LOL

Jason,

I would be concerned too and probably would have lost interest since it seems it wasn't a big enough priority...better off ending it before it becomes worse if you had to let them go later.

Jason, it is sometimes referred to as, "you snooze, you lose". Your post was concise and to the point. No offense taken and business today is all about speed....period.

Bo

Jason, great post.  I simply can't understand that if someone is going to send their resume why they wouldn't duct tape their phone to their waste or ear for that matter to get a call.  I for one would not miss the call and at the very least would be checking my messages and emails frequently.  I think you were right on with saying if they were not going to return your message how would they ever follow-up with their clients?  Great post and honest - I like it! ~ Anne Marie

If he or she waited 4 days to return your call (4 days!), he/she would probably wait 4 days to return calls from clients.

Better to know that they are a flake now than later.

Wow... four days?  That pretty much told you everything you needed to know, didn't it? 

Wait, you got that resume too?  ARe you telling me she is willing to commute from Texas to New Jersey? 

Me being such a trusting gullible soul, I believed this....oh when will I learn....lol

Timeliness is really critical. Unfortunately there are a number of agents in our area that do not respond in a timely manner. Their cell phones or other numbers seem to be out of order or their voice mail is full. Their email is not checked that often or they seem to be on a long vacation. I know if I do not respond within 24 hours or less, I feel guilty about not being professional enough.

Very unprofessional for that individual not to call  you back...they have a lot to learn about this business!  Great letter Jason, to the point!

Can we reconfigure this letter for agents that have been in this business for years and still don't return a call!??   LOL   All in all, good point!  If you can't return a simple phone call, your not right for our company either!

You betcha... I draw the same conclusion when hiring.  If you don't promptly return telephone calls or respond to e-mails offering an interview, it is a red flag.  I question whether your responsiveness will be there for the customer.  When, after the interview, you fail to send a personal note or e-mail, I cringe.  I question whether you will do any written follow-up with prospects, which in my opinion is critical.  Maybe I am old school and just don't understand the Y Generation's focus on themselves - but I want to see simple courtesies such as these routinely offered.  After a recent sale, I received a coffee card from the other agent.  It wasn't the $5 gift card that resonated with me.  It was the fact that the agent cared enough to send a personal note.  It earned him points and - yes, I will refer him outside listings in the future.  In my book, the small stuff still matters.

In my opinion, this agent will not be successful in real estate and should stop now before spending time and money. If a agent can't return a simple phone call especially when trying to get a job, forget it. Find a job that you can take your time with! Real estate is not that!

After reading your response, I think this agent may be getting the big picture already!!  I pride myself on returning calls and letting others know I didn't forget about them.  I do this because I hate being pushed to the back by others who call themselves providing a service.  This is a true pet peeve of mine that allows me to monitor my activities.