Interviewing

I would appreciate any ideas that you might be willing to share about what you do and say during an interview:

     I have had many different agendas that I have followed over the years, I do find that asking the recruit questions about other jobs and a description of those other jobs is very helpful. I feel the more open ended questions I ask and the more willing they are to discuss themselves the more I listen and the more I learn.

     I get to know as much about them as I can in the brief time I spend with a recruit on an interview. I find it much more beneficial to listen rather then do the talking. i always have a package prepared with my "Value Package" and the benefits of my "brand". That I will be the one responsible for mentoring them.

     These are the same skills that I learned when I was taught what to do and what to say on a listing appointment. Ask a lot of open ended questions, keep the conversation going. Learn about motivation, time frame, expectations, goals. Like I said, it is almost the same.

     If possible, I do like to bring in finances, spouse, children, the recruits experiences with buying and selling real estate. How much, and what do they know about real estate. I have become a good judge of character and can easily read someone if I get to interact with them.

     If the interview is with a seasoned agent from a competitors Brokerage, I like to hear why they are considering leaving. What has gone wrong? What are they looking for in their new Broker. What is their production? Are they looking to reach higher levels of production? Are they willing to get involved in continued education?

     I like to walk them through the office, introduce them to any agents who are in, introduce them to my administrator. Jokingly tell them that "she is the real boss."  

     I had an interview today with someone who I have talked to on the phone several times. I knew he is a real talkier. The appointment was set for 3:30PM and I told my administrator to make sure she interrupted me at 4:30 to tell me she was reminding me of my 5PM appointment.

     As I had expected, he had no trouble talking. From his childhood to his relationship with his wife and children and his business experiences. I was surprised when I got my programmed interruption, the time had passed very quickly. I found myself very interested in his stories. I did have difficulty getting a word in. He dominated the entire conversation. I did manage to review the package I had prepared for him and it was difficult. I thought that he might have a real hard time in real Estate, I wondered if he was capable of listening. We ended on a positive note even though I had to remind him that I was going to be late for another appointment.

      So, if you have any experiences to share or suggestions or materials on the interview process I would welcome your comments.