• The exact time and place of the interview; how to get there; where to park, etc; and how long it will take to get there.
• The interviewer's full name.
• Facts and figures about your present or former employer.
• Questions to ask the interviewer. Remember that an interview is a two way street.

• Can you give me a detailed description of the position?
• Why has the position become available?
• What is the culture of the company?
• What type of training is offered?

Interview Techniques
During the interview, you will be assessed for your strengths and weaknesses, and even some areas for development. In addition to this, specific personal characteristics will be scrutinised, such as attitude, aptitude, motivation and maturity.

Here are some interview dos and don'ts to follow:

• DO arrive on time or a few minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is never excusable.
• DO greet the interviewer by his or her title and surname. If you are not sure of the name pronunciation, ask the interviewer to repeat it.
• DO shake hands firmly.
• DO wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright in your chair and look alert and interested at all times.
• DO be as charismatic as possible; it is very important that you demonstrate your interpersonal skills during the interview.
• DO be a good listener as well as a good talker.
• DO smile.
• DO look the interviewer in the eye.
• DO follow the interviewer's leads. Try, however, to obtain a full description of the position and duties it incorporates at an early stage so that you can relay your appropriate background and skills accordingly.
• DO make sure that your good points get across to the interviewer in a concise, factual and sincere manner. Bear in mind that only you can sell yourself and make the interviewer aware of the benefits that you can offer to the company.
• DO always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job you are discussing. Never close the door on opportunity. It is better to be in a position where you can choose from a number of offers - rather than only one.

• DON'T answer questions with a simple 'yes' or 'no'. Explain yourself whenever possible. Describe those things about yourself that relate to the position on offer.
• DON'T lie. Answer questions truthfully, frankly and as close to the point as possible.
• DON'T make derogatory remarks about your present or former employers.
• DON'T enquire about salary, holidays, bonuses etc. at the initial interview unless you are positive that the interviewer wants to hire you. You should however, know your market value and be prepared to specify your required salary or range.

Be ready to answer questions such as:

• Why did you choose a career in property management?
• What kind of role are you seeking?
• What is your technical experience?
• Why would you like to work for our company?
• What do you want to be doing in your career five years from now?
• What style of management gets the best from you?
• What interests you about the real estate industry?
• What have you learned from some of the jobs you have held?
• Which job did you enjoy the most and why?
• What have you done that shows initiative in your career?
• What are your major weaknesses and what are your strengths?
• What are your hobbies?Negative factors to avoid

During an interview, the interviewer will be evaluating your negative attributes as well as your positive ones. Listed below are some negative traits that are frequently evaluated during the course of an interview and which most often lead to rejection:

• Poor personal appearance
• Overbearing, aggressive, conceited 'superiority complex' or a 'know it all' attitude
• Inability to express thoughts clearly - poor diction or grammar
• Lack of career planning - no purpose or goals
• Lack of interest and enthusiasm - passive and indifferent
• Lack of confidence - nervousness
• Over-emphasis on money - interested only in remuneration
• Failure to look the interviewer in the eye
• Limp handshake
• Failure to ask good questions about the job and company
• Lack of interview preparation

Closing the Interview

If you are interested in the position enquire about the next interview stage. If the interviewer offers the position to you and you want it, accept on the spot. If you wish for some time to think it over, be courteous and tactful in asking for that time. Set a definite date on which you can provide an answer.

DON'T be too discouraged if no definite offer is made nor a specific salary discussed. The interviewer will probably want to consult colleagues or interview other candidates (or both) before making a decision.

If you get the impression that the interview is not going very well and you have already been rejected, don't let your discouragement show.

THANK the interviewer for the time spent with you.

After the Interview

Lastly, and most importantly, call your consultant at Real Estate Career Developers immediately after the interview to explain what happened. The consultant will want to speak with you before the interviewer calls.