Covid isn’t stopping the recruitment of apprenticeships at Dexters estate agents.
Dexters are ‘passionate about investing and training,’ according to CEO Andy Sheppard, who has seen over 150 apprentices pass through Dexters academy over the past 4 years.
An apprenticeship is one way to gain an industry related qualification whilst working within the job sector, gaining valuable worked-related skills.
One advantage of an apprenticeship, over a more traditional higher education route, is receiving a salary while gaining a qualification. In addition, there are no student loans required, unlike a higher education course.
According to property industry eye, Dexter’s will be adding 100 new apprentices to its current pool of 90.
Unlike a higher education course, applicants, to be successful in the recruitment process, are required to pass a very competitive apprenticeship interview.
Below is a list of commonly asked apprenticeship questions and answers for an estate agent apprenticeship interview.
Remembering, that during lockdown the apprenticeship recruitment process is going to be an online job interview.
Apprentice Estate Agent Interview Questions
5 commonly asked interview questions:
What do you know about Dexters?
Dexters take their corporate responsibility seriously, with a focus on having ‘people at the heart of everything we do’
When answering the ‘about us’ question give an overview of the company portfolio; chartered surveyors, leaseholding and estate agents.
Also, discuss their corporate responsibility, as this will show that you have researched the organisation. Talk about Dexter’s approach to the gender pay gap, business ethics and care in the community.
Companies that are ‘people’ focused make hiring decisions based on the potential employee’s values and attitude. By showing how you are also people-focused and you care about the customers, colleagues and stakeholders, will help to increase the chances of being recruited.
The goal here, is to highlight your level of interest and knowledge of the company.
Why would you make a good Dexter’s apprentice?
In the main, most apprentices don’t possess a large duration of industry experience and, generally speaking, won’t possess a sector related qualification, and employers know this.
With this in mind, employers are looking for proof of work ethics, skills and qualities.
For an estate agent apprenticeship, employers want to recruit employees who possess:
- good communication skills
- a high level of confidence
- determination
- IT skills
- target driven
To answer this interview question split the answer into two parts; work ethic and skill set (if an applicant has any relevant experience they can discuss the experience during this interview answer.
Remember to give examples as storytelling increases likeability.
“I know I would be an excellent apprentice because…(state skill relating to work ethic) an example of this was when (add example)…
..I also possess a good level of (add skill) when working at X, I … (add example)…”
How would you balance working in a full-time job and studying to pass the apprenticeship qualification?
The demanding responsibilities of the role and the number of assignments required to complete the apprenticeship qualification means that hiring managers are looking for an employee with proven time management skills.
To approach this interview question, show that you understand the demands of the job role:
“Working as an estate agent apprentice, I understand that I would (add job duties; collecting property information, writing copy for Rightmove and adverts, showing customers around properties and working and supporting qualified estate agents) …..”
Next, show awareness of the workload involved in an apprenticeship:
“…and I know that to pass the apprenticeship I will have to write around 6-8 assignments to show my competencies for being an estate agent, as well as sourcing evidence of my industry knowledge…
Then follow up by highlighting time management skills:
“..to achieve my job duties while meeting assignment deadlines, I will utilise my time management skills. This would include (add time management techniques; ranking task in terms of importance, diary management, to-do list, collaborating with colleagues, automating activities) …”
Why would you like to work as an estate agent?
The question is really designed to test an applicants knowledge of the job role. It is important, therefore, to describe the job duties that drawn you to the advertised apprenticeship.
Explain (and link) your long term career goal.
It is also important to show enthusiasm and communicate with words that motivate and impress employers.
Start the answer by showing passion: “I have always wanted a career as an estate agent, as I love the thought of helping customers to find their dream house that they can make their home….”
Secondly, discuss some of the job duties that you enjoy:
“…I want to specialise in sales as I’m very target driven. As a strong communicator, I am able to negotiate to get the best price for my customers, an example of negotiation was when (add example)…
…I would also enjoy (add second duty) as I am (add relevant skill and example)..”
Why is communication an important skill for an estate agent?
Throughout the whole job interview, there will be several questions based on the skills and job duties of the job role.
One commonly asked question will be the ‘communication’ question. Why? Because communication is a key skill for any estate agent.
When answering any skill-based interview question, ideally answer by using an example to back up any claims made in the interview answer.
Open the answer with a confident statement: “Communication is a key strength of mine…”
Show knowledge by listing different elements of communication “…good communication includes listening, speaking and confirming and double-checking details, but it also includes eye contact, varying tonality, building trust and body language…”
“..I was able to demonstrate my communication skills in my last job where (add example)…”
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