Starting Out in CRE? 4 Ways to Get Hired Faster
I may be biased, but personally I think that commercial real estate is one of the most interesting, rewarding professions out there. From my time as an agency and tenant rep broker, to my current role as CEO of a real estate technology company, it’s been my experience that a career in real estate exposes you to some of the smartest people you’ll ever meet across a vast array of industries. No two days, at least in my experience, are ever the same and the rewards can be vast – both from a career satisfaction and financial standpoint.
Quick note from Spencer: This is a guest post written by Nick Romito, CEO & Co-Founder, VTS. A big thanks to Nick for taking time out of his busy schedule to write a post for our young readers looking to start a career in real estate.
But there’s no denying it – the competition in this industry is fierce. Regardless of which area of specialization you’re looking to get into, getting your foot in the door at an organization that will promote your career development is key.
Here are a few learnings about how you can position yourself to beat out your competition and lock down your first role in commercial real estate:
I. Think of the practical skills you didn’t learn at college
Employers won’t expect you to have prior experience that’s specifically related to real estate but they will be impressed by the steps you’ve taken to prepare yourself for the role at hand. For me – it was public speaking. I realized that much of my role as a broker would require me to present to larger groups in pitches and other meetings. To enhance my performance, I took a public speaking course on my own time.
There are a variety of other skills you’re going to need in a career in real estate – whether it’s negotiating, marketing, financial modelling or more. And with all the online resources available, further education doesn’t have to be expensive. By showing initiative and training yourself up on your own time, you’ll immediately be more attractive to a potential employer.
II. Understand the technology you’ll need on the job
There has been an explosion of technology solutions that have become available over the last three to five years – each that have been developed with the specific pain points of different areas of commercial real estate in mind.
Learn as much as you can about the technologies that are used within the specific area you’re looking to get into – whether it be leasing and asset management technology like VTS for brokerage or property investment firms, the latest in 3D graphics software for real estate marketing like Floored, property management software like Yardi, or valuation and cashflow analysis software such as Argus. The list goes on!
III. Read the news
The best commercial real estate professionals are fully in the know about the latest happenings and trends. Not only does this knowledge allow you to give clients the best advice, it also is critical for uncovering new business opportunities. By appearing knowledgeable as you interview and speak with potential employers, you’ll stand out from the pack.
But who has time to read through every newspaper and online news resource every day? Resources like The News Funnel can help with this information overload. It’s a free app that aggregates news 24/7, allowing you to create a customized feed and get instant access to the news that’s most relevant for you and the role you seek.
IV. Network intelligently
The best job opportunities aren’t necessarily posted online. Particularly with real estate, being the relationship business that it is. Networking and talking to people in the business is key in your efforts to finding a new role faster. There are some fantastic, well-attended industry events across every specialization of real estate – check out the schedules of organizations like Bisnow to see what’s going on in your area.
Whenever you’re networking, it’s important to have a plan. If you’re at an event, don’t try to meet everyone but be targeted in your approach and seek out quality interactions over quantity. Most importantly, always follow up and ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date (people are trying to find you too!).
Commercial real estate has been very good to me over the course of my career – I wish you the best of luck as you get started on your own path.
Frequently Asked Questions about Getting Hired in Commercial Real Estate (CRE)
What skills should I develop that college might not have taught me?
Nick Romito emphasizes building practical, job-ready skills. “Employers won’t expect you to have prior experience… but they will be impressed by the steps you’ve taken to prepare yourself.” He personally took a public speaking course and recommends developing skills like negotiating, marketing, and financial modeling.
Why is understanding real estate technology important?
Technology is essential in modern CRE roles. Romito notes that there’s been “an explosion of technology solutions… developed with the specific pain points of different areas of commercial real estate in mind.” Tools like VTS, ARGUS, Yardi, and Floored are often used by top firms.
How can staying informed about CRE trends help me get hired?
Being well-read makes you stand out. “The best commercial real estate professionals are fully in the know about the latest happenings and trends,” and this helps you both advise clients and “uncover new business opportunities.” Romito recommends using apps like The News Funnel for curated industry news.
How important is networking in landing your first CRE job?
Extremely important. “The best job opportunities aren’t necessarily posted online,” Romito writes. Because CRE is a relationship-driven business, “networking and talking to people in the business is key in your efforts to finding a new role faster.”
What’s the most effective way to network in real estate?
Romito advises to “have a plan.” Instead of trying to meet everyone at events, “be targeted in your approach and seek out quality interactions over quantity.” Always follow up and keep your LinkedIn updated—“people are trying to find you too!”
Do I need formal real estate experience to get started?
No, but initiative matters. “Employers won’t expect you to have prior experience that’s specifically related to real estate,” but they will notice if you’ve proactively developed relevant skills and knowledge.
