LinkedIn Job Search 101 for CRE Professionals (Updated Aug 2024)
Our goal with this post is to help you use LinkedIn most effectively in your job search. It’s the first post in a series of a LinkedIn 101 networking series to help you get the most out of this resource. Because commercial real estate is such a relationship-driven business, this strategy will help you to build meaningful relationships, while also helping you to build your network so that you can search for jobs.
Are you looking to get a job in Commercial Real Estate? Sign up for Career Connections so we can match you with top companies that are looking to hire.
What not to do in your LinkedIn Job Search
I get it. Searching for jobs is stressful and you just want to land a full-time job. So you go about the job search process by going to the LinkedIn jobs page and apply to 300 jobs a week. That might get you somewhere as I do see people find jobs from LinkedIn quite a lot. But is it the most effective way to go about this process? No. Here’s why:
- Lack of Personalization: Mass applications often lack the personalization that catches a recruiter’s eye. Each job application should be tailored to the specific role and company to demonstrate your genuine interest and suitability.
- Quality Over Quantity: Applying to many jobs can dilute the quality of your applications. Focusing on fewer, well-suited positions allows you to create higher-quality applications that are more likely to stand out.
- Networking Neglect: Solely applying to jobs online overlooks the power of networking. Engaging with your network, joining relevant groups, and connecting with industry professionals can lead to opportunities that aren’t listed on job boards.
- Research and Preparation: Taking the time to research companies and roles thoroughly allows you to prepare better for interviews. This preparation can make a significant difference in how you present yourself to potential employers.
- Follow-Up: Without follow-up, many applications may go unnoticed. Following up on your applications shows persistence and interest, which can set you apart from other candidates.
Instead of applying indiscriminately, focus on creating a targeted job search strategy. Personalize your applications, leverage your network, and take the time to prepare thoroughly for each opportunity. This approach is more likely to yield positive results in your job search.
What to do in your LinkedIn Job Search
People hire people they know, like, and trust. By watching the video below, you will start to become more known, liked, and trusted, which in turn will lead to you getting multiple job offers.
Our hope is that if you watch this video, you find some type of “common ground” with the person you are reaching out to. In the example below, we targeted alumni of CAL Berkeley, in San Francisco, who are in commercial real estate.
Depending on how badly you want a job, you can reach out to a certain number of people using your discretion. I’m guessing 50% or more people won’t respond to you, so I would tell you to try and reach out to 50 people per week if you want to jump on a call with 20 individuals.
Tips for your LinkedIn Job Search
Conclusion
Maximizing your LinkedIn job search involves more than just applying to numerous positions. It’s about strategic networking, personalized applications, and thorough preparation. By following these steps, you’ll build meaningful relationships and enhance your professional network, leading to better job opportunities.
If you’d like to learn more about how to network with others in the industry, you can review our LinkedIn 101 series that highlights how to go about this, who to reach out to, how to find them, and what kind of questions to ask.
We also have a variety of other career and education resources here at A.CRE that we’ve found valuable as we’ve blazed our own career paths (see below). Moreover, for those ready to actively pursue new opportunities, consider using our Cover Letter Composer tool. We designed this custom GPT to help you craft compelling cover letters tailored to various roles in commercial real estate, enhancing your applications and improving your chances of landing an interview in this competitive field. We also have a guide for Real Estate Interview Prep With Chatgpt-4 that outline how to use comprehensive interview simulation prompts with ChatGPT to help you practice and prepare for your upcoming commercial real estate interview. Utilizing resources like this can be a significant step towards advancing your career in CRE.
CAREER RESOURCES AT A.CRE
- A.CRE Commercial Real Estate Job Board
- Day in the Life Series
- General Content on Careers in CRE
- Help with CRE Interviews
EDUCATION RESOURCES AT A.CRE
- A.CRE 101
- Deep Dive Series
- Glossary of CRE Terms
- Series on Graduate Programs (MBA and Masters) in Real Estate
- Learn real estate financial modeling with the A.CRE Accelerator
Frequently Asked Questions about Using LinkedIn to Search for a Job in Commercial Real Estate (CRE)
Why is mass-applying to hundreds of LinkedIn jobs not the best strategy?
Mass applications often “lack the personalization that catches a recruiter’s eye.” The blog emphasizes that “each job application should be tailored to the specific role and company” and warns that applying to many jobs can “dilute the quality of your applications.”
What should I focus on instead of applying to hundreds of jobs?
You should “focus on creating a targeted job search strategy.” This includes personalizing applications, leveraging your network, and preparing thoroughly for each opportunity.
How important is networking in the CRE job search process?
Extremely important. The post states, “Commercial real estate is such a relationship-driven business,” and “people hire people they know, like, and trust.” Networking helps you uncover unlisted opportunities and build meaningful relationships.
What’s a recommended approach to contacting people on LinkedIn?
Try to find common ground — such as attending the same university or working in the same region or field. In the blog’s example, outreach targeted “alumni of CAL Berkeley, in San Francisco, who are in commercial real estate.” Aim to reach out to around 50 people a week if you want to connect with about 20.
Should I follow up after submitting applications?
Yes. The blog highlights that “without follow-up, many applications may go unnoticed.” Following up shows persistence and interest, which “can set you apart from other candidates.”
How does research help in my job search?
Researching companies and roles thoroughly “allows you to prepare better for interviews.” This preparation “can make a significant difference in how you present yourself to potential employers.”
What are some tools or resources mentioned to help with job applications?
The blog recommends using the Cover Letter Composer to “craft compelling cover letters tailored to various roles in commercial real estate.” It also suggests using the Real Estate Interview Prep With ChatGPT-4 guide for practice and preparation.
Where can I find additional help for my CRE job search?
You can explore the Career Resources at A.CRE, including the Commercial Real Estate Job Board, help with CRE interviews, and career content. The LinkedIn 101 series also provides step-by-step guidance on networking, who to reach out to, how to find them, and what questions to ask.
