The Blind Job Application in Real Estate
Most of you sending in a blind application never do find your way into this business because you get tired of rejection, lose hope, and quit.
A big thank you to the candidate I spoke to last week who asked me about this topic. He was frustrated with how many applications and jobs he’s applied to on LinkedIn without getting a response. Today we will talk about how to get a response, even if it’s a no.
How can you create the perception that you are a legitimate candidate for a role you are applying to? The blind application is not how, but it’s something you can leverage to stand out.
If you’ve read any of my content before, I frequently reference sports because I am a competitive athlete. In sports, the “blind application” is called “cold turkey.” When you have a practice or game, it’s important to warm your body up so you don’t get injured.
When you do go into practice or a game cold turkey, your body isn’t physically prepped, your muscles aren’t loose, and you don’t compete at your best. Kobe was one of the all-time greats, and he was at the gym shooting hoops hours before his games!
Sports are a great metaphor for this process of finding a job in CRE because they both require you to be persistent and prepare properly.
In this article, I will break down how you can create a plan to find your way into the business instead of sending in a bunch of blind applications and complaining about never getting a callback.
Sending in a blind application, without a follow-up, conveys to a hiring manager you are unhappy and not having success at your job. Put yourself in their shoes, why would you want to hire someone like that?
Here are a few hiring tips I suggest on how to stand out as a more credible and legitimate candidate.
Not sure where to start with your job search? Download our Commercial Real Estate Company Database Tool to browse over 2,000 real estate companies, filter by Location, Company Type, Job Function, and Property Type, and create a target list of companies for your job search.
Proactively Network to Supplement a Blind Job Application in Real Estate
When you go deep-sea fishing, it’s best practice to have a bunch of lines out in the ocean trying to catch some fish. If you are going about this job search, like you would go about deep-sea fishing, you similarly have a bunch of lines in the water, meaning you have spoken with a bunch of people in the CRE industry!
What if a company posts a job on LinkedIn, you see it, and think to yourself, “I know someone there!” Perhaps you spoke with a VP or Associate at this company, and they remember you. You’ll find that happens a lot to the people who are proactive about networking and connecting with new folks.
I’d recommend reaching out to that person and asking them to jump on a call to talk with them about the role. Questions could include, “Which team is hiring? What is the culture like on that team? Which deals are they currently working on? What do they look for in potential candidates?” These are all questions that will help you learn more about the opportunity to see if it’s right for you. Along with that, if you do land an interview, you have prepared for it by having some insight other candidates won’t have, giving you a competitive advantage.
If it’s an opportunity that you think is a good fit for you, ask them to put in a good word with the hiring manager or HR!
I hope many of you find yourself in this position. That means you are going about this job search the correct way!
If you aren’t proactively networking, read this article on how to stay in touch and connect with new people.
Follow up with the person who posted the job on LinkedIn
Following up with the person who posted the job on LinkedIn is one of the easiest techniques to stand apart from the crowd. When you follow up on your application, you convey to that hiring manager that you are willing to go the extra mile. Even if you are not a good fit for the position, you will make a good and lasting impression. This will give you a higher probability of getting an interview.
This follow-up doesn’t need to be complex. It’s as easy as, “Hi. I saw you posted a position for a Development Analyst on LinkedIn. It’s great that you are hiring! I’d love to apply and think I’d make a great candidate due to my experience and knowledge of your company. Please see my attached Cover Letter and Resume. Thanks!”
In fact, last year we interviewed Jenn Cook, Corporate Recruiter for Crow Holdings. She offers great advice for job seekers on how to stand out as a candidate as well. See the episode of her podcast here.
Small changes like these will make all the difference in the world. You will start to have a unique perspective into the CRE community that will make you a more credible and legitimate candidate.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Blind Job Application in Real Estate
What is a “blind job application” in real estate?
A blind application refers to submitting a job application without any prior contact, networking, or follow-up. The article compares it to going into a sports game “cold turkey”—without warming up or preparation—which lowers performance and opportunity.
Why is sending blind applications usually ineffective?
Blind applications can signal to hiring managers that a candidate is simply mass applying due to frustration or lack of success. As the author writes, “Sending in a blind application, without a follow-up, conveys to a hiring manager you are unhappy and not having success at your job.”
How can networking improve your chances of getting hired?
Proactive networking builds personal relationships in the industry. As the article says, if you “spoke with a VP or Associate at this company, and they remember you,” your application stands out. Reaching out with informed questions shows interest and gives you a competitive edge.
What should you do if you find someone you know at a company that posted a job?
Ask to jump on a quick call and inquire about the role—what the team is like, what deals they are working on, and what they look for in candidates. If it seems like a good fit, ask them to put in a good word for you.
What is an effective way to follow up after applying on LinkedIn?
Send a brief message to the job poster, such as:
“Hi. I saw you posted a position for a Development Analyst on LinkedIn… Please see my attached Cover Letter and Resume. Thanks!”
This small step shows initiative and can significantly increase your chance of getting a response.
What additional resource can help target CRE companies in your search?
The article recommends using the Commercial Real Estate Company Database Tool, which lets you filter 2,000+ companies by location, company type, job function, and property type to build a targeted list.
What is the author’s main advice to job seekers in CRE?
Be proactive. Don’t just rely on blind applications—network, follow up, and build credibility. “Small changes like these will make all the difference in the world.”
Who is the author and what is his background?
Tucker is Head of Training and Career Services at A.CRE. He previously worked at a top executive recruitment firm specializing in commercial real estate, and holds a BBA in Real Estate Finance from SMU, where he led the Real Estate Club.
