How to take the next step in your career in property
We know that taking the next step in your career can be daunting, and you want to ensure you are making a meaningful decision for you. Whether you are just beginning your career in property, starting a new job, or wondering how you can take your career to the next level, we’ve got you covered.
Making a successful career move goes beyond finding the right job for you but having the knowledge and understanding of the property industry, the confidence to ask questions and pushing yourself to think outside the box.
We’ve probed our expert consultants from every vertical of the property life cycle to give you their profound advice so you can not only get the job of your dreams but open yourself up to brilliant opportunities and thrive once in your new role.
Let’s begin where it all starts…
Find a mentor
This career tip was provided by deverellsmith's Development & Construction team
A mentor should be someone who has knowledge of your career path, they may be slightly ahead of you in terms of where they are on that path, but they will have the knowledge and proven experience to help guide you in the right direction.
They can answer questions that you may not be confident asking a colleague or your manager, and they can help to raise your confidence and motivate you to strive for more, as they are an example of what you can achieve.
Another great nugget of advice from the Development & Construction team is to ensure you are keeping up with industry news and hot topics, which applies to all areas of the property industry. Staying on top of what is happening in the industry will not only help you gain knowledge and experience, but also give you a competitive edge when it comes to job interviews.
Industry knowledge can also benefit you in terms of career progression. My World of Work states having expertise in your field will always gain you trust and respect from your peers, and help open doors for you within the industry.
Below are some helpful links to property news and insights:
Tips for getting the most out of your CV
This career tip was provided by deverellsmith's Property Sales, Lettings & Customer Careteam
Alice Murray – Senior Recruitment Consultant, gave us an oldy but goldy, check your CV! It may sound simple, but we can often miss small spelling mistakes and design errors if we are the only ones to cast our eyes on it.
A well-thought-out and designed CV could be the difference between getting you that interview for your dream job or not, so ensuring it is up to the standards of the employer is key.
Before sending it off, always ask a friend or colleague to look for an outside perspective. A fresh pair of eyes never hurts.
“Standard Microsoft Word is best; you don’t need to fancy it up with colour or quirky designs - this actually makes formatting your CV to send to a client tricker, so the simpler the better.” – Alice Murray, Senior Recruitment Consultant
How to use communication in your job search
This career tip was provided by deverellsmith's Property Management and Operationsteam
Excellent communication is the key within any role, but especially when you are managing facilities, estates, or buildings across the property sector. As well as this, being on-site you will need to build strong relationships with the tenants and other property personnel, as you will be the face of the business.
However, it’s not just face-to-face communication that is important, written is just as big a part. You will also need to ensure you can communicate effectively through formal letters regarding legislation, so it’s important to ensure you have great attention to detail and ensure all written documents are kept to a high standard.
Continuing to build on communications skills within your role will ensure you accomplish your goals, and help you better liaise with landlords, tenants and clients enabling you to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Here's a top job tip for Natalie Livesey – AST Property Management Senior Consultant: explore getting your ARLA Qualification, most employers will fund this for you so it’s worth asking the question!
What are your long-term career goals?
This career tip was provided by deverellsmith's Accounting & Financial Services team
It’s easy to focus on what you want in a role sooner rather than later, whether that’s a better salary or a culture which is more aligned with your values. However, it’s important to consider how your next career step will benefit you in the long run.
Is it in a better location, is there career progression opportunities? Is it a different type of stock? Think of all of this and how this could affect you and your future career.
A great tip from Joseph Morris, Business Manager “When interviewing with respective employers be open-minded, it can’t hurt to meet people, you’ll make connections for the future and could end up being inspired by a company you least expected”
Think about your options and don’t always accept the first offer you get, sometimes the right role isn’t available right away, don’t compromise on your future.
Ask questions throughout your job search
This career tip was provided by deverellsmith's Corporate Services & Business Supportteam
Asking questions, absorbing information, and showing you are willing to get the job done is vital in any role, but especially Business Support positions shares Anna Rickenberg – Principal Business Support Consultant.
She further highlights the significance of always having an interest in the bigger picture, thinking about the wider company as a whole and how the business operates. Whether you sit in lettings or sales, taking on this holistic view can help you gain a better understanding of where your role sits within the company and give you knowledge that will help you succeed in your role.
If you have any further questions about a career in the property industry and how to excel, head to our candidate page and get in touch!
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