Choosing the Right Office for You

Having worked in a number of different sized companies, from well known agencies to smaller “boutique” agencies, I learnt over time (as you do) that YOU need to work out what is the right fit for you. 

Before you jump on Seek or LinkedIn to look for work, Google agencies that you think you might wish to work for and look carefully through their website. Take note of any information which you find helps to give you a feel for what the company and their employees are like. 

Another good thing to do is to look at their office’s Google reviews – see what their clients have to say.  Remember, not all reviews are correct, but if there’s 136 2 star reviews, then I’d say that something must be wrong. You know what I mean?

Ask around. Ask your friends, family, people you know if they have ever dealt with that particular agency or know anyone who works there and what they are like.  That should give you an even better understanding of what it might be like to work for them. 

You could even reach out to the Director of the agency and express your desire to join their office or start your career in property management.  If they make the time to meet with you – this is great! My tip is to try to ask open-ended questions, this will help give you longer, more specific answers, which will help you determine whether it might be the right cultural fit for you. The average person spends more time at the office and with their work colleagues than any other person.  

If you don’t feel that you could reach out to agencies, then jump on Seek or LinkedIn and start applying. Remember, job interviews aren’t just about the employer finding out if you are the right fit, it’s about you asking questions about their agency, their staff, what the culture is like, who works there, how long have their staff been with them, what are their clients like – you need to find out as much about them as possible to determine whether they are the right fit for you.  

Your success in property management doesn’t just fall on your shoulders.  You need to ensure that you are trained, not just at the start of your employment, but continually throughout your employment. With legislation changes and best practice changes, you need to keep your mind sharp by continuing your learning – and a great work place will ensure they offer this to you.