What to Include in a Commercial Real Estate Resume

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A commercial real estate resume is like a property description: it provides vital statistics, highlights, and outstanding features, and downplays any weaknesses in an attempt to pique the interest of the right investor. Except, in this case, the investment is in you. Remember that commercial real estate firms receive resumes from individuals attracted to the career due to its earning potential routinely. As such, it is important to include the right combination of information commercial real estate firms seeks to stand out from your competition.

Emphasize Relevant Skills

Employers often hire agents with little to no commercial real estate experience. To get your foot in the door, tout any skills or specialties that can transfer to the industry. For example, many jobs involve some aspects of sales, marketing, cold calling or networking, all of which are critical duties of a commercial real estate agent. Even seemingly menial tasks like conducting office tours, working with databases, pitching ideas or giving presentations can demonstrate your ability to transition into a commercial real estate position successfully.

Provide Measurable Results

It is easy to note on your resume that you were an outstanding car salesman at your last place of employment, but this tells a firm little about your potential or ambition. Use quantifiable data instead to prove what you actually accomplished. Instead of filling your resume with empty adjectives, note how much your sales volume increased over a given period of time.

Highlight Achievements

Not all business triumphs are measured in numbers. Mention special projects or high-profile clients with whom you have worked. List any instances when employers counted on you to lead a team, woo a client or take others under your wing. These tasks show that you have leadership potential and the flexibility and team-building abilities to be a successful agent.

Market Yourself

A commercial real estate resume needs to reveal your skills and your confidence. After all, if you can’t sell yourself, how can a firm trust you to sell a building? A confident resume is concise but full of actionable phrases that tell an executive how other companies benefited from hiring you. You should also mention how you have benefited from past positions, and how these benefits can work for a new firm’s advantage. Include precise details about learning opportunities such as conferences and workshops attended. Make a direct connection between the learning outcomes and specific tasks that may be required of you if selected for the position.

Show Likability

An agent must be able to obtain, maintain and retain clients. Though personality usually comes across during the job interview, your resume has to get you that interview in the first place. Therefore, it’s important to show that both colleagues and clients enjoyed working with you. A resume that cites consistently high client survey scores, major in-office awards, and significant referral or retention rates can prove that you are a loyal, trustworthy employee and service provider. As a prospective commercial real estate agent, consider making a short video to give prospective employers the chance to "preview" you before the interview.