A.CRE Mock Interview Workshop – Guide for Interviewers and Interviewees

The following is a guide for interviewers and interviewees scheduled to participate in an A.CRE co-sponsored Mock Interview Workshop.

If you’re a volunteer interviewer, thank you for taking the time to give back to students pursuing a career in real estate. And if you’re a interviewee, good luck as you work to improve your interview skills!

In the following video and written guide, we detail the overall framework of the Mock Interview Workshop exercise and provide technical tips for getting the most from this event.

Note: If you’re reading this, it is likely because the real estate club at your school has partnered with A.CRE to provide a Mock Interview Workshop. If your club would like to partner with A.CRE on a similar workshop, reach out to us.

Video Guide to the Mock Interview Workshop

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Written Guide to the Mock Interview Workshop

Objective: The primary goal of this virtual interview workshop is to provide graduate students with real-life interview experience. The workshop hopes to simulate the interview process using mock interviews, combined with student/teacher discussion and instruction. This document aims to layout both the goals as well as the format of the workshop.

 Workshop Date: Sent to you via email

Location of Event: Sent to you via email

Details:

• Upon joining the platform, and when you get switched into groups, it will prompt you too click Microphone/Listen Only, click Microphone
• Following Clicking Microphone, there is an audio test, click Yes
• The 4th button on the right will allow you to turn your camera on

Groups: The interview session groups you will participate in, including the interviewers you will interview with, will be sent to you via email. If you have not received that email, check with your real estate club leadership.

Virtual Interview Workshop Format

Discussion Framework:

1. Interviewers per workshop: 8-10
2. Students per workshop group: 3-4
3. Mock interview time per Student: 10-minute interview/5-minute feedback
   1. The interviewer interviews one of the students, while the remaining students observe.
   2. At the beginning of the interview, the interviewee shares a link to his or her LinkedIn page via the Breakout Room’s Public Chat.
   3. The interviewer is provided a list of possible interview questions. Over a 10-minute period, the interviewer poses questions based on the interviewee’s LinkedIn page or pulled from the list of possible questions.
   4. As the interviewee responds to questions, the observers jot down notes for later feedback.
   5. Immediately following each 10-minute interview, the interviewer and observers provide 5 minutes of feedback. Each participant shares one thing the interviewee did well and one thing the interviewee can do to improve.
   6. At the completion of the session, observers send their notes to each interviewee for later review.
4. Best practices for student feedback:
   1. If not being interviewed, student should have their video OFF. Only the Interviewer and Interviewee should have their videos on.
   2. Each student opens a blank Word doc (or email form) and jots down notes as the interview takes place.
   3. The feedback, both positive and constructive, should be related to:
      • LinkedIn Page (Interviewer plus each observer provided link prior to start of interview)
      • Appearance (First impression is important. Quality of background, camera, sound, professional dress)
      • Clarity (Answers to questions are clear and concise)
      • Relevance (The responses properly answer the questions)
      • Confidence (Each answer showcases skills that can add value to the employer)
      • Enthusiasm/Interest (Does the interviewee’s body language, expressions, and language convey an enthusiasm and interest for the position?)

Mock Interview Workshop Logistics (Example Schedule):

1. Please ensure adequate internet speed as well as a functional camera and microphone. Be mindful of the appearance of your background and dress professionally.
2. Workshop Commencement timeline:
   1. Welcome/Introduction: 10 minutes
      1. Welcome and instruction for how the event will work
      2. Only the Interviewers’ cameras will be on
   2. Breakout – Interview Workshop #1 – 60 minutes
      1. Interviewers/Interviewees break into their respective workshop group. Breakout proceeds as outlined in discussion framework above
      2. Be mindful of time so that each participant is allotted 15 minutes each (10-minute interview plus 5-minute feedback each)
   3. Breakout – Interview Workshop #2 – 60 minutes
      1. Same format as Workshop #1, only interviewees break into their respective workshop group with a different interviewer for Workshop #2
   4. Wrap up/Final Thoughts – 5 minutes
      1. Conclude by thanking interviewers and sharing any parting thoughts

Summary: We believe in providing value and opportunities for anyone pursuing a career in CRE is a central mission at Adventures in CRE. As an interviewer at this workshop, we hold you in high esteem  and  express our gratitude for your willingness to share your time and expertise with the up and coming students in CRE.

Sample Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself?
2. What attracted you to this company?
3. Why Real Estate?
4. What would your boss say about you (@ point to last company worked with)?
5. What do you have to say about your former boss?
6. Why do you want this job?
7. What is your level of Excel proficiency?
8. What is your level of Argus proficiency?
9. What is your ideal company?
10. Tell me about your proudest achievement outside of work?
11. Who has impacted you most in your career and how?
12. What are you looking for in terms of career development?
13. What goals would you have in mind if you got this job? 3 months goals, 6-month goals, 12 month goal, 24 month goals?
14. Why Do You Want to Work at This Company?
15. Why Do You Want This Job?
16. Why Should We Hire You?
17. What Are Your Greatest Strengths?
18. What Do You Consider to Be Your Weaknesses?
19. What Is Your Greatest Professional Achievement?
20. Tell Me About a Time You Failed.
21. Can You Explain Why You Changed Career Paths?
22. What’s Your Current Salary?
23. What Do You Like Least About Your Job?
24. What Are You Looking for in a New Position?
25. What Type of Work Environment Do You Prefer?
26. How Do You Deal With Pressure or Stressful Situations?
27. How Do You Prioritize Your Work?
28. What Are You Passionate About?
29. What Motivates You?
30. What Are Your Pet Peeves?
31. How Do You Like to Be Managed?
32. Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?
33. What’s Your Dream Job?
34. What Other Companies Are You Interviewing With?
35. What Makes You Unique?
36. What Should I Know That’s Not on Your Resume?
37. What Would Your First 30, 60, or 90 Days Look Like in This Role?
38. What Are Your Salary Requirements?
39. What Do You Think We Could Do Better or Differently?
40. When can you Start?
41. Are You Willing to Relocate?
42. Is There Anything Else You’d Like Us to Know?
43. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?