Insights

The industry continues to hire the same type of people: those who look the same, sound the same, attended the same schools, or worked for a competitor. This "like for like" hiring approach isn’t solving the problem; it’s increasing it.

Estate agents are viewed less favourably than recruitment consultants (see below). So, hiring people who are family friends or who fit the “typical mold” won’t change the perception or improve the workforce.

For over 20 years, I've too often heard: “find me someone who's on brand.” While it's less overt these days, it still happens. "On brand" is often code for excluding diverse talent, and let’s face it, that’s not only wrong but offensive.

The right person isn’t someone who shares your hobbies, grew up in your village, or knows people that you know. It’s someone with the right attitude, determination, and work ethic.

Estate agency isn’t brain surgery; skills can be learned if given the opportunity. Moreover, fresh talent from outside the industry often adapts quicker and is eager to prove themselves!

Why not hire someone who's grateful for the opportunity rather than someone who needs convincing to join?

If you're not open-minded about recruiting from different backgrounds, cultures, and industries, you’re not part of the solution. You are the problem!

It's time to give people a chance who others might have written off as "not on brand." You'll be rewarded with loyalty, hard work, and fresh perspectives, and perhaps most interestingly a different network of connections!

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.

Let’s start a conversation and hopefully we can influence change!