Here's how you can ace your commercial real estate interview by avoiding common mistakes.

Understand core real estate concepts like market analysis, financing, leasing, and property management. Be ready to discuss industry trends, valuation methods, and key financial metrics like cap rates and NOI. Knowing these basics proves your competence and preparedness for the complexities of commercial real estate.

Know about lease structures, property types (like office and retail), and factors influencing property values. Understand key financial terms such as cap rates and cash-on-cash returns, and practice applying them. Additionally, research recent industry trends and news to show your interviewer you're up-to-date and engaged in the field. This extra effort will demonstrate your dedication and make a positive impression.

Knowledge of the basics is fundamental and should not even be mentioned. It goes without saying that you need to know the underlying concepts for different mechanisms within your industry. After all, these have a more or less direct influence on your daily work. Sometimes, however, such things seem so obvious that they fade into the background. Therefore, re-familiarise yourself with them before an interview and refresh your knowledge so that you don't suddenly find yourself in an awkward situation.

Thoroughly research the company and the specific properties or projects it manages. Understand its market position, recent deals, and strategic goals. This information not only helps you ask insightful questions but also shows your genuine interest and preparedness for the role.

Take note of any industry trends or challenges they might be facing. This thorough understanding will allow you to ask meaningful questions and showcase your genuine interest in the company and the role. Also, consider reaching out to current or former employees on professional networks like LinkedIn to gain insider perspectives and valuable insights. This extra effort can help you stand out as a well-prepared and committed candidate.

In principle, a certain knowledge of the company should be a basic prerequisite. After all, you are applying for a job there and hopefully for a specific reason. It is also important to know certain milestones. This could be a change of CEO, a relocation of the office in the respective city or simply another significant event that affects the company. You should also familiarise yourself with the details of the specific market or your field of activity. This could be rental rates, special features of a portfolio or a significant transaction. This will depend on your area of expertise. An interview rarely comes unexpectedly. So be as well prepared as possible!

Dress appropriately for the interview by wearing professional attire that suits the culture of the commercial real estate industry. Opt for conservative, business-formal clothing to make a good impression, showing that you are serious and respectful of the professional environment.

Choose attire that fits well and reflects the company's culture. If unsure, opt for a classic suit or business attire that exudes confidence. Also, consider adding subtle accessories like a tie or polished shoes to enhance your overall appearance. Additionally, pay attention to grooming details such as neat hair and clean nails to complete your professional look.

Familiarise yourself with the corporate culture of the company in advance. Then dress accordingly for your interview. Make sure you dress neatly and appropriately for business. If in doubt, it is better to be a little overdressed than underdressed. However, avoid being excessively overdressed compared to your interviewer. All in all, don't dress up, but wear an outfit that is appropriate for the situation and in which you feel comfortable and confident.

Communicate clearly and concisely during the interview to effectively convey your knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for the role. Practice your responses to common questions, speak confidently, and ensure your answers are structured and to the point. This demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively, a crucial skill in commercial real estate.

Communication is a key skill in the real estate industry. Show in your job interview that you have mastered this skill. Be open and polite and express yourself clearly. Never try to appear more educated or better informed than your interviewer. Be informative and don't beat around the bush. Communication with customers is often an area of future work. Make it clear in your interview that talking to them is fun and informative. Create a pleasant atmosphere for the conversation. Communication can be practised. Do this. Prepare yourself for the interview by actually rehearsing.

Exhibit strong soft skills, such as teamwork, leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving. Show how you've successfully worked with others, adapted to changes, and resolved conflicts. These skills are valuable in commercial real estate, where negotiations and client relationships are key. Demonstrating these during an interview can significantly strengthen your candidacy.

Your level of education and professional experience match the job profile. Otherwise you would not have been invited to the interview. What you can show is your character and your soft skills. Sell yourself! Show that you are a team player or that you can lead. Show that you are fun to communicate with. Your soft skills are a business card for yourself. The property industry thrives on relationships. Show through your manner that you have understood this and can put it into practice. Present yourself as an open-minded and adaptable person. But always remain authentic.

Gratitude, appreciation and thoughtfulness are often overlooked after an interview, but a simple act of a thank you note can make a big difference in making a valuable connection.