You've applied for a role as a real estate agent - it's your dream job with your dream company. You've been accepted for an interview, and you're wondering how to prepare.

We've asked some industry experts what they ask candidates when recruiting real estate agents.

Here are the top 10 questions they ask.

1. Why do you want to be a real estate agent? 

By asking this question, the interviewer is trying to assess what 'drives' you. They will be looking to see what your values are, and if they are a good fit with their organisation.

2. Can you describe to me a day in the life of you as a real estate agent?

This question provides you with the perfect opportunity to show off your knowledge of how the industry works, and your efficient work practices.

3. Can you run me through your previous real estate roles?

Briefly outline the company you worked for, your title, and your main responsibilities. Stay away from saying anything negative about your previous roles. Employers may not be impressed if you have jumped around from role to role after less than two years in each position.

4. Why did you leave your last job?

As per the previous question, don't ditch on your previous employer or colleagues. Perhaps you're looking to move into a bigger organisation where there are more opportunities for you to develop? Or do you feel you've stopped learning in your current role, and would like to find a role that challenges you again? 

5. What has been your average sale price and your transactions per annum?

The recruiter wants to know the kind of market you have been operating in. If you've been selling apartments for less than $300,000, you'll have to explain why you're ready to take the jump to selling harbourfront mansions for tens of millions.

6. What level of administrative support have you had in your last role?

Will you struggle to cope with a lower level of administrative support, or could the new role free you up if the administrative side of the job is taken care of?

7. What do your family and friends think about you working in real estate?

If your interviewer asks this question, they may be looking to see if you have a supportive background.

8. What kind of culture are you happiest working in?

It's important to be honest here, after all, you don't want to end up working in a culture you're not suited to. Try to find out what the culture of the firm you're interviewing for is like. Think about elements of the culture in your previous roles that have appealed to you, or that you haven't liked. 

9. What are your interests outside work?

Recruiters are often looking for people who play team sports with this question. Those who play team sports are seen to be better team players, more reliable and disciplined, and are accustomed to the highs and lows of winning and losing. Sharing common interests with others in the organisation can also go some way to revealing if you'll fit in.

10. Do you have established connections, or do you have local networks that will allow you to build those contacts?

Sometimes agents will come to a new role with their own book of contacts. But if this is to be your first job in real estate, you'll have to demonstrate how you will be able to build a new network. Sometimes links with the local school community can be your source of connections, or perhaps your family has lived in the area for decades and is widely known and respected?

Good luck!

Thanks to the following for their input:

• Sharon Bennie of Specialist Property Recruitment,
• Leanne Pilkington, president of the REINSW,
• Hayden Groves
• Malcolm Gunning.

Click here to find the latest real estate agent jobs on RECON Jobs.

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Read more about real estate industry jobs and employment:

What does it take to be a great agent?

How to start a career in real estate

Why become a property manager?