Getting back into any industry after time off can be daunting and nerve wracking.

Virginia Brookes, director of Resolver Recruitment spoke to WILLIAMS MEDIA about her advice for people who have taken a few years off and are looking at getting back into real estate.

Ensure that you have your qualifications back in place

Ms Brookes said your certificate of registration and license will expire if you don’t keep up your continuing professional development points and the payment for your registration.

“In some cases you will need to sit for your certificate all over again or complete new units to renew your license," Ms Brookes said.

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"This can take several weeks to complete and process, so don’t leave it until the last minute once you have found a new role.”

Contact your old employers and colleagues and let them know that you are returning to the workforce

“In many cases employers will really look to find a role for great staff and if you have left on good terms and were known as a solid employee, often you will be looked at before anyone else.

Related reading: Here’s why you didn’t get the job, according to a real estate recruiter

“Also, making contact with previous colleagues to let them know you are looking to re-enter the workforce can really help.

“There is really no better reference than being able to recommend someone you have worked well with in the past.”

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Make sure your CV is up to date

The information on your CV and LinkedIn profile should be relevant and updated, and your social media profiles looking professional.

If there is anything you wouldn’t want a prospective employer to see on your social media accounts, either delete it or change your profile settings to private.

Ms Brookes said you should ask previous employers if they will act as a referee for you to pass onto prospective employers.

“Also, find a personal friend who knows how to interview to run you through a mock interview.

“This will help you get your interviewing skills back up.”

Related reading: How to overcome being considered 'too qualified' for a role

Research any new industry specific computer programs and training courses

“See if you can do a training course to upskill yourself, and make time to give yourself a refresher on any computer programs you have previously used," Ms Brookes said.

Many courses and reading materials are available online for free.

For more information on real estate training sessions available in your state, visit the REI websites: REIV, REINSW, REIWA, REIT, REINT and REISA.  

Visit RECON jobs to start your career in real estate.

Related reading:

Three must-do's before every interview

How to stand out in the job application process

Five signs a career in real estate is right for you