What do you do if you want to connect with potential employers in commercial real estate?

1 Identify your target employers

Before you start reaching out to potential employers, you need to have a clear idea of what kind of CRE role and sector you want to pursue, and what kind of employers match your goals and interests. You can do some research online, by browsing CRE websites, blogs, podcasts, magazines, or newsletters, and looking for companies, projects, or trends that catch your attention. You can also use platforms like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or Indeed to find out more about the culture, values, and reputation of different CRE firms, and what kind of opportunities they offer. Make a list of your top target employers, and prioritize them based on your preferences and fit.

3 Attend CRE events and workshops

Another way to connect with potential employers in CRE is to attend events and workshops that are relevant to the industry, such as conferences, webinars, seminars, panels, or networking sessions. These events can help you learn more about the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in CRE, and also give you a chance to meet and interact with CRE professionals, experts, and recruiters. You can find out about these events by subscribing to CRE newsletters, podcasts, or blogs, or by joining CRE associations, clubs, or communities. When you attend these events, make sure to prepare your elevator pitch, bring your business cards or resume, and follow up with the people you meet.

4 Showcase your portfolio and skills

To connect with potential employers in CRE, you also need to showcase your portfolio and skills, and demonstrate your value and potential to them. You can do this by creating a professional online presence, such as a website, blog, or portfolio, where you can display your projects, achievements, testimonials, or awards related to CRE. You can also use platforms like LinkedIn or Medium to publish articles, reports, or case studies that showcase your knowledge, analysis, or insights about CRE topics, trends, or issues. Additionally, you can use online courses, certifications, or assessments to enhance your skills and credentials in CRE, and to show your commitment and passion for the field.

5 Follow up and stay in touch

The last tip to connect with potential employers in CRE is to follow up and stay in touch with them, and to maintain a positive and professional relationship. You can do this by sending a thank you note, email, or message to the people you meet or interact with, and expressing your appreciation, interest, or feedback. You can also ask them for their advice, guidance, or referrals, or offer your help, support, or value in return. Moreover, you can stay in touch with them by following their updates, news, or announcements, and by commenting, liking, or sharing their posts, articles, or events. By doing this, you can keep yourself on their radar, and increase your chances of getting noticed, hired, or recommended.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?