Beyond the Resume: 5 Traits to Look for in Every Team Hire

Hiring the right people can be the most important decision you make for your business. These real estate hiring tips are designed to help you spot talent that aligns with your vision. Because in real estate, where your next hire can help shape your entire operation, recruiting strategies need to go beyond resumes.

If you are growing a real estate team or making your very first hire, keep reading. These insights will show you exactly what to look for so you can make confident decisions and build a powerhouse real estate operation.

Real Estate Recruiting Strategies That Work

The best real estate recruiting strategies start with clarity. You are not just filling a role. You are choosing someone who will help shape your personal brand, client experience, and culture. That means you need to go beyond skills and look at who they are at their core.

Coachability: Will They Take Direction?

Coachability is one of the most underrated real estate hiring tips. Ask yourself, will this person respond positively to feedback and adapt when the market shifts?

  • Start by asking why they’re applying for the role
  • Use a quick role-play scenario to test how they respond to guidance
  • Watch their body language and tone…do they show openness or resistance?

If they respond with curiosity and gratitude, you’re likely dealing with someone who will thrive in a learning-based environment. That’s critical for long-term retention and performance.

Curiosity and Drive: Do They Seek Growth?

Hiring in real estate is about energy. A curious person asks questions, explores new tools, and continually levels up. During the interview, ask:

  • What books, podcasts, or mentors influence you?
  • What’s something you taught yourself recently?

These kinds of questions reveal passion and internal motivation, qualities that fuel productivity and innovation on any team.

Past Success: Look for Transferable Wins

Experience in real estate is helpful, but it is not the only indicator of potential. Many top agents and assistants come from other industries. What matters is their track record of commitment and results.

Ask about challenges they’ve overcome. Have they led projects, exceeded goals, or built something meaningful from scratch? Those wins signal someone who can bring value to your real estate operation from day one.

Self-Awareness and Learning Style

Smart hires know how to learn best. They are aware of their strengths and weaknesses and are open about both.

Ask questions like:

  • What is your preferred learning style?
  • How do you handle stress or a steep learning curve?

People who know how they function under pressure are better equipped to stay resilient when things get busy.

Work Ethic and Follow-Through

In real estate, speed and consistency win. So one of the most important traits to look for is a strong work ethic backed by systems. Ask candidates:

  • What systems do you use to stay organized?
  • How do you balance personal life when things get hectic?

You want someone who understands discipline, structure, and self-care. That combination is what creates sustainable success in this business.

Common Questions About Real Estate Hiring

What are the best traits to look for when hiring in real estate?

Look for coachability, curiosity, past success, work ethic, and self-awareness. These qualities are stronger predictors of success than just experience alone.

How do I build a real estate recruiting strategy?

Start with a clear job description and a consistent interview process. Focus on behavioral questions and scenarios that reveal how candidates think and act under pressure. Use video introductions and role-play to go deeper than the resume.

Final Thoughts: Hire for Culture, Train for Skill

Your real estate business is only as strong as the people who power it. Follow these real estate hiring tips and build a recruiting strategy that emphasizes growth, adaptability, and trust. When you get your people right, everything else gets easier.

Need help building your team or scaling up your systems? Check out our real estate agent tools or schedule a real estate coaching consultation today to start growing the right way.