Where Am I Lacking In My Interviews? - Questions for Improvement
Where am I lacking?

I'm intelligent, smart, driven, educated. I've been interviewing for CRE positions for months now with smaller companies. Taken online classes on CRE modeling. 

When I get to interviews I show great personality and ability to hit the ground running, I connect with the interviewers. 

When interviewing with "Entrepreneurial" companies, I share that my family member is also an entrepreneur. Recently when asked if I would start my own business I reassured them that although I've flirted with the idea and said maybe at a much later point in my career, I might attempt. 

Do companies really only hire entry-level positions with the notion that they will stay with the company for their entire lives? I'd stay for 6 years or so, and I reassured them I have no intention of leaving. 

Literally, if employers can't handle someone with entrepreneurial skills that will contribute to their business and only hire those without an entrepreneurial drive their business will stagnate. 

Get real people.
[{"id": "hz7yh2s", "text": "Not a CRE expert, but I am a manager in the financial field. Would you say you exhibit more hubris than humility during your interviews? It seems like it based on your self-description. Don't get me wrong, confidence is a good thing.. but at an entry level position, I want someone I can work with. Not someone with a big head... That's just my opinion based on your post.", "replies": [{"id": "hz82ulx", "text": "This is most likely my issue, so thank you. \n\nProbably going to come of as more Hubris because I'm kind of pissed about consistent rejection but: I have confidence, and I show it in the interview. Confidence in my ability to be a contributing team member and help the firm achieve its goals. \n\nIn the actual workplace (past experiences) I have humility, and I know I'm obviously not going to have the most developed skillset there at all and will have to actively learn from those more experienced. I welcome the opportunity to learn from them and develop my skills with dignity and actively show humility to team members.\n\n**In the interview specifically**, what am I supposed to do? Turn off the confidence and be meeker? \n\nIn my response, do I show low confidence, responses littered with 'Uhms and Uhhs?.' - kidding not kidding.", "replies": [{"id": "hz9kvda", "text": "Different between low confidence and being humble.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}, {"id": "hz9yw9l", "text": "I\u2019m not sure what area of commercial real estate you are looking to enter, but if the feeling of rejection is something that impacts you in such a negative way you might consider another industry", "replies": [{"id": "hza17q8", "text": "Like what? I don't think so, mainly I'm feeling the frustration of my current position and in the slow progress in getting a job. I'm ready to start working, it can be a sometimes fun/annoying process.", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hz7zes6", "text": "Hate to break it to you,  but job interviews are NOT the place to be honest. A lot of companies want you to drink the kool-aid. \n\nPut it another way: all things equal, why would they hire someone who's planning of leaving already (and potentially take some clients to create a competitor) vs someone who can stay onboard for the long term and climb the ranks? \n\nPeople hiring for a job are not thinking in a very specific way, almost akin to tunnel vision. They develop an extreme aversion to risk and every small statement is overblown and over-analyzed. You'll see for yourself in a few years when you'll be on the other side of the desk. \n\nDON'T be honest in job interviews. Tell them what they want to hear. You can still leave whenever you want and pursue your dream so why bother.", "replies": [{"id": "hz84r65", "text": "You're right, and I will. Do you have tips on what to say? Ex. My family member's company is on my resume because I worked there and out of school resume isn't so thick, it looks good! (not removing.) \n\nThey say \"so you worked at this start up company, would you ever start your own company?\"\n\nDo I say \"No, the idea is too daunting, I don't want to?\" Is that good to say? Or what's a reason people (that get the jobs) say?\n\nReply to your post.\n\n\\&gt;planning of leaving already (and potentially take some clients to create a competitor)\n\nI said maybe at the latest stage of my career. I mean the CEO did the same.\n\n\\&gt;You'll see for yourself in a few years when you'll be on the other side of the desk.\n\nI'm not sure I'll get to that side of the desk at this rate lol. But can't wait!\n\n&amp;#x200B;\n\nOther things to say to not be honest/get the job??? Spare some change?", "replies": [{"id": "hz85kgt", "text": "You sound smart, just think about it for a few minutes and I'm sure you'll find the perfect phrasing that sounds right to you. \n\nBut some variation on \"I was really glad I had the chance to try out at a startup, while a great opportunity it also showed me that this lifestyle doesn't quite fit my profile/what I'm looking for\"", "replies": [{"id": "hz87f6d", "text": "Thank you, great advice.", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}, {"id": "hz867kt", "text": "&gt;planning of leaving already (and potentially take some clients to create a competitor)\n\n&gt; I said maybe at the latest stage of my career. I mean the CEO did the same.\n\nAre you saying the world is full of double standards? * Shocked Pikachu face *\n\nJokes aside, its not so simple. Noone but a complete moron would say \"I'm planning to leave in 4 years to found my own startup\". So they really have no way to tell if you mean it or if you're just lying enough for the interview. \n\nAlso, you have a track record of working st a startup. Your family has a startup. It's already two strikes, your answer is the third.", "replies": [{"id": "hz89d3c", "text": "In reality, I think it would be cool to own some CRE investments in distressed markets throughout the world, but (if it even happens) that doesn't 100% entail leaving the company I work at, does it? Do you think I could also add something along those lines, or would it be best to omit it entirely? \n\nThank you for your help, by the way, I really appreciate it.", "replies": [{"id": "hz8an2t", "text": "Do not add this. Please. Just say that you are looking for a company within which you can grow and develop as a CRE professional.", "replies": [], "depth": 5}, {"id": "hz8tlfl", "text": "Again, the interview is not the real world. It's risk management. The company has \\~3 hours to judge a long-term investment. Anything that can be misinterpreted will be. Keep to foolproof statements.", "replies": [], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}, {"id": "hz8k8ol", "text": "Q - so you worked at this job, have you ever thought of starting your own company\nA - I worked there for the experience, which was great! Over the years I identified CRE as a great field for me because it provides a lot of diversity in daily duties and requires an entrepreneurial spirit. I\u2019m excited about growing in this industry.", "replies": [{"id": "hz8qvyq", "text": "Thanks, excellent.", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}, {"id": "hz8mh56", "text": "You have good advice, but I would counter be honest about what they need to know.  He doesn't have to lie about being an entrepreneur, he just doesn't have to say it.\n\nI don't think you should lie, but being strategic in what information you provide is key.  Telling them what they want to hear could end up with you being put in the wrong position, as sometimes you could be interviewing for multiple opportunities.", "replies": [{"id": "hz8ur2c", "text": "You can call lying \"strategic management of information-sharing\" if that makes you feel better. You can argue that lying by omission is not lying but to me it that's just pussy-footing around to feel better about it. \n\nThe ppoint is that honesty is sometimes the wrong policy. I had someone tell me in an interview, in answer to the question \"where do you see yourself in five years\" answer \"Go back to school in a Nursing program\".\n\nIn that case, as a recruiter I'm glad they were honest and we were able to dodge that bullet. But if your goal is to be hired please for the love of God don't share this.", "replies": [{"id": "hz8v903", "text": "And if they said, continuing to grow my skills and ability with a company that aligns with my goals, personally and professionally, she wouldn't be lying either.\n\nIf an interviewer asks what do I like to do in my spare time, and instead of saying do nothing and play videogames, I say make time for myself to recharge and reflect, they can both be true, and it's not lying by omission.\n\nThis isn't telling your gf you were out with the boys and omitting your coworker who likes you went, this is like dating in the beginning.  Don't give too much, but for the love of god, be somewhat truthful, because if you accept the job, you're going to be doing it for 40 hours per week.", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hz839of", "text": "To be honest, I would find it kind of weird if you were talking about your family member\u2019s accomplishments in a job interview. It makes you sound very young. I\u2019ve had to work with my fair share of young guys (it\u2019s always guys, sorry) who want to get into the field because they think it sounds cool, but they have an ego that is too big to actually put in the work. I can usually identify these types of people the minute I meet them. Perhaps you are putting off a bit of that type of vibe. You should try saying that you are ready to learn and be helpful and put the work in. I think that this would go far.", "replies": [{"id": "hz8740r", "text": "\\&gt;You should try saying that you are ready to learn and be helpful and put the work in. I think that this would go far.\n\nThank you.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hz84j8z", "text": "I have over 60 employees.  Been in real estate for decades.  Oversee almost 100 properties.  Off and on I'll sit in during interviews depending on the position.\n\nFrom your post, you seem overconfident.  You claim to be \"intelligent, smart, etc\".  Are you?  By what standard?  You show \"great personality\".  Again, are you judging yourself?  To be blunt, your perception of how you come off does not always reflect how others view you.  These positions are entry level?  You need to realize you have **a lot** to learn.  Textbook/online courses rarely reflect the real world.\n\nEven the last paragraph of your post is arrogant:\n\n\"Literally, if employers can't handle someone with entrepreneurial skills that will contribute to their business and only hire those without an entrepreneurial drive their business will stagnate.\"", "replies": [{"id": "hz856sp", "text": "I agree. OP just sounds arrogant talking about himself like this. Major turn off", "replies": [{"id": "hz8stzs", "text": "Yeah true.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}, {"id": "hz86wtv", "text": "Thanks for the confidence and arrogance check. How would you come off in the interview then? \n\nI say these things because they make for a good addition to a team. By the standard, if you and I met on the street and we engaged in conversation, you may or may not agree with the aforementioned attributes. Attributes to sell yourself? What are you going to buy looking at a picture of two people with 3 words under the image (\"Hard, cold, bad personality\") Or (Smart, intelligent, good personality.)?  I replied this because when asked, \"How should we remember you?\" I initially thought - \"Oh, attributes?\"\n\nI get how reddit works and you and or others are just going to rip me apart for something I said. I'm just trying to convey my logic behind it. \n\n&amp;#x200B;\n\n\\&gt;Even the last paragraph of your post is arrogant:\n\nJust jogging my mind for reasons that I could have turned the company off. (and pissed at another rejection.) \n\n&amp;#x200B;\n\nBeing too arrogant though, thank you! I'll absolutely work on it.", "replies": [{"id": "hz8c80q", "text": "Attributes to sell yourself should not be \u201csmart, intelligent, good personality\u201d\n\nChallenge yourself to demonstrate these positive qualities without labeling yourself in those terms. Did you ever have an English teacher say \u201ctell me without telling me?\u201d\n\nI think if someone were to ask me to label myself with three words\u2026 I\u2019d say something like \u201c1. hardworking, because I never quit and I like to feel good about finishing something difficult / 2. Curious, because I keep adding to my reading list and I like to know more about myself and the world / 3. Easy going, because I like to really connect with people and I think a more relaxed approach helps others \u201clet the walls come down\u201d\n\nWhatever words you choose though\u2026 you should believe in them and live them\u2026 don\u2019t try to create a facade telling others what you think they want to hear. 90% of people and interviewers see through it", "replies": [], "depth": 3}, {"id": "hz8lpbj", "text": "Read/Google - Humble, Hungry and Smart interviewing. Team players, those who work well with others, smart yet humble, driven but understands where they are in the moment.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hz88g7u", "text": "What type of role are looking to get into? I work for a commercial real estate management company and we currently have 60+ openings.", "replies": [{"id": "hz8sbjx", "text": "CRE Analyst. Besides this thread, I'd like to think I'd make a good worker. Would you mind PM'ing me the name of the company, if you don't mind? Thank you.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hz8h1pp", "text": "Definitely sound way too cocky. You have no experience and frankly no matter how much you think you know, once you start you\u2019ll realize you don\u2019t.\n\nShow eagerness to learn and humility in your interviews. There\u2019s nothing worse than a junior employee with a big head who feels like they need to chime in with an opinion on absolutely everything when they\u2019re usually wrong.", "replies": [{"id": "hz8sm4j", "text": "I don't do this - chiming in. I have no idea what's going on in so many areas, most of them. I do have some understanding of some things like waterfall models but I need to learn so much to do them professionally. I shared that I don't know much in the interviews but said that I've been learning to get up to speed as much as I can to learn more in the position. \n\n&amp;#x200B;\n\nAnother person close to me said my answers sounded too immature, probably right.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hz8h297", "text": "Definitely sound way too cocky. You have no experience and frankly no matter how much you think you know, once you start you\u2019ll realize you don\u2019t.\n\nShow eagerness to learn and humility in your interviews. There\u2019s nothing worse than a junior employee with a big head who feels like they need to chime in with an opinion on absolutely everything when they\u2019re usually wrong.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hz8p4ew", "text": "You answered your own question, your intelligent, smart, driven, and educated.", "replies": [{"id": "hz8s69m", "text": "That's why I can't get job offers?. Ahh..", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hz8tkao", "text": "At the end of an interview ask them specifically is there anything that left you with questions about me that I can answer?", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hz945ky", "text": "Have you looked at who gets hired vs you, is there a difference? Major, location, college attended, previous experience etc?\n\nReal estate jobs are competitive to get at the entry level because there are a lot of qualified people, the thing I like to see the most is that someone wants to be there and they want to learn at the entry level. If you are telling yourself you only want to stay at a place in the medium term you may not come off as sincere and eager to learn as someone who doesn't have that mindset.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hz9eflr", "text": "Well, I read that you are looking to be an analyst, so I will tell you what companies want from an analyst.\n\nCompanies want someone who understands and can decipher data. Modeling by plugging inputs is easy, understanding why there is a likelihood of a scenario is what you are paid for. \n\nAnalysts are people with their feet on earth. If you are not able to be humble and open to new ideas and scenarios, do not be an analyst. If you can't tell someone that bad times are coming or that they made a bad decision, or you can but you can't support your argument, do not become an analyst. It is our job to be the grounded mind in the room. We can certainly know and understand when there is a big opportunity and can be entrepreneurial, but our main job is to be grounded and 50% of the time telling coworkers that are relying on a commission or meeting their numbers, and bosses who are courting a client that a deal is bad should stop pursuing it. \n\nThis is a job where you earn respect by being honest and straightforward. You are not a clown, and you are not there to charm anyone. If you want to be charming, become a broker.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hza4nva", "text": "What skills do you have? Legit skills. Can you value a property, negotiate or review a lease, negotiate a psa, screen deals for viability, piece together capital, identify sites for development, structure a JV? You seem frustrated because you\u2019re not landing a job, but real estate jobs tend to be pretty efficient (albeit low probability for some roles). If you want to land a good job build skills, don\u2019t assume everyone else is stupid/wrong, and outwork everyone.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hzb51b8", "text": "I think you should be a little more humble. Definitely talk about your technical skillset and work ambition, but recognize that there is a lot to learn and you are willing to put in the hours.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hzb973u", "text": "In larger firms a first-year (or 2nd for that matter) analyst isn't expected to color outside of the lines - in truly entrepreneurial firms (REPE, Cap Markets) its actually undesirable. Rapidly acquiring institutional knowledge, mastering their model,  and adhering to process through active listening and near-flawless execution is what is valued. \n\nIf your self-assessment is correct I'm sure you can modify your approach and say the right things to get an analyst role. Will you be excited to actually perform the tasks to be successful? Does the specific job align with your passion? Is there a better place for you in CRE?", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]