In the employment interview, ask a potential employer questions that will test out a number of things about their quality (or otherwise) as an employer.  If the potential employer is open and transparent with you they'll be happy to answer tough questions, this bodes well for a good working relationship.

Someone who doesn't know the answers but offers to find out is potentially OK to work with.  On the other hand if they seem to be evasive, or offended at questions being asked, perhaps they are not the right employer for you . . .

Before you ask the questions to some of the legal issues outlined below, make sure you already know the answers:

• How many employees do you have?
• Have they been with you long?
• How much time do you invest in their training?
• How much time do you expect your employees to invest in training?  [What does this say about their preparedness to help you advance in your new career?]
• What will my starting wage be?
• What are my other entitlements (e.g. commission, allowances, annual leave, etc.)?
• Do you reward higher achievers with better-than-average commissions?
• What are the office dress standards?
• Motor vehicle - is one required for the position, who pays for its usage, what type of insurance cover should I have?
• Mobile phone - is one required for the position, who pays for its usage?
• Business cards, name stickers - who pays for them?
• Who pays for advertising - the client or the sales person?  [Would you be happy to be held liable if the client doesn't pay?]
• Hours, work days and rosters - what are the office requirements?
• Restrictions on future employment - am I restrained from obtaining alternative employment in the industry if I leave this office?
• If such restraint exists, to what extent?  [Would you be happy to accept this?]
• Who "owns" the data (the personal contact list) I bring in to the business?
• Can you provide a written undertaking that personal contacts can be taken with me and used elsewhere in the Industry if I leave?   [If the employer says NO, are you willing to lose access to your personal contacts if this job doesn't work out?]
• Can you provide me with a written copy of your policies about the allocation of buyer and seller enquiry?
• Do you compete against your sales consultants in the listing and sale of property?
• Do any members of your family compete against your sales consultants in the listing and sale of property?
• If so, what systems do you have in place to ensure that a fair decision is made over the right of an individual sales consultant to deal with a particular buyer or seller that you or your family member may also be dealing with?
• Prior to commencement of employment, can you provide me with a copy of the employment agreement you want me to sign?  [If the employer has employed others in this position before, a copy of the previous employee's agreement should be available.  If it isn't available, what does this tell you about the employer's willingness to commit, in writing, to what they promise?]
• How long after I sign the employment agreement before you expect registration to be confirmed?  [The employer may not know the exact answer, but if they intend complying with the award, they should have some idea.]
• How soon after we lodge my application with the Office of Consumer & Business Affairs do you expect it will be before my licence comes back?
• What do you suggest I do in the meantime?  [If the employer says anything that involves listing, selling or managing property, be concerned.  Being unlicensed may make you liable to prosecution, and may invalidate any professional indemnity cover or workers compensation the employer may have, leaving you "out in the cold" if something goes wrong.]

There are many other useful questions to ask, however we trust that you use the information on this page to help establish a rewarding and enjoyable real estate career.

If you can think of something we could add to this page, why don't you make a suggestion about how to find the right employer.

Once you're happily established in the industry, please tell us your story - let us know that this information helped . . .

Do you have any questions for RESA? Here are our contact details.