Careers Information Pack
www.beresfords.co.uk
The Company The original practice was formed in 1968 and traded in Upminster as R. Beresford & Company. We were then and still are today, an independent estate agency dedicated to providing the highest possible levels of service and conduct. The vision held by the present Chairman/Managing Director, Paul Beresford, when he joined the original office in Upminster in 1975 was to establish Beresfords as a major force within the property market without sacrificing the company’s independence or high standards of professionalism and service. We can boast an enviable record of growth and success since the late 1970’s. Through the fluctuating and volatile property markets of the 1980’s and 1990’s, turnover quadrupled. Equally, during the last five decades, staff turnover has remained consistently low with many individuals employed by us for a considerable period of time. Now one of the largest independent estate agents in the South East, we have more than twenty offices and departments covering Residential Sales, Country Homes, Lettings, Buy to Let, Land & New Homes, Financial Services, Commercial Property and Surveying.
www.beresfords.co.uk
Our People
Company Culture
We are proud of the fact that we employ some of the most talented, professional and successful individuals within the property industry. This is not achieved through luck or coincidence but via a very thorough selection process. Combining the abilities, desire and commitment of our personnel with the company’s conviction to providing training, encouragement, ongoing support and development, ensures we attract and retain high calibre individuals. We believe our Management team are the best in the business! Each Manager has substantial working experience of our industry so will understand the difficulties employees may be confronted with as well as an exceptional perspective on the solutions that are needed to solve any issues, which may arise on a day to day basis.
We are not a corporate organisation that gets bogged down in its own red tape. Our systems and procedures are designed to be simple, manageable and effective. New ideas and input are welcomed from staff at all levels and there is a feeling throughout the company that we are one team, all pulling in the same direction for the mutual benefit of everyone involved.
There is a real support structure at Beresfords which allows you to think anything is possible. The company is open to new ideas and will give you the resources required to get the very best for your clients.
Marketing and Support As a company we need to generate business opportunities from which to extract potential income, both for the company as a whole but also for those staff members working within the organisation. To these ends, the company commits substantial funding every year into numerous marketing initiatives. The material is always fresh, innovative and professionally produced. Exposure is not periodical but constant to ensure Beresfords maintain a high profile within the marketplace.
Beresfords are not a ‘hire’ and ‘fire’ organisation and do not believe in playing games with people’s lives and careers. Once we make a decision to employ someone, we do everything we can to keep our end of the bargain. We have very high standards and a strong work ethos, which we will do our utmost to equip you to meet. It is important however, for you to recognise that within this company ongoing success lies in your own hands. If you do not want success or are not prepared to pay the price of attaining it, then we advise that you look to pursue a career elsewhere.
Training Beresfords retain an excellent reputation which has derived from our staff delivering exceptional levels of service to clients. To maintain this profile our people must be highly motivated and retain the relevant industry knowledge and related skills to conduct their jobs effectively. During a career with Beresfords, all personnel will attend a number of well structured, informative and motivational training courses. These will all be conducted both “in house� by our own people who have practiced successfully for many years and externally by dedicated trainers. It is imperative that anyone looking to join Beresfords retains a genuine desire to broaden their skills and knowledge through ongoing training and not view it as an unnecessary hindrance to their working life.
www.beresfords.co.uk
Hours of Work
Salary
The days and hours worked each week will vary and depend on the particular role that an individual fulfils. However in all cases everyone works five days unless operating on a part time basis. Managers, Assistant Managers and Negotiators in both Sales and Lettings, work on Saturdays and have an allocated day off during the week. Administrators and other support staff generally work Monday to Friday. Some staff working in Residential Sales will work Sundays on a rota basis for which they receive additional pay. Throughout our organisation we also offer opportunities to talented individuals on a part time basis as and when considered appropriate.
As with working hours, remuneration packages will vary and be dependent on the particular job that an individual undertakes. However in all cases, the company recognises that our biggest asset is our personnel and therefore invests heavily in them. With such high expectations of our workforce, our priority is to pay staff well for their efforts. Administrators and other support staff receive a generous basic salary plus performance related bonuses. Managers, Assistant Managers and Negotiators have a good basic salary but also enjoy lucrative commission packages plus additional bonus opportunities. Some of our top performers can earn up to ÂŁ45,000p/a and our Managers much more!
However all our personnel accept that they have to adopt a very flexible approach to working hours. Our philosophy to hard work is simple; on its own it will not lead to success but it is one of the essential pre-requisites in our company and will remain something that we feel is imperative.
Career Progression As an ambitious and forward thinking organisation, we are always looking to evolve as a business and grow. To do so effectively we need ambitious people who share the same values as ourselves. Structured ongoing training is provided for all staff but for those hungry to progress, we put career development plans in place which allow those individuals to develop and flourish within the company. Notwithstanding this, we are also mindful of others who are happy to remain in a particular role and have no desire for promotion. These people still make an invaluable contribution to our company and we will always respect and recognise their efforts. Some may, from time to time, feel like a change of role and our company is of a sufficient size to generally accommodate this.
Do I need to have previous industry experience to apply? Certainly not! In fact some of our most successful performers have either joined us from school, college or university. Others have returned to the workplace after having children or have been working in other industries and opted for a career change. For particular roles previous industry experience is essential. However we actively encourage applications from all types of people regardless of previous work history providing they retain the relevant skills and attributes we seek, most of which are described within this Careers Pack.
Other Rewards & Benefits Managers, Assistant Managers or Negotiators who retain previous experience of the property industry will either be provided with a quality company car or alternatively receive a generous car allowance as part of their remuneration package. Although we expect a high level of commitment we also recognise the importance of our personnel enjoying quality time outside of work. There are regular incentives where staff can qualify for a wide range of prizes including luxury weekend breaks to European cities, drive or pamper days. Our top performers enjoy a holiday for two paid for by the company to top destinations such as Monte Carlo, New York, Las Vegas, Dubai and Florida. The annual summer party, which features the Beresfords employee awards, are a highlight of the year which every member of staff is invited to attend regardless of their position or length of service. We also hold regular social activities including ten pin bowling evening and quiz night. We operate a subsidised pension scheme and offer additional holiday entitlement at all levels based on length of service.
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Since joining Beresfords from another local agent I have gained a great deal more knowledge of the lettings industry and participated in some excellent training programmes. As a result I can offer professional and reliable advice to both landlords and tenants alike.
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www.beresfords.co.uk
The Ideal Candidate There is no such person. Each individual is different and nobody is perfect. However, whether you are considering entering the property industry for the first time or retain industry experience, you will need to see the majority of the characteristics outlined below in yourself.
Ambition and Attitude Beresfords respect ambition in those that apply for positions with our company. However, there is something that we respect even more and that is an ongoing commitment to that ambition. The vast majority of people seek the easy way in life and with Beresfords there is not an easy route. On the other hand if you are capable of demonstrating a sustained commitment to your ideal, then we want you as part of our team.
Experience Dependant on the role being applied for, full training is provided and experience of the property market is therefore not essential. However previous experience within a customer facing environment would be an asset. We usually like to see a stable background where applicants are able to illustrate achievements in their careers, having not drifted aimlessly from one job to another in search of unrealistic objectives.
Negotiation Our negotiation style is best described as ‘a firm hand in a velvet glove’. You will need to have the strength of character to get your own way, to drive through a task to a defined goal rather than maintaining a weak stance where you may sit on the fence and hope for the best.
Communication You must be able to communicate effectively with a diverse range of people. As no two people are the same, the power of persuasion is a considerable
asset. Beresfords have a very well respected name in the areas within which we operate, therefore you must share and retain high standards of professionalism.
Organisation Beresfords deal with large volumes of people within hectic working environments. The need to be well organised, methodical, disciplined and well-structured within your working day is essential.
Desire A hunger to develop and progress is imperative. You must not seek something for nothing but desire the best for yourself and not be satisfied in settling for second best. In simple language, you have your feet firmly on the ground and aspire for excellence in all that you do. We need to establish with you your goals and aspirations and work together to ensure that they are in line with our own. You will also need to demonstrate that you have the ability and commitment required to prosper in our company. Despite receiving hundreds of applications during the year, it is not easy to find the right staff. On the other hand, when we do find suitable candidates they usually go on to pursue very successful careers with our company. Other characteristics that would be important to us are as follows; personable, well groomed, honest, sensible, reliable, conscientious, loyal, persistent, tenacious, energetic, enthusiastic, positive, diplomatic and determined.
Recognition within our Industry We would like to think that we do not just ‘talk the talk’ either to potential customers or those thinking of applying to work for us. Not only do we retain a proven track record in property spanning five decades, our efforts have been recognised by those who control and regulate our industry. Outlined below are just a few of the awards that we have won. Hopefully this helps demonstrate our ability to consistently deliver a very high standard of service to our customers, to train and successfully develop those individuals who work for us.
Sunday Times Estate Agency of the Year Awards: • Best Medium Sized Estate Agency in the South East • Best Lettings Agent East of England • Best Estate Agency Marketing • Best New Homes • Best Prestige Homes • Best Financial Services • Best Training & Development
UK Property Awards: • • • •
Best Estate Agency in Essex Best Lettings Agency in Essex Best Marketing East of England Best Estate Agency Website
The Negotiator Awards: • • • •
Large Estate Agency of the Year Medium Lettings Agency of the Year Online Marketer of the Year Land & New Homes Specialist
Contact Us 10 Springfield Lyons Approach, Springfield, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 5LB t 01245 397497 | e recruitment@beresfords.co.uk
www.beresfords.co.uk