Did you know that you should always call or email a day in advance to confirm your interview? This is a professional courtesy.

You should be exactly five minutes early for your interview. And, as the saying goes: if you’re on time, you’re late! Avoid showing up more than five minutes early, though, because it can be distracting. 

If your interviewer offers you a cup of coffee or tea, politely decline. Why? If it spills, you’re in BIG trouble! A little bit of water, however, is always fine. 

If possible, you should send a handwritten thank-you note immediately after your interview. It will make you stand out from other applicants. If not, a carefully worded email thanking your interviewer will suffice - but avoid text messages. It’s important to keep it professional.

This might sound crazy, but your handshake conveys your confidence. Shake hands firmly, and always look people in the eye when you speak to them.

Always bring a portfolio with the following: three copies of your resume and cover letter, contact information for three or more professional references, a pad of paper, and a pen.

Your resume is a reflection of you. Make it flawless. Poor formatting, grammatical mistakes and spelling errors speak loudly about your ability to pay attention to detail.

Like it or not, your appearance matters, especially in real estate! Research the culture of the office. Dress just a little bit nicer than they will expect you to dress on a daily basis. When in doubt, wear a suit. Make sure your hair is styled, your shoes are shined, and your nails are trimmed. Don't overdo the perfume or cologne. If you smoke, hold off before the interview. Smelling nice is just as important as looking professional.