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HR conversations with Joinrs 
At Joinrs, we go beyond just matching candidates with opportunities. In addition to facilitating connections, we conduct insightful interviews with professionals from diverse backgrounds and industries. Through these conversations, we provide valuable insights and perspectives to our users, enriching their knowledge and experience on our platform. Join us in exploring the depth and breadth of expertise across various fields to enhance your career journey. Today Weronika is sharing her journey and advice with us!
Weronika Kusiak
Talent Acquisition Consulting Specialist
1) Weronika, could you describe your career journey that led you to become a Talent Acquisition Consultant specialising in experienced hiring at Foxtons? What motivated you to pursue this path?
As I completed my history bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Queen Mary, I was not sure exactly what route I wanted to take regarding my future career. I never had a set plan, which at the time stressed me out but now I know that this led me to a fantastic opportunity which I enjoy to this day. Throughout my studies, I loved keeping busy, taking on the challenge of my course work, two part time jobs and competing with the QMUL competitive cheerleading team. These things played a big part in my decision making by teaching me resilience, dedication and hard work, preparing me for a very busy environment. I always had an interest in Real Estate, and I knew that I ultimately wanted to explore this pathway, but not necessarily as a traditional estate agent. The idea of a competitive role centred around commission and becoming an expert in a specific field appealed to me greatly. I am extremely competitive, and although I decided I wanted to give the corporate world a try, I knew agency recruitment would not be the right place for me.
Due to growing up in London, I was familiar with Foxtons and its big brand image, therefore when I came across a job opening for the Foxtons Talent Acquisition team, I was intrigued. Reading into the job description I decided the role was exactly what I was looking for. After a smooth sailing recruitment process, I got a job offer and accepted practically on the spot and began 2023 with my first full time corporate job!
My career at Foxtons began as a Talent Acquisition Consultant focusing on a range of different vacancies. I spent my first few weeks learning the ins and outs of a variety of roles which contribute to the success of Foxtons, and I familiarised myself with key stakeholders who I now communicate with daily. After 9 months in the role, I was given the opportunity to further my career and my role shifted to include a focus on experienced hires. This was a very challenging step since it required learning a completely different side of Talent Acquisition, I was now primarily focused on headhunting candidates. However, I was eager for the challenge! I have now spent 10 months in my new role, and although I am learning every day, I feel much more confident in my approach towards experienced candidates and I look forward to welcoming every new hire into the company, excited to see them achieve great things!
2) In your role at Foxtons, what are some of the unique challenges you face in sourcing and hiring talents and how do you overcome them?
A unique challenge I face in sourcing and hiring talent would be the competitiveness of the industry. The market is a competitive one and we look for the best talent out there. Therefore, to overcome this problem I adjust my initial interaction with each candidate to ensure they receive a very personalised approach. This entails making sure I understand their requirements and detailing to them how Foxtons can further their career and provide them with a platform allowing them to succeed. The opportunities available at Foxtons are limitless therefore when I speak to an estate agent I make sure I understand exactly what they are looking for, and provide them with clear understanding of the role, responsibilities and opportunities we would offer them. It is extremely important to know your candidate, and that requires constant communication from the beginning of the process to the day they begin employment. But this communication does not stop there, it continues throughout their career which is why it is vital that my candidates feel comfortable talking to me and I build rapport quickly. Each person within the Talent Acquisition team has a unique role which allows us to work efficiently and effectively. We have Talent Acquisition Consultants focusing on the busy graduate market, early careers, and our sister mortgage company Alexander Hall. Personally, I focus on more senior candidates, looking to hire for our experienced vacancies. By having dedicated responsibilities within a very competitive market, we ensure each candidate receives feedback and a fantastic interview process. The summer graduate period is extremely busy, therefore, as a team, we work together to assess which vacancies are of high importance, and delegate responsibilities to provide a streamlined hiring approach. In order to deliver a thorough understanding of the role and company to our candidates, the team regularly take part in front office monthly meetings, celebrating the success of our hires and ensuring we are up to date with our understanding of their day to day work. We also work very closely with our Area Directors. This allows us to keep updated on the requirements for each vacancy so that the interviewing process is fast and straightforward which is highly appreciated by candidates going through long and complicated processes within the overall graduate market. The recruitment market and vacancy demands fluctuate on a seasonality basis, therefore, we experience periods of times which are busier than others and vice versa. In order to keep motivated in light of this challenge, we support each other and work towards team nights out and incentives. We have recently taken on the challenge of late night call out sessions to ensure we are keeping up with applications, and we were rewarded with bonus incentives and pizza!
3) Can you share any innovative strategies or approaches Foxtons has implemented to attract and retain talents in a competitive market?
Foxtons definitely stands out from its competitors with its tech, lucrative earning potential and company culture, and I believe these three things are vital in attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive market. Firstly, Foxtons provides an unmatched earning potential. We work to the highest fees in the industry which are non-negotiable, and we offer an uncapped commission structure which is 30% higher than any other estate agency. This allows Foxtons estate agents to be in charge of their earnings, with some of our top performers reaching very impressive figures! Working within a sales focused role, we understand that money is a key motivator, and although we expect a lot from our employees, we also reward them for their hard work. However, we also understand that in order to be successful, a platform of knowledge needs to be provided for learning and development. We offer an award winning training programme, taught by the very best – our Learning and Development team consisting of Foxtons ex-negotiators, managers and senior stakeholders ready to pass on knowledge and tips on how to be successful. And our training doesn’t stop in your probation period, it continues throughout your career, allowing you to develop yourself at every step.
Unlike other agencies, Foxtons has its own built in CRM system called BOS, which is continuously updated by our skilled IT team. This system contains details of an impressive amount of contacts and potential leads, allowing our employees to put their best foot forward when it comes to finding clients and closing deals for both sales and lettings. BOS is extremely easy to use and allows our employees to hold all needed documents and data in one place, meaning no flicking between countless spreadsheets or outdated admin tasks. Our CEO Guy Gittins has ensured that the sales and lettings process is as efficient and streamlined as it could be. Our negotiators really do have the top tech in the industry to allow them to provide the best service for their clients.
Lastly, our company culture is unlike any other. Foxtons very much focuses on key values of being innovative, professional, ambitious, relentless and authoritative. Whilst we work hard, we also play hard. You can expect a very vibrant and energetic office culture, a supportive team and a lot of fun. One way in which Foxtons definitely stands out from its competitors is through our company cars. Each negotiator is given their very own company car for work and personal purposes, and as you work towards deals in the office, you also work towards your car targets. Upon hitting your target, you receive a bigger and better car! We also offer our negotiators the chance to work towards all expensed five star company holidays, nights out and cash prizes. You can expect a vibrant work social life, with company Christmas parties and annual sports day events!
4) From your experience, what advice would you give to a junior candidate looking to transition or advance their careers in the real estate industry, particularly when applying to companies like Foxtons?
We are very open to recent graduates who may not have concrete experience in the industry. However to make your application stand out, I recommend looking into forms of work experience which develop your sales skills, focus on a customer/client facing environment and allow you to work towards KPIs. We are on the lookout for confident and personable individuals who are motivated by targets and ready for a challenging, fast paced environment. We are London’s leading estate agency brand, therefore we are on the hunt for people who are hungry for success and are able to match the standard we deliver within the London property market. Showcasing your resilience, passion and drive will allow you to stand out amongst a very competitive candidate pool. Above all, showcase your personality, your desire and passion for real estate and ensure you do your research regarding the role and its day to day responsibilities. This will give you the best chance at taking your seat in a Foxtons office very soon!
Interview curated by the Joinrs' team
