How to Get Your Dream Job: From Overcoming Your Fear of ‘No’ to 5 Ways to Ace an Interview

Have you ever tried to pivot careers and found the process challenging? Clara Moore knows what this is like! When Moore first tried to change her career path from education to recruiting, “it felt like eons of applying for roles and either hearing nothing back or a swift ‘no,’” she tells us. “I was becoming extremely discouraged.”

But Clara didn’t give up. And, eventually, she found a listing for a dream role: an entry-level recruiting position with Realtor.com. “I was already such a fan of the site and app and thought this was meant to be, but I got nervous, and insecurity with a mix of imposter syndrome started to creep in,” she recalls.

Her partner begged the question: “what's the worst that could happen — they tell you no?” And, in that moment, Moore’s entire mindset shifted. She decided from there on out that she’d put herself out there and simply see what happens. Ultimately, she overcame her fear of hearing “no” and ended up landing her dream job. Now, almost three years later, Moore’s in a new role as a recruiting partner at Realtor.com, where she gets to pay the support she received forward by placing talented individuals in their “career home” at the innovative real estate tech company.

Reflecting on this experience, Moore emphasizes how important it is to not let the word “no” or a fear of rejection discourage you, especially if you’re navigating a career change or trying to find your footing in a new domain, such as in real estate tech. “The right opportunity for you is out there — you just have to find it,” she says. “To make your application stand out, highlight that you know this is a transition and, if possible, explain some of the reasons why — or, like I did, reach out to the hiring team via social media and make a personal connection.” Recruiters love to make connections, Moore adds. And even if one role doesn’t work out, your connections may be able to help you find another role that’s a better fit.

It’s no wonder that one of Moore’s key takeaways is to “put yourself out there and be open to the opportunities that come your way.” While change can seem overwhelming and scary at times, Moore says she genuinely believes that “there is greatness out there for everyone — you just have to be willing to find it.” 

Here, we caught up with Moore to hear more advice for women who are looking for new roles — including how to leave a lasting impression in an interview and what she seeks in candidates as a recruiter herself. Use this advice to seize your next career opportunity!

Advice for landing your next job.

How do you suggest candidates prepare for an interview?

Brush up on the role for which you’ve applied, read through the job description, and see where you can highlight the skill sets you’ll bring with you from your previous roles.

If you’ve never been to the company’s site or app, check them out and learn more about what they have to offer. A candidate who has done their research really stands out in the interview process.

Next, what are your top five pieces of advice for acing an interview?

1. Apply for roles that excite you. It’s so important to be interested in the role for which you’re applying or interviewing. Recruiters and hiring teams can hear the interest in your voice and see it on your face. We can also see and pick up on when you’re really not that interested in the role. Don’t waste your own time by applying and interviewing for roles you don’t really want. 

2. Prepare, prepare, prepare! Do your research on the company, find out what they do and what products they offer, and align the job description you’re applying for with what the company has to offer. Recruiters should always provide you with a deeper dive into the role, including what the day-to-day will look like, but it shows when you have no clue what the company does or offers, and it comes across as a lack of interest or excitement about the role. Doing your research on the company you are interviewing with will also provide you with the knowledge to ask questions that really matter to you and make a difference when choosing where to work. 

3. Show off and highlight what you bring. It can sometimes  be difficult to highlight the great things we’ve done and how we can be an asset to the company. I say this because an interview is the best time to brag about yourself. Own all the amazing accomplishments and skills you have collected and share them! There’s nothing wrong with talking about how you can add value to the position and company you’re interviewing with. If this is hard for you to do, practice what you’re going to say by writing it out, saying it out loud a few times, and getting comfortable with highlighting yourself.

4. Prepare questions. I think this advice is important for the manager and panel interviews. You can always ask the recruiter questions, but it’s important to also ask questions to your potential future manager or teammates. This could be anything from specifics for the role to company culture and what they enjoy about working at the company. Asking the hiring team questions shows that you're interested and engaged in the interview process.

5. Be yourself. I’ll say it again: Be you! This is so important, and I understand sometimes it’s difficult, but being your authentic self will help you find the best fit for you. Because if you have to put on an act everyday at work, do you really want to work there? Side note: this is one of my favorite parts of working for Realtor.com. I really do feel that I can always be myself, and it’s a game changer.

What’s your go-to interview questions for all candidates? 

I think how people take feedback is so important. If you want to perform well and truly become a master at your craft, you have to be open to feedback.  My question is this: “Tell me about a time you received constructive feedback from a coworker or manager, what was it and how did it impact you moving forward?”

Your inside look at joining the Realtor.com team.

What are the top three qualities you look for when you’re interviewing a candidate for a role at Realtor.com? 

1. Determination. Here at Realtor.com, we want you to do the best work of your life.  This type of work takes dedication and, most of all, the desire to want to do well. If you want to uplevel your skills and make a difference in the housing industry while doing so, Realtor.com is the place for you. 

2. Passion. At Realtor.com, you'll be doing work that really matters: helping to bring people home. We all feel passionate about breaking down barriers and educating, supporting, and empowering people through the entire process.

3. Empathy. Housing is very personal, so it's important to understand how everyone involved in the process might be feeling. Buying a home might be the biggest purchase someone makes in their lifetime. Realtor.com has the pleasure of helping home buyers, renters, sellers, real estate agents, and brokers along the way. It is important that you understand how what we do can impact lives. 

Finally, as a recruiter, what are three things about Realtor.com that you always make sure to highlight when talking to a candidate? 

Our company mission, amazing benefits, and inclusive company culture, which provides ample career growth opportunities in many different ways. Our extensive Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) give employees the opportunity to connect, but also to learn leadership, project management, and networking skills. Not only do you learn these skills, but our ERGs go above and beyond to allow each member to practice these new skills in a safe and supportive environment. Whether you're leading an event for Women’s History Month or brainstorming charities to highlight during the company’s donation matching month in November, there are opportunities for everyone to get involved.

If you’re interested in taking a more direct or guided approach to building out your list of expertise, our Talent Development team has put together an outstanding program called Career Pathfinder. Career Pathfinder supports employees’ exploration of opportunities based on their skills, experiences, and career goals. 

Lastly, Realtor.com offers a truly supportive environment. It can be hard for companies to balance challenging and competitive work with a supportive environment, but somehow Realtor.com has nailed the formula. Whether you’re engaging with a C-Level executive, Senior Vice President, direct leader, or a coworker, there’s a sense that everyone wants to do well themselves but also wants to see you succeed. We really take on the concept of collective success. It’s an amazing feeling to know you can ask anyone around you for help and they’ll be more than happy to offer insight, expertise, or advice. I know I would not feel as confident in my role if it were not for my amazing team. 

Want to find your career home at Realtor.com? Check out open opportunities and take the leap by applying to an open role via the link below.

Fairygodboss is proud to partner with Realtor.com. Find a job there today!