If you’re an aspiring real estate appraiser looking to get hired as a trainee, how can you make your appraiser trainee resume as impressive as possible? What can you do make yourself stand out from the competition? And what are some common resume mistakes or “red flags” to avoid? To help answer these questions, we’ve put together the following resume tips for appraiser trainees, based on input compiled from working appraisers and industry experts.
Begin your pre-licensing coursework before applying
If you’ve already taken all or most of your appraisal qualifying education courses before applying for a trainee position, it not only shows initiative, but also demonstrates that you won’t be starting from square one. It is advisable to get at least some of your appraisal pre-licensing courses under your belt, and include that information on your resume to show potential appraisal supervisors that you’re a serious applicant.
Free guide: Learn what appraisal courses you’ll need to take and how to get started in our free appraisal career guide.
Stress overall education
Since you’re unlikely to have any appraisal experience at this point in launching your career, instead you’ll want to emphasize overall education on your resume. This includes the appraisal pre-licensing courses mentioned above, as well as any other education you’ve completed, including college degrees in any field and any other education or training that might be relevant (more on that below).
Highlight relevant skills and experience
If you want someone to take you on as an trainee, you’re going to have to demonstrate that you bring value to the table. Use your appraiser trainee resume to show a potential supervisor what’s in it for them. Highlight things like computer and technology skills, business management skills, marketing expertise, research skills, real estate experience, local market knowledge—basically any skills or experience that can carry over into real estate appraising.
Related reading: Real Estate Appraisers Share How They Stand Out from the Competition
Let your personal characteristics shine
While you don’t want to fill out your appraiser trainee resume with “fluff,” it doesn’t hurt to incorporate some key personality traits or characteristics that make you particularly suited to the appraisal profession. If you possess some of the following traits of a successful appraiser, consider incorporating them into your resume or cover letter:
- Unbiased
- Honest
- Organized
- Self-motivated
- Analytical
- Detail-oriented
- Patient
- Flexible
- Tech-savvy
- Curious
Avoid common resume mistakes
Last but not least, review your resume carefully to make sure it’s free of any “red flags” that may prevent potential employers from giving you a call-back. For example, if you have a history of changing jobs every 1 to 2 years, include a good explanation of why. And find ways to reinforce that you are ready for a long-term commitment in terms of your appraisal career (e.g., by completing all of your qualifying education courses).
Another common resume mistake to avoid is fibbing or exaggerating to cover up your lack of experience. Remember: Honesty is a very important trait in the appraisal profession. Include any actual knowledge and experience that are relevant, but don’t try to sugarcoat or hide the fact that you are new to the profession and relatively inexperienced. Rather, stress that you are eager and willing to learn. Some supervisors will actually view your lack of experience as a plus, because it means they’ll get the chance to train you themselves, using their own preferred appraisal process.
Likewise, be sure to avoid spelling and grammar errors. Impress potential employers by showing that you are careful and detail-oriented. Treat your appraiser trainee resume and cover letter almost like writing samples. Use them to demonstrate your ability to communicate information clearly and professionally in written form—a big asset when it comes to appraisal report writing, as well as client relations.
Further reading: Experienced Appraisers Share Their Number One Tips for New Appraisers
