What was your application process like at Schulmeister?
A friend of mine used to work at Schulmeister back then—9.5 years ago now. Since I’d always seen myself working in HR, I sent her my resume, and as luck would have it, Schulmeister happened to have a suitable opening at the time. I was invited to an initial interview, then within 24 hours to a second interview with the colleague I was supposed to support, and then I received the job offer right away. So everything was handled very transparently and quickly.
Why did you decide to take this job?
I was drawn to the opportunity to gain insight into a wide variety of companies and job profiles while contributing my knowledge and practical experience in finance and real estate. And I found the combination of working closely with people particularly interesting.
What does your typical workday at Schulmeister look like?
My day-to-day work is very varied. Most days, my schedule is a mix of interviews and communicating with candidates on one hand, and meetings with clients—by phone, in person, or via MS Teams—on the other. These cover a range of topics, such as job offers, ongoing search projects, or the joint development of job profiles. In addition, I spend part of each day actively searching for candidates through various channels. My daily routine is rounded out by internal meetings on topics such as process improvements or changes to workflows.
What’s great about your job?
I enjoy the variety as well as the opportunity to actively work with the client to develop a realistic job profile. Since we’ve known some of our clients for years, there’s a foundation of trust, which I particularly value. It’s also always nice to maintain long-standing relationships with candidates, to see how people grow, and to help them find exactly the right position for them.
“This job really stands or falls on the trust we place in one another, and it’s especially rewarding to see when that trust enables us to successfully fill a position.”
Diana Frommwald, HR Consultant
What challenges does your job present?
Often, the requirements our clients have for candidates aren’t in line with market standards or realistic—it’s our job to adjust those expectations, which isn’t always easy. The same goes, of course, for candidates’ expectations of a job. Here, too, we sometimes have to provide a reality check to show what’s possible and what isn’t. That requires a certain amount of tact.
Furthermore, the decision on whether to hire a candidate is ultimately never up to me. I can invest a great deal of energy into the search and present the candidate I consider perfect, but if the client ultimately sees things differently, then no placement will be made. You have to be able to draw a line here.
What sets your team apart?
Although we’re all capable of working very independently, what really matters in the end is good communication—and we have that here. We don’t operate as lone wolves; instead, we truly pull together, and every placement is essentially a team effort. We also practice very open communication and interact with one another in a very relaxed manner across all hierarchical levels.
Why is Schulmeister a good fit for you as an employer?
I like combining HR with the in-depth technical aspects of finance and real estate. Plus, the company values high-quality work, and we achieve results as a team.
What moment at Schulmeister stands out most in your memory?
I always look back fondly on our company outings and Christmas parties, which always take place in a very friendly atmosphere and give us the chance to bond.
What surprised you the most during your first few months?
That you have to be very flexible, since priorities and circumstances are constantly changing, and you have to adapt accordingly.
What skill or trait is more important in your job than people on the outside might think?
I’d definitely say pragmatism and flexibility.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Recruitment Consulting in the Real Estate Sector
A recruitment consultant in the real estate sector helps companies fill specialist and management positions. He or she oversees the entire recruiting process—from drafting the job description to searching for suitable candidates and successfully filling the position. At the same time, he or she advises applicants on their professional development and brings both sides together.
In addition to strong communication skills and a confident demeanor, empathy and negotiation skills are particularly important. Expertise in the real estate industry is just as beneficial as the ability to assess market trends and provide companies with expert advice.
The real estate market is characterized by intense competition for qualified professionals and executives. A specialized recruitment firm knows the market, has an established network, and can reach candidates who aren’t currently actively looking for a job. At the same time, it guides companies through the entire recruiting process—from defining the job requirements to directly approaching candidates and successfully filling the position. This saves companies time, reduces the number of poor hires, and increases the chances of finding the right person for the vacant position.
