Most human resources professionals agree: It is getting more challenging to find that perfect candidate to fill an open position. Unemployment in the United States registered 3.7 percent in July, a nearly 50-year low, and more jobs are available than candidates to fill them.

Most real estate investment firms utilize campus visits and offer internship programs in an effort to identify candidates who have “the right stuff.” A few real estate industry HR professionals shared their thoughts on the hiring process and what they look for in entry-level new hires.

“The skills and qualities we look for in candidates are presence, resourcefulness, analytical skill, and leadership and entrepreneurial skills,” says Darrah Bixler, chief people officer at Heitman. “For certain roles, such as acquisitions or asset management, a real estate degree is highly preferred due to a significantly shortened learning curve when entering the industry. Having real estate–related inte