Agency proud of hiring key staff with no industry exp...

A long-standing agency says it’s proud that some of its most successful recent recruits have absolutely no industry experience.

Felicity J Lord in London has five new starters who have switched careers due to the Covid pandemic.

Group managing director Antony Lark says: “Bringing people with talent from other sectors into our industry is something we pride ourselves on and are passionate about.

“Some of our best performers joined us with no experience and developed their careers with us and we are always keen to hear from people who feel they have something to contribute to estate agency.”

The new starters have different backgrounds from hospitality to the travel industry, but have all decided to try sales and lettings.

Lucy White, previously a Selfridges sales assistant, and Olivia Salter, an executive at an events company, are now with the Clerkenwell branch as a Negotiator and Property Manager, while Radoslaw Pekala, a former travel agent, is now based at Canary Wharf as a Negotiator.

Sade Salau, with a hospitality background, operates out of Greenwich as a Negotiator, and Victoria Collins - a former airline cabin crew member - is at Blackheath as a Branch Partner, having past estate agency working.

Anthony Szabo, Felicity J Lord Area Director, says: “While Covid has had a terrible impact on so many people, it has also introduced a new group of people to the world of estate agency and lettings.

“We have found their arrival in our branches has had an incredible impact because customer service seems ingrained at their core, and I would like to doff my cap to all those people who’ve sought a new career out of adversity.”

What some of the new recruits say:

- “During my time in Selfridges, I gained confidence very quickly as I was working with new people consistently. I am also used to working with high end clients which made the transition easier. I have found the transition of skills from my previous industry successful so far.”

- “I was made redundant from my last job and I’m so glad I was able to see the potential in the property industry and can use my customer service experience in a new role I enjoy.”

- “I worked in all cabins from upper class to economy and met many different people. The skill of talking to people is equally essential when you’re out visiting properties or speaking to customers on the phone.”