How to Train Up New Recruits When You’re Time Poor
April 12, 2022
Small businesses make up more than 80% of Australian businesses and it’s this group that struggles the most to find the time to train up new hires. As a result, they often only hire people with enough experience to hit the ground running in a new role.
In an already highly competitive, candidate-short employment market, this narrows down the talent pool even further.
What can time-poor employers do to make training new recruits easier and expand their range of candidates?
- Create a list of actions
To establish what a new hire needs to be taught, create a list of exactly what they are required to do day-to-day and week-to-week in their role.
- Nominate team members
Spread the work between existing team members. Think about which existing staff members are suitable to train any of the items on the list. Even if your team is only 3 or 4 people, explore which items can be allocated to others to help get the new hire up trained. - Establish quick wins
What are the quick wins that could get a new hire up and running? Are there any repetitious and time-consuming tasks that they could be shown, with a plan to expand on those later? For example, answering phones or setting up a file.
- Manage expectations
To ensure your new recruit succeeds in their role, it is important to outline the training plan when they start. That way they will understand what is expected of them upfront.
- Check in regularly
In most small offices, new employees learn a lot by absorption. When that is the case make sure that you are checking in with the person to see where there may be gaps.
- Allocate small blocks of time
It is much more effective to put aside 1-2 hours per day for training, than trying to achieve large blocks of training time. It just isn’t manageable for most small business teams. Make sure you have some tasks that new recruits can go on with in the meantime.
Your questions in an interview say as much about you as your answers. Edge's Mary-Jane Massicci shares what types of questions can get noticed by hiring managers.
Backed by insights from our 2025 Employment and Salary Trends Report, we unpack the current salary landscape across property and real estate roles in SA.
Edge Recruitment has once again been named Best Recruitment Agency in Real Estate and Property in SA, at the 2025 Sourcr Awards – for the fourth consecutive year!
What matters more — qualifications or experience? We explore the balance between these two factors and what today’s property job market in SA really demands.
A new report reveals a growing disconnect between what employers think their staff want—and what employees actually value when it comes to workplace benefits.
For employers and candidates, the FY25 hiring landscape presents a mix of opportunity and challenge — and demand is rising across the industry.
The end of the financial year is a busy time across South Australia’s property and real estate industry — not just for accountants and agencies reviewing the books, but also for professionals reassessing their career direction. Whether you’re in sales, property management, leasing, or support, July often marks a fresh start . And if you've been considering a career move, there are some compelling reasons why right now might be the best time to take action . 1. New Budgets Mean New Hires At the start of a new financial year, most property and real estate businesses reset their annual budgets. That means: New headcount is approved Growth targets are locked in Teams that were stretched thin during the past year are finally given the green light to hire For job seekers, this creates a surge in demand for talent — particularly for roles in sales, business development, and property management where revenue growth is key. Agencies are also more likely to invest in onboarding, training, and marketing new staff now, rather than mid-year or during the Christmas slowdown. 2. Performance Reviews Are a Catalyst for Change EOFY is traditionally when many employees receive formal performance reviews and commission payouts. While positive reviews can lead to promotions or salary increases, for others, this period can shine a spotlight on: Unmet expectations Lack of progression opportunities Underappreciation or under-compensation If you’ve walked away from your review feeling deflated, that’s a clear sign it may be time to explore new opportunities — particularly if your current role no longer aligns with your long-term goals. 3. The Spring Property Market Is Coming — Get In Early We all know that spring is one of the busiest times of year for the property market, and smart candidates position themselves well in advance. If you start your job search in July: You have time to transition into a new role You can complete onboarding and training You’ll be ready to hit the ground running when market activity spikes in September Waiting until spring often means you’ll be competing with more candidates for fewer roles, with less lead-in time to settle into your new environment. 4. Candidate Supply Is Still Tight — Leverage That Advantage Across South Australia, we’re still seeing a shortage of experienced candidates in many parts of the property and real estate industry. Sales agents, property managers, and leasing consultants with proven track records are in high demand — and employers are increasingly willing to offer: Competitive salary and commission structures Flexible working arrangements Stronger professional development pathways If you’ve got the experience and drive, now is the time to negotiate from a position of strength. 5. Clarity and Momentum Matter There’s something about July that naturally invites people to reset. The first half of the year is behind you, and there’s still time to make big career moves before the year is out. Whether you’ve outgrown your current role, want to break into a new segment of the industry, or are just feeling burnt out — making a change now can give you the clarity and momentum you need. HOT TIP: Don’t Wait for “The Perfect Time” Many people stay in roles longer than they should because they’re waiting for the “right moment.” But as with most facets of the property and real estate industry — timing is everything . With budgets resetting, hiring activity on the rise, and the spring market just around the corner, EOFY is the window of opportunity you’ve been waiting for. Ready to Make Your Move? Edge Recruitment specialises in connecting property and real estate professionals with the right roles across South Australia. Whether you're actively job hunting or just want to explore what’s out there, our team is here to help. Get in touch for a confidential chat — your next role could be just around the corner.
Each year, we ask employees what matters most. The 2025 data shows priorities continue to evolve. For employers, the message is clear: it’s not just about offering more—it’s about offering what matters most.
New data from people2people recruitment shows younger Australians don't believe they'll ever retire. We break down what this research means for property professionals in SA.
In a recent live stream conversation, Peta Seaman and Deanne Goodwin, a senior property professional shared the current trends shaping the property recruitment landscape in 2025.
