Changing careers is challenging, especially when your job interview is nationally televised.
Andrea Healey has worked as teacher and marketing coordinator for St. Catherine’ School for six years.
Now she is seeking a career change to real estate after applying for companies such as Sotheby’s International Realty and Coldwell Banker Makai Properties.
“I’m not the only person on this island who needs a kick,” Healey said. “So I made a change in my career.”
As a prospective real estate agent, while interviewing at different brokerages, she got a call from a recruitment agency who asked if she would like to be part of a new television show, called “The Job Interview,” produced by ITV America and aired on CNBC.
“I accepted because I liked the concept of the show, which presents the perspective of both the interviewer and the interviewee,” Healey said.
She then flew to New York a couple of days later for the interview.
“I had a first interview but he went on vacation, so it was kind of unfinished,” Healey said. “The principle broker gave my name to the show. I really liked him and my first interview, so I gave it a shot and had the interview filmed in New York.”
Her job interviewing process was filmed as part of the new reality show, which takes an inside look at the world where the words you say, the clothes you wear, and even the expression on your face can mean the difference between success and failure.
Each half-hour episode of the 10-episode unscripted series brings viewers into the room as a real employer conducts real interviews with real candidates, only one of whom will land an offer.
“Between the first time we had the first interview and finishing the show, I also had other interesting offers from different brokerages,” Healey said.
“The ITV production team was very friendly and professional,” Healey added. “It’s a reality show, so it’s not like I had to act as a specific character and memorize a script, but it was a fun and exciting experience.”
If a career in real estate doesn’t work out, then she could consider going into acting again.
“I used to have some acting gigs when I lived in Quebec, Canada so I was excited to have the opportunity to participate in this show,” Healey said.
“The ITV team also came, a week later, to my house to film the remainder of the episode. Those two weeks were hectic from being a mom, working full time, attending this Leadership Kauai program retreat and filming the show in New York — plus having the film crew coming into my house — but I loved all of it.”
Healey took a real estate class out of curiosity, since she and her husband are homeowners and wanted to learn about their investment.
“Through my experience with my own Realtor, my real estate class teacher and the people that I met through the class, I understood that real estate is about helping people achieve their dream of owning and making a home of their own,” Healey said.
As a residential homeowner and investment property owner and manager, she has gained experience through her foreclosure and short sale transactions. Her mission is to provide a positive and memorable experience to anyone who wishes to buy or sell their own piece of paradise.
“For now, I am still the art teacher and the marketing coordinator at St. Catherine School, an excellent private Catholic school in Kapaa,” Healey said. “After teaching for six years, even though I’m grateful for my time and growth at St. Catherine School, I am ready to begin this new chapter of my life.”
Healey was born and raised in Quebec, where she began her career in marketing and show business.
She got married on Kauai seven years ago and started a family here. She enjoys going to the beach with family and friends.
“For me it’s all about building relationships in everything you do, and the difference you make in people’s live through those relationships,” Healey said.
“The Job Interview” television series is set to debut Wednesday at 10 p.m. Pacific time.
