Applications and interviews in the property sector

The application process

The graduate recruitment process varies between employers. The larger companies may contact colleges, usually before Christmas, to make presentations to student class groups or they may have stands on campus during the year, some taking part in graduate careers fairs held in college or nationally.

The application process for the graduate development programmes may be by application form or by CV and covering letter. Successful applicants are called for one or two interviews, while some companies may hold assessment centres.

Your CV should look professional and should be tailored to the job and company requirements. In your covering letter you need to demonstrate your interest, motivation and enthusiasm for working with the company and also the ‘added value’ you can bring to the company, in terms of your skills, abilities and personal qualities.

The interview

At the interview, be prepared for questions on the technical elements of your degree course.

In the weeks leading up to the interview, ensure that you keep abreast of newspaper articles about the sector in general and the company you have applied to in particular. It helps to be well informed about projects that the company is involved in, but anything relating to the property and investment market may be discussed.

Throughout the interview you will need to show competence in the level of skills and qualities that the employer is looking for.