Graduate Surveying —
Assessment Day Prep
What the day involves, what assessors are actually watching for, and how to perform when it counts.
The four elements of a graduate surveying assessment day
01
Group Exercise
Work with other candidates on a task or case study. Tests collaboration, communication and professional behaviour under observation.
02
Technical Interview
Questions on your pathway, the property market and current legislation. Tests knowledge depth and commercial awareness.
03
Written Exercise
A timed written task — report, memo or analysis. Tests how you structure and communicate professional thinking under pressure.
04
Competency Interview
Behavioural questions using STAR. Tests evidence of real experience, teamwork, problem-solving and professional values.
Group exercise — what assessors are scoring
Behaviours that impress
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Listen actively and build on what others say — not just wait for your turn to speak
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Ask a clarifying question early — shows you think before jumping in
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Bring quieter candidates in — "what do you think, [name]?" is noticed immediately
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Help the group reach a conclusion — not just contribute ideas
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Stay calm if disagreement arises — professional composure is the test
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Watch the time and flag it if the group is running over
Behaviours that get candidates rejected
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Dominating the conversation — quantity of talk is not quality of contribution
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Dismissing others' ideas without a reasoned counter-argument
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Going silent — assessors notice candidates who disengage
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Interrupting — one of the fastest ways to be marked down
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Losing composure when challenged or when the group disagrees with you
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Playing to the assessors rather than engaging with the group
Five technical questions commonly asked at graduate surveying assessment days
What is the current state of the commercial property market and what is driving it?
How to approach it
Reference interest rate direction, occupier demand trends and one sector-specific development. Show you read the trade press. Have an opinion — not just facts.
Walk me through a basic property valuation. What are the key methods?
How to approach it
Name the five RICS methods: comparative, investment, residual, cost and profits. Explain the investment method briefly — it is the most common. Do not panic if you cannot go deep — show you know the framework.
What is the APC and how does it work?
How to approach it
Explain structured training, the 11 mandatory competencies, your chosen pathway, the two-year minimum, the final assessment. Mention you have researched how this firm supports graduates through it — this shows commitment.
What recent legislation should a surveyor be aware of?
How to approach it
Name two or three relevant to your pathway: Building Safety Regulator independence, Renters' Rights Act abolishing Section 21, RICS AI Standard, MEES changes. One sentence on each. Show you are engaged with the profession.
What does sustainability mean for property and why does it matter to clients?
How to approach it
ESG, MEES compliance, EPC ratings and the commercial risk of non-compliance — stranded assets, void risk, financing restrictions. Connect it to client value, not just the environment. Keep it concise and commercial.
The written exercise — how to score well
1
Read the brief fully before writing a single word. Candidates who misread the question cannot recover.
2
Structure first. Spend the first two minutes planning — introduction, key points, conclusion. Do not start writing and hope it organises itself.
3
Plain English. Short sentences. Clear headings. You are being assessed on professional communication — not academic writing style.
4
Give a recommendation. Most written exercises expect a conclusion with a justified position — not just a summary of the issues.
5
Leave two minutes to review. One clear, well-structured page is better than two pages of unfinished thinking.
What assessors are watching for that candidates do not realise
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How you treat other candidates. Politeness and respect between candidates is observed throughout the day — not just in the group exercise.
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How you behave informally. Lunch, coffee, waiting areas — assessors sometimes form part of the informal contact. Act professionally throughout.
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Genuine curiosity. Candidates who ask thoughtful questions about the firm's work — not just "what is the salary progression?" — stand out clearly.
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Recovery from mistakes. How you respond when you do not know an answer matters as much as the answer. Say you do not know, then show how you would find out.
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Energy and engagement. Assessment days are long. Candidates who remain visibly engaged and present throughout the day are remembered.
The panel interview — how to perform in front of multiple assessors
What to expect
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Typically 2–3 interviewers — often HR, a technical manager and a senior surveyor. Each has a different focus.
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Questions are usually structured and pre-prepared. The panel takes notes throughout — do not let this unsettle you.
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Silences after your answer are normal. Resist the urge to fill them by adding more — it often weakens a strong answer.
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You will be scored against a framework — every candidate is asked the same questions in the same order.
How to handle it
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Address your answer to the person who asked — then briefly scan the other panellists as you conclude. Natural, not forced.
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If you do not know the answer — say so clearly, then explain how you would find out. Honesty under pressure impresses panels far more than a weak guess.
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If you need a moment to think — it is completely acceptable to pause. "That is a good question, let me think for a second" is professional, not weak.
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The panel wants you to succeed. They are not trying to catch you out — they are trying to find reasons to hire you.
Practical preparation — the day before
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Bring: two copies of your CV, a notepad and pen, photo ID, the firm's address and contact name.
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Arrive: 10–15 minutes early. Not 30 — waiting in reception for that long creates its own pressure.
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Dress: business professional unless explicitly told otherwise. When in doubt, overdress by one level.
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After the day: feedback is usually within 5–10 working days. If rejected, always ask for specific feedback — it is the most valuable thing you can take from the process.
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