Graduate Surveying —
First Interview Prep
What firms are actually looking for, how to answer the questions that matter, and how to get to assessment day.
The five questions every first interview asks
Question 01
Tell me about yourself and why you chose surveying.
What they want to hear
"A concise career narrative: degree, what drew you to property, one relevant experience, and where you want to be. 60–90 seconds. Confident and specific."
Avoid
Reading out your CV. Vague answers like "I've always been interested in property."
Question 02
Why surveying — and why this firm specifically?
What they want to hear
"Genuine motivation for the profession plus specific knowledge of the firm — their sectors, clients, culture, recent projects or news. Show you have done your research."
Avoid
"It seemed like a good career." Generic answers that could apply to any firm.
Question 03
Tell me about a time you worked in a team or solved a problem.
What they want to hear
"A specific situation — your role, what you did personally, and the outcome. Use STAR. Interviewers want evidence of your contribution, not the team's."
Avoid
Starting with "We…" — they want to know what you did. No outcome described.
Question 04
What do you know about the current property market?
What they want to hear
"A brief, confident overview of current conditions — interest rates, activity levels, a relevant sector trend. Reference something current. Show you read the news."
Avoid
Vague generalisations. "The market is quite tough at the moment" with nothing to back it up.
Question 05
Where do you see yourself in five years?
What they want to hear
"Chartered Surveyor — MRICS — with growing responsibility in your chosen pathway. Mention the APC. Show you understand the journey and are committed to it."
Avoid
"I'd like to be in management." Anything that suggests you see this role as temporary.
Closing
Do you have any questions for us?
Ask these
"How is graduate training structured here? What does the APC support look like? What does a typical first year involve for a graduate surveyor?"
Never ask
Salary at first interview. Anything answered on the firm's website. "No, I think you've covered everything."
The STAR method — answer every competency question this way
S
Situation — set the scene briefly. One or two sentences.
T
Task — what was your responsibility or challenge?
A
Action — what did you personally do? This is the most important part.
R
Result — what was the outcome? Quantify it if you can.
Three things to research before any first interview
1
The firm. What sectors do they work in? Who are their major clients? Any recent news, hires or project wins? Know two or three specific things.
2
The market. Current interest rate environment, transaction levels in your target sector, one relevant trend. Read Estates Gazette or Property Week the week before.
3
The APC. Know what it is, how long it takes, and that this firm will support you through it. Mentioning it shows long-term commitment — most candidates do not.
What strong candidates do that others do not
✓Name a specific deal, project or news story involving the firm
✓Reference the RICS APC and show they understand the pathway ahead
✓Ask about graduate training structure — shows long-term thinking
✓Use the STAR method without being prompted
✓Have a clear answer to "why this firm" that is specific and researched
✓Say "I" not "we" — interviewers want your contribution, not the group's
2026 commercial awareness — know these
Interest rates — Bank of England base rate direction and its effect on property values and transaction volumes
MEES and sustainability — EPC compliance obligations for commercial landlords from 2026
Building safety — Building Safety Regulator now fully independent, new levy on residential development
Renters' Rights Act — abolition of Section 21, implications for residential investment
AI in surveying — RICS mandatory AI standard from March 2026. Firms are adapting.
All candidate guides