Real estate is a competitive industry – not least at entry level, where applications for trainee schemes can heavily outnumber the places available.
To find out what it is really like on a trainee surveyor scheme, tune in to this episode of Bricks and Mortar, where EG speaks to Ema Saunders, human resources director at Savills, who oversees recruitment, training and management of graduates, apprentices and work experience students.
She gives her thoughts on what makes the ideal candidate, how they can expect to develop in their role and what to expect on final qualification.
Click below to listen
EG: How does the graduate recruitment process work at Savills?
ES: At Savills we continually look for talent for our graduate and apprentice programmes. We have numerous work shadowing and experience placements throughout the year, as well as open days and events for schools and universities to get involved in.
Applications for apprenticeships open in June, and for the graduate scheme in September until early November. All applications are via our website and require a professional CV and cover letter. Our focus in recruitment is getting a good understanding of the applicant and what motivates them, so we can understand what they will bring to our culture.
What are you looking for in your graduate trainees?
We are looking for a diverse range of people (hence why we offer our graduate scheme to some people without a real estate degree each year and offer support for their conversion course).
Essentially, we are focussed on people who are capable, enjoy being challenged intellectually, and who are entrepreneurial, hard-working and team oriented. Anyone applying to us should be able to demonstrate a keen interest in real estate either via work experience or through pursuit of relevant academic experience – preferably both.
From a personality perspective we are looking for people who add to our mix of characters and skills, applicants who stand out from their peers because they are interesting, interested and fun.
How are they coached to develop their skills and prepare for final assessment?
Our comprehensive programmes include access to the best training in the industry, and to experienced professionals who commit time to provide a good experience. The schedule is demanding and requires dedication to the academic, technical side of their training, as well as the day-to-day work which is overseen by mentors they work with closely.
We have a revision programme which builds throughout the whole training period and support each individual to ensure they are fully prepared for their final assessment, technically, professionally and mentally.
After qualification, what can graduates expect?
After qualification graduates choose the team they wish to work with and receive further support for their career progression. Our expectation is that those who join our graduate programme will progress to be leaders of the business in the future.
We continue to offer support for career progression and change, including international experience in our global offices.
To send feedback, e-mail sarah.jackman@egi.co.uk or tweet @estatesgazette
