FAQ
Q: What and when is the application process?
A: The 2012 scheme application process will open on Monday 3rd October and close on Friday 9th December 2011. We require you to complete a short application form and upload your CV.
Q: Are there any Graduate open days/careers fairs to attend?
A: Knight Frank will be attending a number of careers fairs internationally. In the UK, the recruitment team will be attending 7 careers fairs:
* CASS Business School - Wednesday 21st September 2011
* Heriot Watt- Thursday 13th October 2011
* Oxford Brookes University - Monday 17th October 2011
* Reading University - Wednesday 19th October 2011
* Sheffield Hallam University - Friday 28th October 2011
* Nottingham Trent University- Wednesday 9th November 2011
* Cirencester - Tuesday 15th November 2011
Q: What is the minimum criteria for applying, and will work experience put applicants
in good stead?
A: The minimum criteria for applying is 3 B's (or equivalent points) and above at
A-Level, a 2:1 degree qualification or predicted degree qualification and substantive
relevant property work experience. At Knight Frank we look for self-starters and
therefore an application that can demonstrate a candidates initiative and drive
to gain work experience will be viewed favourably.
Q: What is the interview process and when is it likely to take place?
A: We have a two stage interview process for the Knight Frank Graduate scheme. In the UK we invite the successful candidates from the application stage to a first stage interview at 55 Baker Street to meet with one of our Partners for a 20 minute, one on one interview.
If successful at the first stage, candidates will be invited to join us for a half day, 2nd stage interview process. This will involve various assessments including a technical interview during which you will be expected to give a property based presentation, a competency interview, an on-site surveying activity, in addition there is a tour of our Headquarters, an opportunity to meet and talk to some of our current graduates as well as lunch with partners across the firm
First stage interviews for the UK graduate scheme will occur in the first two weeks of January 2012. The second stage interviews will be held during the third week of January 2012.
Q: How many graduates are Knight Frank intending to take on?
A: For our 2012 schemes we are intending to recruit up to 20 graduates across the business, to start working with Knight Frank in September 2012.
Q: How does the induction process work and when is the start date likely to be?
Are there any preparations I should make before the start date?
For those joining the scheme in the UK, your first two days will consist of an induction
to the Firm and Graduate scheme, including the following aspects:
- A presentation from the Senior Partner
- A tour of the office
- IT Training
- An explanation of the APC process and required documentation
- A number of technical seminars focused on practical surveying
This induction, usually on a Thursday/Friday in mid September, prepares you for your first day in
your department on the following Monday. In the months leading up to your induction,
we will send you APC documentation to complete before your actual induction commences.
Q: What is the starting salary?
A: Each year we review our graduate salary to ensure our package is at a competitive
market rate.
Q: Are there any opportunities to work abroad?
A: A number of UK graduates may have the opportunity to take a six month rotation
in one of our European offices, such as in Paris, Moscow, Madrid or Prague to name
a few. Opportunities may also arise during your training to work further afield
in China, India or Australia. Language skills will be important in some locations.
Q: How many Rotations are there and how will these be decided?
A: Our APC programme is focused on making sure you receive all the training you
require to pass your APC as set out by the RICS.
Commercial Property Practice Pathway
On the Commercial Property Practice Pathway, you will complete 4, six month rotations
in differing departments that will expose you to a variety of areas of practice
which may include agency, professional and investment work as well as valuations.
Residential Survey and Valuation Pathway
On the Residential Survey and Valuation Pathway, you will spend the majority of
your two year programme within the Residential Valuation department so you are able
to gain greater knowledge in inspection and building pathology. For your APC training
you will however be required to gain hands on experience in other technical areas,
and therefore will have the opportunity to rotate into other departments to attain
the competencies required for your APC training.
Residential Property Practice Pathway
On the Residential Property Practice Pathway you will spend your two year training
programme within the Residential Sales division, which will expose you to the experience vital to attain the competencies required for your APC training.
At Knight Frank we are dedicated to making sure you gain as much practical experience
as possible and therefore each rotation is decided by the experience you have gained
to date, and the competencies you are still required to obtain.
Q: What is the typical day for a Graduate like?
A: Working in such a dynamic industry, there is no stereotypical day, as each day can
vary vastly. The graduate role is well respected and essential to a team's success,
providing support and assistance to all members of the department through a variety
of responsibilities. More specifically these roles generally incorporate report
writing, due diligence, face to face interaction with clients and agents, research,
negotiation and of course attending graduate drinks and team nights out!
Q: What support and training is provided to pass the APC?
A: To ensure you have the best possible chance of passing your APC we provide you with
support during the two year training programme from experienced surveyors who are
APC Chairman and Assessors.
Nearer the time of your final APC assessment you will be given advice on the required
submissions as well as focused technical training sessions and mock interviews.
Q: What is the pass rate for the APC?
A: The current pass rate of our graduates is 97% and has been consistently in excess of 90% over the past 10 years.
Q: What sports teams and events are there at Knight Frank?
A: Knight Frank has a number of sports teams which welcome new players every year.
We actively take part in leagues and sporting events in rugby, cricket, football,
golf, softball, netball, speednet and hockey. We also host a number of events during
the year including:
- Commercial V Residential cricket match
- Divisional rounders tournaments
- Surveyors 7s rugby tournament
Q: What are the benefits of working for an LLP?
A: Operating as a Limited Liability Partnership, the firm's 60 Proprietary Partners (known as members) are free to run the business in such a way that has led to the sustained success of Knight Frank and a corporate culture of inclusiveness, personal encouragement and development which helps us recruit and retain the very best people.