The Interview Goes Both Ways: How to Impress Top Candidates
In property, interviews aren’t just about testing a candidate’s suitability, they’re also your chance to sell you.
Top candidates are in demand. They’re weighing you up just as much as you’re assessing them. If you want to secure the best, you need to impress.
1. First Impressions Start Early
The candidate experience begins the moment they receive your job description or first email.
Is your brand clear? Is the role compelling? Are you prompt and professional in your responses?
Slow replies and vague details can send the message that your hiring process, and company culture are equally sluggish.
2. Know Your Pitch
You expect candidates to explain why they’re the right fit, so be ready to explain why you are.
Highlight:
- Culture & Values – What makes your workplace different?
- Growth Opportunities – Where could this role lead?
- Real Impact – How will they contribute to the company’s success?
Don’t rely on clichés like “fast-paced” or “dynamic”, instead give them tangible, specific reasons to be excited.
3. Make the Interview an Exchange
The best interviews feel like a conversation, not an interrogation. Ask thoughtful questions, but also leave space for them to ask you. Answer honestly, candidates value transparency.
If there are challenges in the role, be upfront. Top talent often welcomes the opportunity to solve problems.
4. Showcase the Team
Whenever possible, involve future colleagues or managers in the process. This helps candidates picture themselves in the role and builds trust. A “meet the team” stage can be the deciding factor in their acceptance.
5. Follow Up Fast
Top candidates often have multiple offers. A delayed decision can mean losing them. Even if you’re not ready to make an offer, keep communication flowing. Silence signals disinterest.
Remember: The hiring process isn’t just about finding someone who ticks the boxes, it’s about making sure they choose you.
In a competitive property market, your ability to impress can be the difference between landing your dream hire or losing them to a competitor.
At Collins Property Recruitment, we help you not only attract but win over the very best in the business. From shaping your employer brand to streamlining your interview process, we know what it takes to turn interviews into job offers that stick.
Email us at info@collinspropertyrecruitment.com or give us a call on 020 7435 0309.
Collins Property Recruitment is a business with a purpose: to enable talent and businesses to meet and do great things together. We make this happen through an unrivalled network, a values-led, consultative approach and a hard-earned reputation as the go-to recruiter in property.
