How to get a job at Savills
20 real interview questions, insider tips on the hiring process, and what Savills actually looks for. Most people read about it. Very few practise for it.
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Your question
“Tell me about yourself and what makes you a strong candidate for this role.”
About Savills
Company overview
Savills is an independent global real estate adviser with a distinguished heritage and strong UK market presence. The firm provides services across investment, development, occupier solutions, and asset management across all property types.
Based in London with offices throughout the UK and internationally, Savills advises on complex transactions, portfolio strategies, and long-term real estate solutions. The firm is known for deep market knowledge, relationship-driven approach, and thought leadership.
Savills maintains its independence as a partnership and is committed to delivering exceptional client service and developing its professional team.
Inside the company
Culture & values at Savills
Savills values client relationships, professional expertise, and business success. The firm fosters a partnership culture where professionals have ownership and opportunity. They invest in people development, mentoring, and specialist expertise development.
The firm emphasises integrity, market knowledge, and long-term thinking. They are committed to supporting their professionals to build successful and rewarding careers.
Why people want to work here
Work for a prestigious independent firm; develop specialist market expertise; structured training towards RICS qualification; strong client relationships and transaction opportunities; clear partnership pathway; competitive compensation and profit-sharing for partners.
What to expect
Working at Savills
The working environment at Savills reflects the property sector — structured but dynamic, with a mix of planned project work and responsive tasks. Most roles involve regular collaboration with colleagues across different teams and functions, with clear expectations for deliverables and timelines. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements are increasingly common, and the organisation recognises that different roles require different working patterns.
As a 3,500+-person organisation, Savills sits at a size where you can genuinely know people across different departments. Teams tend to be close-knit, and there's a real sense of shared purpose. You'll likely have more visibility with senior leadership than you would at a larger employer, which means your contributions are noticed and your ideas can reach decision-makers more quickly.
The culture at Savills shapes how the day feels beyond just the work itself. Colleagues describe the environment as one that values Market Expertise and Client Relationship Skills. Lunch breaks, team socials, and informal catch-ups are part of the rhythm — Savills recognises that building relationships across the organisation is as important as the deliverables themselves. Most employees report that the people are one of the best things about working here, and that the team dynamic makes challenging work feel manageable.
The hiring journey
Savills interview process
Savills' recruitment process focuses on identifying talented professionals who can build client relationships and demonstrate market knowledge. The process includes assessments and interviews with experienced surveyors.
Application & Screening
1-2 weeksCV and application form reviewed. Initial discussion with recruiter about motivations and background
Market Knowledge Test
1 weekAssessment of understanding of property markets, valuation concepts, and commercial awareness
Telephone Interview
30-45 minutesInitial interview covering background, motivation, and technical knowledge with senior surveyor or team leader
In-Person Interview
45-60 minutesMeeting with partner or senior manager covering market knowledge, client service approach, and cultural fit
Final Discussions
VariesMay include further discussions about team dynamics and specific office requirements
Recruitment ongoing with intake points throughout the year. Application-to-offer typically 4-6 weeks.
Insider tips
Research Savills' market position and recent transaction activity; demonstrate specific knowledge of local property markets; show genuine interest in building client relationships; prepare examples of commercial awareness and problem-solving.
Your game plan
How to prepare for your Savills interview
Savills's interview process typically takes Recruitment ongoing with intake points throughout the year. Application-to-offer typically 4-6 weeks.. Starting your preparation 4 weeks ahead gives you enough time to research thoroughly, build strong examples, and practise until your answers feel natural rather than rehearsed. Candidates who prepare systematically consistently outperform those who wing it — and interviewers can always tell the difference.
4 weeks before
Research Savills thoroughly — read their annual report, recent press coverage, and leadership interviews. Understand their position in real estate services and any challenges or opportunities they're facing. Follow Savills on LinkedIn and note the type of content they share — this reveals what they're proud of and where they're heading. Start reviewing the 5 stages of their interview process so you know exactly what to expect at each step. Identify anyone in your network who works or has worked at Savills and reach out for an informal conversation.
3 weeks before
Prepare 8-10 STAR examples from your experience that demonstrate Market Expertise, Client Relationship Skills, Professional Knowledge. These should be specific, quantified stories you can adapt to different questions — don't just prepare one example per quality, because interviewers often ask follow-ups or probe the same competency from different angles. If you're applying for Estate Agent or Quantity Surveyor role, make sure your examples are directly relevant to that function. Start practising answering questions out loud — silent preparation and written notes aren't enough, because the interview requires you to articulate your thoughts clearly under pressure.
2 weeks before
Do a full mock interview covering Savills's typical question types — common, behavioural, and technical. Time your answers (aim for 2-3 minutes per STAR response — shorter feels thin, longer loses the interviewer's attention). Research your interviewers on LinkedIn if you know who they are — understanding their background can help you tailor your examples. Prepare 4-5 thoughtful questions to ask at the end of each stage. Good questions show you've done your research: ask about team challenges, upcoming projects, or how the role contributes to Savills's strategy.
Final week
Review and refine your STAR examples — tighten any that felt long or unfocused during practice. Check Savills's news and social media for anything published in the last few days (being able to reference something current shows genuine, ongoing interest). Confirm logistics — location, format (video or in-person), dress code, who you're meeting, and how long to allow. Prepare a printed copy of your CV, the job description, and your question list. Plan your route if in-person. The night before, focus on rest rather than last-minute cramming — confidence and composure matter as much as preparation.
Stand out from the crowd
What Savills looks for
Market Expertise
Deep understanding of local and national property markets. Knowledge of rental trends, investment drivers, and market cycles. Ability to interpret market data and provide market context to clients.
Client Relationship Skills
Genuine ability to build and maintain client relationships. Good listening skills, empathy, and commitment to understanding client needs. Ability to provide trusted advice and support decision-making.
Professional Knowledge
Understanding of valuation methodologies, lease structures, and investment concepts. Demonstrated knowledge of surveying practice and commitment to professional standards.
Business Development Mindset
Willingness to build a client base and grow business. Comfort with networking and relationship-building. Understanding that client satisfaction drives referrals and business success.
Communication Excellence
Strong ability to communicate with diverse audiences from experienced investors to corporate occupiers. Clear presentation skills and ability to translate technical concepts for non-specialists.
Get through the door
How to apply to Savills
Start by studying Savills's careers page and current openings carefully. Tailor your CV to mirror the language they use in job descriptions — real estate services employers use applicant tracking systems that scan for specific keywords, and generic applications get filtered out before a human sees them. If you're applying for Estate Agent, Quantity Surveyor, Property Valuer, research what each role involves at Savills specifically, not just the job title in general.
If you're early in your career, look for entry-level or junior positions on Savills's careers page. Some roles may not be advertised externally, so networking through LinkedIn and industry events can surface opportunities before they're posted publicly. Consider whether Savills offers internships or work experience placements as a route in — many property employers use these as a pipeline for permanent roles.
Before submitting your application, research Savills's recent news, strategy, and any public statements from leadership. Mentioning something specific in your cover letter — a recent project, a company initiative, or a strategic direction — signals that you've done your homework and aren't sending the same application to every property employer. Referrals from current employees significantly increase your chances of getting an interview, so connect with people at Savills on LinkedIn and attend any open days or recruitment events they run.
As a smaller organisation, Savills values personal connections. Attending industry events where their team members speak or exhibit can be an effective way to build rapport before you apply. In property specifically, personal recommendations carry significant weight.
Mistakes candidates make
- 1Submitting a generic CV that doesn't reference Savills or real estate services-specific experience — tailored applications are significantly more likely to get past initial screening. Mirror the language from the job description and quantify your achievements.
- 2Failing to research Savills's values, recent news, and strategic direction before the interview — interviewers can tell immediately when a candidate hasn't prepared beyond reading the About page on the website.
- 3Not preparing concrete STAR examples that demonstrate Market Expertise and Client Relationship Skills — Savills uses competency-based interviewing, so vague answers like "I'm a team player" without specific situations, actions, and measurable outcomes will score poorly.
- 4Underestimating the preparation timeline — Savills's process typically takes Recruitment ongoing with intake points throughout the year. Application-to-offer typically 4-6 weeks., and the best candidates start preparing weeks in advance. Last-minute cramming shows in your answers.
- 5Neglecting to ask thoughtful questions at the end of each interview stage — generic questions like "what's the culture like?" waste your chance to demonstrate genuine curiosity about Savills and the specific role.
- 6Applying to multiple roles at Savills simultaneously without tailoring each application — recruiters notice this, and it signals that you're not genuinely interested in any specific position.
Real questions asked
Savills interview questions
20 questions sourced from real Savills candidates. Practise answering them out loud before your interview.
- 1Tell us about a recent property market development that interests you
- 2Why Savills specifically as an independent firm?
- 3Describe your understanding of the local property market in our office location
- 4How would you go about building a client base in property advisory?
- 5Tell us about your experience with valuation or property analysis
- 6What attracted you to property advisory as a career?
- 7Describe a situation where you've provided advice that made a difference to someone's decision
- 8How do you stay informed about market trends and developments?
Your career here
Growth & development at Savills
Career progression at Savills follows a relatively clear path for most roles. Promotions typically depend on demonstrating increased responsibility, deeper expertise, and leadership capability — whether that's leading teams, managing clients, or driving technical innovation. The organisation values both specialist depth and the ability to take on broader management responsibilities, so there are usually multiple progression routes available. Don't assume you need to move into management to advance — many property organisations increasingly recognise and reward technical and specialist career paths.
Savills invests in structured learning and development programmes, including access to training courses, conferences, and professional certifications. Many employees report that the L&D budget is generous and genuinely encouraged — not just a line in the benefits package that nobody actually uses. Whether it's technical upskilling, leadership development, or industry certifications, there's real support for continuous learning. While formal mentoring programmes may vary across departments, the culture generally encourages learning from more experienced colleagues. Building relationships with senior team members is one of the most effective ways to accelerate your development — seek out people whose career trajectory you admire and ask them for advice regularly.
For real estate services professionals, Savills offers exposure to projects and challenges that build a strong CV whether you stay long-term or move on after a few years. The skills and experience you gain — particularly around Market Expertise and Client Relationship Skills — are transferable across the property sector and beyond. Internal mobility is possible for strong performers, with opportunities to move between teams, departments, or even locations as your career develops. Many senior leaders at Savills started in entry-level or early-career positions, which speaks to the genuine career development opportunities available.
Compensation
Salary & benefits at Savills
Graduate surveyor: £25,000-£27,000. Senior surveyor: £45,000-£60,000. Associate: £60,000-£80,000.
Notable benefits
Roles they hire for
Popular roles at Savills
Frequently asked questions
What is the partnership structure at Savills?
Savills is an independent partnership owned by its partners. This means that successful professionals can progress to partnership and share in the firm's success. The partnership structure encourages long-term thinking and gives partners incentive to develop business and support junior professionals. This differs from many competitors that are owned by global corporations.
How does Savills support RICS qualification?
Savills strongly supports RICS qualification and funds professional fees and training. The firm provides mentoring from qualified surveyors to support your APC process. RICS qualification is essential for partnership consideration and career progression, and Savills is committed to supporting you through this journey.
What office locations does Savills have in the UK?
Savills has offices throughout the UK including major locations in London, the South East, South West, Midlands, North, Scotland, and Wales. Different offices specialise in different markets and property types. You'll join a local team with expertise in your target market and region.
Does Savills recruit graduates or prefer experienced hires?
Savills recruits both graduates and experienced professionals. Graduate recruits typically have degrees in surveying or related disciplines and join as trainee surveyors. The firm supports graduate development through mentoring, training, and structured exposure to transactions and market experience.
What is Savills' approach to client relationships?
Savills emphasises long-term client relationships and trusted advisory. This means understanding clients' business needs, providing market insights, and supporting strategic decision-making over years or decades. For ambitious professionals who enjoy relationship-building and market knowledge, Savills offers excellent opportunity to develop deep client connections.
Does Savills offer international opportunities?
Yes, Savills operates in many countries and offers international secondment and relocation opportunities for professionals wishing to develop global experience. The firm has a strong network of international offices, and experienced professionals often work on cross-border transactions and multinational client relationships.
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