Introduction
5 Interview Tips to Help You Land Your Next Public Sector Property Role
Whether you’re a seasoned Surveyor or stepping into your first Housing Officer role, interviews in the public sector property space can be tough to navigate, especially with increased competition and tighter budgets across local authorities and housing associations.
At Marks Consulting Partners, we support candidates through every stage of the recruitment process. Over the years, we’ve picked up on what separates a good interview from a great one, and we’re sharing our top interview tips to help you stand out.
Research the organisation, properly
This sounds obvious, but too many candidates still wing it. Go beyond the homepage. Review their strategic housing plans, recent stock investment programmes, or development pipeline. If they’re a housing association, look for their latest annual report, or check recent board minutes if available.
Pro tip: Have 1–2 talking points ready that relate directly to their recent work, it shows you’ve done your homework and understand their challenges.
Use the STAR method, with real metrics
Public sector hiring managers love structured answers. Use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result), and try to quantify outcomes where possible:
“I led a fire safety review across 220 units in temporary accommodation, reducing outstanding remedial actions by 93% over three months.”
This shows your direct impact and ties in with key priorities like compliance, resident safety, and cost control.
Tailor your answers to the public sector
Working in local government or a housing association isn’t the same as working in the private sector. Be sure to reflect:
- How you’ve worked under budget constraints
- Your understanding of social value
- Experience engaging with vulnerable tenants or council members
Public sector clients want candidates who “get it.” Don’t assume they’ll connect the dots themselves.
Don’t be afraid to show personality
Technical knowledge is important, but so is team fit. Especially in high-pressure environments like housing repairs, development, or regeneration teams.
Interviewers often remember candidates who show they’re approachable, resilient, and easy to work with. It’s fine to smile, tell a (brief) story, or let a bit of your personality come through, just keep it professional.
Final Thought
Public sector property jobs are evolving, and so are the expectations of hiring managers.
Whether you’re going for a Development Manager, Asset Surveyor, or Repairs Project Lead role, preparation and positioning are key.
Need help preparing for your next move? At Marks Consulting Partners, we don’t just send CVs. We partner with you to make sure you’re fully ready to perform at interview.
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