If you’re preparing for interviews in real estate investment, asset management, or capital markets, it’s worth knowing: the traditional “chat through your CV” format is fading fast.
The interview process is becoming far more technical, analytical, and scenario-based. Hiring managers now want to understand how you think commercially, not just what you’ve done. Expect to see:
➡️ Case studies or modelling tasks (DCF, IRR sensitivities, deal underwriting, or portfolio optimisation)
➡️ Investment memos or short presentations where you pitch an asset or market view
➡️ Scenario discussions: “If yields move 50bps, how would that impact your recommendation?”
➡️ Market walk-throughs: demonstrating your awareness of capital flows, investor sentiment, or sector performance
These are designed to assess both your financial acumen and communication style. Hiring Managers want to see your ability to interpret data, tell a story, and make sound recommendations.
How to prepare:
1️⃣ Know your numbers. Be comfortable explaining your assumptions and how they’d flex under pressure.
2️⃣ Think like an investor. Link your technical work to value creation and risk mitigation — not just spreadsheet output.
3️⃣ Tell the story. When presenting, use a clear narrative: market → deal → strategy → outcome.
4️⃣ Bring your own view. Interviewers love candidates who can offer informed perspectives on current trends – logistics yields, living sector dynamics etc.
5️⃣ Follow up with insight. A short message summarising your take on the market or deal shows genuine engagement beyond the interview.
So when you walk into that next interview, be ready not just to answer questions but to demonstrate your investment mindset.