If you’re looking to join Savills, one of the UK’s leading real estate and property management firms, understanding each role is crucial. Savills hires a wide range of professionals, from property consultants and project managers to marketing specialists and analysts. Each role comes with specific responsibilities and competitive salaries. For example, a Property Consultant may earn around £28,000–£40,000 per year, while Project Managers can earn upwards of £50,000–£65,000 depending on experience. Marketing specialists may earn £30,000–£45,000, and analysts often start at £35,000–£50,000. Knowing the job descriptions and expectations will help you prepare strong answers and show you understand the value you bring to the company.
Opening Questions and Answers
1. Tell me about yourself
This is often the first question. Keep it concise and relevant. Focus on your professional experience, key achievements, and why you are interested in Savills.
Answer Example: “I am a property consultant with five years of experience in residential sales. I have consistently exceeded sales targets by 20% and am passionate about providing clients with exceptional service. I am excited about joining Savills due to its strong reputation in innovative property solutions.”
2. Why do you want to work for Savills?
Demonstrate research and enthusiasm. Mention the company’s culture, growth, or industry reputation.
Answer Example: “Savills is renowned for its client-centric approach and innovative property solutions. I am particularly impressed by your recent sustainability projects and would love to contribute to a team that values excellence and forward-thinking practices.”
3. What do you know about our company?
Research is key. Mention recent projects, company values, or market position.
Answer Example: “Savills has a global presence with over 600 offices and a strong focus on sustainability in property management. I admire the way Savills combines expertise with client-focused service, and I believe my experience aligns well with your mission.”
Competency Questions and Answers (Using STAR Model)
Savills uses competency-based questions to evaluate problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership skills. Use the STAR model (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
4. Describe a challenging project and how you handled it.
Answer Example:
Situation: Managed a property portfolio facing declining client engagement.
Task: Improve client satisfaction and sales conversion rates.
Action: Conducted market research, implemented targeted marketing campaigns, and trained the team on client communication.
Result: Increased client engagement by 30% and boosted sales by 15% in six months.
5. Tell me about a time you worked successfully in a team.
Situation: A cross-departmental project to launch a new property service.
Task: Ensure seamless collaboration between marketing and sales teams.
Action: Organised regular update meetings and streamlined communication channels.
Result: Project launched on time, resulting in a 20% increase in client inquiries.
6. Give an example of when you showed leadership.
Situation: Project deadlines were at risk due to staff shortages.
Task: Maintain workflow and meet client expectations.
Action: Took initiative to reassign tasks, provide guidance, and motivate the team.
Result: Delivered the project on schedule and received positive client feedback.
7. Describe a time you dealt with a difficult client.
Situation: Client dissatisfied with property options.
Task: Retain client and secure a sale.
Action: Listened actively, reassessed client needs, and provided alternative solutions.
Result: Client signed a contract, and ongoing communication led to repeat referrals.
8. How do you handle tight deadlines?
Situation: Multiple property reports due simultaneously.
Task: Ensure accuracy and timely submission.
Action: Prioritised tasks, delegated where possible, and streamlined report generation.
Result: Submitted all reports on time with high-quality analysis.
9. Tell me about a time you implemented a new process.
Situation: Inefficient property database system.
Task: Improve data management and reduce errors.
Action: Introduced a new CRM system and trained staff on usage.
Result: Reduced errors by 25% and improved overall efficiency.
10. Describe a time you received constructive feedback.
Situation: Manager highlighted gaps in client presentation skills.
Task: Improve presentation quality.
Action: Attended training and practised with colleagues.
Result: Received commendations for professional presentations in subsequent meetings.
Role-Specific Interview Questions and Answers
Property Consultant
11. How do you approach property valuation?
Answer: “I analyse market trends, property features, and client needs to provide accurate valuations. I ensure transparency and communicate clearly with clients about the reasoning behind valuations.”
12. How would you generate new client leads?
Answer: “I leverage local networking, social media, and referrals. I also attend industry events and maintain strong relationships with existing clients.”
Project Manager
13. How do you manage project budgets?
Answer: “I track expenses closely, identify potential overruns early, and negotiate with vendors. Regular reporting ensures stakeholders are informed and budgets remain on track.”
14. How do you manage conflicting priorities in a project?
Answer: “I assess urgency and impact, delegate tasks strategically, and communicate transparently with all stakeholders to ensure priorities are clear and achievable.”
Marketing Specialist
15. How would you increase brand awareness for Savills?
Answer: “I would develop targeted digital campaigns, leverage social media, and create content highlighting Savills’ unique services and client successes.”
16. Describe a successful marketing campaign you led.
Answer: “I ran a campaign targeting high-net-worth clients, using email marketing, social media ads, and webinars. Engagement increased by 40%, and client leads grew significantly.”
Analyst
17. How do you handle large data sets for property market analysis?
Answer: “I use advanced analytical tools, maintain data integrity, and visualise results clearly to support strategic decision-making.”
18. Tell me about a time your analysis influenced business decisions.
Answer: “I identified underperforming property sectors through detailed analysis, leading to a reallocation of resources that improved profitability by 12%.”
Behavioural and Problem-Solving Questions
19. How do you prioritise tasks under pressure?
Answer: “I evaluate task urgency and impact, create a structured schedule, and stay focused while adapting to unexpected changes.”
20. Describe a time you made a mistake and how you handled it.
Answer: “I miscommunicated a client requirement. I immediately acknowledged the error, corrected it, and implemented a checklist system to prevent future mistakes.”
21. How do you deal with workplace conflict?
Answer: “I listen objectively, identify underlying issues, and facilitate a solution-focused discussion to maintain professional relationships.”
22. Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a client.
Answer: “A client needed a property quickly. I coordinated viewings, negotiated terms, and provided after-sale support, resulting in a long-term client relationship.”
Closing Questions and Answers
23. Do you have any questions for us?
Always prepare 2–3 insightful questions. Example: “What are the main priorities for this role in the first six months?”
24. Why should we hire you?
Answer: “My experience, proactive approach, and passion for client success align perfectly with Savills’ values, making me confident I can add immediate value.”
25. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Answer: “I aim to grow within Savills, taking on increased responsibilities and contributing to innovative property solutions that benefit clients and the company.”
26. What motivates you at work?
Answer: “Delivering excellent client outcomes, continuous learning, and contributing to a high-performing team motivate me to excel every day.”
Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
Research the company thoroughly.
Prepare answers using the STAR model.
Dress professionally and arrive on time.
Follow up with a polite thank-you email.
Demonstrate enthusiasm and confidence.
Don’t:
Speak negatively about previous employers.
Give generic answers.
Interrupt the interviewer.
Forget to ask questions about the role.
Overlook body language and communication skills.
General Interview Coaching Encouragement and Tips
Interviewing can be stressful, but with the right preparation, you can excel. Practise your answers, focus on your achievements, and maintain a positive mindset. Remember, interviewers are looking for problem-solving ability, teamwork, and cultural fit, so demonstrate these qualities confidently. Using structured frameworks like the STAR model ensures your answers are clear and impactful.
For professional support, consider working with an interview coach or accessing interview coaching online. Services like job interview preparation and interview training can help you polish your answers, improve confidence, and maximise your chance of success.
Your dream role at Savills is within reach. Take the time to prepare thoughtfully, practice extensively, and remember that every interview is a chance to showcase your unique skills. Book a session with a career professional for personalised interview coaching today to take your preparation to the next level.
