According to LinkedIn Talent Insights, approximately 156,255 professionals have been active in London’s property industry over the past year...

With 20,887 of them making career moves during this period.

So, how can you stand out among the 20,000 others to secure your ideal role?

At deverellsmith, our experienced consultants engage daily with top property employers—from major corporations to independent firms—gaining unique insights into what truly makes candidates stand out at every step of the job search process.

In this guide, we’ll cover practical, actionable strategies to help you shine, from in-depth research to post-interview follow-up. With a focused, intentional approach, you’ll be able to highlight both your skills and your authentic passion for the industry.

Let’s dive in to help you leave a lasting impression in this competitive market.

Establishing property industry knowledge

Before you even start applying, take time to fully understand the specific niche within the property industry you’re targeting—whether it's residential, commercial, or real estate investment trusts (REITs). Each of these areas requires different skills, knowledge, and networking approaches.

Tip for Standing Out: Develop expertise in the latest property market trends. Subscribe to key industry publications, attend webinars, and join local property forums. Familiarise yourself with regulations, financial trends, and recent developments in the real estate landscape. This proactive learning will give you conversational knowledge and insights that can impress during networking events and interviews.

Building strategic connections

In the property industry, networking is one of the most effective ways to find job opportunities. Attending industry events, seminars, and open houses not only gives you a better sense of the field but also allows you to meet influential figures in the industry.

Tip for standing out: Aim to bring value to your interactions. Instead of approaching networking with a "What can you do for me?" mindset, ask yourself, "What can I offer this person?" Show genuine interest in others' projects, ask insightful questions, and share relevant articles or research. This builds a lasting impression and establishes you as a valuable connection.

Tip from our Associate Director of Estate Agency - Tommy Lambourne:

“Ask questions, that would be my number one tip when networking. If you are unsure how to start conversations, research the people that will be at the event before and see if they have posted about their interests. This is a great way to start conversations, everyone loves talking about the things they are passionate about”

Learn from industry experts in our networking masterclass in partnership with the Land Collective here.

Bonus tip: Be active on LinkedIn. Engage with posts from property professionals, share your own thoughts on market trends, and participate in groups focused on property topics. By positioning yourself as an informed participant, you become visible to hiring managers and recruiters.

Showcasing unique value

In the property industry, recruiters and hiring managers sift through countless applications, so making your resume and cover letter distinctive is critical. Tailor your documents specifically to the role you're applying for and highlight your knowledge of the company’s recent achievements or projects.

Tip for standing out: Use metrics whenever possible to showcase your achievements. For example, instead of saying, "Managed a team in a property development project," try "Led a team of five on a £10 million commercial property project, achieving a 15% under-budget completion." This quantitative approach helps employers gauge the real impact of your work.

Going the Extra Mile

When submitting your application, don’t settle for just filling out the online form and attaching your documents. Look for ways to give a little more context to your submission, whether through the company website, LinkedIn, or direct follow-ups.

Tip for standing out: If the company allows, consider submitting a short video introduction along with your application. Keep it brief and professional (no longer than a minute), focusing on your passion for property, key experiences, and what excites you about the role.
Personal follow-up: After submitting your application, send a thoughtful LinkedIn message or email to the hiring manager. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and mention one specific point about the company or project that drew you to the position. Just remember to keep it brief and respectful of their time.

Going beyond basic responses

The interview stage is where you can genuinely showcase your personality, knowledge, and commitment to the property industry. The property sector often values candidates who demonstrate both technical skills and the ability to connect with clients and teams.

Tip for standing out: Research the company’s recent projects and ask specific questions about them during the interview. Show that you’ve done your homework by mentioning why you found a project interesting or what you would like to learn from similar projects in the future.
Mock interviews: Conduct mock interviews that simulate the conversational, client-facing nature of property roles. Practice delivering anecdotes that illustrate your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and adaptability. This helps you present yourself as a confident and seasoned professional rather than just a job seeker.

You can read here a full guide to our interview do’s and don’ts.

Post-interview to reinforce your interest

The follow-up process can be one of the most overlooked stages of the job search, yet it’s an opportunity to reinforce your candidacy and show appreciation for the opportunity.

Tip for standing out: Send a personalised thank-you email within 24 hours after the interview. Instead of a generic thank-you message, briefly mention something specific from the conversation that resonated with you, whether it's a detail about the company culture or an exciting project you discussed. This shows that you were genuinely engaged in the interview and attentive to the role's specifics.
Going further: If appropriate, share a relevant article or industry insight related to a topic you discussed during the interview. For instance, if you spoke about sustainable building practices, link to a recent study or article about it. This can help reinforce your knowledge and enthusiasm for the field.

Articulating your value

If you receive an offer, it’s essential to approach the negotiation with confidence. In property, where jobs often involve a direct impact on profit margins, construction budgets, or client relations, being able to articulate your value and contributions is key.

Tip for standing out: Clearly communicate the unique skills or experiences you bring to the table. Highlight specific achievements and explain how they can contribute to the company’s goals. For example, if you have experience in cost-saving measures or have managed profitable projects in the past, demonstrate how this can benefit the company’s bottom line.
Know the market rate: Research the typical salary range for your role within the property sector in your location. Use this knowledge to make a reasonable and well-informed counter-offer, if appropriate, while remaining respectful and collaborative in your negotiation approach.

The property industry values not only technical expertise but also interpersonal skills, market knowledge, and a proactive approach. Standing out in your job search means being intentional, authentic, and well-prepared at each stage. By focusing on value-driven networking, insightful application materials, and genuine follow-ups, you can make yourself a memorable candidate that employers in the property sector are eager to bring on board.