Property

How to get a job at Knight Frank

20 real interview questions, insider tips on the hiring process, and what Knight Frank actually looks for. Most people read about it. Very few practise for it.

London, UK 4,500+ 4/5/5 Glassdoor
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Your question

Tell me about yourself and what makes you a strong candidate for this role.

30s preparation 2 min recording Camera + mic

About Knight Frank

Company overview

Knight Frank is one of the world's largest independent real estate adviser, with a major UK presence and global reach. The firm provides services across investment, development, leasing, occupier solutions, and research across all property sectors.

Based in London with offices throughout the UK and internationally, Knight Frank advises institutional investors, developers, and corporates on property strategy and transactions. The firm is renowned for market expertise, relationship-driven approach, and thought leadership.

Knight Frank maintains its independent status and is committed to delivering exceptional client service and developing its professional team.

Inside the company

Culture & values at Knight Frank

Knight Frank values client relationships, professional expertise, and business success. The firm fosters a collaborative culture where professionals are encouraged to build expertise and develop client relationships. They invest in people development, mentoring, and specialist training.

The firm emphasises integrity, market knowledge, and entrepreneurial thinking. They support professionals to build successful, 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.

What to expect

Working at Knight Frank

The working environment at Knight Frank 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 4,500+-person organisation, Knight Frank 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 Knight Frank 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 — Knight Frank 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

Knight Frank interview process

Knight Frank's recruitment process focuses on identifying talented professionals who can build client relationships and demonstrate market knowledge. Process includes assessments and interviews with experienced surveyors.

1

Application & Screening

1-2 weeks

CV and application form reviewed. Initial discussion with recruiter about motivations and background

2

Market Knowledge Assessment

1 week

Assessment of understanding of property markets, valuation concepts, and commercial awareness

3

Telephone Interview

30-45 minutes

Initial interview with senior surveyor or team leader covering background, motivation, and technical knowledge

4

In-Person Interview

45-60 minutes

Meeting with partner or senior manager assessing commercial expertise and cultural fit

5

Final Discussions

Varies

May include further discussions about specific role requirements and team dynamics

Recruitment ongoing throughout the year. Application-to-offer typically 4-6 weeks.

Insider tips

Research Knight Frank's market position and recent transactions; 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 Knight Frank interview

Knight Frank's interview process typically takes Recruitment ongoing 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 Knight Frank 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 Knight Frank 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 Knight Frank 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 Knight Frank'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 Knight Frank's strategy.

Final week

Review and refine your STAR examples — tighten any that felt long or unfocused during practice. Check Knight Frank'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 Knight Frank looks for

Market Expertise

Deep understanding of local and national property markets. Knowledge of rental trends and investment drivers. 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 and commitment to understanding client needs. Ability to provide trusted advice.

Professional Knowledge

Understanding of valuation methodologies, lease structures, and investment concepts. Knowledge of surveying practice and professional standards.

Business Development

Willingness to build a client base and grow business. Comfort with networking and relationship-building. Understanding that client satisfaction drives business success.

Communication Excellence

Strong communication with diverse audiences from investors to corporate occupiers. Clear presentation skills and ability to translate technical concepts.

Get through the door

How to apply to Knight Frank

Start by studying Knight Frank'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 Knight Frank specifically, not just the job title in general.

If you're early in your career, look for entry-level or junior positions on Knight Frank'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 Knight Frank 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 Knight Frank'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 Knight Frank on LinkedIn and attend any open days or recruitment events they run.

As a smaller organisation, Knight Frank 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 Knight Frank 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 Knight Frank'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 — Knight Frank 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 — Knight Frank's process typically takes Recruitment ongoing 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 Knight Frank and the specific role.
  • 6Applying to multiple roles at Knight Frank simultaneously without tailoring each application — recruiters notice this, and it signals that you're not genuinely interested in any specific position.

Real questions asked

Knight Frank interview questions

20 questions sourced from real Knight Frank candidates. Practise answering them out loud before your interview.

  • 1Tell us about a recent property market development that interests you
  • 2Why Knight Frank specifically as an independent firm?
  • 3Describe your understanding of the local property market
  • 4How would you go about building a client base?
  • 5Tell us about your experience with valuation
  • 6What attracted you to property advisory?
  • 7Describe a situation where your advice made a difference
  • 8How do you stay informed about market trends?

Your career here

Growth & development at Knight Frank

Career progression at Knight Frank 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.

Knight Frank 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, Knight Frank 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 Knight Frank started in entry-level or early-career positions, which speaks to the genuine career development opportunities available.

Compensation

Salary & benefits at Knight Frank

Graduate surveyor: £26,000-£29,000. Senior surveyor: £48,000-£68,000. Associate: £62,000-£82,000.

Notable benefits

Competitive pension scheme
Private health insurance
Life assurance
Travel loan
Professional development support
RICS fees reimbursement
Flexible working options
Parental leave
Enhanced maternity pay
Bonus and profit-sharing for partners

Roles they hire for

Popular roles at Knight Frank

Frequently asked questions

What is the partnership structure at Knight Frank?

Knight Frank is an independent partnership, which means 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 differentiates Knight Frank from competitors owned by global corporations.

How does Knight Frank support RICS qualification?

Knight Frank strongly supports RICS qualification and funds professional fees and training. The firm provides mentoring from qualified surveyors to support the APC process. RICS qualification is essential for partnership consideration and career progression.

What office locations does Knight Frank have in the UK?

Knight Frank 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, providing local expertise.

Does Knight Frank recruit graduates or prefer experienced hires?

Knight Frank recruits both graduates and experienced professionals. Graduate recruits typically have degrees in surveying or related disciplines. The firm supports graduate development through mentoring, training, and structured exposure.

What is Knight Frank's approach to client relationships?

Knight Frank emphasises long-term client relationships and trusted advisory. This means understanding clients' business needs and supporting strategic decision-making over years. For ambitious professionals who enjoy relationship-building, Knight Frank offers excellent opportunity to develop deep client connections.

Does Knight Frank offer international opportunities?

Yes, Knight Frank operates internationally and offers opportunities for professionals wishing to develop global experience. The firm has offices worldwide, and experienced professionals often work on cross-border transactions and multinational client relationships.

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