Recruiters spend an average of 6-7 seconds on an initial CV scan. In a competitive property market, a generic CV will cost you opportunities. Here is how to craft a CV specifically for the real estate sector.
Structure and Format
Keep your CV to two pages maximum. Use a clean, professional layout with clear headings and consistent formatting. Avoid graphics, tables, or unusual fonts — these can cause problems with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that many larger firms use to screen applications.
The recommended order for a real estate CV:
- Personal statement: 3-4 lines summarising your experience, qualifications, and what you are looking for. Tailor this to each application.
- Professional qualifications: MRICS, AssocRICS, or APC candidate status, plus your pathway. List your RICS membership number if qualified.
- Key skills and competencies: Highlight 6-8 relevant skills using language from the job description.
- Career history: Most recent role first. Focus on achievements and transactions, not just responsibilities.
- Education: Degree, institution, and relevant modules or dissertation topics.
Writing About Your Experience
The biggest mistake property professionals make is listing duties instead of achievements. Compare these two approaches:
- Weak: "Responsible for managing a portfolio of commercial properties."
- Strong: "Managed a portfolio of 45 commercial properties valued at £120m, achieving 97% occupancy and negotiating 12 lease renewals averaging 8% above previous rents."
Use numbers wherever possible — portfolio size, transaction values, number of valuations completed, percentage improvements in occupancy or rent, and square footage managed.
Tailoring for Different Roles
A CV for a valuation surveyor role should emphasise different things than one for an asset management position. Before applying, review the job description carefully and reorder your skills and experience to match what the employer is looking for. The core content stays the same, but the emphasis shifts.
ATS Optimisation
Many recruitment agencies and property firms use ATS software to filter applications before a human sees them. To pass these filters:
- Use standard section headings (Education, Experience, Skills).
- Include keywords from the job description naturally in your text.
- Save as a .docx or PDF — avoid headers, footers, and text boxes that ATS may not read.
- Spell out acronyms at least once (e.g., "Assessment of Professional Competence (APC)").
Ready to start your APC journey?
Book a Free Consultation