Although RICS has moved all APC final assessment interviews online in response to the ongoing pandemic, they will still be conducted to the same standards as they were when held face to face.
As a candidate, therefore, the first thing you should do is ensure you have a device such as a laptop, tablet or phone on which you can use Microsoft Teams; this can be run through a browser without the need for installation. Test out the system with a friend, family member or colleague beforehand. Don’t leave it until the day of your interview to do this – as a trainer, I have found this is the most common reason for disruption and delay during mock interviews held online.
Good-quality internet or network reception is essential, so plan ahead and make sure that you have sufficient connectivity for your interview. If you live with others, perhaps ask them to refrain from being online during your interview to avoid taking up bandwidth.
You may need an external microphone or webcam if these are not integrated into your device, or if you are concerned about getting your set-up right. Should cost be an issue, first test the quality of your existing devices with a friend, family member or colleague. If they are not sufficient we recommend looking at a webcam initially, as these often come with in-built microphones.
"Test out the system with a friend, family member or colleague beforehand"
It pays to put the camera a little further back if possible so that the panel can see you clearly – much as if you were across the table from a client or colleague in a meeting. Try to keep the camera level and pointing directly at you or at a very slight angle
You will be on camera, so you should try to ensure you are in a professional environment. The chair will also ask you to show the panel a 360° view of your surroundings to ensure you are receiving no support. The ideal setting would be against a plain wall with good natural or artificial lighting, so that your assessors can see you clearly.
Sit at a desk or table, where you are comfortable and can adopt a good posture to ensure that you present professionally during your interview.
Close the door and ask other members of your household to minimise noise and disruption for the duration of your interview, if possible.
We recommend that you dress professionally, as you would for a client meeting. First impressions still count, particularly as you are one step removed from being face to face with your assessment panel.
Make sure you spend some time in your environment ahead of the interview, or if that is not possible – for instance, if it will be in an office meeting room – then visualise what it might be like. This will help to calm your nerves on the day and allow you to prepare effectively.
Interview structure
How will the process work?
Top tips for your online final assessment
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