APC: Interview & Professional Ethics

In addition to possessing the required knowledge and understanding of their competency areas, candidates must deploy effective presentation and interview technique. It is important that candidates are familiar with the assessment process that they face, and apply themselves appropriately. This includes consideration of how scenario style questions will be handled in addition to the more technical questions.

At the interview, as well as possessing a strong knowledge in their subject areas, candidates must demonstrate a good understanding of professional ethics. They must be familiar with the contents of the RICS Code of Conduct, and must be able to respond to questions on a range of issues for which answers will not be found in the Code.

SPEAKER:

Sara Wilkinson MA MPhil. FRICS (Haydock)
Principal Lecturer in Building Surveying at Sheffield Hallam University

Prior to joining Sheffield Hallam University, Sara worked in London for Watts and Partners where she provided professional Building Surveying services. She lectures on the topic of contaminated land at Hallam and has delivered CPD regionally for sometime. 

Sara has been a chairperson for the Building Surveying APC for several years.  She is also a member of the RICS Energy Efficiency panel.

John Faulkner FRICS (Durham County Cricket Club)
Director of JFPC Ltd, Director of Pentland Ltd

John is a consultant with his own practice as well as being a Director of Pentalnd Ltd and the RICS Regional Training Advisor for the North West.  John is an excellent speaker and is very familiar with the APC interview format because he sits in as an observer on a regular basis.

AIMS:

The seminar is suitable for candidates in all APC routes, and ensures that they enhance their chances success at interview and not be hindered by deficient knowledge in respect of professional ethics.

SCOPE OF THE SEMINAR

The Interview session will:

• Outline the format of the interview.
  

• Provide a range of choices as to how candidates approach the presentation, reflecting their experience and confidence in delivering presentations, and also the effect of nerves. This includes various tips on presentation technique (including differences with business presentations).
  

• Illustrate how competencies, levels (1,2,3), the critical analysis and other elements of the submissions can lead to interview questions.
  

• Provide examples of interview questions, and illustrate how the best quality responses can be given through effective interview technique as well as knowledge of the subject.
  

• Explain the importance of current issues, again giving illustrations of issues/questions.
  

• Provide an example of an APC interview. This will be conducted between Ron and Sara/John, although if any candidates wish to volunteer to receive questions from Ron and Austen, this can be arranged on the day.

The final 45 minutes of the seminar will cover professional ethics and will:

• Explain the key aspects of the RICS Code of Conduct relevant at graduate/APC/ATC level, and highlight more advanced issues candidates need not be concerned about.
  

• Illustrate how professional ethics may be relevant to the critical analysis, and how interview questions on ethics could arise at any time.
  

• Outline a typical property instruction, including issues such as conflict of interest, terms of instruction, expertise to undertake the instruction, PI cover, client accounts.
  

• Explain issues, such as essential requirements if setting up in business, quoting/under-cutting fees, dealing with gifts and other inducements, connected interests, dealing with mistakes, and handling late tenders (for both sales and construction work).

SOME DELEGATES MAY WISH TO ATTEND THE PROFESSIONAL ETHICS SESSION ONLY, THE COST IS £30 including VAT (£29.79 plus VAT) – E-MAIL Ron Harland for details.

MORNING SESSIONS - 10.00 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.

Tuesday, 3 February 2004 - WAKEFIELD

Wednesday, 4 February 2004 - HAYDOCK

Wednesday, 11 February 2004 - CHESTER LE STREET