From Ski Slopes to City Scrapes: Rupert's Journey in Real Estate Valuation Recruitment

Here at SONDR, we pride ourselves on connecting top talent with leading firms in the real estate sector. To give you a glimpse into the people behind our success, we sat down with Rupert, one of our dedicated real estate valuation recruitment consultants. 

In this interview, Rupert shares insights into his journey into recruitment, a typical day at SONDR, the unique approach we take to supporting candidates, and the current trends shaping the real estate valuation market. Read on to learn more about the passion and expertise that drives our team.

Q: What made you want to get into recruitment, and why real estate specifically?

I got into recruitment because a good friend of mine from university went straight into the field after graduating and always spoke highly of it. The reputation for potential earnings was definitely appealing, but I was also drawn to the social aspect of the job, which suits my outgoing personality. My background in finance and my university experiences influenced my decision to focus on the real estate sector, particularly valuation. I realized I didn’t want to go into a traditional finance or accounting role, but I could still use my knowledge in a different way. Real estate is always busy, regardless of the market’s state, so it felt like a solid choice. When I interviewed at SONDR, I could tell how passionate Louis was about recruitment and real estate, and I liked the company’s approach to doing things differently.

Q: At SONDR, do you focus on a specific niche within real estate?

Yes, as a business, we predominantly work with valuation surveyors within real estate. We all work in that general scope, rather than specializing in just one area like investment valuations.

Q: Can you walk us through a typical day in your role?

I’m currently commuting from Kent, so my day starts early—up at half five and on a quarter past six train to London. I’m in the office by 8am, and after a quick breakfast, I get started on LinkedIn: messaging candidates, expanding my network, and updating our CRM system. From around half ten, I’m on the phones, working through our candidate list, building relationships, and trying to find people who are actively looking for new roles. My day is a mix of admin, calls, and networking until I head home in the evening. It’s a long day, but I enjoy the variety, especially the conversations I have with candidates.

Q: What part of your day do you look forward to the most?

I really enjoy being on the phones. The conversations are always different—sometimes they’re quick, sometimes they’re long and in-depth. That variety keeps things interesting for me. 

Q: Did you do recruitment before joining SONDR?

No, I didn’t. I graduated in summer 2023 and did two ski seasons in France before starting in recruitment. I didn’t have a clear plan at the time, but those experiences helped me figure out what I wanted to do next.

Q: How do you support candidates through the stress of job hunting?

At SONDR, we focus on building long-term relationships with candidates. We get to know them professionally—their goals, what they want in their next role, and what matters to them, like package, location, or company size. We help coach candidates, create market briefs together, and take on the job search for them, which takes a lot of stress off their shoulders. We see ourselves as career managers, not just recruiters, and we’re always available to offer advice, even before someone has internal discussions about promotions or pay rises.

Q: What’s a misconception about recruiters you’d like to set straight?

There’s a stereotype that recruiters only care about commission. Of course, everyone wants to earn well, but at SONDR, it’s not just about the money. We want to place people in roles where they’ll thrive and be happy, not just fill positions for the sake of it. The idea that recruiters only care about commission is outdated and doesn’t reflect how we work.

Q: How do you approach matching candidates beyond just skills on a CV?

Skills and experience are important, but we also focus on culture fit. We get to know candidates as people and try to understand what kind of environment they’ll thrive in. Our network of clients is strong, and we know them well, so we can match candidates to companies where they’ll feel supported and happy. Culture fit is just as important as skill set.

Q: What trends are you seeing in the real estate valuation market?

Valuation surveyors are in high demand—there are more opportunities than there are qualified professionals. Sectors like living and data centers are especially busy right now, while areas like asset management are quieter in terms of hiring. The market is always changing, but right now, there’s a real need for good valuers.

Q: What advice would you give to surveyors considering a career move?

Don’t rush into any decisions. Take the time to think things through and seek professional advice—talk to specialized recruitment partners who understand the industry. Consider all the factors, like team culture and long-term career goals, before making a move. It’s important to make a decision that’s right for you in the long run.

Are you looking for a career in recruitment? Sondr could be the place for you. Check out our careers page to learn more about working here, and keep an eye out for current vacancies.