Alpesh Patel MRICS, is Director of APC Coach Ltd and runs various in-house APC Coaching Programmes to support Candidates, Supervisors and Counsellors for several firms and also runs regular Public APC Coaching programmes throughout various locations.
Alpesh offers you some tips for making a success of your APC…
Number 1
Organise and plan. Get organised from the outset of the enrolment onto the APC. Plan the entire process and procedures. Don't leave it to the last minute or even to the last few months.
Number 2
Acquire full knowledge - ensure that the full breadth and depth of the required knowledge to pass is gained during the training period, irrespective of whether the employer has or has not provided the "on the job experience". Rehearse potential questions from the very first day by always thinking about options and choices by reflecting upon your knowledge and experience.
A true professional always opens up the choices and options to a client and leads them to making a decision based on sound knowledge and decision making skills.
Number 3
Build confidence - it is possible to pass first time and many do. If you have done your homework over your training period then you will feel much more confident not only for the APC, but as a professional. Get used to the fact that you are a professional and act as such throughout your period of training. Work in the same way as you would expect a service from other professionals.
We also asked Alpesh a key question: what are the three biggest mistakes a candidate can make in the APC interview?
Number 1
Don't waffle. APC Assessors are very clever people in their respective fields and can instantly spot someone who is waffling. If you have done your preparation then you should not have to, but if not then simply tell them that you don't know the answer.
Number 2
Think before answering. The response you are about to give the Assessor's is a response you may well give to a potential client, so think carefully before responding – you may well be held liable for professional negligence in a real client situation.
Number 3 Body Language. The assessment panel want to see candidates that are interested in being part of the profession. Look the part. Get help if you need in all aspects of presentation, voice projection etc. Being a professional is not merely the ability to hold technical knowledge. It is about being able to effectively "transfer" that knowledge to potential clients effectively, via various methods, notably verbal communications.
The views expressed by Alpesh are not necessarily shared by RICS.
