Rating

Business rates are the taxes paid by those who occupy, or have the right to occupy, commercial property in the UK. HM Revenue & Customs sets these rates through the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), and they are determined by rental levels. If you work in rating for a property firm, you will help clients pay the minimum business rates within legal requirements.If you work for the Valuation Office Agency, you will help to compile and set the rates, calling heavily on your valuation skills.

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What can graduates expect from a job in rating?

The workload is frequently heavy, although new graduates can expect close guidance until they learn the basics of the discipline. You can count on rapid changes in legislation and policies, but also the opportunity to negotiate with the Valuation Office Agency as well as a wide range of clients. Your workload will be varied and could include property inspections, client meetings, database management and report writing.

What kind of person does a job in rating suit?

Strong negotiation and client management skills are required for rating, as is the ability to generate new business. You will need to be highly organised and detail-oriented. This area of work will provide the technical knowledge and practical experience with clients needed to move to other professional and corporate services (such as valuation, landlord and tenant, and dispute resolution) and so is ideal for those after a flexible career.

Essential skills for a graduate career in rating

• Strong negotiation skills
• The ability to assimilate information about rapid changes to legislation
• Willingness to work in a regularly changing field.

How to get hired by these ratings property graduate employers

Independent reports on working life at and getting hired by:

• BNP Paribas Real Estate
• Gerald Eve
• Jones Lang LaSalle
• Knight Frank