Estate Agent position - possible conflict of interest

[transformandriseup]

I'm thinking about changing careers and have seen a job in an estate agents which may have more progression opportunities than what I do at the moment. It is the same agency (local, not national) that I let out my flat with and I wondering if this would be a problem? Thanks

A conflict of interest would be a situation where you would stand to gain something unfairly by being employed by them. So, if they gave you the job, even though there was a better more qualified candidate, because you give them the business of renting out your flat, that could be challenged by the other candidate who didn't get the job. How likely is that to happen?

Quite frankly, if you need a job and they decide to give it to you because they know you and believe you can bring value-add to their business, provided they don't deliberately discriminating against someone with a protected characteristic and can prove you are the right person, I can't see what the problem is.

I would apply for the job and take it from there. The onus is very much on them to justify their choice, not for you to worry about any unforeseen conflict of interest.

Thank you

I don't think this would be a bar to employment, if they continue to manage your flat they may let the residents know and when it is advertised put a line in the particulars to say that is is owned by a member of staff (I've seen that in houses for sale, anyway) but I don't think it would affect a job.

Good luck with the application, OP!