Questioning a company's investment strategy during the interview process

Lets say you are interviewing at a real estate fund that invests only in one product type in one specific geographical area. Personally, you do not see the appeal in long term growth potential for this product type in the area.

I have an interview coming up with a very well funded investment firm, but I am not hot on the product type. If they ask me my thoughts on the market we are investing in, do I bullshit positives or tell them the issues I foresee in the market? Maybe I should just shut my mouth on the subject?

 

I would challenge them, respectfully, but strongly. If you really find their investment process distasteful, you shouldn't want to work there anyway. At least if you challenge them, you will see if they are receptive to new ideas. You have little to lose.

 

It's not a problem to ask about issues you see with their strategy. Avoid getting into a debate about it though.

I've joined firms where I've disagreed with part of the strategy. Ultimately its a job to pay the bills and a lot depends on what your other options are at the time. You can always move later (preferably before they get into big trouble, assuming you are right about their strategy).

 

It all depends on the product type, the area, and the investment duration. If it's multifamily value-add in New York City with a 3 year investment timeline, then that makes a lot of sense, and you should probably keep your mouth shut. But if it's office space in [insert economically depressed rust belt city] then you might have something there.

 

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