Hiring for Purpose: Why ESG Values Are Now Interview Topics in BFSI & Real Estate?

Purpose-driven hiring is on the rise. Discover how ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) values are becoming key talking points in interviews across the BFSI and Real Estate sectors—and why top candidates and companies alike are aligning on impact, not just skills.

As talent demands shift, job interviews across BFSI and Real Estate sectors go beyond technical know-how—emphasising personal values, sense of purpose, and cultural alignment, just as much as skills and experience. A new and powerful topic has entered the hiring conversation: ESG – Environmental, Social, and Governance values.

As global priorities shift toward sustainability, ethical leadership, and long-term impact, companies are embedding ESG metrics into their business models — and their recruitment processes. Hiring for purpose has gone mainstream, and here’s why it matters now more than ever.

Why ESG Is Now a Business Priority

From investors to regulators, and even end-consumers — everyone’s asking: Is your company sustainable? Is it ethical? Does it create shared value?

In sectors such as BFSI and real estate, which significantly influence financial inclusion, urban development, and carbon footprints, the pressure is even more intense. ESG is no longer a compliance checkbox; it’s a strategic advantage.

Key ESG Trends Driving Hiring in BFSI & Real Estate:

• Green financing and sustainable investing mandates.
• Net-zero carbon goals in infrastructure and construction.
• DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) expectations in leadership roles.
• Responsible governance and ethical lending frameworks.

ESG-Based Interviewing: What’s Changing?

Today’s interviews go beyond “Tell me about yourself.” Leaders are being asked:

• “How have you contributed to sustainable finance practices?”
• “Can you give an example of ethical decision-making in a grey area?”
• “What’s your approach to inclusive hiring or leading diverse teams?”
• “How do you evaluate environmental risks in project investments?”

These questions aren’t just lip service. Employers are actively screening for ESG-aligned values, particularly in CXO and mid-to-senior roles, where candidates are expected to drive organisational change.

Why Hiring for Purpose Attracts Top Talent

For Gen Z and millennials — who now form a growing portion of the workforce — purpose and values often take precedence over compensation. Companies that lead with sustainability, inclusion, and ethical governance are winning the talent war. Candidates now evaluate:

• The company’s ESG score or public commitments.
• Workplace diversity statistics.
• Green building certifications in real estate projects.
• CSR activities & ethical investing policies in BFSI.

What This Means for Hiring Managers

As an executive search firm, we’ve seen a marked rise in:

• Job descriptions with ESG mandates.
• Clients requesting leaders with sustainability experience.
• Screening matrices that include DEI, carbon literacy, and governance exposure.

Hiring for ESG values isn’t optional anymore — it’s strategic. Whether you’re building a team for a green REIT, a sustainable fintech startup, or a bank shifting to inclusive credit models, candidates who understand ESG are invaluable.

Final Thought: Purpose Is the New Power

As BFSI and Real Estate transform under the ESG lens, purpose-driven hiring is the differentiator. Interviews are no longer just about filling roles. They are about building legacy-ready teams that align with tomorrow’s priorities.

So next time you’re preparing for an interview — whether as a candidate or a recruiter — remember: ESG isn’t a side story anymore. It’s center stage.