How to Apply to Simon Property Group

8 min read Last updated April 22, 2026 13 open positions
Blake Crosley
Blake Crosley Researched using publicly available information, hiring data, and ATS analysis.

Key Takeaways

  • Simon Property Group is the largest U.S. REIT with a lean workforce of approximately 3,400 employees, meaning each hire carries significant impact and the selection process tends to be highly competitive.
  • The company uses Workday as its ATS, so optimizing your resume for clean parsing, keyword alignment, and complete profile information is essential for getting past initial screening.
  • With typically fewer than 13+ open positions at any given time, timing and preparation are critical—monitor the careers page regularly and apply promptly when a matching role appears.
  • Real estate industry knowledge is a significant differentiator. Familiarize yourself with REIT fundamentals, Simon's property portfolio, and current retail real estate trends before applying and interviewing.
  • Quantify your accomplishments on your resume with specific metrics and results. Simon's performance-driven culture values candidates who can demonstrate measurable impact.
  • Tailor every application to the specific role. Generic resumes are unlikely to stand out in a small, competitive applicant pool for a prestigious employer.
  • Prepare for interviews by practicing both behavioral and technical questions relevant to your target role, and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for Simon's mission and the future of physical retail destinations.

About Simon Property Group

Simon Property Group (SPG) is the largest real estate investment trust (REIT) in the United States and one of the most prominent globally, specializing in the ownership, development, and management of premier shopping, dining, entertainment, and mixed-use destinations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Simon's portfolio includes iconic properties such as premium outlet centers, Mills-branded malls, and flagship retail destinations across North America, Europe, and Asia. With approximately 3,400 employees, Simon operates as a lean, high-impact organization where individual contributors typically have significant responsibility and visibility. The company is publicly traded on the NYSE (SPG) and is a member of the S&P 100. Simon's corporate culture is commonly described as performance-driven, detail-oriented, and deeply rooted in real estate fundamentals. The company values financial acumen, analytical rigor, and a strong understanding of the retail and commercial real estate landscape. As a Fortune 500 company with decades of industry leadership, Simon Property Group attracts professionals who thrive in fast-paced environments and are passionate about shaping the future of physical retail and mixed-use real estate.

Application Process

  1. 1
    Explore Open Positions on Simon's Workday Careers Portal

    Begin by visiting Simon Property Group's official careers page at simon.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Simon. With a relatively small number of active openings at any given time (often around 10-20 positions), it's important to check frequently, as roles can fill quickly. Browse by job title, location, or keyword. Pay close attention to the job descriptions, as Simon's postings typically include detailed qualifications and responsibilities that signal exactly what the hiring team prioritizes. Note the diversity of roles—from property-level maintenance and marketing administration to corporate analytics, legal, and finance positions—reflecting the breadth of a major REIT's operations.

  2. 2
    Create or Log Into Your Workday Candidate Profile

    Simon Property Group uses Workday as its applicant tracking system (ATS). You will need to create a Workday candidate account if you don't already have one. This profile stores your personal information, work history, education, and uploaded documents. Many applicants report that Workday allows you to auto-populate fields by uploading a resume, but it's critical to review every parsed field for accuracy, as formatting issues can lead to misplaced or missing data. Complete all optional fields where possible, as more complete profiles may be viewed more favorably during initial screening.

  3. 3
    Tailor Your Resume and Submit Your Application

    Before uploading your resume, customize it to align closely with the specific job posting. Mirror the language and keywords found in the job description—Workday's ATS commonly uses keyword matching to help recruiters filter candidates. Attach a tailored cover letter if the application allows it, especially for corporate and senior-level roles. Double-check that your uploaded documents are in a compatible format (PDF or Word are typically safest). After submission, you should receive an automated confirmation email from Workday acknowledging receipt of your application.

  4. 4
    Initial Screening and Recruiter Outreach

    After submission, Simon's talent acquisition team typically reviews applications and conducts an initial screening. For many roles, this may involve a phone screen or brief video call with a recruiter to discuss your background, salary expectations, and interest in the role. Given Simon's relatively small employee count for a Fortune 500 company, hiring teams tend to be selective and thorough. Be prepared to articulate why you're interested in the real estate industry and Simon specifically, and demonstrate familiarity with the company's portfolio and business model.

  5. 5
    Interviews with Hiring Managers and Team Members

    Candidates who advance past the recruiter screen are commonly invited to interview with the hiring manager and potentially other team members. Depending on the role, this may involve one or multiple rounds, including behavioral interviews, technical assessments, or case-based discussions. For analytical and finance roles, expect questions about financial modeling, REIT metrics (such as FFO, NOI, and occupancy rates), and data interpretation. For property-level roles, interviews may focus on operational scenarios, customer service, and facility management experience. Virtual and in-person interviews are both common depending on the role's location.

  6. 6
    Background Check, Offer, and Onboarding

    Successful candidates typically undergo a background check before receiving a formal offer. Simon Property Group is known for offering competitive compensation packages that commonly include benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and employee discounts at Simon properties. Once an offer is accepted, the onboarding process is generally facilitated through Workday's onboarding module, where new hires complete paperwork, review company policies, and prepare for their start date. Property-level employees may have additional site-specific orientation requirements.

Resume Tips for Simon Property Group

critical

Incorporate Real Estate and REIT-Specific Terminology

Simon Property Group operates in a specialized industry, so demonstrating fluency in real estate concepts is essential. Include terms like 'net operating income (NOI),' 'funds from operations (FFO),' 'lease administration,' 'tenant relations,' 'capital expenditures,' 'occupancy rates,' and 'property management' where relevant to your experience. For analytical roles, mention experience with real estate financial modeling, market analysis, or retail analytics. This not only signals industry knowledge but also helps your resume pass through Workday's keyword-based filtering.

critical

Quantify Achievements with Metrics and Results

Simon is a data-driven, performance-oriented organization. Your resume should emphasize measurable accomplishments rather than generic responsibilities. For example, instead of 'Managed property budgets,' write 'Managed $4.2M annual operating budget across three retail properties, reducing expenses by 8% year-over-year.' For marketing roles, quantify campaign reach, foot traffic increases, or revenue impact. For maintenance roles, cite response times, cost savings, or safety improvements. Concrete numbers demonstrate the kind of accountability Simon typically values.

critical

Use a Clean, ATS-Compatible Resume Format

Workday's resume parser works best with straightforward formatting. Avoid tables, text boxes, columns, headers/footers with critical information, and heavy graphics. Use standard section headings like 'Work Experience,' 'Education,' and 'Skills.' Stick to common fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Save your file as a .docx or standard PDF. Test your resume by uploading it to Workday and reviewing how the fields auto-populate—if key information is missing or garbled, simplify your formatting.

recommended

Highlight Cross-Functional and Multi-Property Experience

With only about 3,400 employees managing a massive portfolio of properties, Simon employees commonly wear multiple hats. If you have experience working across departments, managing multiple locations, or collaborating with diverse stakeholders (tenants, contractors, corporate teams), make this prominent on your resume. Demonstrating versatility and the ability to operate effectively in a lean organization can set you apart from candidates with narrower experience.

critical

Tailor Your Resume for Each Specific Role

Given that Simon typically has a limited number of open positions at any time, each application matters. Don't submit a generic resume. Carefully read the job description and reorder your bullet points, adjust your summary statement, and emphasize the skills and experiences most relevant to that particular role. If the posting emphasizes 'data analytics' and 'business intelligence,' ensure those phrases appear prominently in your resume. If it's a property-level role emphasizing 'customer experience' and 'facility operations,' lead with that experience.

recommended

Include Relevant Software and Technical Proficiencies

Many Simon roles require proficiency with specific tools. For analytics and finance positions, highlight experience with Excel (advanced functions, pivot tables, macros), SQL, Tableau, Power BI, or similar platforms. For accounting roles, mention ERP systems like Yardi, MRI Software, or SAP, which are commonly used in real estate. For marketing roles, include CRM platforms, digital marketing tools, and content management systems. A dedicated 'Technical Skills' section ensures these keywords are captured by the ATS.

nice_to_have

Showcase Knowledge of Retail and Consumer Trends

Simon Property Group is at the intersection of real estate and retail. Demonstrating awareness of omnichannel retail strategies, experiential retail, mixed-use development trends, or consumer behavior analytics can differentiate your application. In your summary or cover letter, reference how your experience connects to the evolving landscape of physical retail destinations—this shows strategic thinking aligned with Simon's business direction.

ATS System: Workday

Simon Property Group uses Workday, one of the most widely adopted enterprise ATS and human capital management platforms. Workday processes applications by parsing uploaded resumes into structured data fields, which recruiters can then search, filter, and score based on keywords, qualifications, and other criteria. The system also manages the entire candidate lifecycle from application through onboarding. Workday's interface allows candidates to apply with a saved profile, reducing redundant data entry for repeat applications. However, the parsing engine can sometimes misinterpret complex resume formatting, making clean document structure essential.

  • Upload your resume in .docx or standard PDF format for optimal parsing accuracy—avoid scanned image PDFs or heavily designed resumes that may confuse the parser.
  • After uploading your resume, carefully review every auto-populated field in the Workday application form. Correct any parsing errors in job titles, dates, company names, and education details before submitting.
  • Complete all optional fields in your Workday profile, including skills, certifications, and additional information sections. More complete profiles may rank higher in recruiter searches.
  • Use exact keywords and phrases from the job description in your resume and application fields. Workday's search and filtering tools commonly rely on keyword matching, so alignment with the posting language is important.
  • Create a Workday account and save your profile even before you find a perfect match—this allows you to apply quickly when new Simon positions are posted, which is advantageous given the limited number of openings.
  • Avoid using headers, footers, or text boxes for critical information like your name, email, or phone number, as Workday's parser may not read content in these areas.

Complete Workday Resume Guide →

Interview Culture

Simon Property Group's interview process typically reflects the company's reputation as a disciplined, results-oriented REIT.

Many applicants report a structured interview experience that begins with a recruiter phone screen focused on background verification, role fit, and cultural alignment. Subsequent rounds commonly involve one-on-one or panel interviews with hiring managers and cross-functional team members. For corporate roles—such as analysts, accountants, and data professionals—interviews often include technical components. Candidates may be asked to walk through financial models, discuss REIT valuation metrics, analyze data sets, or solve case-based problems related to retail real estate. Familiarity with concepts like net operating income, cap rates, and tenant mix optimization is commonly expected for finance and analytics positions. For property-level roles, including maintenance, marketing administration, and operations, interviews tend to focus on situational and behavioral questions. Expect scenarios about handling tenant issues, managing vendor relationships, prioritizing competing maintenance requests, or driving foot traffic through local marketing initiatives. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a commonly recommended framework for structuring responses. Simon's culture values professionalism, accountability, and a strong work ethic. Interviewers commonly assess not just technical competence but also cultural fit—whether a candidate demonstrates ownership, attention to detail, and a genuine interest in the real estate industry. Given the company's lean organizational structure, interviewers may also probe your ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and collaborate across departments. Preparing thoughtful questions about Simon's portfolio strategy, recent developments, or industry trends can demonstrate genuine engagement and set you apart from other candidates.

What Simon Property Group Looks For

  • Strong analytical and financial acumen, particularly familiarity with REIT metrics, real estate valuation, and data-driven decision-making
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a lean, fast-paced organizational environment
  • Deep knowledge of or genuine interest in the retail real estate industry, including trends in experiential retail, mixed-use development, and consumer behavior
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate across corporate and property-level teams
  • Attention to detail and a high standard of accuracy, especially in financial reporting, legal documentation, and operational processes
  • Proficiency with relevant technology platforms, including advanced Excel, data visualization tools, ERP systems, and industry-specific software
  • A results-oriented mindset with a track record of quantifiable achievements and continuous improvement
  • Adaptability and willingness to take on diverse responsibilities, reflecting the cross-functional nature of roles at a major REIT

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for a job at Simon Property Group?
All applications are submitted through Simon's official Workday careers portal at simon.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Simon. You'll need to create a Workday candidate account, upload your resume, and complete the application form for your desired position. There is no alternative application method for most roles.
What types of jobs does Simon Property Group typically hire for?
Simon hires across a wide range of functions including finance and accounting, data analytics and business intelligence, legal and paralegal, property management and maintenance, marketing and business development, property tax, and administrative support. Roles span both corporate headquarters positions in Indianapolis and property-level positions at Simon's retail destinations nationwide.
Does Simon Property Group have a small number of open positions?
Yes, Simon typically maintains a relatively small number of active job postings at any given time, often around 10-20 openings. This reflects the company's lean organizational structure with approximately 3,400 employees. Because of this, competition for each role can be intense, and it's advisable to apply promptly and with a highly tailored application.
What ATS does Simon Property Group use, and how should I optimize my resume for it?
Simon uses Workday as its applicant tracking system. To optimize your resume, use a clean format without tables, text boxes, or complex graphics. Upload in .docx or standard PDF format. Include keywords from the job description, and always review the auto-populated fields after upload to correct any parsing errors before submitting your application.
What is the interview process like at Simon Property Group?
The interview process commonly begins with a recruiter phone screen, followed by one or more rounds of interviews with hiring managers and team members. Corporate and analytical roles may include technical assessments or case-based discussions involving real estate financial concepts. Property-level roles typically focus on behavioral and situational questions. The process is generally described as professional and thorough.
Do I need real estate experience to work at Simon Property Group?
While direct real estate experience is highly valued and often preferred, it may not be strictly required for all positions. Transferable skills from related industries—such as retail, hospitality, finance, or data analytics—can be compelling if you demonstrate a genuine understanding of and interest in the real estate sector. Highlighting any exposure to REIT concepts, property management, or retail operations in your application can strengthen your candidacy.
What benefits does Simon Property Group offer?
Simon Property Group is known for offering competitive compensation packages. While specific details vary by role and location, benefits commonly associated with the company include health and dental insurance, retirement savings plans, paid time off, and employee discounts at Simon properties. Detailed benefits information is typically discussed during the offer stage of the hiring process.
How long does the hiring process typically take at Simon Property Group?
The timeline can vary depending on the role, the number of candidates, and internal scheduling. Many applicants report that the process from application to offer can take anywhere from two to six weeks, though some specialized or senior roles may take longer. Following up politely through the Workday portal or with your recruiter contact after a reasonable period is generally considered appropriate.
Can I apply for multiple positions at Simon Property Group simultaneously?
Yes, Workday typically allows candidates to apply for multiple open positions. However, it's important to tailor each application to the specific role rather than submitting identical materials. Applying for too many unrelated positions may signal a lack of focus, so it's generally best to apply for roles that genuinely align with your skills and career goals.

Sample Open Positions

Check Your Resume Before Applying → View 13 open positions at Simon Property Group

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Sources

  1. Simon Property Group - Official Careers Page — Simon Property Group
  2. Simon Property Group - About Us — Simon Property Group
  3. Simon Property Group - Investor Relations — Simon Property Group
  4. Workday Applicant Tracking System - How It Works — Workday, Inc.
  5. Simon Property Group Company Profile — LinkedIn