20 CBRE Interview Questions and Answers

CBRE is a holding company that owns and operates a number of subsidiaries that provide a variety of services related to real estate. Because of the nature of the business, CBRE interview questions will focus on your experience in the industry, your knowledge of the real estate market, and your ability to provide excellent customer service.

CBRE Interview Process

The interview process at CBRE can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For some positions, like a Sales Associate, you may have to interview with multiple teams to see what you can contribute to each one. Other positions, like an Analyst, may have a more rigorous interview process with multiple rounds of interviews. Overall, the interview process is designed to assess your skills and experience to see if you are a good fit for the company.

1. What is the most challenging project you have worked on?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your problem-solving skills and how you react to challenges. When answering this question, it can be beneficial to highlight your ability to overcome obstacles and achieve success in a project despite its initial challenges.

Example: “The most challenging project I have worked on was when my team and I were tasked with finding tenants for an entire office building that had been vacant for over five years. The property was located in a highly competitive market, which made it difficult to find suitable tenants. However, we decided to focus our efforts on attracting businesses that would benefit from being close to other companies already operating in the area. We also offered discounts to attract more clients. After two months of hard work, we finally found a tenant who signed a lease.”

2. Why should we hire you?

This question is a great opportunity to show the interviewer that you have done your research on the company and are confident in your ability to do the job. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific skills or experiences that align with what the employer is looking for.

Example: “I am an experienced commercial real estate broker who has worked in the industry for five years. I have extensive experience negotiating leases and sales contracts, which makes me well-suited for this role. My communication skills are also top-notch, as I am able to clearly explain complex concepts to clients and colleagues alike.”

3. How do you handle a client that is not satisfied with your work?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle conflict and whether or not you have experience resolving client issues. In your answer, try to highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to work with clients to find solutions that make them happy.

Example: “I once had a client who was unhappy with my work because I did not meet their expectations of what they wanted from me. I met with the client in person to discuss their concerns and apologized for any inconvenience I may have caused. The client appreciated my honesty and willingness to resolve the issue. We then discussed different options on how we could proceed with the project so that both parties were satisfied.”

4. Give me an example of a time where you had to prioritize multiple projects and tasks, how did you approach it?

This question is a great way to assess your time management skills and ability to handle multiple projects at once. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide an example of how you prioritized the tasks and what steps you took to ensure that all deadlines were met.

Example: “In my previous role as a leasing agent for a commercial real estate company, I was responsible for managing several clients’ accounts while also working on finding new tenants for our properties. One day, one of my clients called me asking about when they could expect their lease renewal paperwork. At first, I thought I had already sent them the paperwork but after checking my email, I realized I hadn’t.

I immediately contacted my manager to let her know what happened and she helped me prioritize the task by telling me which client needed the paperwork most urgently. After sending out the paperwork, I followed up with the client to make sure they received it.”

5. Tell us about a time when you were asked to complete a task that was outside of your job description. How did you handle the situation?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your problem-solving skills and how you handle challenges. Use examples from previous jobs to showcase your ability to adapt to new situations and complete tasks that are outside your comfort zone.

Example: “When I first started working at my current company, I was asked to take on additional responsibilities as part of my training program. At first, I felt overwhelmed by the amount of work I had to do each day, but I quickly learned how to prioritize my tasks and delegate some of my work to other employees. This helped me learn more about the company’s operations and develop my leadership skills.”

6. Are you able to meet tight deadlines?

This question is a great way to determine how well you can work under pressure. When answering, it’s important to show that you are able to meet deadlines and prioritize your tasks effectively.

Example: “I am very good at meeting tight deadlines because I have experience working in fast-paced environments. In my last role as an account manager, I was responsible for managing the sales team and ensuring they met their goals each month. This meant I had to manage my own time wisely so I could ensure all of our clients were happy with our services.”

7. Describe a time when you dealt with conflict in the workplace.

When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide an example of how you handled the conflict and what steps you took to resolve it.

Example: “In my previous role as a leasing agent, I had a client who was looking for office space in our building. The client wanted a large amount of square footage at a low price point, which we were not able to accommodate. After speaking with my manager about the situation, they suggested that I find another property that could meet the needs of the client while also allowing us to make money on the deal. I found a similar property nearby that met all of their requirements and negotiated a lease agreement.”

8. Tell me about a time when you disagreed with management. How did you resolve the issue?

This question can help the interviewer learn more about your problem-solving skills and ability to work with others. Use examples from past experiences where you disagreed with management but were able to resolve the issue in a positive way.

Example: “In my previous role, I had an idea for a new marketing campaign that would have cost the company $10,000. My manager thought it was too expensive and wanted me to come up with another option. Instead of giving up on my original idea, I worked with my team to create a cheaper alternative that only cost $5,000. The campaign ended up being successful, and we got great results.”

9. Describe a goal you achieved and tell me how you achieved it.

This question is a great way to show your potential employer that you are goal-oriented and have the ability to achieve them. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide specific details about how you achieved your goals.

Example: “In my previous role as an account manager for a marketing firm, I was tasked with increasing our client’s sales by 10% in one year. To do so, I met with each of our clients to learn more about their business and what they were looking to accomplish. From there, I created a new campaign that focused on the needs of our clients rather than just selling our products. As a result, we increased sales by 15% within six months.”

10. Provide an example of a time you went above and beyond for a customer.

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you are willing to go the extra mile for customers. It also shows them how you can be an asset to their company. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight your customer service skills and willingness to help others.

Example: “When I was working as a leasing agent at my previous job, I had a client who was looking for office space in our downtown area. He wanted something with plenty of natural light and a view of the city. After searching through all of our available options, we couldn’t find anything that fit his needs. So, I called up some of our other offices around the state and found one that would work perfectly. The client was thrilled when he saw it.”

11. What are some qualities you think we should look for in our next intern?

This question is a great opportunity to show your knowledge of the company and how you can help them find their next intern. You should highlight qualities that are important for interns, such as enthusiasm, willingness to learn and ability to work in a team.

Example: “I think it’s important to look for someone who has an interest in real estate but also wants to learn more about other aspects of business. I know that CBRE offers many internship opportunities, so I would encourage you to hire someone who is eager to learn and ready to take on new challenges.”

12. Can you describe your experience with using data to make decisions?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you use data to make decisions and whether you have experience with using specific software or applications. Use your answer to highlight your ability to analyze information, interpret data and make informed decisions based on that information.

Example: “I’ve used data to make important business decisions for my current employer for several years now. I started out as a junior analyst, where I was responsible for collecting and analyzing data from various sources. After two years of working in this role, I became an associate consultant, which required me to work more independently and develop my own strategies for interpreting data and making decisions.”

13. What would you say is your greatest strength?

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s personality and how they view themselves. It can also be an opportunity for you to see if their strengths align with what CBRE Group needs in its employees. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a specific example that shows your strength in action.

Example: “My greatest strength is my ability to work well under pressure. I have always been able to stay calm when things get hectic, which has helped me find solutions to problems quickly. In my last role, we had a client who was looking at several properties but wanted to know which one would be best for them before making a decision. I worked with our team to gather all the information we needed so we could make a recommendation within 24 hours.”

14. Do you have any experience working at other companies within the real estate industry?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your experience and how it relates to CBRE. If you have worked at other real estate companies, describe what your role was and what you did on a daily basis. If you haven’t worked at another company, you can talk about any relevant experience you may have that’s similar to working in real estate.

Example: “I’ve never worked at another real estate company, but I do have some experience within the industry. In my last position as an account manager, I managed several clients who were looking for commercial real estate properties. This helped me develop skills in client relations and communication.”

15. We want to invest in someone who will grow with the company, what motivates you as an employee?

This question is a great way to determine if you’re the right fit for CBRE. The company wants employees who are motivated by growth and development, so they want to know that you’ll be willing to take on new challenges as they arise. In your answer, explain how you plan to grow with the company and what steps you would take to ensure your success in the role.

Example: “I’m excited about this opportunity because I see it as an investment in my career. I am committed to growing within the organization and will work hard to learn all aspects of the job. I also understand that there may be opportunities for advancement down the road, and I’d love to pursue those when the time comes.”

16. What types of projects have you been involved with in the past?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your experience and how it relates to the position you’re applying for. When answering this question, be sure to include details of what types of projects you worked on and any unique aspects that made them stand out.

Example: “In my previous role as an associate real estate agent, I was involved with many different types of projects including residential, commercial and retail. One project in particular that stands out from the rest was when I helped sell a large office building to a local business owner who wanted to expand their operations. The sale went through smoothly, and we were able to close the deal within two weeks.”

17. Do you have experience managing and leading teams?

This question can help the interviewer determine your leadership skills and how you’ve managed teams in the past. Use examples from your experience to highlight your ability to lead a team, delegate tasks and manage projects.

Example: “In my previous role as an assistant manager at a local restaurant, I was responsible for managing the front of house staff while also overseeing the kitchen staff. This helped me develop my communication and management skills, which have proven useful when leading teams throughout my career. In my current position, I’m part of a small team that works together to meet deadlines and complete daily tasks.”

18. CBRE is a very competitive environment. How do you manage stress?

This question is an opportunity to show your ability to work in a fast-paced environment. It also allows you to demonstrate how you can manage stress and remain productive under pressure.

Example: “I find that the best way to manage stress is by staying organized. I keep detailed notes on every project I’m working on, which helps me stay focused and remember important details. I also make sure to take regular breaks throughout the day so I don’t get overwhelmed or burned out.”

19. What specific skills can you bring to this role?

This question is a great opportunity to highlight your relevant experience and skills. When answering this question, it can be helpful to include specific examples of how you used these skills in previous roles.

Example: “I have excellent communication skills that I use to collaborate with my team members and clients. In my last role as an account manager for a marketing firm, I worked on several projects with different teams including web developers, graphic designers and social media specialists. My ability to communicate effectively helped me coordinate the project’s timeline and ensure all parties were aware of their responsibilities.”

20. Tell me about a time you overcame a challenge, how did you overcome it?

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills and how you overcame challenges in the past. When answering this question, it can be helpful to talk about a time when you faced a challenge that was unique or difficult.

Example: “When I first started my career as an intern at a real estate firm, I had to work on a project with a team of other interns. We were all new to the industry, so we didn’t know what to expect from each other. One day, one of the interns asked me for help with their part of the project. I knew I could do it myself, but I also knew if I helped them, they would have more time to focus on their own tasks. So, I spent some extra time helping them understand the task and complete it.”