20 Tishman Speyer Interview Questions and Answers

Tishman Speyer is one of the world’s leading real estate developers and investors. With properties in over 30 countries, Tishman Speyer has a global reach and a reputation for developing some of the most iconic buildings in the world.

If you’re hoping to land a job at Tishman Speyer, you can expect the interview process to be pretty competitive. To give yourself the best chance of success, you’ll need to be prepared to answer a variety of questions about your experience, skills, and qualifications.

In this guide, we’ve provided a list of sample Tishman Speyer interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Tishman Speyer Interview Process

The interview process at Tishman Speyer can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least one phone screen with HR followed by one or more in-person interviews. For some positions, like the Analyst role, you may also be required to complete a modeling test. Overall, the interview process is competitive and can be lengthy, so it is important to be prepared.

1. What is the most important thing to you in a job?

Employers ask this question to see if you are a good fit for their company culture. They want someone who is motivated by the same things they are, so it’s important to answer honestly and explain why that thing is important to you.

Example: “I am most passionate about making a positive impact on my community. I love working with people and seeing how happy we can make them through our developments. For example, when I worked at XYZ Company, we built affordable housing in an area where there was none. The residents were so grateful, and it made me feel like I was doing something worthwhile.”

2. How would your previous employer describe you?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your personality and how you interact with others. It also helps them understand what kind of employee you are, which is important for any company to know. When answering this question, it’s best to be honest about what your previous employer would say about you.

Example: “My previous employer would describe me as someone who is hardworking, dedicated and always willing to go above and beyond for my clients. They would say that I am very personable and friendly, but also professional when needed. They would say that I’m an excellent communicator and problem solver.”

3. Describe a time where you had to deal with an angry customer and how did you handle it?

An interviewer may ask this question to see how you handle conflict and stress. This is a great opportunity to show your communication skills, problem-solving abilities and ability to work under pressure.

Example: “In my previous role as an administrative assistant, I had the responsibility of answering phones and responding to emails from clients. One day, one of our biggest clients called me because they were upset about something that happened with their account. I took a deep breath before speaking with them and listened carefully to what they said. Then, I apologized for any inconvenience and explained why it happened. They seemed satisfied with my response and thanked me for being so helpful.”

4. Why do you want to work at Tishman Speyer?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand why you are a good fit for their company. Use your answer to highlight any personal connections you have with Tishman Speyer or how much you enjoy working in real estate.

Example: “I want to work at Tishman Speyer because I am passionate about urban development, and this is one of the most well-known companies in that field. I also have family members who worked here when it was built, so I feel like I would be continuing a legacy by joining the team. I think my skills as an architect would be valuable to the company.”

5. Tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision, what was the outcome?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of how you make decisions and what your thought process is. This can be an important part of the job, so it’s helpful to show that you have experience making these types of choices.

Example: “When I was working as a leasing agent for my previous company, we had a client who wanted to lease out their space but they were having trouble finding someone to take over their lease. They were looking for someone who could take over the lease at a lower price than what they were currently paying. After talking with them about other options, we found another tenant who would pay more than our current client. We ended up helping both parties find a solution that worked for everyone.”

6. Can you provide examples of times that you have gone above and beyond for a client?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you are willing to go the extra mile for clients. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide an example of a time when you went above and beyond for a client and how it positively impacted their experience with your company.

Example: “When I was working as a leasing agent at my previous job, one of my clients called me in tears because she had lost her keys to her apartment. She was worried about what would happen if she couldn’t get into her apartment, so I offered to meet her at her apartment and let her inside while she looked for her keys. After looking through her apartment, she found her keys and thanked me for helping her out.”

7. Do you prefer working independently or on a team?

Tishman Speyer is a large company that offers many opportunities for advancement. The interviewer may ask this question to determine if you prefer working alone or with others and how well you work in teams. To answer, think about your previous job experiences and describe the types of projects you worked on. Consider mentioning any team-based projects you were involved in and discuss what made them successful.

Example: “I have had experience working both independently and as part of a team. In my last position, I was responsible for managing several properties by myself. However, I also enjoyed collaborating with other members of my team. For example, when I first started at Tishman Speyer, I worked alongside a senior property manager to learn more about the company’s standards and procedures. This helped me become familiar with the company culture and develop relationships with my coworkers.”

8. What are some qualities that you think will help you succeed as an intern at Tishman Speyer?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have a realistic idea of what it’s like to work at Tishman Speyer. You can use this question as an opportunity to highlight your enthusiasm, willingness to learn and any other skills or qualities that will help you succeed in your internship.

Example: “I think some of the most important qualities for success at Tishman Speyer are creativity, problem-solving skills and communication skills. I’m always looking for new ways to solve problems and find solutions, and I feel confident that my communication skills make me a great communicator who can collaborate with others.”

9. Give an example of a time when you had to prioritize multiple tasks, how did you decide which one should be first?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you prioritize your time and what skills you use to make decisions. Use examples from previous jobs or experiences that highlight your ability to think critically and solve problems.

Example: “In my last position, I had a lot of responsibilities as an assistant manager. One day, I was working on a project for my team when my boss asked me to complete another task. At first, I thought it would be best to finish my current task before moving on to the new one. However, after thinking about both tasks, I decided that completing the new task first would allow me to get more work done in less time.”

10. Are there any other positions within the company that interest you?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your career goals and how you view your current role. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention another position that interests you or explain why you are excited about working at Tishman Speyer.

Example: “I am very interested in learning more about the construction side of things here. I have always been fascinated by architecture and design, so I would love to get involved with some of the building projects if possible. I also think property management sounds like an interesting job because I enjoy interacting with people and helping them solve problems.”

11. Have you ever dealt with a situation where you were not sure how to proceed?

This question can help interviewers learn about your problem-solving skills. When answering, it can be helpful to describe a situation where you had to think creatively and use your critical thinking skills to find an answer or solution.

Example: “When I first started working as a leasing agent, I was unsure of how to handle a client who wanted to rent out a space that we were in the process of renovating. The renter was adamant about wanting to move into the space before renovations began, but I wasn’t sure if this would be possible. After speaking with my manager, we decided to offer the tenant a discount on their lease for agreeing to wait until after renovations were complete.”

12. If hired, how would you approach building relationships with clients?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you plan to interact with clients and other professionals in your role. Use examples from past experiences where you’ve successfully built relationships with clients or customers, and highlight any specific skills that helped you succeed.

Example: “I believe it’s important to establish a strong relationship with my clients so they feel comfortable reaching out if they have questions about their lease or want to make suggestions for improvements. I always try to be available by phone or email when I know a client is expecting a response from me. This helps them feel confident in our working relationship and ensures they’re getting the best service possible.”

13. In your opinion, what makes a good leader?

This question can help the interviewer determine your leadership skills and how you would apply them to a management role. When answering this question, it can be helpful to discuss what qualities you think are important in a leader and how those relate to your own strengths.

Example: “I believe that a good leader should have strong communication skills, as well as the ability to motivate others. I am always looking for ways to improve my communication with coworkers and residents of our buildings, so I make sure to listen carefully when someone is speaking and ask questions if I don’t understand something. As a manager, I would also encourage my team members to speak up about any concerns they may have.”

14. What do you know about commercial real estate?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to assess your knowledge of the industry and how you can apply it to their company. When answering, make sure to include what you know about commercial real estate in general as well as any specific information about Tishman Speyer.

Example: “I have been working in commercial real estate for five years now, so I am quite familiar with the industry. In my previous position, I worked on several different projects that involved residential and retail spaces. One of my favorite projects was when we renovated an old building into a new office space for a tech startup. It was challenging but rewarding to see the finished product.”

15. How do you keep up with the latest trends in the industry?

Tishman Speyer is a large company that works in many different industries. As such, they may want to know how you keep up with the latest trends and news in your industry. This can help them determine if you are able to adapt to new situations or challenges. To answer this question, think about what you have done to stay informed in the past. Consider joining professional organizations or reading industry publications.

Example: “I am an active member of several construction-related forums online. I find these communities to be very helpful for learning more about current issues in the industry. In fact, I learned about Tishman Speyer through one of these forums. I also subscribe to several construction magazines so I can learn about new materials and techniques.”

16. What do you consider to be your greatest strength and weakness?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s important to answer honestly. Employers want to know what your greatest strengths are so they can use them on the job, but they also want to know about any weaknesses you may have so they can help you improve or work around them. When answering this question, be sure to focus more on your strengths than your weaknesses.

Example: “My greatest strength is my attention to detail. I am very thorough when working on projects, which helps me ensure that everything is done correctly. My weakness is that sometimes I get too focused on details and lose sight of the big picture. I’ve learned to ask for help if I feel like I’m getting too caught up in something.”

17. How well do you work under pressure?

Tishman Speyer is a large company that often has multiple projects going on at once. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you can handle the pressure of working for such a large organization. Use your answer to show that you are organized and able to prioritize tasks effectively.

Example: “I am used to working under pressure, as I have been in my current position for five years now. In my previous role, I was responsible for managing several different projects at once. This experience taught me how to manage my time well and prioritize tasks so I could get everything done by the deadlines. I also learned how to delegate work to other team members when needed.”

18. What do you like most about the real estate industry?

This question is a great way to show your passion for the industry. It also allows you to talk about what you like most about working at Tishman Speyer, which can be helpful if you are asked more specific questions later in the interview process.

Example: “I love helping people find their dream home and making that experience as stress-free as possible. I enjoy being able to help clients navigate the real estate market and make sure they get the best deal on a property. I feel like my skills and personality fit well with this type of work, so it’s always been something I have wanted to do.”

19. How would you handle a tenant who was unhappy with their office space?

Tishman Speyer is a large company that manages many office spaces. The interviewer may ask this question to assess your customer service skills and ability to resolve conflicts. In your answer, demonstrate how you would use your problem-solving skills to help the tenant feel more comfortable in their space.

Example: “I would first listen to what they were unhappy about and then try to understand why they felt that way. I would also make sure to find out if there was anything we could do to improve their experience. If it’s possible, I would work with my team to see if we can change the situation or offer them another workspace. If not, I would apologize for any inconvenience and let them know that I will be following up with them within two weeks to ensure everything is okay.”

20. Do you have experience using Microsoft Office Suite?

Tishman Speyer uses Microsoft Office Suite, so the interviewer may ask you this question to see if you have experience with it. If you do, share a time when you used it to complete a task or project. If you don’t have experience using it, consider taking some online courses before your interview to familiarize yourself with the software.

Example: “I’ve been using Microsoft Office since my freshman year of college. I use Word and PowerPoint regularly for school projects and presentations. In addition, I also use Excel to track my budget each month.”