CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Los Angeles, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2017 revenue). The company has more than 80,000 employees (excluding affiliates) and serves real estate investors and occupiers through more than 450 offices (excluding affiliates) worldwide. CBRE offers a broad range of integrated services, including facilities, transaction and project management; property management; investment management; appraisal and valuation; property leasing; strategic consulting; property sales; mortgage services and development services.
The interview process at CBRE is designed to identify best-in-class candidates and includes several stages to evaluate an applicant's skills, experiences, and fit with the company's culture. From the insights shared by CBRE itself and additional resources, here’s a condensed overview of what to expect and how to prepare:
Preparation is Key: Before applying, it's crucial to update your LinkedIn profile and resume to reflect your most current accomplishments, employment history, and skills. Doing thorough research on CBRE, including their corporate values, recent achievements, and the specific role you're applying for, is essential. Understanding the company's goals and how your career aspirations align with them can significantly impact your application and interview performance.
Interview Stages: The interview process may vary based on the position but generally includes initial screenings, possibly via phone or video call, followed by one or more in-person interviews with hiring managers and team members. CBRE emphasizes the importance of showcasing how your past experiences and skills are transferable to the role you're applying for, even if you're pivoting to a new industry.
Types of Questions: Be prepared to answer both behavioral and situational questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to articulate your responses clearly. Questions may range from dealing with challenging customers, handling confidential information, improving team performance, managing project budgets, to addressing safety concerns.
Ethics and Integrity: Expect questions that test your ethical judgment and integrity, especially regarding handling sensitive or confidential information. Demonstrating your adherence to professional standards and respect for privacy and confidentiality is crucial.
Leadership and Problem-Solving Skills: You may be asked about your experience in leading teams, managing budgets, or dealing with unexpected challenges in a project. Providing specific examples where you've demonstrated these skills can highlight your leadership potential and problem-solving capabilities.
Industry Knowledge and Vision: Questions might also explore your understanding of the real estate industry's current landscape and future trends. Showcasing your knowledge here can signal your commitment to the field and capacity for forward-thinking.
For a successful interview at CBRE, emphasizing your achievements, research on the company, preparation for a variety of interview questions, and clear communication of your skills and how they align with the role and CBRE's objectives are all crucial steps.