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CBRE.

CBRE is known for its commercial real estate interviews testing property valuation, lease negotiation, and facility management for large corporate and institutional clients.

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What to expect.

Everything you need to know before your CBRE interview.

To prepare for a CBRE interview, research the company thoroughly, practice role specific questions using the STAR method, and prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewer. Orbyt's free CBRE interview guide provides 6 questions to expect and 4 smart questions to ask, composed by Orbyt for real estate interviews rather than taken from any company question bank, plus a free AI tool that generates questions tailored to your specific role in seconds.

The CBRE interview process.

CBRE uses two to three rounds of behavioral and case-based interviews. Brokerage roles assess market knowledge and client development. Facility management roles evaluate operational competence. The process typically takes two to five weeks.

What CBRE looks for.

CBRE values market expertise, client relationship skills, entrepreneurial drive, and the ability to deliver comprehensive real estate solutions. They seek candidates who can navigate complex commercial transactions and build long-term advisory relationships.

CBRE interview questions to expect.

These are the kinds of questions candidates commonly face in CBRE and similar interviews. Prepare a specific story for each, ideally with the STAR method.

1.

CBRE is the world's largest commercial real estate services firm, so what interests you about commercial real estate and about working at CBRE?

2.

Tell me about a time you built a strong relationship with a client or stakeholder. How did you earn their trust?

3.

Describe a situation where you managed several priorities or accounts at once. How did you stay organized?

4.

Give an example of a time you used data or analysis to support a recommendation or decision?

5.

Tell me about a time you negotiated or found a solution that worked for multiple parties?

6.

Describe a time you delivered results in a competitive, target driven environment?

Smart questions to ask in your CBRE interview.

Asking thoughtful questions shows genuine interest and helps you decide if CBRE is the right fit for you.

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How does this team collaborate across service lines to serve a client?

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What does the path for growth and development look like in this role?

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What separates the top performers on this team from the rest?

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What are the biggest opportunities and challenges in this market right now?

How to prepare.

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Research the local commercial real estate market conditions for your target office

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Prepare to discuss different property types: office, industrial, retail, multifamily

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Understand CBRE's service lines: brokerage, capital markets, valuation, and facility management

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For brokerage roles, be ready to discuss your client development strategy

Common mistakes.

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Not understanding the difference between brokerage (transaction) and services (management) roles

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Underestimating the entrepreneurial, eat-what-you-kill nature of commercial real estate brokerage

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Lacking knowledge of local market dynamics, vacancy rates, and recent transactions

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CBRE interview questions

Commercial real estate brokers at CBRE typically work on commission, developing client relationships and closing lease or sale transactions. Early career brokers often join established teams as analysts before building their own client base. The income trajectory can be steep: modest early years followed by significant earning potential for successful brokers. CBRE provides research, marketing, and platform resources. The role requires strong networking, market knowledge, and persistence through long sales cycles.

CBRE's facility management division manages corporate real estate portfolios for major companies, handling everything from maintenance and space planning to employee experience. This business provides stable salaried careers versus commission-based brokerage. Roles include facility managers, project managers, sustainability consultants, and workplace strategists. The division is growing as companies outsource real estate operations. It offers a more predictable career path than brokerage with corporate benefits and advancement.

The CBRE interview process typically includes an initial recruiter screen, followed by one or more technical or behavioral rounds, and a final on site or virtual loop. Each stage evaluates different skills depending on the role you applied for.

CBRE interviews typically blend both behavioral and technical elements. Most loops include at least one behavioral round focusing on past experiences and one technical round assessing domain skills. The exact split depends on the role, team, and seniority level.

Many CBRE roles include a technical component, though the format varies. Engineering roles may involve coding challenges or system design, while other positions focus on case studies, portfolio reviews, or domain knowledge assessments relevant to the team.

For CBRE, business casual is generally a safe choice for most roles. Tech and creative roles tend to be more casual, while finance, consulting, and executive positions lean toward business professional. When in doubt, ask your recruiter.

Every company's culture shapes its interview experience, and CBRE is no exception. Review CBRE's stated values, mission, and recent news before your interview: demonstrating cultural alignment is a key evaluation criterion alongside technical skills.

Hiring at well known companies is competitive, and openings at CBRE can draw many applicants. Standing out requires a tailored resume, strong interview preparation, and clear articulation of how your skills match the specific role and team needs.

Relocation support varies by company, role, and location, and Orbyt does not track CBRE's current policy. Many large employers offer relocation packages for hard to fill full time roles. Ask your recruiter during the initial screening phase so you can factor it into your decision.

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