CBRE Group Assessment Tests, Hiring Process & Interviews Online Preparation – 2024

What Is the CBRE Group?

The CBRE Group is a global leader in commercial real estate services and investments. They provide their clients with market knowledge and global insights to help them invest, plan, design, build and manage their real estate portfolios.

The company was founded in San Francisco, California, in 1906. Today, CBRE is a global Fortune 500 company with 500 offices in more than 100 countries.

CBRE operates on the values of RISE:

• Respect: They consider others’ ideas and openly share information to instill trust and encourage collaboration.
• Integrity: The commitment to the company and what they stand for is bigger than any individual employee, client, or deal.
• Service: CBRE approaches challenges enthusiastically and connects its clients with the right people, capital, and opportunities.
• Excellence: CBRE strives to create winning outcomes for all employees, clients, and shareholders.

Working at CBRE

CBRE employs over 100,000 people across the world. There are opportunities for job seekers across several career paths, including:

• Project management
• Sales
• Facilities management and trades
• Corporate
• Digital and technology
• Investment management
• Workplace experience
• Real estate development

The company also provides opportunities for students and recent graduates to work alongside professionals and build a career in the industry.

CBRE employees work daily to create the industry’s future, and the company provides an environment where an entrepreneurial mindset is encouraged. The company values diversity and fosters open communication and collaboration.

Employees at CBRE enjoy a host of benefits, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Health savings and flexible spending accounts
• Disability insurance
• 401k with employer match
• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Transit program
• Adoption assistance
• Learning and development opportunities
• Employee discount program
• Voluntary benefits, such as identity theft protection and accidental injury

What Is CBRE Recruitment Process?

CBRE Online Application

CBRE requires applicants to create a profile in their Talent Community Profile. When you make your profile, you will be asked to fill out essential demographic, background, and contact information. Afterward, you will be able to search and set alerts for positions that match your interests and skill set.

When you apply for a role, you will also need to upload a current resume. Make sure this resume is a maximum of two pages and tailored to the specific position you are applying for. Highlight specific skills and experiences that directly correlate to the requirements and responsibilities listed in the job description.

If you do not see any relevant positions listed, set a job alert to get a notification when new jobs are posted. You can also email your resume directly to HR to be considered for future positions. In your email, include what kind of position you seek and why you want to work with CBRE.

If the hiring team feels you would be a suitable candidate for the position, they will reach out to you about the next steps.

CBRE’s Screening Interview

The first step in the pre-employment process is the initial telephone interview. This conversation will last approximately 30 minutes and will serve as a screening interview to ensure that you qualify for the role and that you are a personality fit for the company.

The interviewer will likely want more details on the information you provided in your application, so be prepared to answer any questions about your resume, past experiences, and highlighted skills. They will ask about your knowledge of the role and the company to determine your interest in the position.

Remember that they will also assess your personality and demeanor throughout this conversation. Be sure to present yourself in a confident, courteous, and friendly way. Be careful not to talk over the interviewer and to answer all questions concisely.

Lastly, do not be afraid to ask the interviewer questions about the company, role, expectations, growth potential, benefits, or anything related to the position. You want to ensure that this job would suit your needs before continuing in the recruitment process.

CBRE Assessments

After the screening interview, candidates will be invited to complete several aptitude and psychometric assessments to show they are qualified for the position. The exact tests will depend on the job you are applying for, but most applicants can expect to take some or all of the following exams.

• Inductive and Deductive Reasoning Tests – Logical or abstract reasoning tests measure a candidate’s problem-solving ability. The test will present a series of images, and the test-taker must identify the represented underlying pattern. Afterward, they must select the following figure in the series for a multiple-choice list.
• Verbal Reasoning Test – Verbal reasoning skills are essential to any company. This test will examine your ability to understand written information and apply learned knowledge. You will read several text passages and answer questions based on the provided information. Remember that all information needed to do well on this exam is provided. Do not use outside knowledge to answer these questions; instead, focus on what was presented in the text.
• Mathematical Reasoning Test – Mathematical reasoning tests will assess your understanding of fundamental mathematical concepts and ability to perform basic calculations. This test is general and does not require advanced ability in mathematics to do well. Be prepared to see basic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and percentages.
• Mechanical Reasoning Aptitude Test – Some candidates will also need to take a mechanical aptitude test. This test examines your ability to learn skills required for mechanical, maintenance, or industrial positions. You will likely take this test if you apply for a role in the facilities management and trades career path.

The test covers four main topics:

• Production and maintenance
• Hand and power tools
• Household objects
• Science and physics.

Test-takers will answer multiple-choice questions about different physical and mechanical properties presented in images. Be sure to read each question on this exam carefully, as some questions may be a little tricky.

Skills-Based Assessments

In addition to the reasoning and aptitude tests mentioned above, you will likely take some skills-based assessments related to the position you are applying for. Here are a few examples of some skills-based assessments you may take during the hiring process:

• Typing: If you are applying for an administrative or corporate position, you may need to take a typing test. This will verify how many words per minute you can type and your ability to use a computer which is necessary for all corporate positions.
• Microsoft Excel: If the job includes any type of data entry or analysis, you may be asked to take a test that assesses your ability to use Microsoft Excel. These tests will typically ask you to perform various functions to show that you know where things are located in the program and what functions are appropriate to use in different situations.
• Microsoft Word: Most positions will also require you to use Microsoft Word. This exam will assess your knowledge of the program and walk you through a simulation of how you would use word processing in the workplace.
• Accounting: If you are applying for a position in the accounting department, you may be asked to complete an exam that tests your knowledge of bookkeeping, purchases, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and other skills required of company accountants.
• Sales and Customer Service: If you are applying for a client-facing position, you may need to take a test that assesses your communication and interpersonal skills.

Behavioral Tests

Candidates should also prepare to take some sort of behavioral assessment. CBRE is looking for employees that fit into their company culture and act professionally. Therefore, they will likely ask you to take some form of situational judgement test or personality exam to ensure a good fit.

• Situational Judgement Test (SJT): SJT exams will present a simulated workplace scenario that you must respond to. This will likely highlight some sort of conflict or decision you must make and will be related to the position you are applying for. This will assess various skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication and show CBRE how you respond to potentially stressful workplace situations.
• Personality Job Assessment: Personality tests will examine various characteristics that will affect how you perform in the workplace, such as your leadership skills, ability to accept criticism, and communication. You will be given a list of statements to which you must respond with how much you agree or disagree.

While it is essential to be honest on these exams, consider that CBRE is looking for individuals who fit in with their company culture and whose values align with their own. Before taking the behavior-based assessments, be sure to research their values and what they are looking for in a candidate.

CBRE’s In-Person Interview

The last stage of the recruitment process is the in-person interview. You will meet with at least one company representative, but you may do a panel or several one-on-one interviews, depending on the position.

Each interview will last roughly an hour and focus more on your aptitude and technical abilities. They want to ensure that you can perform the tasks required of the position and will ask questions about your past experiences and skill set.

Be sure to look online for different interviewing tips before going in for these conversations. You should also keep the job description and what they are looking for in mind when giving your responses.

How to Prepare for CBRE’s Assessment?

CBRE is looking for a candidate who can perform the job well and fit in with their current company culture. The best way to show the hiring team that you are the best person for the job is to do well on the various assessments during the recruiting process.

CBRE uses various test providers for their exams, such as Kenexa Prove It, Korn Ferry’s Talent Q, and Ramsay mechanical tests. Start your preparation by looking for practice tests on the exams you will most likely encounter. These exams are a great resource because they will not only provide answers to their sample questions but also give detailed solutions to help you understand how to answer each question on the exam.

Only candidates who do well on the exams will advance in the recruitment process, and those who adequately prepare are more likely to do better on the tests than those who didn’t study.

Be sure to take advantage of free and paid resources available to you online.