How to get a job at Cushman & Wakefield
20 real interview questions, insider tips on the hiring process, and what Cushman & Wakefield actually looks for. Most people read about it. Very few practise for it.
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Your question
“Tell me about yourself and what makes you a strong candidate for this role.”
About Cushman & Wakefield
Company overview
Cushman & Wakefield is a leading international real estate services company with major UK presence, providing solutions across leasing, sales, valuation, occupier solutions, and capital markets.
Based in London with offices throughout the UK and globally, Cushman & Wakefield advises institutional investors, corporate occupiers, and developers on property strategy. The firm combines global resources with local market expertise.
Cushman & Wakefield is recognised for market leadership, client focus, and innovation in real estate services.
Inside the company
Culture & values at Cushman & Wakefield
Cushman & Wakefield values client success, collaboration, and professional excellence. The firm fosters a dynamic environment where professionals are encouraged to develop expertise and build client relationships. They invest in people development and mentoring.
The firm is committed to diversity and creating a workplace where talent can thrive.
Why people want to work here
Work on major property transactions; develop specialist expertise; structured training towards RICS qualification; exposure to diverse property types and client bases; advancement to senior roles; competitive compensation.
What to expect
Working at Cushman & Wakefield
The working environment at Cushman & Wakefield reflects the property sector — structured but dynamic, with a mix of planned project work and responsive tasks. Most roles involve regular collaboration with colleagues across different teams and functions, with clear expectations for deliverables and timelines. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements are increasingly common, and the organisation recognises that different roles require different working patterns.
As a 4,800+-person organisation, Cushman & Wakefield sits at a size where you can genuinely know people across different departments. Teams tend to be close-knit, and there's a real sense of shared purpose. You'll likely have more visibility with senior leadership than you would at a larger employer, which means your contributions are noticed and your ideas can reach decision-makers more quickly.
The culture at Cushman & Wakefield shapes how the day feels beyond just the work itself. Colleagues describe the environment as one that values Valuation Expertise and Commercial Acumen. Lunch breaks, team socials, and informal catch-ups are part of the rhythm — Cushman & Wakefield recognises that building relationships across the organisation is as important as the deliverables themselves. Most employees report that the people are one of the best things about working here, and that the team dynamic makes challenging work feel manageable.
The hiring journey
Cushman & Wakefield interview process
Cushman & Wakefield's recruitment process focuses on identifying talented professionals with commercial awareness and client service orientation. Process typically includes assessments and interviews.
Application & Screening
1-2 weeksCV and application form reviewed for qualifications and relevant experience
Aptitude Assessment
1 weekReasoning tests and commercial awareness assessments
First Interview
30-45 minutesPhone or video interview with a surveyor covering motivation and technical knowledge
Second Interview
45-60 minutesIn-person or video interview with a manager assessing commercial expertise
Case Study or Technical Exercise
1-2 hoursMay include a valuation exercise or market analysis task
Recruitment ongoing with intake points for graduates typically in autumn. Application-to-offer typically 4-8 weeks.
Insider tips
Research current UK property market trends and Cushman & Wakefield's transactions; demonstrate understanding of valuation methodologies; show interest in specific property types; prepare examples of analytical experience.
Your game plan
How to prepare for your Cushman & Wakefield interview
Cushman & Wakefield's interview process typically takes Recruitment ongoing with intake points for graduates typically in autumn. Application-to-offer typically 4-8 weeks.. Starting your preparation 4 weeks ahead gives you enough time to research thoroughly, build strong examples, and practise until your answers feel natural rather than rehearsed. Candidates who prepare systematically consistently outperform those who wing it — and interviewers can always tell the difference.
4 weeks before
Research Cushman & Wakefield thoroughly — read their annual report, recent press coverage, and leadership interviews. Understand their position in real estate services and any challenges or opportunities they're facing. Follow Cushman & Wakefield on LinkedIn and note the type of content they share — this reveals what they're proud of and where they're heading. Start reviewing the 5 stages of their interview process so you know exactly what to expect at each step. Identify anyone in your network who works or has worked at Cushman & Wakefield and reach out for an informal conversation.
3 weeks before
Prepare 8-10 STAR examples from your experience that demonstrate Valuation Expertise, Commercial Acumen, Client Service Mindset. These should be specific, quantified stories you can adapt to different questions — don't just prepare one example per quality, because interviewers often ask follow-ups or probe the same competency from different angles. If you're applying for Estate Agent or Quantity Surveyor role, make sure your examples are directly relevant to that function. Start practising answering questions out loud — silent preparation and written notes aren't enough, because the interview requires you to articulate your thoughts clearly under pressure.
2 weeks before
Do a full mock interview covering Cushman & Wakefield's typical question types — common, behavioural, and technical. Time your answers (aim for 2-3 minutes per STAR response — shorter feels thin, longer loses the interviewer's attention). Research your interviewers on LinkedIn if you know who they are — understanding their background can help you tailor your examples. Prepare 4-5 thoughtful questions to ask at the end of each stage. Good questions show you've done your research: ask about team challenges, upcoming projects, or how the role contributes to Cushman & Wakefield's strategy.
Final week
Review and refine your STAR examples — tighten any that felt long or unfocused during practice. Check Cushman & Wakefield's news and social media for anything published in the last few days (being able to reference something current shows genuine, ongoing interest). Confirm logistics — location, format (video or in-person), dress code, who you're meeting, and how long to allow. Prepare a printed copy of your CV, the job description, and your question list. Plan your route if in-person. The night before, focus on rest rather than last-minute cramming — confidence and composure matter as much as preparation.
Stand out from the crowd
What Cushman & Wakefield looks for
Valuation Expertise
Understanding of valuation methodologies including DCF and comparable approach. Ability to justify valuations with evidence.
Commercial Acumen
Understanding of property investment and lease structures. Ability to advise clients on strategic decisions.
Client Service Mindset
Genuine focus on understanding client needs and delivering solutions. Ability to build relationships.
Analytical Capability
Strong numerical and analytical skills. Ability to process complex market data and identify trends.
Market Awareness
Knowledge of property markets and economic drivers affecting real estate.
Get through the door
How to apply to Cushman & Wakefield
Start by studying Cushman & Wakefield's careers page and current openings carefully. Tailor your CV to mirror the language they use in job descriptions — real estate services employers use applicant tracking systems that scan for specific keywords, and generic applications get filtered out before a human sees them. If you're applying for Estate Agent, Quantity Surveyor, Property Valuer, research what each role involves at Cushman & Wakefield specifically, not just the job title in general.
If you're early in your career, look for entry-level or junior positions on Cushman & Wakefield's careers page. Some roles may not be advertised externally, so networking through LinkedIn and industry events can surface opportunities before they're posted publicly. Consider whether Cushman & Wakefield offers internships or work experience placements as a route in — many property employers use these as a pipeline for permanent roles.
Before submitting your application, research Cushman & Wakefield's recent news, strategy, and any public statements from leadership. Mentioning something specific in your cover letter — a recent project, a company initiative, or a strategic direction — signals that you've done your homework and aren't sending the same application to every property employer. Referrals from current employees significantly increase your chances of getting an interview, so connect with people at Cushman & Wakefield on LinkedIn and attend any open days or recruitment events they run.
As a smaller organisation, Cushman & Wakefield values personal connections. Attending industry events where their team members speak or exhibit can be an effective way to build rapport before you apply. In property specifically, personal recommendations carry significant weight.
Mistakes candidates make
- 1Submitting a generic CV that doesn't reference Cushman & Wakefield or real estate services-specific experience — tailored applications are significantly more likely to get past initial screening. Mirror the language from the job description and quantify your achievements.
- 2Failing to research Cushman & Wakefield's values, recent news, and strategic direction before the interview — interviewers can tell immediately when a candidate hasn't prepared beyond reading the About page on the website.
- 3Not preparing concrete STAR examples that demonstrate Valuation Expertise and Commercial Acumen — Cushman & Wakefield uses competency-based interviewing, so vague answers like "I'm a team player" without specific situations, actions, and measurable outcomes will score poorly.
- 4Underestimating the preparation timeline — Cushman & Wakefield's process typically takes Recruitment ongoing with intake points for graduates typically in autumn. Application-to-offer typically 4-8 weeks., and the best candidates start preparing weeks in advance. Last-minute cramming shows in your answers.
- 5Neglecting to ask thoughtful questions at the end of each interview stage — generic questions like "what's the culture like?" waste your chance to demonstrate genuine curiosity about Cushman & Wakefield and the specific role.
- 6Applying to multiple roles at Cushman & Wakefield simultaneously without tailoring each application — recruiters notice this, and it signals that you're not genuinely interested in any specific position.
Real questions asked
Cushman & Wakefield interview questions
20 questions sourced from real Cushman & Wakefield candidates. Practise answering them out loud before your interview.
- 1What recent property transaction in the UK market has caught your attention?
- 2How do you stay informed about property market trends?
- 3Tell us about your experience with valuation
- 4Why are you interested in commercial real estate?
- 5Describe a situation where you presented complex data to non-technical stakeholders
- 6How would you approach valuing an unfamiliar property type?
- 7What factors would you consider when advising on an investment decision?
- 8Tell us about a time you worked on a project with tight deadlines
Your career here
Growth & development at Cushman & Wakefield
Career progression at Cushman & Wakefield follows a relatively clear path for most roles. Promotions typically depend on demonstrating increased responsibility, deeper expertise, and leadership capability — whether that's leading teams, managing clients, or driving technical innovation. The organisation values both specialist depth and the ability to take on broader management responsibilities, so there are usually multiple progression routes available. Don't assume you need to move into management to advance — many property organisations increasingly recognise and reward technical and specialist career paths.
Cushman & Wakefield invests in structured learning and development programmes, including access to training courses, conferences, and professional certifications. Many employees report that the L&D budget is generous and genuinely encouraged — not just a line in the benefits package that nobody actually uses. Whether it's technical upskilling, leadership development, or industry certifications, there's real support for continuous learning. While formal mentoring programmes may vary across departments, the culture generally encourages learning from more experienced colleagues. Building relationships with senior team members is one of the most effective ways to accelerate your development — seek out people whose career trajectory you admire and ask them for advice regularly.
For real estate services professionals, Cushman & Wakefield offers exposure to projects and challenges that build a strong CV whether you stay long-term or move on after a few years. The skills and experience you gain — particularly around Valuation Expertise and Commercial Acumen — are transferable across the property sector and beyond. Internal mobility is possible for strong performers, with opportunities to move between teams, departments, or even locations as your career develops. Many senior leaders at Cushman & Wakefield started in entry-level or early-career positions, which speaks to the genuine career development opportunities available.
Compensation
Salary & benefits at Cushman & Wakefield
Graduate surveyor: £26,000-£29,000. Senior surveyor: £48,000-£68,000. Associate: £63,000-£83,000.
Notable benefits
Roles they hire for
Popular roles at Cushman & Wakefield
Frequently asked questions
What qualifications does Cushman & Wakefield expect for graduate surveyors?
Cushman & Wakefield typically recruits graduates with a degree in surveying, property, or related fields. A 2:1 or above is expected. Candidates must be willing to work towards RICS qualification, which Cushman & Wakefield supports and funds.
How long does it take to become a qualified surveyor at Cushman & Wakefield?
RICS qualification typically takes 5-7 years after graduation. This includes completion of the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence. Cushman & Wakefield provides support including mentoring and exam fee reimbursement.
What property sectors does Cushman & Wakefield specialise in?
Cushman & Wakefield advises across all major property types including office, retail, industrial, residential, healthcare, and hospitality. You'll have opportunity to develop expertise in specific sectors.
Does Cushman & Wakefield offer secondment or rotation opportunities?
Yes, Cushman & Wakefield offers opportunities to work in different teams, offices, and international locations. Rotations provide broad experience and international secondments are available.
What is the typical career progression at Cushman & Wakefield?
Typical progression is: Graduate Surveyor > Senior Surveyor > Associate > Senior Associate > Director. Timeline depends on performance and experience. The firm supports development at each stage.
How does Cushman & Wakefield support diversity and inclusion?
Cushman & Wakefield is committed to diversity and has mentoring programmes and flexible working options. The firm actively works to increase representation, particularly in senior surveying roles.
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