What stood out to you about the firm you secured your role with?
Primarily, the vast scale of the company! I had previously heard of CBRE, I had come across its logo on a few occasions however I was unaware of the truly global reach CBRE has. The size of the company stood out further due to the wide networking that happens on a daily basis, CBRE is very collaborative, e.g., in my first week I received welcome emails from people in the US. I never feel overwhelmed within the organisation because its structure and order are excellent. I always have clarity on whom to approach when I require something, and I have a clear understanding on my position.
How did you make your application stand out?
I made my application stand out by showcasing concrete examples. Merely stating exceptional team building skills or outstanding time management abilities lacks impact unless supported by relevant instances when these qualities were demonstrated.
What part of the application process did you find the most challenging?
The final application process posed the greatest challenges, consisting of two face-to-face presentations. The first involved collabrating with a team of other interviewees to develop a pitch idea and present it back within strict time limits. The second presentation required creating a presentation and delivering individual answers to given questions, also within a time constraint. The pressure of managing time effectively and the tendency to overthink every aspect added to the intensity of the situation.
What are your top tips for tackling tough interview questions?
Communicate using clear and straightforward language, avoiding using filler words such as "um" and "like". Present your arguments or points in a concise and efficient manner - quality over quantity. Also, always have at least three questions to ask at then end of an interview, and make sure they are relevant about the organisation and interviewers, not just the role.
Did you get any feedback in the past that helped you with your application?
I sort feeback from anyone I could, luckily I have a friend who was already employed at CBRE, enabling to grasp the company's values and learn how to align my responses accordingly. The guided me on tailoring each answer to the specific context of CBRE, emphasising the importance of providing specific examples rather than generic references.
What top three tips would you give Bright Network members looking to follow in your footsteps?
- Take initiative and avoid complacency by actively seeking out additional opportunities and areas of improvement.
- Overcome hesitation by reaching out to others, even multiple individuals, when faced with uncertainites.
- Recognise the significance of networking as a valuable tool for creating and maintaining relationships and exposing yourself to potential opportunities. Even if the benefits may not be immediately apparent, the connections you make will always prove advantageous.