Cushman & Wakefield Data Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Cushman & Wakefield is a global leader in commercial real estate services, dedicated to providing clients with innovative solutions and insights to maximize their real estate investments.

The Data Engineer plays a crucial role in managing and optimizing data systems within Cushman & Wakefield, focusing on the integration of financial ERP systems and data aggregation platforms. Key responsibilities include designing and maintaining infrastructure to support various financial and operational systems, coordinating system changes, and collaborating closely with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. A successful Data Engineer will have a strong background in data management and analytics, with proficiency in SQL and experience with complex data integrations. They should also exhibit excellent communication skills, enabling them to effectively liaise between diverse teams and ensure alignment with business processes and objectives.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the skills and experiences that Cushman & Wakefield values, allowing you to articulate your qualifications confidently and effectively.

The interview process for a Data Engineer at Cushman & Wakefield is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several stages, each designed to evaluate different aspects of a candidate's qualifications and experience.

1. Initial Phone Screen

The process begins with a preliminary phone interview, usually lasting around 30 minutes. This initial screen is conducted by a recruiter who will discuss your background, relevant experience, and general fit for the role. Expect questions about your technical skills, particularly in data management and integration, as well as your understanding of the commercial real estate sector.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screen, candidates typically participate in a technical interview, which may be conducted via video call. This interview focuses on your technical expertise, particularly in SQL, data integration, and BI tools. You may be asked to solve problems or discuss past projects that demonstrate your ability to design and manage data infrastructure effectively.

3. Team Interviews

Candidates often have multiple interviews with team members, including hiring managers and senior staff. These interviews delve deeper into your specific experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Data Engineer role. Expect discussions around your approach to data management, your experience with ERP systems, and how you handle project management and stakeholder communication.

4. Case Study Presentation

In some instances, candidates may be required to complete a case study. This involves preparing a solution to a data-related problem and presenting it to the interview panel. This step assesses not only your technical skills but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively.

5. Final Interview

The final stage usually involves a more informal conversation with senior management or executives. This interview is less about technical skills and more focused on cultural fit and your long-term career aspirations. You may be asked about your motivations for joining Cushman & Wakefield and how you envision contributing to the team.

Throughout the process, candidates should be prepared to discuss their experiences in data management, their familiarity with commercial real estate, and their ability to work collaboratively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Next, let's explore the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during this process.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Understand the Company Culture

Cushman & Wakefield has a reputation for a "work hard, play hard" culture. This means they value dedication and hard work but also appreciate a balanced approach to work-life. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to this culture while maintaining your own work-life balance. Show enthusiasm for the role and the company, and be ready to share how your values align with theirs.

Prepare for Technical Proficiency

As a Data Engineer, you will need to demonstrate strong technical skills, particularly in SQL and data integration. Brush up on your SQL knowledge, focusing on complex queries, data manipulation, and integration techniques. Familiarize yourself with data management systems and BI tools, as these are crucial for the role. Be ready to discuss your past experiences with data aggregation and how you have optimized data delivery in previous positions.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Expect a mix of technical and behavioral questions. The interviewers will likely want to assess not only your technical skills but also how you handle challenges and work within a team. Prepare examples from your past experiences that showcase your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and adaptability. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses effectively.

Communicate Clearly and Confidently

Communication is key in this role, as you will be liaising between technical and non-technical teams. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be prepared to explain complex technical concepts in a way that is understandable to non-technical stakeholders. This will demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between different teams and ensure everyone is on the same page.

Expect a Multi-Round Interview Process

The interview process may involve multiple rounds, including phone screens and in-person interviews with various team members. Be prepared for a range of interview styles, from formal to more conversational. Each round may focus on different aspects of your experience and fit for the role, so stay adaptable and ready to engage with different interviewers.

Stay Professional and Respectful

While some candidates have reported unprofessional behavior from interviewers, it’s essential to maintain your professionalism throughout the process. Regardless of the interviewers' demeanor, stay respectful and focused on showcasing your qualifications. If you encounter any challenging situations, handle them gracefully and use them as an opportunity to demonstrate your resilience and professionalism.

Follow Up

After your interviews, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. This not only shows your gratitude but also reinforces your interest in the position. Use this opportunity to briefly reiterate why you believe you would be a great fit for the role and the company.

By following these tips, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Data Engineer role at Cushman & Wakefield. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Data Engineer interview at Cushman & Wakefield. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, experience with data management systems, and your ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, technical knowledge, and how you can contribute to the company's goals.

Technical Skills

1. Can you describe your experience with SQL and how you have used it in previous projects?

Understanding your SQL proficiency is crucial, as it is a key skill for this role.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you utilized SQL for data extraction, transformation, and loading. Highlight any complex queries or optimizations you implemented.

Example

“In my previous role, I used SQL extensively to manage and analyze large datasets. For instance, I optimized a query that reduced processing time by 30%, which significantly improved our reporting efficiency. I also created stored procedures to automate data retrieval for our monthly reports.”

2. What is your experience with data integration and ETL processes?

This question assesses your familiarity with data integration techniques, which are essential for the role.

How to Answer

Explain your experience with ETL tools and processes, including any specific technologies you have used.

Example

“I have worked with various ETL tools, including Talend and Apache Nifi, to integrate data from multiple sources. In one project, I designed an ETL pipeline that consolidated data from our CRM and ERP systems, which improved our data accuracy and reporting capabilities.”

3. How do you ensure data quality and integrity in your projects?

Data quality is critical in any data engineering role, and interviewers will want to know your approach.

How to Answer

Discuss the methods you use to validate and clean data, as well as any tools or frameworks you employ.

Example

“I implement data validation checks at various stages of the ETL process to ensure data quality. I also use tools like Apache Airflow to monitor data pipelines and alert me to any discrepancies, allowing for quick resolution.”

4. Can you explain a complex data architecture you have designed?

This question evaluates your ability to design scalable and efficient data architectures.

How to Answer

Provide a detailed description of a data architecture you designed, including the technologies used and the challenges faced.

Example

“I designed a data architecture for a multi-regional project that involved integrating data from various sources, including cloud storage and on-premise databases. I utilized AWS services like S3 for storage and Redshift for data warehousing, ensuring scalability and performance. The architecture allowed for real-time data processing, which was a significant improvement over our previous setup.”

5. What BI tools have you used, and how have they impacted your work?

Familiarity with BI tools is important for this role, as they are often used for data visualization and reporting.

How to Answer

Mention specific BI tools you have experience with and how they have enhanced your data analysis capabilities.

Example

“I have used Power BI and Tableau for data visualization. In my last project, I created interactive dashboards in Power BI that provided stakeholders with real-time insights into key performance metrics, which facilitated data-driven decision-making.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a time when you had to work with a difficult stakeholder. How did you handle it?

This question assesses your interpersonal skills and ability to manage relationships.

How to Answer

Share a specific example, focusing on your communication and problem-solving skills.

Example

“I once worked with a stakeholder who was resistant to adopting a new data management system. I scheduled a meeting to understand their concerns and provided a demo of the system’s benefits. By addressing their issues and showing how the new system could streamline their processes, I was able to gain their support.”

2. How do you prioritize multiple projects with tight deadlines?

This question evaluates your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization and any tools or methods you use to manage your workload.

Example

“I use a combination of project management tools like Trello and time-blocking techniques to prioritize my tasks. I assess the urgency and impact of each project and allocate my time accordingly, ensuring that I meet all deadlines without compromising quality.”

3. Can you give an example of a time you improved a process?

This question looks for evidence of your initiative and problem-solving abilities.

How to Answer

Describe a specific process improvement you implemented, including the results achieved.

Example

“I noticed that our data extraction process was taking too long due to manual steps. I proposed and implemented an automated solution using Python scripts, which reduced the extraction time by 50% and allowed the team to focus on more strategic tasks.”

4. How do you stay updated with the latest trends in data engineering?

This question assesses your commitment to professional development.

How to Answer

Mention any resources, courses, or communities you engage with to stay informed.

Example

“I regularly follow industry blogs, participate in webinars, and am a member of several data engineering forums. I also take online courses on platforms like Coursera to learn about new tools and technologies as they emerge.”

5. Why do you want to work for Cushman & Wakefield?

This question gauges your interest in the company and its culture.

How to Answer

Express your enthusiasm for the company and how your values align with its mission.

Example

“I admire Cushman & Wakefield’s commitment to innovation in the real estate sector. I believe my background in data engineering can contribute to optimizing your data management processes, and I am excited about the opportunity to work in a collaborative environment that values growth and development.”