Savills Research Analyst interview questions & guide 2026

The following questions are representative of those reported by candidates during their selection process. While interview formats can vary by office and seniority, these patterns will help you structure your preparation.

Behavioral and Cultural Fit

These questions assess your alignment with Savills values, your ability to handle feedback, and your professional temperament.

• What are your greatest strengths and how do they apply to this role?
• How do you handle working as part of a team to complete difficult, time-sensitive tasks?

Success at Savills requires a combination of hard analytical skills and the ability to communicate those findings with confidence and precision. Prepare to demonstrate that you are not just a data processor, but a strategic partner to the business.

Role-Related Knowledge – You must demonstrate a firm grasp of commercial real estate fundamentals and economic indicators. Interviewers will look for your ability to explain how market factors influence property values and leasing strategies, so stay updated on current industry trends.

Problem-Solving Ability – You will likely be tested on how you approach data-heavy challenges. Practice explaining your methodology for managing large data sets and how you resolve discrepancies or missing information in your research.

Communication & Influence – You must be able to translate technical analysis into a clear, compelling narrative for brokers and clients. Focus on your ability to adjust your communication style based on your audience, ensuring your insights are both accessible and impactful.

The interview process at Savills typically emphasizes a mix of technical competency and cultural alignment. While the structure can vary based on the region and the specific team, you should generally expect a multi-stage process that begins with an initial screening and progresses toward more specialized, in-person or virtual panel interviews. The firm values a logical approach, and you may encounter assessments that test your proficiency in tools like Excel or your ability to handle market data.

The visual timeline above illustrates the progression from initial screening to final-stage interviews. Interpret these stages as a funnel: the early stages focus on your baseline qualifications and "why Savills," while later stages dive deeper into your technical capacity, your understanding of the real estate sector, and your ability to work within a professional team. Manage your energy accordingly, ensuring you are prepared for both high-level behavioral questions and more granular, technical discussions.

Technical Proficiency

Accuracy is the currency of a Research Analyst. You will be evaluated on your ability to manage databases, track lease comparables, and produce error-free market statistics.

Be ready to go over:

• Data Management – How you maintain databases and ensure information remains current.
• Analytical Software – Your proficiency with Microsoft Office, specifically Excel, and any experience with CRM tools like Salesforce.
• Reporting – Your process for synthesizing complex market data into readable quarterly reports.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Walk me through how you would verify a piece of market data if you found conflicting sources."
• "How do you prioritize data requests when you have multiple stakeholders needing information simultaneously?"

Market Awareness

Your ability to place data in a broader context is what differentiates a top candidate. Savills interviewers look for candidates who understand the "why" behind the market shifts they track.

Be ready to go over:

• Economic Indicators – Understanding how interest rates, employment data, and office occupancy rates impact local markets.
• Industry Trends – Being able to speak intelligently about the current state of the office market in your specific region.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "What do you think is the biggest challenge currently facing the office leasing market in this city?"
• "How do you keep yourself informed about real estate market developments?"

As a Research Analyst, your day-to-day work involves a blend of data maintenance and strategic support. You will be responsible for tracking property and market data, ensuring that proprietary databases are up-to-date and reliable. This involves constant monitoring of lease and sale comparables, building ownership information, and tenant activity.

You will function as a central resource for the broader team, responding to data requests from brokerage and consulting departments. You will also play a key role in producing quarterly market reports, which requires close collaboration with marketing and graphics teams to ensure that the data is presented in a way that supports the firm’s pursuit strategy. Success in this role means being a self-starter who can balance routine data maintenance with the urgent, high-stakes needs of client-facing teams.

A strong candidate for this role possesses a blend of analytical rigor and professional maturity. You should be able to demonstrate that you can work independently while contributing to the collective success of the firm.

• Must-have skills – A bachelor’s degree in business or a related field, strong Excel proficiency, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Nice-to-have skills – Prior experience in commercial real estate, familiarity with data visualization tools, and experience using Salesforce.
• Soft skills – An entrepreneurial spirit, high level of professionalism, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

Q: How long does the hiring process typically take? The timeline can vary significantly depending on the office location and department. While some processes are quick, you should be prepared for a multi-week engagement that includes multiple rounds of interviews and potential assessments.

Q: What is the best way to prepare for the technical portion of the interview? Focus on your comfort level with Excel and your ability to interpret market data. Be ready to explain your methodology for data cleaning and analysis, and ensure you are familiar with the specific commercial real estate market the role covers.

Q: What differentiates successful candidates? Successful candidates are those who demonstrate a genuine interest in the commercial real estate industry and who can clearly articulate how their analytical work contributes to the firm’s bottom line. They are also proactive, professional, and ready to engage in thoughtful dialogue about market trends.

Q: Is this a remote role? Most Research Analyst roles at Savills require a significant in-office presence to foster collaboration with local experts. Expect a hybrid or full in-office requirement depending on the specific regional office policy.

• Research the Market – Spend time reviewing recent reports published by the local Savills research team. Understanding their specific style and focus will help you speak their language during your interviews.
• Prepare Your Questions – Always have thoughtful questions ready for your interviewers. Ask about the team’s current challenges, how they use data to win business, or the culture of the office.
• Own Your Experience – When discussing your past work, focus on the outcomes you achieved. Quantify your impact whenever possible, especially regarding data accuracy or time saved through process improvements.
• Be Ready for Feedback – You may be asked to discuss a time you received critical feedback. Approach this with a growth mindset, showing that you view it as an opportunity to improve.

The Research Analyst position at Savills is an excellent opportunity to build a career at a world-class firm. By focusing on your analytical precision, your grasp of market fundamentals, and your ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, you will be well-positioned to succeed. Remember that your interviewers are looking for a partner who can help them navigate complex real estate landscapes.

Your preparation is the most significant factor in your success. Candidates can explore additional interview insights, practice questions, and preparation resources on Dataford. With a structured approach to your technical and behavioral preparation, you can confidently demonstrate why you are the right fit for the team.

The compensation data above provides a broad range for this role. Candidates should interpret these figures as a reflection of the significant variance in seniority, geographic location, and specific responsibilities associated with Research Analyst positions across the firm's global platform. Use this information to benchmark your expectations and ensure you are well-prepared for any discussions regarding salary and total rewards during the final stages of the process.