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Field Researcher - Chicago, IL

CoStar Group · Chicago, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 9, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

This job means driving to commercial properties all day and working on your own. How do you stay productive without someone watching?

What they are checking: Whether they are self-motivated enough to hit targets in a role with little direct supervision.

Tell me about a time you had to work in tough conditions, like bad weather or long hours, to get a job done.

What they are checking: Whether they can handle the physical side of a field job without losing focus.

Tell me about a time you had a daily or weekly goal to hit. How did you keep track?

What they are checking: Whether they are used to measurable targets and manage their own progress.

What would you do

How would you plan your day to visit as many properties as possible?

What they are checking: Whether they think about routes, timing and priorities to make the most of field time.

You arrive at a building and the property manager asks you to leave. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stay polite and professional while still trying to get the information they need.

How do you start a conversation with a building tenant or manager to learn about vacancies?

What they are checking: Whether they can build quick rapport with strangers to collect property details.

About the work

What makes a good photo of a commercial property for a listing or database?

What they are checking: Whether they think about lighting, angles and what a buyer or broker needs to see.

How do you make sure the information you collect is accurate?

What they are checking: Whether they double-check details, since the data they gather is what customers pay for.

How comfortable are you using a tablet, app or camera to log data in the field?

What they are checking: Whether they can pick up the tools quickly and use them correctly all day.

What do you know about commercial real estate in Chicago?

What they are checking: Whether they have curiosity about the market they will be researching every day.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at CoStar Group from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by CoStar Group.

Field Researcher - Chicago, IL <br> Job Description <br> Company Overview: CoStar Group is a leading global provider of commercial and residential real estate information, analytics, and online marketplaces. Included in the S&P 500 Index, CoStar Group is on a mission to digitize the world’s real estate, empowering all people to discover properties, insights and connections that improve their businesses and lives. We have been living and breathing the world of real estate information and online marketplaces for over 35 years, giving us the perspective to create truly unique and valuable offerings to our customers. We’ve continually refined, transformed and perfected our approach to our business, creating a language that has become standard in our industry, for our customers, and even our competitors. We continue that effort today and are always working to improve and drive innovation. This is how we deliver for our customers, our employees, and investors. By equipping the brightest minds with the best resources available, we provide an invaluable edge in real estate. CoStar is the global leader in commercial real estate information, analytics and news. Commercial Real Estate industry professionals around the globe use CoStar to access the most comprehensive data to make decisions with confidence. CoStar delivers immediate, verified commercial real estate information on over 5.9 million properties across every market. Learn more about CoStar . Role Description Field Researchers are the talented and versatile team responsible for data collection that supports all CoStar Group products.  Whether capturing information around new tenants and their occupancy or identifying available space, our research brings significant value to the real estate industry.  This newly formed team is focused on capturing all current tenants, available listings and building characteristics in high priority commercial properties, ensuring that the most accurate and comprehensive market picture is presented to our clients. Field Researchers are highly motivated and detail-oriented individuals who will thoroughly canvass commercial properties in a defined geographic territory. Field Researchers are managed by a manager located in our Richmond, VA office. This role will be based in the market. Responsibilities: • Navigate one-mile square grids to ensure complete commercial real estate data coverage. • Thorough walk through assigned commercial buildings floor-by-floor to document detailed tenant data, including business name, full address, suite size, geo-location, and media. • Professionally communicate with building staff and management to gain access to tenant rosters and any available property data. • Identify new or missing inventory, along with missing availability and other commercial data. • Ensure timeliness, accuracy and completeness of all collected information • Always represent CoStar in a professional manner. Physical Requirements • Frequent and repetitive standing, walking and sitting in a car for 8 hours per day. • Must be able to lift, carry, and maneuver equipment weighing up to 5 pounds • Repetitive hand and arm movements are needed to type on a tablet or laptop. • Occasional bending, stooping, squatting, lifting, twisting, and carrying are necessary to perform job functions. • Ability to work and drive outside during all seasons. Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited, not-for-profit University or College • At least 2 years of professional experience • Strong time management skills and very detailed oriented; enjoys working independently. • Excellent communication (oral and written) and organizational skills. • Capability to accurately capture and enter data. • Ability to work independently and stay organized while navigating large geographic areas. • Strong problem-solving skills; proactively identify missing data and resolve discrepancies. • Tech-Savvy: Expert in Windows, Apple OS, Microsoft Office, and Internet applications. • The ability to quickly learn and apply new concepts such as commercial real estate terminology. • Field experience preferred. • Candidates must possess a current and valid driver’s license. • Satisfactory completion of a Driving Record/Driving Abstract check prior to start. Driving history must reflect responsible driving behavior and compliance with traffic laws. What’s in it for you? When you join CoStar Group, you’ll experience a collaborative and innovative culture working alongside the best and brightest to empower our people and customers to succeed. We offer you generous compensation and performance-based incentives. CoStar Group also invests in your professional and academic growth with internal training and tuition reimbursement. Our benefits package includes (but is not limited to): • Comprehensive healthcare coverage: Medical / Vision / Dental / Prescription Drug • Life, legal, and supplementary insurance • Virtual and in person mental health counseling services for individuals and family • Commuter and parking benefits • 401(K) retirement plan with matching contributions • Employee stock purchase plan • Paid time off • Tuition reimbursement • On-site fitness center and/or reimbursed fitness center membership costs (location dependent) • Access to CoStar Group’s Employee Resource Groups • Complimentary gourmet coffee, tea, hot chocolate, fresh fruit, and other healthy snacks Compensation: • The final salary or hourly rate offered for this role will fall within the range set forth below based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, skills, and competencies. • Base Compensation: $60,000 (Hourly) We welcome all qualified candidates who are currently eligible to work full-time in the United States to apply. However, please note that CoStar Group is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position. CoStar Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer; we maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing. #LI-AO1 <br> CoStar Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer; we maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing

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