Online Application
Initially, you are asked to submit your CV, and complete an online application, consisting of basic personal details. No cover letter was required. Additionally, you are asked 3 questions. Usually, one would be explaining your passion and why you have chosen to apply to the company, whereas the 2nd / 3rd question would be to explain a situation where you have shown either innovation or drive to achieve something.
How to respond for success
I made sure to pick out the relevant subjects from my undergrad degree and extracurricular activities and highlight these in my application. I also mentioned my top subjects and any awards I received. I believe my application stood out because my thesis and masters subject were directly related to the job I was applying for. With regard to the 3 application questions, try to relate your answers back to the job description and the company. Show them you really want to work for them!
Expect a 1-week wait before progressing to the next stage.
Online Tests
This stage includes a number of online tests that companies use early on in the recruitment stage to filter out candidates. These tests are generally standardised and objective. They mainly test your ability in different areas. For Atkins, there are 3 tests, a situational judgement test, a numerical test, and a logical test. The tests will take around 30 mins to complete. There were practice rounds before taking the actual test. I also googled practice psychometric, numerical, and logical/verbal tests for extra preparation.
In the situational judgement test, you are provided with scenarios that may occur in the workplace and you select from multiple answers with how you would react in that situation. The numerical test is effectively GCSE math’s questions – may include graph interpretation or statistics. Finally, the logical test is about spotting patterns when presented with various sequences.
How to respond for success
I believe it is very important to practice as much as possible beforehand. Try not to be nervous, don’t rush and enjoy yourself! JobTestPrep offers many online practice tests for those looking to go into the engineering industry and heavy industry in general.
Expect a 1-week wait before progressing to the next stage.
Phone Interview
The telephone interview stage was very simple. The recruiter calls you at an agreed time and asks you to confirm a few details from your application and then just asks for more information. It doesn’t seem like an interview at all, it’s more like an informal chat with the recruiter!
Example task
The recruiter will ask you some basic questions about yourself, such as where and what you study, why you chose to apply to the company, and when is your availability for an interview.
How to respond for success
I tried my best to come across as confident and knew my application well. Be sure to relax and answer the phone confidently (say Hello, this is X speaking – rather than “Hello?”) Also, have a brief read through your application questions again and the job description.
Expect a 1-week wait before progressing to the next stage.
Phone Interview
The telephone interview stage was very simple. The recruiter calls you at an agreed time and asks you to confirm a few details from your application and then just asks for more information. It doesn’t seem like an interview at all, it’s more like an informal chat with the recruiter!
Example task
The recruiter will ask you some basic questions about yourself, such as where and what you study, why you chose to apply to the company, and when is your availability for an interview.
How to respond for success
I tried my best to come across as confident and knew my application well. Be sure to relax and answer the phone confidently (say Hello, this is X speaking – rather than “Hello?”) Also, have a brief read through your application questions again and the job description.
Expect a 1-week wait before progressing to the next stage.
Technical Interview
This stage involves a technical test followed by interview questions from 2 employees in the team. The test can take any form (written or verbal). It lasted around 2 hours in total. I made sure to revise basic engineering concepts.
Example task
I was asked to look at a drawing for development and identify any design considerations and any potential constraints. I was also asked some construction-related questions. I was then asked why I wanted to join and why I’m interested in the field.
How to respond for success
I was not afraid to say “I don’t know” or “I’m not familiar with this concept” – I also made sure to relate my answers to the job description. Aim to come across as friendly and try not to be nervous – it is not important to get the answer 100% correct but they want to see your way of thinking. For the in-person interview, I wore Smart casual – not too smart but not too casual, I wore a white shirt and made sure everything was clean and not creased.
Expect a 1-month wait before progressing to the next stage.
Assessment Centre
The final stage of the application process was a full day event at the office, where you meet current graduates and some of the employees, you also meet other applicants. There are 2 stages – a group task in which they test your team working skills and an individual writing task where they test your problem-solving skills. It lasted from 9 am till 2 pm (with a lunch break) I wore smart casual, (similar to technical interview). There was also no preparation required.
Example task
The tasks were to come up with a solution for a general engineering problem (I think it was to decide which city to invest in and they give you a lot of background information) as a team and the individual writing task was to develop a solution to a problem. You had to write a few pages and describe why your solution is valid etc.
How to respond for success
I made sure to introduce myself to others when convenient, say who I am, where I’m from, and why I’m interested in this field and job. I also made sure to ask the interviewers questions, on current trends in the industry (climate change) and general ones such as what they enjoy the most about the role.
I believe my answers stood out because I showed the interviewers that I’m passionate about the role and field. As for the group exercise, showing that I’m a good team player (ie. not talking over others, asking for others opinions etc.).
I think in the individual exercise, mapping out your thoughts clearly and showing your thought process will help in impressing Atkins. They want to see that you have thought about the problem and took a structured approach to solving. Finally, try to ask the interviewers questions that are current and relevant to the role so that they see your interest and that you have a clear goal of what you’re after.
