Atkins is now part of AtkinsRéalis. There will be no updates or responses posted on this page. For continued news and updates, please follow AtkinsRéalis on Glassdoor.
Standard process up to telephone interview which just asked motivations for applying and how your skills align.
Then invited to assessment centre which consisted of:
1) 10 min presentation that we had already prepared given to a panel of three, they then spend 15 minutes asking you questions about it and challenging some of your decisions. Think about what questions they might have when you have written your presentation so you can get ahead of it.
This then continues into the ‘technical’ interview asking what you would do in various business scenarios, how you would manage stakeholders, define various business terms like a project, program, lean vs agile vs waterfall etc.
2) Q&A session. They give you some summaries of a few recent grads roles and what they’ve been working on and then you chat about what stood out that you’d like/dislike. This is a super relaxed very conversational chat and they’re just getting to know how you see yourself fitting in and which role might suit your motivations. Have questions prepared for this as I only had one and think a couple more might have showed more enthusiasm.
3) Group Task: given info pack to read alone then had to discuss as a group and come to a conclusion on what actions to take. The task itself is really not difficult at all just make sure you manage time and get everyone to have an input, it’s about working as a team and ensuring you consider all points of view, don’t be that person that likes the sound of their own voice too much.
4) Written task: you are given a pack similar structure to group task but alone and asked to write a report on your opinions and recommendations. Time is very tight here and I barely just covered the three points they ask you to, if you can have a timer out I would advise it and be strict.
My overall advice for the day would be to read up on consultancy approach and how to manage clients and stakeholders etc, a lot of the technical interview was about that. There are no competency or CV questions whatsoever, they seemed to care more that you have business awareness than having any particular personality traits or experience that might make you suited for the role.
They take 2 weeks to give you an outcome and I’m awaiting mine.
I applied online. The process took 4 months. I interviewed at Atkins (London, England) in Feb 2020
Interview
After submitting my CV I had to complete the mandatory online tests. If you pass them, then you arrange a telephone interview, where I was asked only 2 questions; why atkins and why management consulting (so pretty straight forward). Then I was invited to an assessment day with roughly 10 other candidates. It consisted of a written excercise, which was writing a business report about a case study (information is provided to you). A technical interview, which was me carrying out a presentation which I was allowed to prepare for a week before, plus further questions on it afterwards, and then a mix of motivational, competancy and situational questions. After that I had a group excercise, which was going through a case study in a group (pretty straight forward). Finally, a Q&A with some memebers of the existing team, which was my chance to ask any lingering questions I had (not sure if this part is assessed).
I was called 6 working days later with an offer.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Why Atkins?
Why management consulting?
Describe a time when you've worked in a team.
Describe a time when you've worked to a strict deadline.
How do you think technology will change Atkins in the future?
I applied online. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at Atkins (London, England) in Nov 2019
Interview
Application process starts off with basic detail application, you are then put through a standard SJT to make sure your a good fit for the company, Advice here is to look at Atkins values as they created new values in 2018 that every employee should display (Innovation, Integrity, Health and safety and collaboration).
Once you have passed this stage, you will be invited to fill out motivational questions.
Question 1) Why the role?
Question 2) In what ways do you think technology will change the way we work? How will you contribute to our industry leading digital business?
Question 3) Imagine you are working on a project, part way through the client wants to significantly change the design , what factors would impact the project and what actions you would take to manage this situation?
The next stage will then consist of an online numerical test by SHL, typical online test with percentages and ratios etc.
After successful completion you will then have to wait for a week or two, Atkins will contact you to book a telephone interview.
Telephone Interview - Relatively informal, asks why the role, why Atkins and what skills you have that can be applied to the role, give examples and advice here is to network so you can namedrop to show genuine interest in company.
Assessment centre is final stage, they will use your motivational questions in the interview so make sure you know what you have said.
Structure of AC is broken down into a written report case study which is 45 minutes, followed by a 10 minute presentation, you are given the topic a week before. After the presentation you will be interviewed about your presentation followed by a competency interview with a consultant . You will also be a part of a group exercise based on a case study.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Give an example of a time you had to change your approach in order to be successful?