I applied online. The process took 6 weeks. I interviewed at AtkinsRéalis in Sep 2025
Interview
Two stages. One on competencies and one based around a presentation task. The interviews themselves were OK, and at the end of the second I felt great as they said it was a good presentation and a good interview, but still have interviews to be arranged so may take a week or so to get back to me.
Sent follow up emails that were ignored until, on the fifth attempt (and a month after the interview), I received a one line response from the HR person saying they weren't moving forward.
Considering how often those interviewing said AR is a people focused organisation, this felt unacceptable, especially as my emails to the HR team were not responded to and - when asked if I needed any adjustments prior to the interview, my email stating them was completely ignored (as were the adjustments).
Whilst the interviews were OK, the experience with everything around them has put me off applying to AtkinsRealis again and makes me feel their "people-centred approach" is pure lip service.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Presentation was a broad question, creating a pitch for advisory work.
I applied online. I interviewed at AtkinsRéalis (London, England) in Nov 2024
Interview
I applied online and following a phone call was invited for an interview in their office with a couple of managers. They asked me thoroughly about my specific experience in project management and contract administration challenging my exposure to these matters.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What specific type of NEC contracts I had dealt with in some of the projects listed in my CV
I applied online. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at AtkinsRéalis (London, England) in Mar 2024
Interview
1. Initial Screening – Talent Acquisition
• Format: 30–45 minute video or phone interview
• Led by: Talent Acquisition Partner (internal recruiter)
• Focus:
• Overview of your CV and career history
• Alignment with the role and business unit
• Motivation for joining AtkinsRéalis
• Salary expectations, availability, and location preferences
2. Hiring Manager Interview
• Format: 60–75 minute video or in-person interview
• Led by: Hiring Manager (usually a Director or Market Lead in the relevant sector)
• Focus:
• Strategic thinking and leadership style
• Track record of managing large projects or teams
• Commercial and client relationship experience
• Operational and delivery capability
• Cultural fit within the team
3. Panel Interview / Technical or Strategic Assessment
• Format: 60–90 minute session (video or in-person)
• Panel: Typically 2–3 senior leaders, such as:
• A Technical Director or Practice Lead
• A Regional or Discipline Director
• A representative from HR or Business Development
• Focus:
• Deep dive into sector knowledge and delivery experience
• Scenario-based questions (e.g. handling complex client challenges, strategic decision-making, risk management)
• Assessment of leadership under pressure, team management, and collaboration
• Questions around contribution to growth and innovation
• May include a short presentation on a pre-set topic (optional, depending on role)
4. Final Interview (if required)
• Format: 30–60 minutes (optional stage, case-by-case)
• Led by: Sector MD, Practice Lead, or UK Leadership Team member
• Focus:
• Strategic alignment with AtkinsRéalis UK’s future direction
• Executive presence and thought leadership
• Cultural and behavioural alignment
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
1. Strategic Leadership & Growth
“Can you describe a time when you led a multidisciplinary team on a complex project and how your leadership directly influenced the project’s commercial success or strategic outcomes?”
2. Client Engagement & Business Development
“At AtkinsRéalis, building long-term client relationships is key. How do you typically approach developing new business or expanding existing accounts while ensuring delivery excellence?”
3. Risk & Decision-Making
“Tell us about a situation where you had to make a high-stakes decision under uncertainty. How did you manage competing priorities and what was the outcome?”