Application Process & Interviews at Aurecon Australia

The hiring process was very simple: an online application consisting of my resume and a cover letter, followed by an interview with the hiring manager(s) and another member of their team. This process seemed to be unique to my unit, and I've heard that other units have a longer process involving a group interview and an assessment centre.

I applied online and was asked to attend an interview at the Melbourne office. I met with the manager of the Heritage team and colleagues from the broader Environment and Planning team. We had an informal chat about work and experience and the role that I was applying for. A few days later I received a phone call from HR saying that I had the job!

Online assessment, call from HR, assessment centre/interview, and call back about a job offer.

Applied via CV and cover letter. I was then invited into an assessment centre where we performed a group task and then had a private interview. We then had a follow up interview two weeks later with the Roads team leader.

Initially a series of well-structured interviews, but then when failing to be selected, I was put into another pool of interviewees for another job. This interview lasted about 5 - 10 minutes

I was working under the supervision of one team member who seemed to take a liking to my work, then asked if I would like to work at Aurecon. I then had a coffee catch-up with the team leader with the expectation that if that went well, I would have a more formal interview. I remained under that impression until I received a phone call asking when I could start.

Submitted CV, had two interviews

I filled out the online undergraduate program application. I received a call maybe 2 weeks before the start of the undergrad program asking to come into an interview. I was offered the job not long after. It was a very last-minute rushed process. There has since been an overhaul on the process.

I had an interview to be accepted as an undergrad and then transitioned to a graduate position.

Cover letter and resume online with generic questions, followed up with emails and invitation to 3-hour assessment centre including an interview with potential manager. Then another follow up interview with second potential manager later and verbal offer of employment same day.

I enjoyed the interview process as it was a quick turnaround from the interview through to the job offer. My role is a junior role rather than a graduate role, so I didn't have to go through the various assessment rounds that normally comes through with a graduate role. My interview process consisted of an online application, phone interview, in-person interview, and then a job offer.

Initially got in touch with recruitment representatives through a phone call, which then transitioned to a face-to-face interview with multiple representatives, and eventually made it to a final job offer through phone call.

Quick and efficient, Aurecon wanted to expedite my hiring process.

I was involved in an assessment centre with group activities and networking followed by an individual interview on the same day.

I went through a number of interviews over several months as I was moving from abroad. While this was not onerous, it was stretched out longer than was necessary.

As I joined a relatively small team who were only looking for two graduates, they went with a traditional face-to-face interview immediately after the application was submitted.

I was hired last year in a graduate assessment centre. I previously attended a networking evening and submitted an online application.

What my interests were, what my background is, etc..

I was asked about my experience working in archaeology and heritage generally, the types of assessments I have been involved in, my responsibilities, what I enjoy most about my work and what I don't particularly enjoy.

Talk about a time you made a mistake and what you learnt from it? Talk about a time you showed initiative. Talk about a time you showed leadership. Why do you want to work for our company?

Where have I been innovative, explain a scenario of team work.

I was asked what I knew about the work my team did; what previous teamwork/ team leadership experience I had; an instance where I encountered team conflict and had to resolve it; further detail on what technical experience I had (based on what I'd mentioned in my resume).

Most of my questions were expanding on things I had shown in my resume. I had some extra-curricular questions that I talked about: my experiences, what I learnt, and how it has changed me.

Previous experience, examples of difficult situations you've had to manage, bit about yourself, etc.

About my exchange and tutoring. What areas I was interested in working in. How I had been innovative.

Undergraduate level interview: Why are you interested in working at Aurecon? What interests you about working in engineering? What is your approach to problem solving?

What is the largest obstacle you have overcome (not at university)? What was a time where you have come up with an innovative solution?

Tell me about yourself, why do you want to joint Aurecon, describe the kind of project you would like to work in, how do you work within a team, describe your past experience.

Are you comfortable working in the field alone? What sorts of responsibilities did you have in your previous work? Are you familiar with the current industry guidelines?

How do I work with team mates to deliver projects? What would I do if my team mate does not contribute? What's my perspective on the energy sector?

It was more of an informal coffee catch-up where we discussed my work and what sort of work transport planners do.

What I knew about the team I would be going into? My experience or knowledge in that field? What I would like to do in the future? Awareness of any current projects the company is undertaking?

Take a dive into learning about Aurecon and the company's methodology and blueprint, what projects we are on, and what our focus is. I feel this will 'wow' my colleagues or myself interviewing.

Be yourself. Majority of learning is on the job. Employees often look for a 'culture fit' and assess whether your personality and presence are something that will complement the office. You also need to show a love for learning and growing.

I definitely believe I was hired because of my extra-curricular experiences and my personal skills, not because of my GPA which wasn't very good. Based on my experience, my advice would be to get involved with university clubs and societies that you're interested in; you'll meet new people who will improve your social skills, you'll gain experience organising events or working on new projects (depending on the club), and if you get elected to a higher position you'll gain experience managing a team - all very useful things to have.

Tell a story. Show a bit of personality.

Be yourself - when I stopped putting on an awkward act and was just myself in interviews, I started getting a bunch of offers. Think of examples of situations where you've perhaps failed but learnt from it, worked in difficult situations, gone above and beyond, etc., just so you're prepared in the interview.

Make your application personal. They're looking for people, not positions to fill. Be honest if you have an idea of what sort of work you want to do and where you want to end up

Make sure you come out with your diverse experience, you need to stand out, make sure you know what innovation means to you and know about new technologies, how you can be a great team member.

Just think of potential questions and answers so you have an answer for everything they ask.

Be confident in yourself and your abilities, be honest in your application and interview, ensure you highlight yourself in your best light without exaggerating, and participate during the group activity as much as you can while cooperating with your team.

Don't try to show off too much. There's a time and place for where to show your unique skills or acknowledge the great work you've done, but make sure it's done in the correct place and time.

Be yourself. Employers look for in extent to which a candidate would adapt and fit into the team's culture. All applicants are at the same the educational qualification level; on the assessment day they look for our soft skills and personality traits.

The best preparation strategy would be to go to networking events and get comfortable with your elevator pitch and talking with professionals.

Be confident - don't doubt yourself. Make sure you research the company. Understand the role that you are applying for and how this will help you with your career growth.

Learn your basic HR questions, some info about Aurecon and questions to ask about career progression.

- Take a breath and just be yourself; if you make it to an interview, you've already met all the technical requirements - Think about where you want to sit in the bigger picture

Be honest - it's not all about marks. Interesting experiences unrelated to academia are useful to talk about, the company embraces inclusion and diversity. Also, do research on company initiatives!

Reach out to existing staff at Aurecon to learn more about company culture, career pathways, pros and cons etc. Do your research online, company strategy, promotional.