Getting A Job At Atkins
Atkins is a British engineering and design company that also offers planning, architecture, project management and consulting services. Established in 1938 by Sir William Atkins, the firm has been a subsidiary of SNC-Lavalin since 2017 and is headquartered in London. It has a network of over 50,000 professionals working across 50 countries, so offers job seekers and employees global opportunities.
Atkins Values
Atkins prides itself on delivering excellence to clients, building long-term, trusted partnerships, and combining global scale with local expertise. The firm is devoted toequality, diversity and inclusion - it ranked in The Times Top 50 Employers for Women in the UK in 2021.
Committed to sustainability, Atkins actively seeks to reduce the impact it has on the environment, society and economies through affordable and clean energy, sustainable cities and communities, and climate action work strands.
It also has an Engineering Net Zero Initiative, to work meaningfully towards decarbonising across construction phases.
SNC-Lavalin's four core values are Safety, Integrity, Innovation and Collaboration - Atkins also shares these principles.
Types Of Roles At Atkins
Atkins offers a range of diverse careers in the following areas:
- Engineering - Civil, Electrical, and Structural Engineering
- Surveying & Construction Management - Building & Land Surveying, Quantity Surveying and Construction Management
- Consultancy - Management Consultancy and Consulting roles
- Architecture & Design - Architecture, Building Design and Graphic Design
- Projects & Cost Management - Project Controls, Project Management and Finance
- Technology - Information Technology, Cyber Security and GIS & Geospatial roles
- Management & Administration - Director & Executive, Management & Support and Human Resources positions
- Other - Technician, Science and Transport roles
For early careers, the firm offers work experience, undergraduate placements, apprenticeships, and runs a Graduate Development Programme.
Current vacancies, for both early career and experienced professionals, can be explored via SNC-Lavalin's Atkins Careers page.
If you can't find a vacancy you're interested in right now, sign up to the Atkins Talent Community to stay connected and hear about new opportunities.
Hiring Process At Atkins
The Atkins hiring process is competitive and multi-stage, involving an initial online application, online testing and an interview. Becoming familiar with the format and demands of the recruitment process will help you to adequately prepare, increasing your chances of success.
Atkins Online Application
The first stage of the process is to log an online application for your chosen role. Atkins doesn't accept CVs so all details must be conveyed through the application form.
You'll need to provide information on your educational background and, depending upon your career stage, your work experience too.
The form also features long-answer questions, which are an opportunity to communicate more about yourself, your strengths, and why you would be suitable for a career at Atkins.
Atkins Situational Judgement Test
During the Atkins recruitment process, you'll need to complete a situational judgement test. This will be a multiple-choice assessment that presents a series of hypothetical workplace scenarios. You'll need to read the details of each situation carefully and select the option that most closely resembles the course of action you would take.
Through the situational judgement test, the Atkins recruiters can gain insight into whether you'd be a good fit for the working ways, culture and values of the company.
The test will be timed, so you'll need to work through the questions at a steady pace, whilst answering thoughtfully to reflect your working style and judgement.
Atkins Virtual Business Interview
If you impress with your application form, and score well on the situational judgement test, you'll be invited to attend a virtual interview. This interview is a chance for you to e-meet the recruitment team, and showcase your personality, skills and suitability for your chosen role or programme.
During your interview, it is important to back up your answers with evidence - using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method is a useful way to ensure your responses have structure and clarity.
Remember that an interview is a two-way process. Prepare a few insightful questions to ask, as this is a great way to display your existing knowledge, curiosity and commitment to working for Atkins.
What Is It Like To Work At Atkins?
At Atkins, you'll work on projects that have a real, positive impact on people, society and the environment. A broad range of projects means that there is an opportunity for responsibility and experience in different areas.
You'll have career flexibility, so you can develop your career in line with your interests. You'll also enjoy a culture of care, rather than hierarchy, which provides the responsibility and support needed for your career to thrive.
Top Tips For Getting Hired At Atkins
The Atkins recruitment process can seem daunting, but these top tips can help you to navigate the stages and improve your chances of securing a role.
Complete Your Application Thoughtfully
Start your application in good time before the closing date, so you don't need to rush. Take your time to consider your answers on the application form, as they will form the first impression of you, your abilities and your suitability for your chosen role. In responding to the questions, highlight your strengths and back them up with evidence, just as you would during an interview.
You can begin the application form and save it, to return later. This is recommended to ensure your application form reflects your best work.
Practice Atkins Situational Judgement Tests
The most effective way to prepare for the situational judgement test is to sit practice assessments. The more familiar you become with the format, style and content of the test, the more comfortable you will feel sitting the Atkins assessment, and the greater your chance of achieving a top score.
Time yourself during your practice tests, so you can track and hone your pace to ensure you can complete all the questions on the official test.
Review Your Answers
Before you submit your initial application, review your answers carefully. Make sure they are conveying your talents and relevant experience in a strong and persuasive manner, that also gives a flavour of your character and personality. Attention to detail is important, so proofread your application for any grammatical or spelling errors.
This advice is also applicable to the situational judgement test. If you have time, go through and sense check the answers you have selected to ensure they are honest and align with Atkins' workplace culture and values.
Do Your Research
Before your interview, spend time researching Atkins, the department you are applying to and the responsibilities of your role. Make sure you are aware of any recent or significant developments within your sector that may influence the operating environment.
Seek to obtain a knowledge of Atkins' past projects and future plans within your chosen work area. A strong candidate will display their passion and dedication to securing a role through their knowledge, insight and curiosity.
