AECOM: Selection and Interview process, Questions/Answers

AECOM is a global leader in engineering, design, consulting, and construction services. Here’s a quick recap to refresh your memory:

• Industry Expertise: They offer a wide range of services across various sectors, including transportation, buildings, water, environment, and energy.
• Global Reach: AECOM operates in over 100 countries, providing their expertise on complex infrastructure projects worldwide.
• Focus on Innovation and Sustainability: AECOM emphasizes innovative design solutions and sustainable practices in their projects.

What are the selection and Interview process of AECOM?

The selection process at AECOM can vary depending on the specific role (engineer, designer, project manager, surveyor) and project location. Here’s a roadmap for what you might encounter:

1. Application: Submit your resume and cover letter through AECOM’s careers website.

2. Screening and Review: Recruiters will assess applications for qualifications and experience outlined in the job description. They’ll focus on skills relevant to the engineering and construction industry and the specific role (e.g., engineering degree and relevant experience for engineering roles, design portfolio for designer roles).

3. Interview Stages (may vary):

• Phone Interview (for some roles): An initial conversation with an HR representative or hiring manager to discuss your background, motivations, and interest in the engineering and construction industry and AECOM’s focus on innovation and sustainability.
• In-Person Interview(s): These may involve one or more rounds with hiring managers from the relevant department (e.g., engineering, design, project management, surveying) and potentially senior leadership depending on the role and project. Here’s what you might encounter based on the role:
  • Engineer Roles: Be prepared for discussions about your engineering background, specific engineering discipline (civil, mechanical, electrical, etc.) if applicable, technical skills, and problem-solving abilities. You might encounter technical questions or case studies related to relevant engineering principles.
  • Designer Roles: Expect discussions about your design portfolio, creativity, and understanding of design principles. You might be asked to present your design work or complete a design challenge.
  • Project Manager Roles: These roles will likely involve discussions about your project management experience, ability to manage budgets and schedules, strong leadership and communication skills, and experience working in a fast-paced environment. You might encounter scenario-based questions about handling project challenges.
  • Surveyor Roles: These positions may involve discussions about your surveying experience, knowledge of surveying equipment and techniques, and ability to work accurately and efficiently in the field. You might encounter practical skills assessments or written tests related to surveying principles.

4. Additional Assessments (for some roles): Some positions may involve written assessments to evaluate technical knowledge (for engineering roles) or software skills relevant to the specific role (e.g., design software for designer roles).

5. Drug Test and Background Check: Successful candidates will typically undergo a drug test and background check before receiving a job offer.

Tips for Success:

• Research AECOM thoroughly, understanding their diverse industry expertise, global reach, and focus on innovation and sustainability. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences that demonstrate a strong fit for the specific role and project location.
• Be prepared for discussions about the engineering and construction industry and your passion for contributing to the development of sustainable and innovative infrastructure projects. Highlight any relevant technical skills, design experience (for designer roles), project management experience (for project manager roles), or surveying expertise (for surveyor roles).
• Practice your behavioral interview skills using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
• Project a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn (valuable in all roles!), excellent communication and interpersonal skills (especially for project manager roles), and a detail-oriented approach (especially for engineering and surveying roles).

By understanding AECOM’s selection process and showcasing your qualifications and interest in shaping the built environment, you can increase your chances of landing an interview and a fulfilling career at this leading engineering and construction firm.

How many rounds of interview conducted in AECOM?

The number of interview rounds conducted at AECOM can vary depending on the position you’re applying for and the specific needs of the hiring team. However, here’s a general idea of what you might expect:

• Common Process: Based on information on AECOM’s careers website and candidate reviews, the process often involves several stages:
  • Initial Application: You submit your resume and cover letter.
  • Online Assessments: You might complete online assessments to evaluate your skills and suitability for the role.
  • One-way Video Interview: You might record a video response to pre-determined questions.
  • Assessment Center/Virtual or Face-to-Face Interview: This is the final stage and may involve a combination of:
    • Interviews with hiring managers and potential team members.
    • Group exercises to assess your teamwork and problem-solving skills.
    • Presentations to showcase your skills and experience (depending on the role).
• Possible Additional Rounds: Less frequently, there could be additional rounds depending on the role, such as:
  • Technical Interview: This could assess your specific technical skills and knowledge relevant to the position.

Tips to Find Out More About Interview Rounds:

• Job Postings: Review the job description on AECOM’s careers website or job boards. They might mention the interview stages involved for the specific role.
• Contact with Recruiter: If you have a phone screening with a recruiter, ask about the typical interview process for the position.
• Online Resources: Look for interview experiences shared by candidates on platforms like Glassdoor or Indeed.

What is the salary for freshers in AECOM?

The exact salary information for freshers at AECOM isn’t publicly available, but here are some resources to help you estimate the range:

Salary Websites:

• Salary.com or Glassdoor: These websites might have salary information for entry-level positions at AECOM, although it may not be entirely specific to freshers with no experience salary.com, glassdoor.com
• Levels.fyi: This website allows users to report their salaries. Search for “AECOM” and filter by “Entry Level” or “New Grad” to see what others have reported (keep in mind this data may not be verified by the company).

AECOM’s Resources:

• Job Postings: Check the entry-level job descriptions on AECOM’s careers website or job boards. Sometimes, they might mention salary ranges.

Tips:

• Location Matters: Salaries can vary significantly depending on the location and cost of living. Research typical salaries for entry-level positions in your desired field within your target city or region.
• Industry Averages: Look for salary data for entry-level positions in the engineering, architecture, or construction industry. This can give you a general idea of what freshers might expect at AECOM.
• Networking: If you know someone who works at AECOM, you can try reaching out to them for insights into freshers’ salaries in their department.

By combining information from these resources and conducting further research, you can develop a more informed estimate of the salary range for freshers in your target role at AECOM. Remember, the actual offer can vary depending on factors like your specific skills, experience level, and the location of the position.

Top questions Asked for freshers in AECOM

AECOM doesn’t publish a definitive list of top interview questions for freshers, but here’s a breakdown of what you might encounter during an interview for various roles, along with tips for finding more specific questions and how to apply:

General Interview Questions for Freshers:

• Tell me about yourself and your career goals in the engineering, design, or construction industry (or a related field like architecture, surveying, or project management). (Tailor your answer to show interest in AECOM’s diverse range of projects and global reach)
• Why are you interested in AECOM specifically? (Research their focus on innovation, sustainability, and delivering legacy projects)
• What are your strengths and weaknesses? (Be honest but focus on framing weaknesses as areas for development)
• Describe a time you demonstrated excellent teamwork or problem-solving skills. (Highlight relevant skills)
• Do you have any questions for us? (Prepare insightful questions to show your interest and initiative)

Possible Role-Specific Questions (Depending on the Position):

• Engineering Associate: Be prepared for questions about your understanding of engineering fundamentals (basic level is okay for freshers) relevant to the specific engineering discipline (civil, mechanical, electrical, etc.), eagerness to learn on the job, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment. You might also be asked about your proficiency in relevant software (knowledge of AutoCAD or similar is a plus, but not always required for freshers).
• Design Associate: These roles might involve questions about your creativity, software skills (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit), and ability to collaborate with engineers and other designers. A portfolio showcasing your design skills would be beneficial (if applicable).
• Project Management Associate: These roles could involve questions about your organizational skills, ability to prioritize tasks, and interest in project management within the AEC industry. You might also be asked about your communication and interpersonal skills, as collaboration is key in project management.

Finding More Specific Questions:

• AECOM Careers Website: Explore the careers section of AECOM’s website, particularly under “FAQs” or “Interview Tips.” They might have resources for new hires in your desired field.
• AECOM Interview Reviews: Look for interview reviews on websites like Glassdoor to get insights from past interviewees, keeping in mind that experiences may vary.
• Informational Interviews: Consider reaching out to AECOM employees on LinkedIn for informational interviews (brief conversations to learn more about the company and specific roles).

How to apply for job in AECOM?

1. Search for Open Positions:

• Head to AECOM’s careers website: AECOM’s careers page.

2. Target Your Search:

• Utilize filters to find “Entry Level” or “Associate” positions that align with your skills and interests. You can also filter by Location, Department (e.g., Engineering, Design, Project Management), or Keyword (e.g., engineering associate, design associate, project management associate).

3. Apply Online:

• Once you discover a relevant opportunity, click “Apply Now” and follow the instructions. You’ll likely need to submit:
  • Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant coursework, projects, or internship experiences (if applicable) in engineering, design, project management, or a related field. Focus on transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, ability to follow instructions, willingness to learn quickly, and a strong work ethic. Quantify your achievements whenever possible (e.g., improved project efficiency by X%).
  • Cover Letter (Optional, but Recommended): Craft a compelling cover letter that showcases your genuine interest in AECOM and the specific role. Tailor it to the position and highlight why you’re a strong fit (mention transferable skills if experience is limited). Express your interest in the AEC industry and AECOM’s specific projects or areas of expertise.

4. Tips:

• Highlight Transferable Skills: Even without direct experience in AEC, focus on transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, ability to follow instructions, and a strong work ethic.
• Research AECOM’s Projects: Briefly showcase your awareness of some of the project types AECOM undertakes (e.g., buildings, transportation, infrastructure).
• Prepare a Portfolio (if applicable): If you have design experience or relevant coursework, consider creating a portfolio to showcase your skills (online or physical).