20 Arcadis Interview Questions and Answers

As one of the world’s leading engineering design firms, Arcadis is no stranger to complex projects. The company’s success is built on the skills and experience of its employees, which is why Arcadis is always looking for the best and brightest to join its ranks.

If you’re interested in working for Arcadis, you’ll need to be prepared for the company’s interview process. In addition to the standard interview questions, you can expect to be asked questions specific to Arcadis and the engineering field.

To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of sample Arcadis interview questions and answers. With these questions and answers in hand, you’ll be one step closer to landing your dream job.

Arcadis Interview Process

The interview process at Arcadis is lengthy, difficult, and overall not a great experience. It can take up to two months to hear back from the company after applying, and the interviews themselves are very challenging. Many of the questions are behavioral and require you to give specific examples from your past work experiences. The interviewer was also very difficult to read and it was hard to tell if they were interested in what I had to say. Overall, I would not recommend applying to Arcadis unless you are absolutely sure that you want to work there.

1. Tell me about a time when you had to adapt your work style for the benefit of a project?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you adapt to different situations and challenges. Use examples from your experience that show you’re willing to change your work style or approach when necessary.

Example: “In my last position, I was working on a project with a team of five other designers. We were all used to our own ways of doing things, but we had to learn to work together as a cohesive unit. At first, it was difficult for us to communicate effectively because we each had our own way of communicating. However, after several meetings, we learned to compromise and adjust our communication styles so everyone could understand one another.”

2. What do you think are some challenges in being an environmental scientist?

This question is an opportunity to show your passion for the field and how you approach challenges. You can highlight a few of the most important skills that help you overcome these challenges, such as creativity, problem-solving or communication.

Example: “I think one of the biggest challenges in being an environmental scientist is finding ways to communicate complex information to people who don’t have any background in science. I’ve found that it’s helpful to use analogies and metaphors to explain concepts that are difficult to understand. Another challenge is working with tight deadlines. In my previous role, I learned to prioritize tasks so I could meet project goals while still maintaining accuracy.”

3. Do you have experience working with hazardous materials?

Arcadis is a global company that works with many different types of projects. Some may involve hazardous materials, so the interviewer wants to make sure you have experience working in these situations and can do so safely. If you don’t have direct experience, you can talk about how you would approach this type of project if it came up at your new job.

Example: “I’ve worked on several construction sites where we had to work with hazardous materials. I always made sure my team was aware of any potential dangers and took all necessary precautions when handling them. For example, I once worked on a project where there were underground fuel tanks. We needed to remove them before building could begin. I ensured everyone wore protective gear while removing the tanks and disposed of them properly.”

4. How would you explain what Arcadis does to someone who has never heard of it before?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the company and its services. It also shows that you have an interest in what Arcadis does, which can be important for someone who will be working there. When answering this question, it’s best to keep things simple and straightforward. Try to avoid using jargon or acronyms unless they are defined.

Example: “Arcadis is a global design and consultancy firm that helps clients solve complex challenges through innovative solutions. We do this by combining our expertise in engineering, environmental science, urban planning and management consulting with our unique approach to integrated thinking.”

5. Describe your experience with developing, maintaining and updating databases.

This question is an opportunity to show your expertise in a specific area of database management. When answering, it can be helpful to include the type of database you worked with and how you managed it.

Example: “In my last role as a database administrator, I was responsible for managing all aspects of our company’s database. This included creating new databases, maintaining existing ones and updating them when necessary. To create a new database, I would first determine what information I needed to store and then design the tables that would hold this data. After designing the tables, I would populate the database with the appropriate data. Then, I would test the database to ensure it was working properly.”

6. Why did you choose this field?

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s background and motivations. It can also help you determine if they are passionate about their work, which can be an important quality in any employee. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention what inspired you to pursue this career path.

Example: “I chose this field because I have always been interested in architecture. Ever since I was young, I would draw buildings and structures that I saw around me. My parents encouraged my artistic side by enrolling me in art classes when I was younger. In high school, I took advanced placement courses in both math and science, which helped me understand how architects create their designs.”

7. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Employers ask this question to see if you have a long-term career plan. They want to know that you are committed to their company and the construction industry in general. When answering, be honest about your goals for yourself. If you don’t know what you want to do in five years, explain why you’re unsure of your future plans.

Example: “I hope to still be working at Arcadis in five years. I’m very passionate about my work and love being part of such an innovative company. I would like to continue growing with the company as it expands its operations.”

8. Walk us through a typical day for you as a management consultant.

This question is a great way to learn more about the daily responsibilities of an employee in this role. When you answer, be sure to include all of your typical tasks and how they contribute to the overall success of the company.

Example: “My day usually starts with checking my email for any urgent messages from clients or other team members. I then review my calendar for the day to see what meetings I have scheduled and if there are any projects that need my attention. Throughout the day, I meet with clients to discuss their goals and objectives and offer advice on how we can achieve them. I also work with my team to develop new strategies and solutions for our clients.”

9. What is your experience with setting deadlines?

Arcadis is a global company that works on large-scale projects. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Use your answer to highlight your experience with setting realistic goals, meeting those goals and working in teams to complete projects by their deadlines.

Example: “In my last role as an architect, I was responsible for managing the project’s timeline. This included creating a schedule of when we would start each phase of the project and how long it would take us to complete each task. I also had to manage the team members’ schedules so they could attend meetings or other events at the right time. In addition, I had to set realistic deadlines for myself and my team so we could finish our projects on time.”

10. If hired, how will you be able to contribute to our company as a geologist?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the geology field and how it can be applied in a professional setting. You should highlight any unique skills or experiences you have that make you a valuable asset to Arcadis.

Example: “I am passionate about my work as a geologist, and I believe that this passion will help me contribute to Arcadis’s success. My degree in geology has given me the tools to understand the earth and its resources. This knowledge helps me create solutions for clients who need assistance with their projects. In addition, my communication skills are strong, which allows me to clearly explain complex geological concepts to clients.”

11. Which area of environmental engineering are you most interested in?

This question is a great way to show the interviewer your passion for environmental engineering. It also helps them understand what you are most qualified for in their company. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention an area of environmental engineering that you have experience with and why you enjoy it.

Example: “I am most interested in water treatment because I love being outdoors and working with nature. In my last role, I was responsible for designing wastewater treatment plants. This included creating plans for how to treat waste water and where to build new facilities. I enjoyed getting outside and testing different methods to find which one worked best.”

12. Tell us why you want to work for Arcadis.

This question is a great way to show your enthusiasm for the company and its values. It also gives you an opportunity to talk about what attracted you to this role in the first place. When preparing for this interview, take some time to read through the job description and highlight any aspects that appeal to you. Use these as talking points when answering this question.

Example: “I want to work for Arcadis because of the innovative projects you are involved with. I am passionate about architecture and design, so it would be amazing to have the chance to contribute to such interesting developments. I also love working in a team environment, which is something I know Arcadis promotes.”

13. What is your favorite part about environmental consulting?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and understand what motivates you. Your answer should reflect your passion for this career, but it also needs to show that you are qualified for the job.

Example: “My favorite part about environmental consulting is getting to see how my work impacts people’s lives. I love knowing that I am helping communities become more sustainable and protecting our environment. It makes me feel like I’m making a difference in the world.”

14. How can you use technology to help improve efficiency in the workplace?

Arcadis is a global company that uses technology to help clients improve efficiency in their work environments. This question helps the interviewer determine how you can use your technological skills to benefit Arcadis and its clients. Use examples from previous experience where you used technology to increase efficiency or productivity in the workplace.

Example: “I have worked with several companies who were looking for ways to streamline processes and cut costs. In one instance, I helped a client create an app that allowed employees to order supplies directly from their phones. The app also provided real-time information about inventory levels so employees could know when new shipments would arrive. This saved the company money on ordering supplies and reduced the amount of time employees spent waiting for supplies.”

15. What software programs are you experienced with?

Arcadis is a global company that works with many different types of clients. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience working with software programs they use in their office. Before your interview, research the company’s website and job description to learn what type of projects they work on. If you notice any specific software programs they use, make sure to mention them in your answer.

Example: “I am experienced with AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit and Microsoft Office Suite. I find these programs very useful for my architectural design work. In my last role, I used all of these programs regularly. I also learned how to use Google Earth Pro while working there.”

16. Have you ever worked on a team that didn’t succeed? What happened?

This question can help interviewers understand how you respond to failure and learn from it. Use your answer to highlight a time when you were part of a team that didn’t meet its goals, but you learned something valuable from the experience.

Example: “In my last position as an architect, I was working on a project with a group of other architects. We had a deadline for submitting our designs, but we weren’t able to submit them until two days after the due date. The client wasn’t happy about this, so we all met to discuss what happened. It turned out that one of the architects hadn’t completed their portion of the design, which caused us to miss the deadline. After that meeting, we decided to change our workflow process so that no single person would be responsible for completing any part of the design.”

17. Give us an example of a time when you acted independently without any guidance from others.

This question is a great way to show your potential employer that you can work independently and make decisions on your own. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight the positive outcomes of your decision-making process.

Example: “When I was working as an engineer for a small firm, we were tasked with designing a new building for a client. The client wanted us to design a building that would be able to withstand a hurricane. At first, my team and I thought that we could just build the structure to code and call it a day. However, after some research, we found out that our state had updated their codes regarding hurricanes. We decided to redesign the entire project from scratch so that it would meet the new standards.”

18. Describe a situation where you were under pressure but still managed to perform well.

This question is a great way to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation where you were faced with an unexpected challenge and how you overcame it.

Example: “In my last role as a civil engineer, I was working on a project that required me to create a detailed design for a new bridge. The client wanted the bridge to have a unique aesthetic, so I had to come up with a creative solution while still ensuring the safety of drivers who would use the bridge. After several weeks of research, I decided to incorporate a modern art style into the bridge’s design. This helped the client achieve their desired aesthetic while also creating a safe driving experience.”

19. Can you tell us about a time when you had to make difficult decisions in regards to your workload?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you prioritize your workload and make decisions that benefit the company. Use examples from previous work experience to explain how you made these decisions, what factors influenced them and how they helped you achieve success in your role.

Example: “In my last position as a civil engineer, I had to manage multiple projects at once. One of the projects was a large-scale construction project for a new hospital while another was a renovation project for an elementary school. In order to complete both projects on time, I had to delegate tasks to other members of my team so we could all meet our deadlines. This allowed me to focus on more important aspects of each project, such as budgeting and design.”

20. Tell me about a time when you had to present information to stakeholders outside of your department, how did it go?

This question is a great way to assess your communication skills and how you interact with people outside of your immediate team. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the specific stakeholders you interacted with and what their needs were.

Example: “In my last role as an architect, I had to present information about our designs to city officials on a regular basis. These meetings helped me understand the concerns they had regarding our projects and allowed me to adjust my presentations accordingly. This made it easier for them to understand our plans and gave us more opportunities to collaborate.”