20 Arcadis Interview Questions and Answers

As one of the world’s leading natural and built asset design and consultancy firms, Arcadis is no stranger to interviews. In fact, the company is known for its rigorous interview process, which often includes questions that are specific to Arcadis.

If you’re interviewing for a job at Arcadis, you can expect to be asked about your experience with natural and built assets, as well as your knowledge of the company’s design and consultancy services. You may also be asked about your experience working on global projects, as well as your ability to think creatively and solve problems.

To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve compiled a list of sample Arcadis interview questions and answers. With these questions and answers in hand, you’ll be ready to take on anything the interviewer throws your way.

Arcadis Interview Process

The interview process at Arcadis can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For some positions, like Junior Sustainability Consultant and Graduate Engineer, the interview process is relatively short and straightforward. For other positions, like Ingenieur environnement SSP and Assistant Project Manager, the process is longer and more confusing. Overall, the interview process seems to be fairly standard, with most applicants being interviewed by a manager and/or HR representative.

1. Why do you want to work at Arcadis?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand why you are a good fit for Arcadis. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific aspects of the company that interest you or what drew you to apply in the first place.

Example: “I want to work at Arcadis because I am passionate about sustainable design and construction. In my last role, I worked on several projects that focused on green building techniques, which was very rewarding. I think Arcadis is an excellent resource for professionals who want to learn more about sustainable practices and how they can implement them into their designs.”

2. How would your colleagues describe you?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and how you interact with others. Try to answer honestly, but also try to highlight your best qualities.

Example: “My colleagues would probably say that I am very friendly and easy to talk to. They would also say that I’m always willing to lend a hand or help out when needed. I have been told by my previous manager that I am an excellent problem solver who is able to think outside of the box.”

3. What is your favorite part about working in engineering?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and understand what motivates you. Your answer should reflect your personality, but it’s also important that you show how your personal interests relate to engineering.

Example: “My favorite part about working in engineering is getting to see my designs come to life. I love seeing people use the buildings I’ve helped create and knowing that I played a role in making their lives better. It’s rewarding to be able to make an impact on the world through my work.”

4. Give an example of a time when you had to solve a problem that was not straightforward. How did you approach the problem?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide a specific example of how you approached the situation and what steps you took to solve it.

Example: “When I was working as a civil engineer for a small firm, we were tasked with designing a new bridge that would span over a river. The client wanted the bridge to have a certain aesthetic appeal but also needed it to withstand high winds and heavy traffic. We had to find a way to balance these two needs while still staying within budget.

I started by researching other bridges in the area and found one that had similar aesthetics but could withstand strong winds. Then, I worked with my team to create a design that incorporated some of the elements from the previous bridge. After presenting our findings to the client, they agreed to move forward with our plan.”

5. What are some qualities you think are important for a good leader to have?

Arcadis is a global company, so they want to know that you have the qualities of a leader who can work with people from different backgrounds and cultures. When answering this question, it’s important to show that you are willing to learn about other ways of doing things and that you’re open to feedback.

Example: “I think one of the most important qualities for a good leader is being able to communicate effectively. I’ve worked in teams where some members were more vocal than others, but everyone was still able to contribute their ideas. As long as we all understand what our goals are, I believe that anyone can be a leader.”

6. Tell me about a time when you had to make decisions about a process without consulting your direct manager.

This question can help the interviewer understand your ability to make decisions and take initiative. Use examples from previous work experiences where you had to make a decision without direct supervision, but still managed to achieve positive results.

Example: “In my last position as an environmental engineer, I was tasked with creating a plan for a new waste management facility. My manager wasn’t available at the time, so I had to create the design plans on my own. However, I used my knowledge of similar facilities to create a solid foundation for the project. After presenting my initial ideas to my manager, she approved them and allowed me to continue working on the project.”

7. Have you ever worked on a project where the design changed once construction began, how did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle challenges in your work and how you adapt to change. Use examples from previous projects where you had to make changes during construction or design phases, and explain what steps you took to ensure the project remained on schedule and within budget.

Example: “In my last position as a civil engineer for a city government, I was tasked with designing a new public park that would be accessible to all citizens. After finalizing the initial designs, we began construction when we realized there were some areas of the park that weren’t wheelchair-accessible. We immediately halted construction until we could find a solution. In the end, we decided to add ramps to the existing pathways instead of redesigning the entire park.”

8. Do you have any experience managing and leading teams?

Arcadis is a global company that requires its employees to be able to work with others from different backgrounds and cultures. This question helps the interviewer determine if you have experience working in teams, which can help them understand how well you might fit into Arcadis’s culture. Use your answer to highlight any leadership or management skills you possess.

Example: “I’ve had several opportunities to lead and manage teams throughout my career. In my last position as an architect at a small firm, I was responsible for managing a team of five other architects. We worked together on projects ranging from commercial buildings to residential homes. I also led a team of six interns during my internship at a large architecture firm.”

9. If hired, what would be your approach to designing software for an assembly line?

This question is a test of your technical skills and how you apply them to real-world situations. Your answer should show that you understand the importance of assembly lines in manufacturing processes, as well as how software can help improve efficiency.

Example: “Assembly lines are an important part of any production process because they allow for continuous improvement. I would design software that allows managers to monitor their assembly line’s performance at all times. This way, they can identify bottlenecks or other issues before they become major problems. The software I create will also be easy to use so that managers don’t have to spend too much time learning how to navigate it.”

10. Describe your experience with preparing and handling food.

Arcadis is a global company, so you may be asked to prepare meals for your team. This question helps the interviewer determine if you have experience cooking and working in a kitchen. Use this opportunity to show that you can work well with others and are willing to help out when needed.

Example: “I’ve worked as a chef at several restaurants throughout my career. I enjoy preparing food and find it very rewarding to see customers enjoying their meals. In fact, I started my own catering business after leaving my last restaurant job because I missed being able to cook for people.”

11. Which shift are you available to work?

Employers ask this question to make sure you’re available for the hours they need. They also want to know if your availability matches their needs. Before your interview, check out the company’s website and social media accounts to see when they post about work shifts. If you can’t find any information online, call the HR department or someone in management to get a sense of what times are most popular.

Example: “I’m available to work from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. I’ve noticed that Arcadis employees often work these hours, so I think my schedule would be a good fit.”

12. What do you consider to be your greatest achievement so far?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand what motivates you. It also helps them determine if your previous experience is a good fit for this role. When answering, try to choose an achievement that relates to the job description or one that shows how you’ve grown professionally in the past few years.

Example: “My greatest professional accomplishment was when I became a project manager at my last company. This promotion came after several years of working as a designer and architect on various projects. I feel like it’s important to continuously learn and grow, so I took classes online and attended seminars to prepare myself for this new role.”

13. Are you comfortable talking to customers about products or services over the phone?

Arcadis is a global company that offers many different services to customers. The interviewer wants to know if you have experience talking with clients and customers over the phone about their projects or needs. Show them that you are comfortable doing so by giving an example of a time when you had to do this in your previous job.

Example: “Yes, I am very comfortable speaking with customers on the phone. In my last position as a project manager, I was responsible for managing all aspects of our client’s projects. This included communicating with them regularly via email and phone calls. I found it quite easy to talk to them about any concerns they may have had regarding the progress of their projects.”

14. Can you tell us about a time when you were able to improve upon the design of a product or service?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you are able to apply your skills and knowledge to improve upon existing products or services. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide an example of how you used your design thinking skills to create a more efficient product or service.

Example: “In my last role as a senior designer at a software company, I was tasked with creating a new user interface for our mobile app. After conducting research on the current state of the app’s UI, I realized that many users were having trouble navigating through the app due to its complex navigation system. To solve this problem, I created a new navigation system that would make it easier for users to find what they were looking for within the app.”

15. How would you ensure our customers receive excellent customer service from all employees?

Arcadis is a global company that provides services to customers in many different countries. The interviewer wants to know how you will ensure all employees provide excellent customer service regardless of the country they’re working in. Use examples from your previous experience or explain what steps you would take to make sure this happens.

Example: “I believe it’s important for every employee to understand the importance of providing excellent customer service, no matter where they are in the world. I would implement training programs and workshops to help everyone learn about our customers’ cultures and needs so we can better serve them. I also think it’s essential to have an open-door policy so anyone can approach their manager with questions or concerns.”

16. Do you have prior experience providing technical support to both external and internal customers?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience working in a customer service role. This is an important skill to possess as it shows that you are able to work with clients and provide them with solutions to their problems. When answering this question, try to highlight your communication skills and ability to solve problems effectively.

Example: “I have worked in both internal and external customer service roles throughout my career. In my last position, I was responsible for providing technical support to our company’s employees while also helping customers who had questions about our products. I enjoy being able to help others and find satisfaction in solving complex issues.”

17. At our company, we strive to provide exceptional customer service. Can you give an example of a situation where you went above and beyond for a customer?

Arcadis is looking for candidates who are willing to go above and beyond for their customers. This question helps the interviewer determine if you have experience doing so in your previous roles. Use examples from your past where you went out of your way to help a customer or client.

Example: “In my last role, I had a client that was very particular about how they wanted their project to look. They would call me multiple times per day with questions and concerns. I always made sure to answer all of their questions as quickly as possible and provide them with detailed answers. In the end, they were extremely happy with our work.”

18. Explain how you would deal with an upset customer who was demanding to speak to a manager.

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle conflict and challenging situations. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific time when you had to deal with an upset customer or client and the steps you took to resolve the situation.

Example: “In my previous role as a project manager, I often fielded calls from clients who were unhappy with their experience on our team. I always made sure to listen to what they had to say and empathize with their concerns. Then, I would explain why we did things in a certain way and offer solutions for moving forward. In most cases, this approach helped calm the situation and allowed me to diffuse any tension.”

19. We’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively with our customers. Can you give us an example of a time when you successfully persuaded another person?

This question is an opportunity to show your communication skills and ability to persuade others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a time when you persuaded someone to do something or change their mind about something.

Example: “I once had a client who was very set on having a certain type of landscaping in their backyard. I explained that the plants they wanted were not going to grow well in their soil conditions and would require too much maintenance. They still insisted on those plants, so I offered them other options for landscaping that would work better with their soil conditions. Eventually, they agreed to go with one of my suggestions.”

20. This position requires extensive interaction with customers. How well do you handle complaints?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work with clients. When answering, highlight a time you had to handle a complaint or difficult client situation and how you resolved it.

Example: “I have experience working with customers in my previous position as a civil engineer. I was responsible for managing the construction of a new hospital wing, which required me to interact with many different stakeholders. One day, one of the doctors called me because they were unhappy with the color scheme we chose for the hospital walls. I met with them and explained why we chose that particular color scheme. They understood our reasoning and agreed to move forward with the project.”