20 Stantec Interview Questions and Answers

Stantec is a global engineering and consulting firm that provides professional services in planning, design, and construction for a wide range of markets, including transportation, water, energy, and resources. The company has more than 15,000 employees in over 400 offices across North America and Europe.

If you’re interviewing for a job at Stantec, you can expect to be asked a mix of general interview questions and company-specific interview questions. In this article, we’ll give you a head start on your competition by providing a list of Stantec interview questions and answers.

Stantec Interview Process

The interview process at Stantec can vary depending on the position you are applying for, but generally speaking, it is a fairly lengthy and detailed process. For most positions, you will first have an initial phone screen with a recruiter, followed by one or more in-person interviews with members of the team you would be working with. The difficulty of the interviews varies depending on the role, but they are generally quite challenging, especially if you are interviewing for a technical position. Overall, the experience is generally positive, although it can be quite stressful at times.

1. Are you willing to travel if needed?

Stantec is a global company, so they may ask this question to make sure you’re willing to travel for work. If you are, explain that you have experience with traveling and how it can be beneficial. If you aren’t comfortable with traveling, let the interviewer know what your limitations are.

Example: “I am happy to travel if needed. I understand that sometimes it’s necessary to go where the job is. In my last position, I was often asked to travel because of the nature of the work we did. I’m used to long days on the road and in hotels, but I do prefer to stay in one place as much as possible.”

2. Tell me about a time where you had to take on a leadership role that was outside of your comfort zone, how did it go?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your leadership skills and how you handle situations that are outside of your comfort zone. Use examples from previous jobs or experiences to highlight your ability to take on new challenges and lead others through them.

Example: “In my last position, I was working with a team member who had been with the company for quite some time but wasn’t performing as well as they used to. They were having trouble completing projects in a timely manner and would often make mistakes when it came to their work. I decided to have a one-on-one meeting with this employee to see if there was anything we could do to improve their performance.

After talking with them, I learned that they were feeling overwhelmed by all of the tasks they needed to complete each day. So, I offered to give them more work so they could feel like they were contributing more to the company while also getting everything done. This helped both of us out, and after a few weeks, they started performing at their best again.”

3. Why do you want to work at Stantec?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your interest in their company. They want to know what you like about Stantec and why you are excited to work there. Your answer should include specific details about the company that make it unique or interesting.

Example: “I have always been interested in construction, so I started working as an intern at a local construction site when I was in college. After graduating with my degree in civil engineering, I worked on several projects for Stantec. The company has such a strong reputation within the industry, and I would love to be part of its team. I am also impressed by how much the company values diversity and inclusion.”

4. What makes you qualified for the position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills you have that are relevant to the position. Think about what makes you unique from other candidates and highlight these qualities in your answer.

Example: “I am highly organized and detail-oriented, which is why I’ve been able to complete projects on time for my past employers. In my last role, I was responsible for managing multiple projects at once, so I learned how to prioritize tasks and delegate work to my team members. My communication skills also help me collaborate with others and solve problems effectively.”

5. Do you have any experience working with environmental regulations and policies?

Stantec is a global company that works with clients to develop sustainable infrastructure. The interviewer may ask this question to learn if you have experience working in an environment where regulations and policies are important. Use your answer to highlight any relevant skills or experiences you have that can help you succeed in this role.

Example: “I worked for a small engineering firm during my internship, and we often had to work within the guidelines of local environmental regulations. I learned how to apply for permits and comply with state laws while also meeting client needs. This helped me understand how important it is to consider all aspects of a project when designing solutions.”

6. Have you worked in an engineering environment before?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your experience level. If you have worked in an engineering environment before, share some details about what you did and how it helped prepare you for this role. If you haven’t worked in an engineering environment before, you can talk about any relevant work experience that relates to this job.

Example: “I’ve worked as an engineer for five years now. I started out working at a small firm where I was responsible for designing buildings from scratch. After two years there, I moved up to a larger company where I was able to take on more challenging projects. This experience has prepared me well for this position because I know what it takes to succeed in this field.”

7. Name some projects you are most proud of and describe them.

Employers ask this question to learn more about your background and what you have accomplished. They want to know that you are proud of the work you do, so they can be sure you will take pride in their projects as well. When answering this question, try to pick a project that is relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Example: “I am most proud of my work on the new library. I was part of the team that designed it, and we worked hard to make sure it was accessible for everyone. We also made sure it had plenty of natural light and comfortable seating. The library opened last year, and I still get emails from people thanking me for making such an amazing space.”

8. How would you handle project delays or quality issues?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. Use examples from previous projects where you faced similar challenges, and explain how you managed them.

Example: “In my last role as a project manager, I had to manage several delays on our construction sites. One of the reasons for these delays was that we didn’t have enough resources to complete the job in time. To solve this issue, I worked with my team to find more qualified workers who could help us finish the project on time. Another reason for delays was quality issues. In those cases, I would meet with the contractor to discuss the problems and come up with solutions.”

9. What is important to you when looking for a company to work for?

Employers ask this question to see if you are a good fit for their company culture. They want employees who will be happy and productive in their workplace. When answering, think about what is important to you in your career. Consider the job description and look at the company’s website to get an idea of what they value.

Example: “I am looking for a place where I can use my skills and talents to make a difference. I also want to work somewhere that values teamwork and collaboration. I would like to find a company with a positive atmosphere and friendly coworkers.”

10. What is your favorite type of engineering?

This question is a great way to see if you are passionate about the type of engineering Stantec offers. If you have experience in one or more types of engineering, it can be beneficial to talk about your favorite and why.

Example: “My favorite type of engineering is structural engineering because I love working with concrete and steel. I find that there’s always something new to learn when it comes to building structures, which makes my job exciting. In my last role, I was able to work on several different projects including residential homes, commercial buildings and bridges. It was interesting to see how each project required its own unique design.”

11. Would you be comfortable taking a task-focused approach to work?

This question is an opportunity to show your willingness to take on a variety of tasks and complete them with excellence. It’s also an opportunity to demonstrate that you’re willing to learn new skills and apply them in the workplace.

Example: “I’m always looking for ways to improve my work, so I would be happy to take on any task or project that helps Stantec succeed. In fact, I’ve found that taking on more challenging projects has helped me develop my skills as a civil engineer. For example, when I was working at my last job, I volunteered to lead a team tasked with designing a bridge over a river. This was a big responsibility, but it taught me how to delegate tasks and manage a large group of people.”

12. What are your strengths as an engineer?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your skills and abilities as an engineer. They want to know what you’re good at so they can determine how you’ll fit into their company. Before your interview, make a list of your top strengths. Choose the ones that are most relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Example: “My biggest strength is my attention to detail. I always double-check my work to ensure it’s accurate. This has helped me avoid mistakes in the past, which has saved time and money for my employers. Another strength of mine is my problem-solving skills. When something goes wrong on a project, I’m able to analyze the situation and find a solution quickly.”

13. What is your ideal team size?

This question is a great way to determine if you are going to be comfortable in your new role. It also allows the interviewer to see how you would interact with others on the team and what kind of leadership style you have. Your answer should show that you understand the importance of teamwork, but it should also highlight your individual skills.

Example: “I believe my ideal team size is five people. I find this number to be just right for collaboration and discussion while still allowing each person to work independently. In my last position, we had six members on our design team, so I was able to experience both smaller and larger teams. While I enjoyed working with more people, I found that having fewer people allowed us to collaborate more effectively.”

14. Give me an example of a time you were able to build a relationship with a client.

This question is a great way to show your communication skills and ability to work with clients. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a specific time you were able to build a relationship with a client that led to them hiring Stantec for future projects.

Example: “I had a client who was looking for an architect to help design their new office space. I met with the client several times before we started designing the building so they could get to know me and feel comfortable working with me. During these meetings, I learned about what type of architecture they liked and how they wanted their employees to feel in the new office space. This information helped us create a beautiful office space that the company still uses today.”

15. Are you familiar with building information modeling (BIM)?

Stantec is a leader in the construction industry, and it uses BIM to create 3D models of buildings. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience with BIM or other modeling software. If you do, share your experience and explain how it helped you complete projects more efficiently. If you don’t have any experience with BIM, you can talk about your interest in learning new technologies.

Example: “I’ve used BIM for several years now, and I find that it’s an extremely useful tool when designing structures. It allows me to collaborate with my team members on a project and make changes to the design as needed. This saves time and money because we’re able to avoid costly mistakes during construction.”

16. Describe your experience managing budgets and schedules.

Stantec is a large company that requires its employees to manage budgets and schedules. Your answer should show the interviewer your experience with these tasks, as well as how you plan projects.

Example: “I have worked on multiple projects where I had to create budgets and schedules for my team members. In one instance, we were working on a project in California when our client wanted us to complete it sooner than expected. We had to work out a budget so we could hire more workers and find additional materials to finish the job by the deadline. I also had to schedule the construction of the building so we could meet the new deadline.”

17. We want our team members to feel like they can take initiative and make decisions without consulting their manager first. Does this sound like something you would be comfortable doing?

This question is an opportunity to show your confidence and ability to make decisions. When answering this question, it can be helpful to give a specific example of a time you made a decision on your own and how that decision turned out positively.

Example: “I believe strongly in my abilities as a professional engineer. In my last position, I was working with a team on a project when we encountered some unexpected challenges. Rather than waiting for my manager to come back from vacation, I decided to take the lead on the issue myself. After discussing the situation with my teammates, I came up with a solution that helped us finish the project ahead of schedule.”

18. Do you have any experience with CAD software?

Stantec uses computer-aided design software to create architectural and engineering designs. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience with the same type of software they use at Stantec. If you do, share your previous experience using CAD software. If you don’t, explain that you’re willing to learn how to use it.

Example: “I’ve used AutoCAD in my last two positions as an engineer. I find it easy to navigate and understand, which makes it a great tool for creating professional drawings. I’m excited to apply my knowledge of CAD software to help Stantec build more efficient structures.”

19. If hired, what would be your approach to designing a bridge?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the construction process and how you would apply it in a real-world situation. Your answer should include details about what materials you would use, how you would design the bridge’s aesthetics and how you would ensure its safety for drivers.

Example: “I would first consider the location where the bridge will be built. I would then determine whether or not the structure needs to support vehicles, pedestrians or both. Next, I would assess the soil conditions and make sure that they are suitable for building a bridge. Then, I would create a plan for the aesthetic elements of the bridge, such as lighting and railings. Finally, I would test the bridge before opening it to the public.”

20. Can you tell us about one of your failures and how you learned from it?

Employers ask this question to see how you respond to challenges and learn from your mistakes. This is an opportunity for you to show that you are willing to take responsibility for your actions, even if they were not successful.

Example: “When I first started my career as a civil engineer, I was working on a project where we had to design a bridge that could withstand heavy traffic. I designed the bridge with no support beams, which would have made it more aesthetically pleasing. However, when I presented my plans to my team, they told me that without support beams, the bridge would collapse under the weight of the cars. I learned that sometimes it’s better to sacrifice aesthetics for functionality.”