What is your biggest professional regret?

"There was an opportunity to take part in starting a department abroad. I was enthusiastic about the opportunity, but I'd just started a new relationship and invested in that instead. The relationship didn't last, and in hindsight, I wish I'd jumped at the chance. It would've helped my career in leaps and bounds. I'd say that was my biggest regret."

They hope to understand how you handle disappointment and what you learn from such experiences. Your attitude towards this experience should reveal your self-awareness and emotional intelligence. It may also tell them more about your general attitude and approach towards life. Every setback is a learning opportunity. Define the situation, the obstacle, and how you overcame it, metaphorically or literally. Use examples that showcase your ability to modify your work style, emphasizing your ingenuity, swift reaction times, and the big-picture philosophy behind your course of action. Avoid examples that reflect poorly on your performance or reliability.

Who is your role model, and why?

"I would say my role model is Nikola Tesla - one of the greatest engineers to have ever lived and an altruist through and through. I don't believe that having a sound business sense and being an altruist are mutually exclusive. I often dream of what he could have accomplished had he had a better sense of self-preservation. He could have accomplished so much more in his lifetime had he been a greater success in his time."

The example you provide will furnish insights into the values and principles that construct your character and who you model your leadership style after. Your answer will help your interviewer assess whether you would compliment the culture of their brand. Explain your role model impacted the construct of your character.

"Alexander Graham Bell is a role model of mine. What he did for the world regarding communications was an incredible achievement that snowballed into the technological advancements we see today. That's quite the legacy."

How would you rate your performance in this interview so far?

"I believe this interview has been informative, and I am happy with my performance. Is there anything I can clarify for you from this conversation?"

The interviewer is looking for your honest thoughts on how you feel about your interview performance. How you answer this question will offer the interviewer insights into your confidence and self-perception. It is also an opportunity to circle back to earlier questions you felt you could've elaborated on more. Be sincere and honest.

"I am not sure if I have been able to portray myself 100% accurately in this interview, though I am trying my best. If there is anything more I can clarify for you, I would be happy to do so."

We have a very specific personality type that fits well with the strong corporate culture at AECOM. Describe your personality in three words.

"If I could describe my personality in three words, I would say that I am communicative, helpful, and enthusiastic. I know that AECOM is looking for individuals who work well as part of a team and bring a lot of energy. That is me! I would be a great fit for the culture you have created here."

This can be a high-stress question if you are not prepared to discuss your personality and characteristics. Rather than freezing up during your interview or saying something you regret, take a few minutes to jot down some ideas before your meeting. Review AECOM's website. They state on their career page that they are looking for intellectually curious employees, entrepreneurial spirits, team players, and unique talents. Comb through every page of their website. Familiarize yourself with all the different aspects of their company. Use recurring keywords from the job postings or the 'About Us' section. These recurring themes and keywords will give you a great idea of the personality and characteristics that AECOM is looking for.

Here are some other words you can use to describe your personality: - Adaptable - Considerate - Diligent - Inventive - Persistent - Resourceful - Sensible

Are you currently interviewing with any of our competitors? Why do you want to work for AECOM over our competitors?

"I am actively interviewing; however, I am using strong discretion in the next step in my career. I understand that some of your competitors are hiring, and the positions are competitive. My deciding factor is on the corporate culture and overall reputation of the company. From what I can see, AECOM stands out from the rest in employee engagement and client satisfaction."

Candidates who exhibit a specific interest in pursuing this opportunity over any job are more likely to advance to the next round of interviews. One way to demonstrate your interest is by discussing how AECOM stands out to you. Additionally, researching their competitors and identifying how they stand apart shows that you went the extra mile when preparing for this opportunity. That reflects a strong work ethic and makes you a desirable candidate.

"I have just started my search and applied to a limited number of companies. Rather than sending out multiple applications, I have chosen to be very targeted in my search. I want to work for AECOM because you maintain old-fashioned values while being a fast-moving and innovative organization. I appreciated that about your organization and would be very proud to be on your team."

This position requires a competitive yet collaborative individual. How do you plan to make an impact in your first 90 days with AECOM while setting a strong groundwork of trust with your new team members?

"If hired for this role with AECOM, I would want to get to know my team by listening to their suggestions and recommendations for success. I have strong follow-up and upselling skills that would result in a fast impact on the portfolio you would be handing off to me. I am a naturally collaborative person, and I am confident I will create quick results while maintaining strong relationships."

This is something of a trick question. Most candidates chosen to fill a position are excited about the opportunity, honored to be chosen, and eager to prove their worth and contribute. However, the first 90 days are not the time to suggest improvements to a workplace you're not familiar with, a crew you don't know, or systems and processes you're still learning. Jumping in and trying to reinvent the wheel right off the bat will probably generate friction. So, discuss the ways you feel you'll make an impact and address how you will ensure acceptance by your new team members. Familiarize yourself with the 30/60/90 rule. You should spend your first 30 days asking questions and onboarding. Next, you should concentrate on building work relationships and learning how they do things and why they do things the way they do. After your 90-day probationary period is an acceptable timeframe to start suggesting improvements. Be sure to incorporate these points into your plan of action with AECOM. Think about the skills gap you could fill or an internal struggle AECOM is trying to resolve by hiring someone like you.

"I plan to make an impact in the first 90 days by being incredibly diligent throughout my training, taking work home to study on the weekends, and getting to know the language used with your clients. I plan to be confident in my abilities, so I can hit the ground running without hesitation."

What sources do you look to when you need to solve a complicated problem?

"When faced with a complicated problem, I will look to the resources my current company has provided me. The answer is almost always in there. If it's a moral dilemma rather than a knowledge-based dilemma, I will ask my supervisor for his thoughts and opinion since I value him as a mentor and expert in our industry."

The interviewer wants to understand your ability to think outside the box and what resources you tap into when facing complicated problems. Offer some examples relevant to your industry. Show the interviewer that you are experienced and prepared to manage these situations by demonstrating determination. Present yourself as resourceful with a predisposition to think fast on your feet.

"If there's a complicated problem, I'll write out what I think the possible solutions would be and note what my gut tells me to do. Then, I will weigh those potential solutions against one another and list the complications that may arise as a result of each choice. Also, I am always open to input or suggestions from those with more experience than I and look to my mentors, their experience, and the training resources, as well as potentially talk the problem out with coworkers or my boss."

How do you balance life and work?

"I find that, with the right company, it's simple to balance life and work. When I enjoy what I do, it doesn't feel like a chore. When I'm at home, my family gets my attention first. I take time on the weekends to do things for myself and ensure that I regenerate before the work week begins."

You must maintain a healthy work/life balance to prevent burnout. Talk to the interviewer about how you achieve that appropriate balance for yourself. This can equate to having a mastery of time management, understanding time frames, and taking measures to set up your day for both your work and home life. Balancing these two spheres won't happen on its own. Discuss the tools you utilize to make this happen.

"I balance life and work by ensuring I spend my downtime doing the things I love. I enjoy hiking, playing squash, and going to the theater. These things energize me and help me maintain a healthy balance."

"I believe that when I am working in the right company and in something I like to do, it is easy to have a healthy work-life balance. When I enjoy what I am doing, it doesn't feel like a chore. I ensure that my time outside my job is as productive as my time at work. I enjoy reading and playing sports and spending time with my family during the weekends."

How do you evaluate success among your team members?

"I have a very in-depth and successful system for evaluating success among my team members. I check in twice per week with each member of my team - on Mondays to set our goals together and then on Fridays to discuss any successes and challenges. I have them self-evaluate, and then we create a plan for success for the upcoming week. I evaluate their success based on their follow-through and willingness to work hard to reach their goals."

Your interviewer wants to know how you define and evaluate success. For some, performing the functions of your job description and meeting expectations means success, whereas others view that as the bare minimum. How you answer will help them determine whether you have your eye on the big picture. Your answer will also give them insight into what motivates you.

"I typically have KPIs (key performance indicators) in place to measure the success of each member of the team. I also manage our overall success in working together. For example, are we hitting on key initiatives within the department, developing each other for succession planning, and having fun along the way?"

Do you prefer to work in a team-based position or individually?

"In the past, I found that I work best in an individually driven environment; however, I can also be productive in a team-based setting."

The interviewer will use this question to establish whether you are an extrovert or an introvert. Consider which condition you are the happiest and most productive in. Don't choose one or the other unless that is genuinely the case, which it seldom is. Put self-evaluative thought into your answer rather than trying to hurry through it. For some, an analytical approach is more of a singular task, whereas an interpersonal is more collaborative and team-oriented. Ideally, you'll want to strike a balance with both. They're looking for candidates with analytical skills who also have an interpersonal approach.

"I am happy to work either with a team or independently. I truly do not have a preference. Does this position lean to one more than the other, or is there a balanced mix of the two?"

Outside of work, what type of creative activities do you like to pursue?

"Outside work, I like to attend dance classes and the odd paint and sip wine nights at a local wine shop. I also enjoy reading as a way of nurturing my creative side."

This is a time to make yourself more memorable. Your goal is to provide a glimpse into what makes you relatable. Try to generate some connective conversation. Avoid examples that contradict other answers you've given. For example, if you said you spend all your free time keeping up on the latest industry news and then answer this question by telling them how you love spending every minute outside of work going to clubs and watching TV, the interviewer will question the authenticity of your previous answers throughout the interview set.

"Outside of work, I love to explore my creative side. I practice photography and take sculpting classes. As an avid reader, I also explore writing. Cooking is also art, and I try to incorporate creativity into the fun meals I prepare for family and friends."

What is your long-range career objective?

"While visiting your company website, I noticed you have some leadership opportunities available in a variety of locations. I would love to work my way into a management or leadership role with your organization and would be willing to relocate to do so. I like what your organization stands for, and I hope to see a current fit and future growth here."

Interviewing, hiring, and onboarding are time-consuming and costly, so the interviewer wants to ensure this role looks like a long-term fit for you. Be open with the interviewer about your career goals within this company, emphasizing your interest in forming a long-term employment relationship with the company. Share the direction you hope you'll grow within the company and what you wish to learn from your experience with their organization. The key to answering this question is to express to the interviewer that you plan to be employed by the company for many years to come and that you have a well-formed career plan.

"That is a great question! I see myself leading a small team of like-minded and passionate individuals who enjoy the work we are accomplishing together. I also see myself working closely with a charity to give back to the community."

How would you prefer to be compensated?

"I am currently compensated primarily on a base pay of $60,000 with the opportunity to earn a quarterly bonus based on the company's profits. I would like to be compensated similarly in my next position."

Consider whether you are looking for a compensation structure based primarily on salary, commission, or a blend of both. Discuss with the hiring manager your compensation preferences.

"I am currently making a salary with a bonus incentive on a quarterly and annual basis. I would like to continue down that path but am open to exploring other compensation components, such as commission or working on a draw system."

If you could start your career over again, what direction would you take?

"I do not regret the direction I have taken my career; however, if I had to start over in a new direction, I would likely pursue my Degree in Education and become a teacher. Both of my parents were teachers, and they seemed to have very fulfilling careers. I enjoy coaching and leading others, so any tasks in my current career related to these skills are welcome."

A hiring manager can tell a lot about your personality by learning about your other career interests. But your answer could also reveal if you are committed to the career path you chose and this opportunity, or if you'd leave it once something better comes along. Focus your answer on a direction you would have liked to explore in your current field of expertise or earlier opportunities you missed that are similar to this position you're contending for.

"I am delighted with the direction my career has taken. If I could change anything, I would perhaps have furthered my education to include a unique focus; however, I have no regrets!"

How do you explain complicated concepts to those who may not understand?

"I find that when there is a complicated concept to teach, visual aids are always the way to go. Did you know that 65% of people are visual learners and that presentations with visual components are 43% more persuasive? I took a course on creating effective infographics and will often implement those in my presentations."

The interviewer wants to know to what level you've developed your communication skills. A great communicator can adapt their communication style to the less adaptable communicators in the workplace. They are capable of explaining complex ideas without being condescending. Give the interviewer an example of how you break down information to make it more easily digestible for the average person. When you can define key terms and phrases to make them more relevant to your audience, you have skills! Not everyone can do this. Prepare an example that demonstrates your communication skills and ability to convey complex information in easy-to-understand terms.

"Keep it simple, silly! If you cannot explain a concept straightforwardly, then you do not understand it well enough. I recently rolled out a complex compensation plan with many anomalies. I shared a broad overview and provided detail for reference. I often try to make analogies or share complex information in the form of a story."

What would you do if a client asked you about a product or service, and you were unsure of the answer?

"If I had a client ask me about something that I didn't know enough about, I would find the answer for them before giving a false answer. I am okay with admitting when I don't know something, and I love to learn new things. Of course, I would find the answer quickly by asking the appropriate person or finding it within the company's internal resources."

The interviewer asks this question to evaluate how self-guided you are in your work and how developed your customer service skills are. Consider how you approach your communication with a client while coming across as an expert representative of your company. Discuss the resources you tap into to deliver a clear and concise answer.

"I am accustomed to having to think on my feet and come up with a creative answer based on the information I have on hand. With that said, I'm not going to tell a client something that is untrue or could potentially create a long-term issue. I'm not afraid of putting myself in a position where I don't know everything or am not the expert. I am happy to get out of my comfort zone to grow, learn, and help a customer. I will not hesitate to involve the appropriate parties, do my research, and work collaboratively to solve the situation."

At AECOM, we seek to hire employees who can read between the lines in order to uncover our clients' potential needs. Give me an example of how you have successfully done this in a previous role.

"One of my larger clients went through a corporate restructuring last year. I was able to help them fill in some gaps in their service needs as I saw potential shifts in their business. Because I have assisted many clients with restructuring projects in the past, I foresaw some of the roadblocks they may face and offered my assistance there. The client was very pleased with my proactive approach, and I was able to upsell additional services."

The interviewer is interested in your active listening and communication skills and how well you can identify the nuances of this job. At AECOM, an ability to think independently and outside the box are highly valued traits. Give one real-life example of how you helped a client by carefully identifying their potential needs.

"With each new client I take on, I conduct a detailed questionnaire with my primary contact. I ask tough questions regarding the pain points in their business. From these answers, I can predict some of their needs faster than they can. I believe this is because it's harder to see your needs when you are directly in the middle of the scenario. Sometimes, it's easier for outsiders to uncover your business's most significant needs."

How do you handle communicating bad news to a fellow worker or subordinate?

"I do not enjoy communicating bad news to a co-worker, but I have experience doing so. When I have to deliver bad news, I practice empathy. Truth is always key, so I am honest and clear when communicating the news. For instance, if I am to terminate someone's employment, I will not sugarcoat the reasons why. It's best they know so they can learn from the experience."

One of the toughest parts of communication can be delivering bad news to people you work with and for whom you care. Whether providing a performance review or delivering disciplinary actions, it's worth acknowledging how you carry through these less favorable aspects of the job. Assure the interviewer that you can handle this task clearly, concisely, and professionally.

"I have found that communicating with respect and the intent to support the associate is the best approach. It is important to communicate what behaviors are off track and what resources are available to the associate to get back on track."

In this role with AECOM, you will be required to make regular presentations to our clients. How comfortable are you with public speaking and creating PowerPoint presentations?

"I am very comfortable with public speaking and would rate myself as an advanced user of PowerPoint. I have attended multiple Toastmaster classes to perfect my public speaking skills. In my current position, I will present to groups from three people to 90, ranging from 'lunch and learns' with my internal team to the entire department for my client. I receive consistently positive feedback on my presentations because I like to keep them engaging through the use of analogies and sharp visuals."

If you are skilled with PowerPoint or similar or compatible software, mention these hard skills on your resume. Feel free to elaborate on these skills in your interview if prompted. Otherwise, speak to your communication and leadership skills. Being readily able to step outside your comfort zone is a strong leadership skill. The ability to speak in front of others while educating and informing them is also a strong communication and leadership skill. Be sure to highlight any relevant experience in this regard.

"I am an intermediate user of PowerPoint and have no problem improving my skills to an advanced level. When it comes to public speaking, my experience is limited; however, I have enough experience to know that I do not suffer from stage fright. I would very much enjoy further exposure to public speaking and the delivery of presentations."

At AECOM, we do everything to ensure that our clients are satisfied. What is your client service philosophy?

"I noticed on your website that you highly value your clients and actively listen to their needs. You also survey them regularly while staying on top of industry trends so that you can provide them with innovative new services. To me, client service goes beyond friendliness and efficiency. You need to understand your clients' business needs and have the ability to analyze their future needs so that you can respond appropriately to their business landscape changes."

Because AECOM emphasizes its customer service reputation, your interviewer needs assurances that your client service values align with theirs. Be sure to research the AECOM website and take note of any keywords they use when it comes to their clientele. Match your language with theirs. They use several key phrases in statements, such as partnering with clients to turn their ambitions into action by shaping digital solutions to help clients address current and future challenges through relentless client focus, operational excellence, and exceptional project execution.

"My client service philosophy is simple and perhaps a bit traditional. To serve someone is to be at their service, working with and for them to reach their goal together. For this reason, I will always go the extra mile to meet my client's needs. I want them to feel fully supported in their endeavors."

How would you describe your relationship with your customers or clients?

"My customer and client relationships are open and honest. I believe that the more upfront and transparent you are with your clients, the more likely they are to return. I value my clients and nurture those relationships as much as possible."

This question serves two purposes. They are testing you to see if you've gone the extra mile by researching their website in preparation for this interview and hope to determine how well your priorities align with theirs. On AECOM's websites, they describe their relationship with their clients as a partnership. Include this in your answer and elaborate on what this means to you. Discuss your strategy for building strong partner-based client relationships.

"I have strong relationships with my clients and customers. I treat them with respect and utilize their feedback to make myself and the organization better."

Tell me about a time you took on a new course in order to improve your work performance.

"Our company offered the Sandler Sales program to anyone in the company who was interested. I took this workshop in 2014 and enjoyed it. My sales increased by 23% that year."

Share your plans for further pursuing your career goals and whether that includes pursuing continual education. Exhibiting flexibility and an open mind can go a long way as well. Being able to plan for and anticipate directional changes in your career can also indicate flexibility in your approach to your daily work. This can translate to an ability to shift priorities and identify growth opportunities on a professional and personal level.

"I took a one-day seminar in Microsoft Excel. I already knew the basics, but my boss liked using macros and pivot tables, and I was spending a lot of time reading the support section to figure out how to use them. The course was very informative."

Tell me about a project you recently completed ahead of schedule.

"In my current position, I am expected to cold call 100 customers weekly. Most of our associates break this down into 20 per day, five days per week. I call 50 customers daily for the first two days and then have time to make additional calls throughout the week. This effort generally equals a 25% surplus of cold calls to my portfolio. I am always ahead of target by going over and above that cold calling schedule."

This question is self-guided. AECOM's desirable candidates consistently strive to go above and beyond, exceeding expectations. This equates to delivering quality, error-free results ahead of deadlines and a willingness to help the rest of your teams with time to spare. Assure the interviewer you meet these qualifications by walking them through your approach to your work, including but not limited to your time management skills, your project management skills, your attention to detail, your communication skills, and any other methods or skills you employ to put your all in towards achieving the best results.

"In my current position, I was given the task of migrating our payroll system to a new provider. Happily, I completed the project two weeks ahead of schedule, allowing us to start the new service sooner."

How do you manage your time?

"I manage my time by exercising the idea of 'time-blocking.' This process means that I don't incessantly check my email; instead, I allow myself to return emails in 30-minute time blocks, four times per day. Setting calendar alerts and personal deadlines for myself has also helped."

The interviewer would like to know more about the tools you take advantage of to stay on task and meet deadlines. Think about the ways you manage your projects and daily tasks. Not preparing for your morning can result in being late to work. Not managing your workflow or projects can cause missed deadlines, staying late, or taking your work home with you. If you feel overwhelmed at work because of poor time management, you might bring more stress home from work, not sleep well, and not perform at your best at work the next day. If this goes on too long, you may feel like you're burning out. These are all important things to consider when determining if you are a good fit for the position. Discuss how you prioritize when everything demands your attention at once.

"Very carefully! I prioritize deadlines and work that needs completion and then work backward. When necessary, I utilize my resources and team to pitch in and contribute."

We have a healthy yet competitive culture at AECOM. How do you track your personal successes and metrics? How often do you look at your KPIs?

"My current company offers a robust tracking system where I can view my current metrics daily. I check these metrics every day because they measure me against my monthly average and the company average. It's important in this line of work to keep up to date on results. By keeping on top of my KPIs, I can improve my performance and results whenever necessary."

Your interviewer wants to know how you evaluate your success. When working in the professional services industry, your results matter! No matter your job function, you should always be prepared to discuss your career-related success. Talk to the interviewer about your recent achievements, backed up with figures and data, and show AECOM what sets you apart from the other candidates in the interview pool.

"In my opinion, the only possible option is to review my KPIs at the beginning and end of each day. I track my successes and progress through our company CRM and make a plan every morning related to what I need and want to accomplish. At the end of each day, I assess my progress so that I am prepared mentally for the following day's activities."

When have you had to change a major component of your project due to new information being presented?

"I had a large project last month that was nearly complete when the client called to say that the dimensions provided were incorrect. Because of this, our team had to re-do the entire proposal. It took us an additional four days of work, but, in the end, the client was delighted with our work, and it resulted in new opportunities with them."

Being able to re-prioritize and adapt the focus of your work is a valued skill. Exhibiting flexibility in tandem with emotional stability is the goal here. Talk to the interviewer about a time a significant change occurred on a project. Discuss how you handled the implementation of the new information and guided your team. Ensure your example results in a positive outcome.

"I had worked with a VP in the company, the CEO, and a member of the board to craft a strategic national roll-out plan that included which companies and pitches I would be responsible for and what they would handle. Two months later, after working on the strategy each week as a collaborative team, I was informed that we were putting a pause on the project until further notice. The executives thought the company wasn't ready for such big clients yet, so instead, I had to scale the national roll-out back to be a local market strategy. After the initial sting and frustration of pulling out of the project, I was able to use that same framework to plan local market roll-outs in several major cities effectively. It proved to be a good learning experience, overall."

What is the most competitive work situation you have experienced? How did you handle it? What was the result?

"My last position was a sales position and highly commissioned. We had a great work environment where we helped each other and built each other up. The result was a positive work environment, and I enjoyed coming to work each day."

It's not only important to research the company and the job posting, but it is of equal importance to research your experiences and accomplishments to align your skill levels and principles with that of the company you're interviewing for. Be sure to detail how you rose to the challenge with enthusiasm. Reflect a high level of emotional maturity in your approach. Maintaining a positive attitude can serve you well here.

"In my previous position, I worked with some very competitive individuals bordering the point of aggression. I can be as competitive as the next person; however, this was next level. I made the best of the situation by keeping my head in the game, remaining focused, and tuning out the unpleasantness of their competitive grind. In the end, I exceeded my targets by 105% to goal. I was happy with my results and the fact that I kept my integrity in place at the same time."

Tell me about your most significant work experience that relates to this position.

"In my most recent position, I had many related responsibilities, such as client relationships, customer service, and cold calling. The job descriptions are very similar; however, your role is a slight step up in responsibilities which would provide the growth I am looking for."

This question is an excellent example of why you must review the job description in detail before your interview. The goal is to draw correlations between your prior experiences while exhibiting a clear understanding of the expectation of this role. This goes beyond listing your transferable skills. It shows how you'd put them to use for AECOM.

"I am performing a role very similar to this one at my current employer. However, this role would be a step up for me. After years of working in this field, I am ready for the challenge of leading a team."

This position with AECOM requires strong research skills. What is the first resource you turn to when you need to research a person, business, or topic?

"When researching, my go-to source is usually LinkedIn. This website offers me a plethora of information whenever I need it. I can research clients, their businesses, backgrounds, and competitors in one place. LinkedIn is a very reliable, up-to-date, and convenient source."

Being resourceful and exhibiting an ability to be creative and think outside of the box are desirable assets in an employee. The interviewer is curious if you have an aptitude to source information when and where you need it or if you rely on others in the workplace to take that on for you, distracting them from their work priorities. In this industry, and with AECOM, you must be in the know and on top of your client's needs at all times. Talk about your style and process for approaching this type of situation.

"When researching, I believe using a reliable source is key. For that reason. my resources will always be a legitimate news website or books published by known authors."

What do you know about our clients at AECOM and the services we offer?

"From what I understand, you provide services primarily to clients within 'ABC Industry.' Your range of services is quite broad, which was a big pull for me when applying to AECOM. Could you tell me a little more about your primary client base?"

The interviewer wants to know how much effort you put into researching and evaluating their company, their brands, and the types of clients that AECOM serves. Discuss with the interviewer what you discovered through your research. It is okay to ask the interviewer about the services and clientele at AECOM. Exhibit enthusiasm while delivering your answer. You want to seem excited about the prospect of working with them.

"I researched AECOM before coming here today. I believe that your product range is vast and it would attract a very diverse set of clientele. Is this correct? The one service that stood out to me was (name a service) because it offers exceptional value to established business owners and new entrepreneurs alike."

We have many strong competitors. What makes AECOM stand out, and how could we improve?

"After researching AECOM online, I found that you stand out in the many ways you give back to your community. On the AECOM website, as well as third-party review sites, people are talking about AECOM's charitable contributions and generosity. This makes your company a big stand-out to me because I am serious about working for an organization that is aware of its social impact."

Research AECOM before your interview to learn about their business landscape. Find out who their competitors are and what customers are saying about them online. Check out some favorite review sites to get an idea of what the public is saying about AECOM vs. their local competitors. Keep your answer positive and complimentary.

"Since I haven't worked in AECOM, it is tough to give suggestions on improvement accurately. I like what I have seen so far and feel that your company stands out through your quality standards and search for constant improvement."

When do you feel your leadership skills are most effective?

"My leadership skills are most effective when my relationship with the employee isn't just a surface connection. I want to have true knowledge of their life and a good understanding of their career goals. When my employees feel confident that I can help them achieve their goals, they are more likely to be an engaged part of the team."

This question assesses your leadership style and whether you solely delegate or if you work side by side with your team when you can afford to. Those who lead by 'Do as I say, not as I do' talk the talk but rarely walk the walk. If you hold a supervisory role, it's important to acknowledge the need for situational management. If you are not in a supervisory role, mention an example of a time you took on a leadership role. Show the interviewer that you recognize solid working relationships start with clear communication, trust, and honesty. Explain the techniques you employ to build relationships while motivating your team.

"My skills are most effective when we face a tight deadline and have to push through. I pride myself on being an excellent motivator."

What type of manager brings out the best in you?

"I have worked with a wide range of personalities and management styles with great success. If I could express a preference, I feel I am best in an independent and autonomous environment. Can you describe the management style here?"

The interviewer wants to see if you understand the type of manager or employer that brings out the best in you. Some individuals prefer a close working relationship with a lot of accountability, while others prefer space and autonomy. If you are unsure of the management style of the interviewing company, leave your answer as open as possible. It could also help to understand the five main leadership types - authoritarian, participative, delegative, transactional, and transformational - and define your approach towards each.

"I work best with managers who are highly communicative and approachable. I don't enjoy working in a hierarchy-based environment as it often does not offer room for new ideas and creative thinking. How would you describe your management style?"

How do you motivate others on your team?

"I motivate my team members by coming to work with an exceptional attitude every day. I won't allow anyone's bad mood to let me down. That influence alone has helped many of my coworkers get through their day on a more positive note."

Offering a listening ear or providing words of encouragement can make a world of difference for some of your coworkers, but that likely isn't the right approach for all of them. Although many of your coworkers might have similar motivators, everyone is unique, so being able to identify the most common motivating denominator is the key here and then adapting your style to those outliers whose motivators are more unique. Reflect on your experience and share how you helped set clear goals or mentored individuals to cultivate a new skill. Taking part in increasing their rate of success can go a long way. Most importantly, highlight the situations where you ensured your team had all the tools necessary to get the job done right. Most commonly, this comes from clear communication. Explaining to your team the stakes involved in the work and the importance of the work at hand will give them more of an investment in the work that needs to be done and a deeper understanding of how essential their part is to the overall collaborative team effort.

"I motivate others by complimenting their work, asking for their opinion, and making them feel like a valued part of the team."

Have you ever broken a confidentiality agreement?

"I never have, to my knowledge, broken a confidentiality agreement. Despite my reasons for leaving a position, I would never choose to hurt a previous employer in any way."

Companies have confidentiality agreements for a variety of reasons. The interviewer wants to evaluate how you value integrity and honesty and to know if you understand the big-picture of this question. Talk to the interviewer about your experience and approach toward confidentiality agreements.

"Confidentiality agreements are necessary and important to protect an organization. I understand the need for confidentiality and take those factors very seriously. I have never broken the trust of my employer."

AECOM Interview Questions

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1. What is your biggest professional regret?
2. Who is your role model, and why?
3. How would you rate your performance in this interview so far?
4. We have a very specific personality type that fits well with the strong corporate culture at AECOM. Describe your personality in three words.
5. Are you currently interviewing with any of our competitors? Why do you want to work for AECOM over our competitors?
6. This position requires a competitive yet collaborative individual. How do you plan to make an impact in your first 90 days with AECOM while setting a strong groundwork of trust with your new team members?
7. What sources do you look to when you need to solve a complicated problem?
8. How do you balance life and work?
9. How do you evaluate success among your team members?
10. Do you prefer to work in a team-based position or individually?
11. Outside of work, what type of creative activities do you like to pursue?
12. What is your long-range career objective?
13. How would you prefer to be compensated?
14. If you could start your career over again, what direction would you take?
15. How do you explain complicated concepts to those who may not understand?
16. What would you do if a client asked you about a product or service, and you were unsure of the answer?
17. At AECOM, we seek to hire employees who can read between the lines in order to uncover our clients' potential needs. Give me an example of how you have successfully done this in a previous role.
18. How do you handle communicating bad news to a fellow worker or subordinate?
19. In this role with AECOM, you will be required to make regular presentations to our clients. How comfortable are you with public speaking and creating PowerPoint presentations?
20. At AECOM, we do everything to ensure that our clients are satisfied. What is your client service philosophy?
21. How would you describe your relationship with your customers or clients?
22. Tell me about a time you took on a new course in order to improve your work performance.
23. Tell me about a project you recently completed ahead of schedule.
24. How do you manage your time?
25. We have a healthy yet competitive culture at AECOM. How do you track your personal successes and metrics? How often do you look at your KPIs?
26. When have you had to change a major component of your project due to new information being presented?
27. What is the most competitive work situation you have experienced? How did you handle it? What was the result?
28. Tell me about your most significant work experience that relates to this position.
29. This position with AECOM requires strong research skills. What is the first resource you turn to when you need to research a person, business, or topic?
30. What do you know about our clients at AECOM and the services we offer?
31. We have many strong competitors. What makes AECOM stand out, and how could we improve?
32. When do you feel your leadership skills are most effective?
33. What type of manager brings out the best in you?
34. How do you motivate others on your team?
35. Have you ever broken a confidentiality agreement?

AECOM Interview Questions

1. What is your biggest professional regret?

2. Who is your role model, and why?

3. How would you rate your performance in this interview so far?

4. We have a very specific personality type that fits well with the strong corporate culture at AECOM. Describe your personality in three words.

5. Are you currently interviewing with any of our competitors? Why do you want to work for AECOM over our competitors?

6. This position requires a competitive yet collaborative individual. How do you plan to make an impact in your first 90 days with AECOM while setting a strong groundwork of trust with your new team members?

7. What sources do you look to when you need to solve a complicated problem?

8. How do you balance life and work?

9. How do you evaluate success among your team members?

10. Do you prefer to work in a team-based position or individually?

11. Outside of work, what type of creative activities do you like to pursue?

12. What is your long-range career objective?

13. How would you prefer to be compensated?

14. If you could start your career over again, what direction would you take?

15. How do you explain complicated concepts to those who may not understand?

16. What would you do if a client asked you about a product or service, and you were unsure of the answer?

17. At AECOM, we seek to hire employees who can read between the lines in order to uncover our clients' potential needs. Give me an example of how you have successfully done this in a previous role.

18. How do you handle communicating bad news to a fellow worker or subordinate?

19. In this role with AECOM, you will be required to make regular presentations to our clients. How comfortable are you with public speaking and creating PowerPoint presentations?

20. At AECOM, we do everything to ensure that our clients are satisfied. What is your client service philosophy?

21. How would you describe your relationship with your customers or clients?

22. Tell me about a time you took on a new course in order to improve your work performance.

23. Tell me about a project you recently completed ahead of schedule.

24. How do you manage your time?

25. We have a healthy yet competitive culture at AECOM. How do you track your personal successes and metrics? How often do you look at your KPIs?

26. When have you had to change a major component of your project due to new information being presented?

27. What is the most competitive work situation you have experienced? How did you handle it? What was the result?

28. Tell me about your most significant work experience that relates to this position.

29. This position with AECOM requires strong research skills. What is the first resource you turn to when you need to research a person, business, or topic?

30. What do you know about our clients at AECOM and the services we offer?

31. We have many strong competitors. What makes AECOM stand out, and how could we improve?

32. When do you feel your leadership skills are most effective?

33. What type of manager brings out the best in you?

34. How do you motivate others on your team?

35. Have you ever broken a confidentiality agreement?