How to succeed in a job interview when you are starting your career

When you're beginning your career, every interview is an opportunity to showcase your potential beyond your resume. Whether you're a student, intern, recent graduate, or looking for your first job, you already have skills, accomplishments, and qualities that can make you stand out.

1. Prepare as if you were already part of the team

Preparation is often what distinguishes the most memorable candidates. Take the time to learn about the company, its mission, projects, and values.

At AtkinsRéalis Canada, our work spans a variety of sectors, including infrastructure, energy, nuclear, transportation, buildings, and defense. Before your interview, explore our projects, our purpose, our employee stories, and our commitment to innovation and sustainability. This research will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also demonstrate genuine interest in our organization.

Practical tip: Prepare a few specific examples explaining why you would like to join AtkinsRéalis and how your career aspirations align with our vision.

2. Make a strong first impression

3. How to succeed in an interview without experience

When you're starting your career, it is normal to have limited professional experience. Recruiters often place as much value on transferable skills as they do on technical expertise.

Even without significant work experience, it is possible to succeed in an interview by highlighting your transferable skills, potential, and ability to learn. Focus on what your studies, internships, academic projects, student activities, jobs, or volunteer experiences have helped you develop. 

Consider the skills you have gained through these experiences:

• Teamwork 
• Problem‑solving 
• Communication 
• Prioritization and time management 
• Leadership 
• Adaptability

At AtkinsRéalis, we value candidates who demonstrate a willingness to learn and embrace new challenges.

4. How to answer behavioral interview questions

Behavioral interview questions are common in interviews. They help recruiters understand how you respond in different situations. 

Even with limited professional experience, you can draw examples from: 

• University group projects 
• Research projects 
• Internship experiences 
• Extracurricular activities 
• Part‑time or student jobs

The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) remains an excellent framework for structuring your answers and highlighting your contribution. 

5. Demonstrate your curiosity and desire to learn

Employers are looking for candidates who are eager to learn and grow. Don't hesitate to discuss the skills you're currently developing, the courses you are taking, the technologies that interest you, or the challenges that motivate you. 

At AtkinsRéalis, continuous learning is encouraged through exciting projects, mentoring, and numerous professional development opportunities. 

6. Ask meaningful questions

An interview is a conversation, not an interrogation. 

Preparing a few questions demonstrates your interest and engagement. You may want to ask about: 

• Professional development opportunities 
• The teams you would collaborate with 
• The projects you may work on 
• Company culture 
• Programs designed for students and recent graduates

The best questions are often those that reflect genuine curiosity about the role and work environment. 

7. How to succeed in a virtual interview

Virtual interviews require the same preparation as in‑person meetings. Before your interview, test your equipment, choose a quiet environment, and log in a few minutes early. Remember to turn off notifications and maintain eye contact with the camera. These simple actions contribute to a more professional experience.

8. Be authentic

It can be tempting to try to give the "perfect" answer. However, recruiters appreciate authenticity above all else. 

Talk about your strengths with confidence, but also be honest about the areas where you would like to improve. A humble attitude, combined with strong motivation, often leaves a more lasting impression than an overly rehearsed response. 

At AtkinsRéalis, we believe that diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives helps build stronger and more innovative teams. 

Your career starts today

No one starts their career with all the answers. What matters most is your enthusiasm, your ability to learn, and your willingness to contribute. Every interview is an opportunity to showcase your potential and take the next step in your professional journey. 

Ready to launch your career? Whether you're a student, intern, or recent graduate, discover the opportunities available at AtkinsRéalis and contribute to major projects that help shape the communities of tomorrow. Your professional journey starts here.