ARUP Online Assessment, Interview, Assessment Centres 2024. The Ultimate Practice Guide.

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SUMMARY

Looking to apply for Arup’s 2024 internship or graduate programs? Exploring professional opportunities with Arup? Then this guide is for you.

The text below provides a full candidate recruitment, assessment and preparation guide and practice for those applying to jobs, internships and graduate programs at Arup.

Our website provides scientifically validated practice assessments tests, interviews and assessment centre exercises that can be used to practice and prepare for the recruitment and assessment process. 

Not sure if you should practice to prepare for Arup assessments? According to research, 60-80% of candidates are rejected based on their aptitude tests results. It is proven that practice increases your chances of getting hired.

IN A NUTSHELL

How to prepare for the Arup assessment process and tests to get the job?

1. Complete your Arup Online Application

• Fill in your Arup application form
• Answer any motivational questions
• Align your application and answers with Arup’s core values
• Use their language / key words from the job post

2. Practice for Arup Online Assessments

Arup uses several online assessments for their recruitment process. These include:

• Situational Judgement Test
• Personality Assessment
• Numerical Reasoning Test
• Verbal Reasoning Test
• Logical Reasoning Test

These tests sift out 50-80% candidates at this stage. The only proven way to get to the next round is to practice.     

 3. Prepare for the Arup Assessment Centre exercises

Arup makes use of a variety of competitive exercises during the assessment centre to find the right candidates. Ensure that you practice a variety of exercises including:

• Group Exercises
• Written Case Study
• Final Interview

Hone your written and spoken communication technique. Research online, prepare and practice presentation of as many business case studies as possible. 

Prepare for your one-on-one final interview with a senior manager from Arup. Expect and practice for technical, behavioural and competency-based questions. Hone your technique for your final Arup interview to showcase your:

• Critical thinking
• Business acumen
• Skills and values related to the role
• Passion

For this final interview, use the video interview platform and record yourself answering the technical questions using the STAR+R technique.

Continue reading to get answers to critical questions:

1. What is the Arup recruitment process? 
2. How do I ace the Arup online assessments?
3. What should I expect in an Arup interview?
4. How do I prepare for the Arup assessment centre?

Looking into assessments with Arup, simply click in the table below to practice assessments relevant to your assessment process!

Before we dive into the Arup recruitment process, let us find out about the company first

Who is Arup?

Arup, officially known as Arup Group Limited, is a multinational professional services firm headquartered in London, which provides engineering, design, planning, project management and consulting services for all aspects of the built environment.

 Arup has over 18,000 staff based in 92 offices across 35 countries with participation in projects across 140 countries, and is present in Africa, the America, Australasia, East Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

Arup Core Values

At Arup, they share values which are derived from the beliefs and convictions of the founder, Sir Ove Arup. Arup prioritises safe and resilient communities, infrastructures and cities; environmental regeneration; resource conservation; economic growth; and social value. 

What are the Arup core values?

• Quality of Work – At Arup, they strive for quality at their work that should as well be interesting and rewarding.
• Total Architecture – All relevant design decisions are made and integrated into a whole by an organised team.
• Humane Organisation – They prioritise an organisation where every member is treated as a human and in a friendly manner.
• Straight and honourable dealings – Arup believes in an honourable act in dealing with their own and other people.
• Social usefulness – This shows their wish to do socially useful work while working with others to pursue quality.
• Reasonable prosperity – At Arup, this is essential for the partial fulfilment of all their aims.

If your aim is to join the growing number of Arup’s membership around the globe, here are important details you should know about the Arup Recruitment Process:

Contents

What is the Arup application process?

1. Arup Online Application Form
2. Arup Online Assessment Tests
3. Arup Online Assessment Centre
4. Arup Early Careers
5. Arup Assessment FAQs

Without further ado, let’s get into the details of the Arup recruitment process starting with the first step: the online application.

Arup Online Application Form

What is the Arup online application form?

The Arup online application form is the first step in your recruitment process and is used for any future reference relating to your career experiences, main achievements and education. Ensure to fill in all the personal details accurately and always double check.

How long does the Arup online application take?

The online application takes about 20 minutes to complete, however you can save your progress and return to it at any point. 

Make sure to apply as early as possible, as some applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Check your email frequently in case Arup’s HR department should require any clarification or further details.

Arup’s application form is straightforward, so take your time to fill in your details and align your skills with the job requirements and competencies so as to make it to the next stage: the Arup Online Assessments.

Back to Contents

Arup Online Assessment Tests

What are the Arup online assessments?

The Arup online assessment tests are used for early career roles, and may be provided by Criteria Corp or Sova depending on the area you apply to. You will be invited to complete these assessments to proceed to the next stage. These assessments may include:

• Arup Situational Judgement Test
• Arup Personality Assessment
• Arup Numerical Reasoning Test
• Arup Verbal Reasoning Test
• Arup Logical Reasoning Test

Arup Situational Judgement Test

What is the Arup situational judgement test?

The Arup Situational Judgement Test (SJTs) is used to assess your decision-making skills, problem-solving abilities, and judgement in various work-related situations. You are presented with realistic work-place scenarios and asked to choose the most appropriate options. 

The scenarios presented in the test typically reflect the challenges and dilemmas that employees might encounter while working at the company. 

Gain key insights in this under 1 minute video, about the situational judgement test questions you may encounter during Arup’s assessment. 

5 Top Tips to Ace your Arup Situational Judgement Test

Here are some helpful tips to help you prepare and pass situational judgement questions:

1. Practice makes perfect. Ensure to practice situational judgement test questions to familiarise yourself with the commonly used scenarios and preferred answers.
2. Research the Arup’s values, culture and preferred behaviours while choosing your responses. This can give insight into the responses they are looking for.
3. Read books and articles on competencies and the effective behaviours. Consider how a behaviour is better than others for the same competency.
4. Read the scenarios carefully and try to understand the situation from the information provided before selecting your response.
5. Ask the Experts. Challenge the thinking of a more experienced person in this field with how they would approach a scenario to improve your own understanding.

For more tips on how to ace your Arup Situational Judgement Test, watch this video below.

After your situational judgement test, you may expect a personality questionnaire to help them know more about you. Here is all you need to know about your Arup Personality Questionnaire.

Arup Personality Assessment

What is the Arup Personality Test?

Arup uses a Personality Test as part of its hiring process to evaluate your personality traits and work-related behaviours. It measures how your personality aligns with Arup’s values, and competencies of the job you are applying for.

How to pass the Arup personality test?

1. Be yourself: Stay honest with your answers and avoid answering on what you think they want as this can cause a bad role fit.
2. Be consistent: Ensure you are consistent in your responses throughout the assessment, as personality assessments are often made to detect inconsistencies.
3. Focus on the job requirements: While being honest, keep in mind the skills and traits that are essential for success in the specific role you are applying for.

Check out this 1 minute video for more top tips to ace your Arup personality questionnaires:

The next Arup online assessment we will discuss is the Arup numerical reasoning test, so let’s start. 

Arup Numerical Reasoning Test

What is the Arup Numerical Reasoning Test?

The Arup numerical reasoning test is used to evaluate your aptitude for solving mathematical problems and interpreting numerical data, particularly for roles that involve frequent engagement with numerical tasks.

Gain key insights in this under 1 minute video about the Arup numerical reasoning test:

5 Top Tips to Ace Your Arup Numerical Reasoning Test

1. Practice: Practice is essential for improving your numerical skills. Solve sample numerical reasoning questions and take mock tests from GF to help you prepare.

2. Review Basic Concepts: Refresh the fundamental concepts such as percentages, ratios, fractions, averages ahead of the assessment.

3. Prepare Your Space: For the real test, use a notepad, pen and calculator to help make notes and ensure to take the test in a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed.

4. Read Instructions Carefully: Instructions are there to guide you, so pay close attention to the instructions, as they might contain vital information on how to answer or format your responses. 

5. Improve your speed and accuracy: Avoid rushing the questions, but do keep an eye on the time as the time taken as well as your accuracy will be recorded.

Arup Numerical Reasoning Test Question Example

Solved it? Check the bottom of the page for the answer.

Brush up on your numerical reasoning skills ahead of your Arup numerical test with these 5 example questions with answers:

Moving on, we will discuss the next assessment: Arup verbal reasoning test. Let’s find out more below!

Arup Verbal Reasoning Test

What is the Arup verbal reasoning test?

The Arup verbal reasoning test is used to evaluate your ability to comprehend, analyse and interpret written information for roles that require strong written and verbal communication skills.

Gain key insights in this under 1 minute video about the verbal reasoning test you may come across at Arup.

Now that you know all about what to expect in an Arup verbal reasoning test, how do you pass the test?

5 Top Tips to Ace the Arup Verbal Reasoning Test

1. Expand Your Vocabulary: Improve your vocabulary by reading books, articles, and other written materials daily.

2. Practice: Regular practice is essential to improve your verbal reasoning skills. Practice verbal tests to familiarise yourself with the format and types of questions.

3. Practice with Puzzles: completing crosswords and other word puzzles can also boost your verbal reasoning skills. Try reading newspapers and scientific magazines too.

4. Read the Passage Carefully: Ensure to go over the passages and the statements. Focus on the wording used and the information provided before you answer.

5. Check Your Answers: Make sure that your answers are only based on the information provided within the test. Avoid using any external knowledge.

Are you prepared for your assessment? Have a go at the example Arup-style verbal reasoning test question we’ve developed below!

Did you get the answer right? Check the answer at the bottom of the page.

The next assessment you may take is the Arup logical reasoning test. Let’s go right into details.

Arup Logical Reasoning Test

What is the Arup logical reasoning test?

The Arup logical reasoning test is used to assess your ability to analyse and solve complex problems by using critical thinking and logic. It involves a series of questions that require you to identify patterns, sequences and relationships. 

Take a break and watch this video below to learn more about the Arup logical reasoning test.

5 Top Tips to Pass the Arup Logical Reasoning Test

1. Practice: Brush up on your ability and develop your pattern recognition skills under pressure using our logical reasoning practice tests.

2. Repeat your practice: This assessment requires you to identify patterns and relationships between elements. Repeating your practice can develop your ability  to spot these patterns quickly and accurately.

3. Pay attention to the logical rules: Take note on how the objects change across the sequence. Consider how the shapes, patterns, colours, numbers and letters change.

4. Stay focused: Take one question at a time to ensure you are focused. If unsure, take an educated guess and move onto the next question.

5. Check your connection: To avoid interruption during tests, make sure to use a good network and use the recommended device by the provider, such as Sova or Criteria. 

Practice for your Arup logical reasoning test with our example logical reasoning test question below:

Got the answer? Check it out at the bottom of the page.

Practice solving Arup logical reasoning questions with this in-depth video with 5 logical reasoning questions and worked solutions:

After you pass the online assessment, you will be called for the next stage, which is the Arup online assessment centre. Find out more about this stage below.

Back to Contents

Arup Online Assessment Centre

What is the Arup online assessment centre?

Depending on your position and role you apply for, you may be invited to an Arup assessment centre where you will be asked to complete a number of tasks. Here are the most common task types:

• Arup Group Exercise
• Arup Written Exercise
• Arup Final Interview

Keep reading below to find out more about each stage of your Arup graduate assessment centre.

Arup Group Exercise

What is the Arup Group Exercise?

The Arup group exercise will examine your ability to work as part of a team. Throughout this task, various employees will observe you on your ability to solve problems when required to work with others under time pressure conditions.

How to pass the Arup Group exercise?

1. Focus on your task: stay calm and focused by considering what your team is required to do. Consider the purpose of the exercise and the skills required for the role.
2. Contribute to the team: ask questions, involve others and build on your team members points to demonstrate your team working and communication skills.
3. Use good body language: show good body language by maintaining relaxed eye contact with the camera. Show active listening through subtle nodding. 

4. Check the time: keep an eye on the time to ensure your team progresses well and completes the task on time. 
5. Manage any conflict: Avoid any confrontation with the team and the assessor. Allow others to speak and avoid speaking over your team members.

Learn more about the Arup group exercise and how to ace it with the short video below 

Arup Case Study Exercise

What is the Arup case study assessment centre?

The Arup Case Study Exercise or technical exercise is an individual written exercise task that will ask you to prepare a response to a previously unseen case study problem, which will be provided in the candidate brief given to you. Depending on the role you applied for, the case study problem will be related.

5 Top Tips to Ace your Arup Case Study Exercise

1. Learn the language: stay up to date with the industry language and terminologies used in your area, and how these are applied in your role. This can help understand the candidate brief.

2. Practice: engage with practice written exercises to familiarise yourself with how your technical skills are assessed in the Arup case study.

3. Read the information provided carefully: check the information provided to identify the problems in the Arup written test. 

4. Keep an eye on the time: gain bonus points by tracking your progress over time and ensuring that you complete the case study before the time limit runs out.

5. Demonstrate clear writing: written communication is key for these tests. Check for any spelling and grammatical errors before you submit your work.

The final assessment is the Arup Final Interview. Let us dive into details!

Arup Final Interview

What is the Arup final interview?

The Arup Final Interview will be a one-on-one interview with an experienced senior person at Arup. It might involve a mixture of competency-based, as well as Arup technical exercise questions. 

By this point of the recruitment process, you need to have understood:

• the bigger picture of the industry Arup operates in
• its competitors
• the company structure and corporate culture
• any recent developments that could be affecting the business

5 Top Tips to Ace Your Arup Final Interview

1. Make sure to research Arup’s values and ensure your answers align with the company’s values.
2. Familiarise yourself with the job description. The job description holds information about the requirements of a role. Knowing this will help you in understanding the role better and the competencies needed.
3. Use the STAR+R  i.e., the Situation, the Task, the Action, the Result and Reflect on the experience) technique to answer the competency based questions
4. Practice by creating mock videos of yourself before your interview. This helps build your confidence level.
5. Stay calm and focused during your interview as your body language also tells a recruiter a lot about you. Maintain eye contact and avoid stuttering while answering questions. 

Find out common tips to ace your Arup Interview with this video below.

As you keep the above tips in mind, here are some questions you may be asked in your Arup interview, along with some example good responses.

ARUP INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Good Answer:

• Situation: During a complex software development project, our cross-functional team was in a tight situation with deadlines and pressure from adequate and timely delivery. 
• Task: The success of the project was important for our company, and it demanded collaboration between software developers, designers, and quality assurance engineers.
• Action: To tackle the conflict, I organised a team meeting to encourage open communication. During the meeting, I allowed each team member to express their concerns and viewpoints regarding the project. By addressing the conflict openly and proactively, the team members started collaborating more effectively and respectfully.
• Result: As a result of this conflict resolution, the team were able to successfully complete the project to a good quality within 2 days of the deadline. 
• Reflect: I was able to learn the impact of communication in the growth of an organisation. Without effective communication, there will be lack of cooperation which will cause a dent in the project outcome. Therefore, moving forward I learned to always encourage open communication among team members.

Have a few spare minutes for more interview training? Check out our guide to answer Arup’s competency interview questions below:

Good Answer:

To improve the sustainability of a building on campus, I would focus on implementing various energy-efficient and environmentally friendly measures, such as;

1. Perform an energy audit of the building to discover high energy consumption areas.
2. Promote renewable energy by installing solar panels on the building’s rooftop.
3. Use the building as an educational tool by displaying information about its sustainable features and the benefits of environmentally friendly practices.

With these sustainable measures, the building on campus would not only become an example of environmentally responsible practices but also contribute to the university’s overall commitment to sustainability and climate action.

 Arup value-based question examples: 

• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
• What does success look like to you?
• How do you organise your tasks to reach your goals?
• Why did you apply for a job at Arup?
• What keeps you motivated at work?

At the end of the interview you are likely to be given time to ask questions – you must definitely use this opportunity. Ask some thought-provoking questions and engage in a conversation with the senior member that interviewed you. 

This way you can prove that you are interested and motivated to work for the company, and get further insight into whether this job is right for you.

Watch this video below to learn about questions to ask your interviewer at the end of your Arup interview.

This brings us to the end of the Arup application process! After the Arup assessment centre, you will hear the outcome of your performances if you are successful.

Working at Arup is a chance for you to grow your career and become a professional. Here are other schemes offered by Arup for graduate and undergraduate students.

Arup Early Careers

At Arup every year, over 700 graduates across the world are recruited alongside internships and apprenticeships to those looking towards a career at the organisation. Keep reading below to find out more about these opportunities below!

Arup UKIMEA Graduate Programme

Each year at Arup, around 350 graduates are recruited in September. This programme offers an opportunity to learn more about the work life in Arup, their activities, priorities and how to make a difference to the clients.

How is the Arup graduate scheme process?

Applications usually open in September, and each has a clear closing date which you’ll find published on the job description. 
You can also sign up for email job alerts so that you’re automatically notified when a new position is advertised.

Locations: UK, India, Middle East and Africa

Eligibility Requirements

1. Applications are open to candidates who will have completed a relevant degree before the end of the year
2. Candidates applying for roles are required to have full working rights in their chosen country.  
3. Candidates must not have more than 12 months of experience in a similar role

Arup Internships

With over 250 internships open every year, Arup offers industrial and summer internships that provide valuable insight into all areas of their services.

They recruit over 250 interns across the UK offices, in 16 locations. With help from apprentices and graduates, you will be exposed to skills and practices that will help you project.

Applications usually open in September, and each has a clear closing date which you’ll find published on the job description. 

You can also sign up for email job alerts so that you’re automatically notified when a new position is advertised.

Locations: UK, India, Middle East and Africa

Eligibility Requirements 

1. Enrollment as a full time undergraduate or graduate student in an accredited degree program related to the internship
2. Minimum of two completed upper division courses within related discipline
3. Excellent academic standing with high GPA
4. Prior project and/or internship experience
5. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a team
6. Self-motivated, innovative thinker and willing to take on new challenges

Our interns often join Arup full time upon graduation to begin long-lasting, fulfilling careers

Arup Apprenticeships

Arup offers industry leading apprenticeships across a diverse range of disciplines, which continues to expand each year. The apprenticeship programmes provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the workplace, with qualifications designed to support your career ambitions.

Each year, over 100 apprentices are recruited across the UK offices in 16 locations.

Locations: UK, India, Middle East and Africa

Applications are open in November each year.

With all these, we believe you are prepared for your next application process with Arup. Find out even more about the Arup with the FAQs below.

Arup Assessment FAQs