I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Skanska (Watford, East of England, England) in Jan 2025
Interview
I recently interviewed with Skanska, as a former employee. A role came up, we previously parted on reasonable terms, so I thought I'd apply being in the market for a new opportunity.
The usual greeting, nice new offices, interview in a cosy room with sofa's - all good. Interview was as expected for a stage 2 at Skanska, being based on their values.. and I felt it went really well.
I was unsuccessful, fine no hard feelings, and was told I could ask for feedback - great always good to know how you could do better, but then it got a little weird.
Apparently I was a confident candidate, but needed development in terms of tech and experience - huh....
This was interesting, I'm an IT guy of 20+ years experience with all the necessary certifications and there were no 'really tech' based questions as I've said above it was more about culture... the manager also told me he was a non-techie. Not to blow my own trumpet but I'm a very good engineer and can workout most things from zero knowledge.
Thought worth a mention for others interviewing for tech based jobs, so you're not too put out when a rejection comes with an odd response like this.
I've given some thought as to why I got this feedback, and looking at other reviews on site there's mention to the company loosing the 'human element' in recent years - and on reflection I agree.
In a values based interview, and not being advised as to what the values mean in practice (bear in mind I did know) there seems to be disconnect in looking at the person and what they can bring ... with more focus on trying to fit someone into the desired cookie cutter shape for the role.
Skanska used to be very focussed on people, but somehow this appears to been lost, feedback was just peculiar.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Values based. For example how do you treat people in a scenario or can you give an example. How do you manage diversity was an excellent question, as so many ways to quantify that.
Examples of making a management decision, in isolation and with approval etc, but more focussed on how you'd uphold values in doing so... even if you generally treat all the same.