Lendlease

Question 1

What do you know about Lendlease?

Answer 1

1. Lendlease is a multinational construction and real estate company founded in 1958, and headquartered Sydney.
2. They play their part in the development and growth of regional subdivisions across the world including:
   ○ Australia
   ○ Asia
   ○ America
   ○ And Europe by offering quality project managing and construction services
3. Lendlease is involved in many different sectors within the construction industry such as commercial, residential, hospital, defence, and education just to name a few.
4. And Their focus is to shape cities, reimagine communities, and create places for everyone.

Question 2

How do you work well in a team?

Answer 2

1. Working well with others in a team is a big part of how I do things.
   2. As a civil engineering student, and I think it’s important to talk openly and include everyone when we discuss things, so we can come up with diverse ideas.
   3. For example, in a recent project where we had to design structures, we had regular meetings as a team, and that helped us find new and better solutions for our final presentation and report.
   4. When I’m on construction sites, I think it’s important when everyone works together smoothly and make decisions together.
2. If something unexpected happens, I’ll quickly talk to the construction team so we can make decisions together rather than alone.

Question 3

What is your experience like and how many years have you worked in the industry?

Answer 3

1. I’m currently a general construction labourer working on a residential subdivision project.
2. I’ve been labouring in the construction industry for just over a year now
3. I’ve learned to handle physically demanding tasks, collaborate effectively with diverse teams, and prioritize safety on construction sites.
4. In addition to my on-site experience, I’ve also taken the initiative to enhance my knowledge and skills by participating in a free virtual internship by John Holland.
5. This internship provided me with a unique opportunity to work across different sectors, including infrastructure, building, and rail.
6. During this internship, I gained insights into engineering practices, project management, and the integration of technology in the field.
7. Through both my role as a construction labourer and my participation in the virtual internship, I’ve cultivated a strong foundation in the construction industry.
8. I’ve developed problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the capacity to work effectively in dynamic and challenging environments.
9. With these practical insights and theoretical understanding of the construction industry, I hope to contribute meaningfully to Lendlease, and to my future career in construction engineering.

Question 4

Why do you want to do work here?/ Motivations for applying for Lendlease

Answer 4

1. There are several reasons why I want to work for Lendlease.
2. First, It will help me kickstart my career in the construction industry.
3. Lendlease is involved in many different sectors within the construction industry such as commercial, residential, hospital, defence, and education just to name a few.
4. So their graduate program will allow me apply my education to real-life projects and give me a wider range of challenges and experiences in the construction industry.
5. The second reason is, having looked at the graduate job description, I believe I already have the skills and qualities needed to perform highly in the role. So I am able to quickly adapt to the work environment at Lendlease, and be a valuable asset to the company.
6. The final reason is because it is with Lendlease. Lendlease is one of the leading engineering construction companies in Australia.
7. They have over 60 years’ experience in the construction industry and have a very high standard of work.
8. They have a work culture where their industry leaders, they want to see the growth and development of young people entering the workforce by providing them with an award-winning program.
9. Which is why Lendlease is recognised as one of the top graduate employers and which is why I want to join.

Question 5

What are you expectations?

Answer 5

1. I have high expectations for continuous learning and professional development.
2. I hope to apply my theoretical knowledge from my engineering education to practical scenarios.
3. I expect to have the opportunity to learn about the latest construction techniques, materials, and technologies from a tier 1 construction company.
4. This will align with my long-term career goals of becoming a well-rounded engineer with both theoretical expertise and practical on-site experience.

Question 6

Tell me about yourself

Answer 6

1. I am currently a final year undergraduate student studying civil engineering at RMIT university.
2. I have a great passion in civil engineering specifically in the area of construction engineering.
3. I currently work for a construction company called Winslow. That mainly specializes in infrastructure, residential subdivisions and land.
4. The project I’m working on right now is a residential subdivision in Berwick. Which will accommodate approximately 1600 homes. 1300 for houses and 300 for medium density.
5. I work there as a general construction laborer. Being a laborer, I’ve gained a unique industry experience, working on real engineering tasks with an amazing team and developing essential, practical and interpersonal skills.
6. I’ve had the opportunity to directly witness every step of the construction process, from project start and continuing all the way to practical completion.
7. This firsthand experience provides me with insights into how tasks are executed, the necessary resources, materials, machineries and workers required, the timeframes involved, and the importance of health, safety and environment.
8. But as much as I love working there, I think it is time I start focusing more on my future career as an engineer.
9. So I am looking for more engineering construction related work that will help me gain more knowledge and experience in the construction industry.

Question 7

What is the most difficult situation you’ve resolved at work?

Answer 7

1. One of the most challenging moments during my time as a construction laborer was when I had to drill hundreds of holes into concrete for reinforcement bars.
   2. The issue was that the work drill machine I was using had a battery that only lasted for around 8 holes, and I had drill to approximately 500 holes before the concrete truck was scheduled to come in.
   3. I raised the concern to my leading hand, being honest and explaining that I won’t be able to finish the job on time with the current battery.
   4. In response, my leading hand came up with a solution - he arranged for multiple spare batteries to be charging at the compound.
   5. Usually, workers would call the leading hand to come and swap the battery each time they needed replacement, which I saw as very time-consuming given the tight deadline.
   6. To save time and keep the workflow smooth, I took the initiative to use my own car and drive to the compound to swap the batteries each time.
   7. This way, I could save my own time as well as the leading hand’s time without any delays.
2. In the end, through sheer determination and modifying my work approach, I managed to complete the task of drilling all 500 holes within the given timeframe.

Question 8

Why should we hire you?/ What can you bring to the company/ how can you bring value?

Answer 8

1. I believe that I can bring valuable skills and attributes to Lendlease that would make me an excellent fit for the graduate building position.
   
   2. This is due to my combination of academic knowledge and hands-on experience.
   3. As both a civil engineering student and a construction labourer, I’ve gained a solid understanding of project management and construction techniques.
   4. My time as a construction labourer has given me practical insights into the challenges faced on-site, improved my communication skills within diverse teams, and reinforced my strong work ethic.
   5. What I offer is a true passion for applying my education to real-world projects.
   6. I thrive on problem-solving and have demonstrated this through various challenges I’ve tackled both academically and on the field.
   7. My experience has taught me the value of adaptability, safety, and effective teamwork.
   8. I’m confident that my skills, work ethic, and dedication to learning would make me a valuable asset to your team.

Question 9

Tell me about a time when you failed.

Answer 9

1. During my first year in university, I faced a big academic problem that was a crucial moment in my education.
2. I enrolled up for a tough engineering course, but going from high school to university, I had a tough time adjusting to the university expectations.
3. Even though I tried my best, I didn’t get the grades I wanted. And ultimately I failed
4. This was embarrassing for me as I had always been one of the top students in high school.
5. Realizing that I needed to make a change, I decided to switch to a different university with a new attitude and determination.
6. It was a hard choice because it meant starting over in many ways, but I saw it as a chance to grow personally and do better academically.
7. When I started my new university, I approached my studies in a new way.
8. I got help from academic support services, talked to my professors during their office hours, and became more active in classes.
9. I also improved how I managed my time and studied to meet the university’s expectations.
10. With these changes, I saw a massive improvement in my grades and have been doing well in all my subjects so far.
11. This experience taught me the importance of adapting to new situations, and asking for help when needed.
12. It also showed me that failures can teach us valuable lessons if we use them as chances to grow.

Question 10

When have you delivered excellent customer service?

Answer 10

1. During my time as a team member at a busy bubble tea store, I made a mistake by preparing a customer’s order incorrectly due to a miscommunication.
2. The customer brought the error to my attention, and I immediately realized my mistake.
3. I genuinely apologized for the mistake and offered to make a fresh drink according to their correct specifications.
4. The customer, understandably, seemed a bit disappointed but appreciated my prompt acknowledgment of the mistake and the effort to correct it.
5. This experience taught me the importance of attention to detail and effective communication with customers, leading to improved accuracy and enhanced customer service.

Question 11

What is your understanding of the role?

Answer 11

1. My understanding of the program is that it runs for two years, where I’ll have a minimum of two role rotations within the construction business unit.
2. According to the email sent to me, I believe I was selected for two roles: a Graduate Site Engineer and a Commercial Graduate
3. My understanding of the Graduate Site Engineer role is that I’ll be:
   1. Supporting the Project team to ensure the safe delivery of projects on time and under budget.
   2. Coordinate and monitor site construction activities
   3. Manage specific trade packages
   4. Sub-contractor Management
   5. Safety, Quality and Environmental Management
4. For the Commercial Graduate role, I’ll be:
   1. Dealing with bids and proposals through precontracts & tenders
   2. Learn about Head contracts and sub contracts through legal
   3. And develop skills in forecasting and cashflow management

Question 12

What do safety, environmental, social, etc mean for you?

Answer 12

1. Safety in construction involves measures to protect the well-being of workers and the public
2. Environmental considerations focus on minimizing the impact on the natural world.
3. Social responsibility encompasses ethical practices that benefit communities.
4. Demonstrating awareness of these aspects shows a commitment to responsible construction practices.

Question 13

Why are you interested in the construction industry?

Answer 13

1. When it comes to construction, I think it’s really amazing how people can collaborate to construct something that’s a thousand times larger than themselves.
2. In my opinion, construction engineering is one of the most fulfilling career choices due to its extraordinary potential for accomplishments.
3. For example: Over in Dubai, they’ve constructed the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Meanwhile, down in Australia, we’ve constructed the Sydney Opera House and the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.
4. These achievements in construction have really inspired me and gave me a strong desire to be involved in the world of construction
5. So I want to become a construction engineer so I can play my part in the development and expansion of Australia and partake in exciting projects.

Question 14

Why have you chosen this career over architecture?

Answer 14

1. I find a career in construction more rewarding than architecture
2. While architects play a crucial role in designing structures, it’s the construction team that brings these designs to life and ensures they’re standing.
3. I’m more drawn to the practical and collaborative nature of construction engineering, where I can contribute to building the world we live in while working with a team to overcome complex challenges.

Question 15

Describe a time you drove a successful outcome?/ what is your greatest achievement?

Answer 15

1. A time I drove a successful outcome was during my time as a pick packer in a warehouse.
   
   2. We had a meeting with the management team to discuss ways in how we could improve the overall company shipping efficiency.
   3. During this meeting, I suggested reconfiguring the layout of the packing stations, which were originally set up as two long aisles with two packers on each aisle.
   4. With the original configuration, I often experience situations where I was getting in the way of the other pick packers which led to a less efficient workflow.
   5. So I proposed switching to a cross configuration layout where each pick packer would have their own designated area.
   6. I believed that the cross configuration would eliminate congestion and improve the overall efficiency of the packing process.
   7. The management team was open to the idea, and we decided to implement the new packing station arrangement.
   8. After the implementation, we immediately noticed a significant improvement in our packing efficiency.
   9. The new configuration reduced congestion, allowing each pick packer to work without interruptions.
   10. As a result, our company saw a huge improvement in shipping efficiency.
   11. Which is a successful outcome for me.

Question 16

Describe a time you had to change your approach.

Answer 16

1. A time I had to change my approach was during my time working alone in a bubble tea shop.
2. My typical shift involved taking customer’s orders and making their drinks.
3. However, one day, I had an unexpected stock delivery that arrived right in the middle of a busy rush.
4. I had to count and inspect the stock delivery to make sure it’s accurate while also serving customers.
5. Recognizing the urgency of both tasks, I quickly devised a new approach.
6. Instead of attempting to count and inspect the entire delivery at once, I decided to divide them into manageable chunks.
7. I started by acknowledging each customer as they approached the counter, informing them about the stock delivery’s arrival, and kindly requesting their patience.
8. I also provided them with time estimates for their orders and expressed my gratitude for their understanding.
9. As I took customer orders, I would occasionally step aside to count and verify portions of the stock delivery.
10. Despite the unexpected disruption, this approach allowed me to efficiently manage both customer service and the stock delivery.
11. In the end, I was able to serve everyone without excessive delays.

Question 17

Name a time when you disagreed with your team members, how did you deal with that situation?

Answer 17

1. Early in my career as a construction labourer, I encountered a disagreement with a machine operator who I was working with.
   2. While working together on a task that involved digging and exposing services in the ground, I preferred to work with a more fast-paced method.
   3. While he preferred a cautious and methodical approach.
   4. Initially, our different approaches led to me feeling impatient with the operator’s slow pace of work.
   5. At the same time, the operator would find my approach too rushed.
   6. However, we recognized the need for effective collaboration and engaged in open communication to address our differences.
   7. Through constructive dialogue, we gained a deeper understanding of each other’s viewpoints.
   8. The operator emphasized the importance of precision and safety, and warned that any damage to services would be very costly for the company.
   9. while I highlighted the significance of timely task completion.
   10. Ultimately, I agreed with the operator and learnt something new
   11. I gained a new perspective on the importance of caution, particularly when working near services, leading to a change in the way I work.
   12. This experience taught me to appreciate and respect diverse working styles.
   13. It also emphasized the importance of open communication during disagreements to ensure productive teamwork.

Question 18

Tell me about a time you were asked something and you didn’t know the answer. How did you handle it?

Answer 18

1. During my time as a construction labourer, I encountered a situation while installing e-pits, which are electrical inspection pits
2. The e-pits had to installed with an offset of between 250 to 350mm from the building line.
3. It was my first time doing this specific task, and I wasn’t entirely sure about the measurements.
4. When my leading hand asked me about the offset value, I realised I didn’t have a definitive answer for him.
5. Rather than guessing or providing incomplete information, I chose to handle the situation with honesty and transparency.
6. I informed my leading hand that I was unsure about the specific measurements for the offset but assured him that I would take immediate steps to learn about it.
7. My leading handed appreciated my honestly and was very supportive.
8. He provided me with a written note containing the correct offset values and encouraged me to reach out if I had any questions.
9. With this guidance, I proceeded to install the e-pits, ensuring they met the required measurements.
10. This experience taught me the value of seeking knowledge from those with more experience and admitting when I don’t have all the answers.
11. It also shows the significance of continuous learning in the construction industry.

Question 19

What are you career goals?

Answer 19

1. After graduating at the end of the year, I hope to start working as a site engineer in a company like Lendlease right away.
2. Apart from expanding my knowledge and experience in construction, I also hope to improve my teamwork and problem solving skills, as I aspire to be an engaged and valuable member in Lendlease
3. In the long term, I hope to step into a leadership role, potentially as a senior project engineer or project manager, where I can lead and mentor a team of engineers.
4. My aim is not only to meet project goals but also to nurture the professional growth and development of my team members.
5. While creating a collaborative and positive work environment
6. I also hope to have contributed successfully to lendlease’s sustainability targets of having a net zero carbon by 2025, absolute zero carbon by 2040, and $250 million of social value by 2025.

Question 20

How does the program fit with your career aspirations?

Answer 20

• The program in Lendlease aligns perfectly with my career aspirations because:
  
  1. The program’s emphasis on learning through hands-on experience resonates with my belief that the best learning comes from doing.
  2. I am eager to actively engage in various rotations, projects, and teams during my time in Lendlease to gain practical insights into the construction industry.
  3. Having a minimum of two rotations will allow me to develop a wide range of skills.
  4. This is in line with my short-term goal of gaining a high level of expertise in construction engineering.
  5. Working with all levels of management and having access to a dedicated program support team is highly appealing.
     
     6. This aligns with my long-term goal of becoming a leader within the construction firm as learning from experienced professionals and receiving guidance will be essential in my growth.

Question 21

What motivates you?

Answer 21

1. I am motivated by several things.
2. First, I am motivated by meeting deadlines, targets or goals.
3. I believe I am at my best at work when I have responsibility for important deadlines because this gives me a great sense of achievement.
4. I am also motivated by learning new things.
5. If I get the opportunity to take on a new role, or learn a new skill then this motivates me because I feel as if I am improving my depth of knowledge.
6. Finally, I am motivated by working as part of a team to complete tasks and projects.
7. I gain a great sense of job satisfaction when I know I have contributed to a team’s goals or objectives.

Question 22

What are your strengths?

Answer 22

Loyalty and trustworthiness
1. My greatest strength is my loyalty and trustworthiness.
2. You can always trust on me to carry out tasks in line with procedures and can always rely on me to be a positive role model when representing your company.
3. For example, at the start of my time as a construction labourer, I initially always had to work with a senior labourer so he can supervise me. But after working there for some time now, my leading hand has trusted me to work with new and unexperienced labourers so i can guide and mentor them.

Collaborative worker
1. Another one of my strength is that I am a collaborative worker.
2. I constantly work with a team in both uni and at work.
3. So I understand the importance of effective teamwork and always help my teammates whenever they need help to get the task done correctly and efficiently.
4. I strongly believe that a team can achieve brilliant things when they support each other and when they all focus on the same goal.

Question 23

What are your weaknesses?

Answer 23

1. One of my weaknesses is that sometimes I work too much.
2. For instance, I might take on too many tasks or work long hours without taking enough breaks.
3. This can sometimes lead to me burning out or feeling really tired.
4. But I am trying to improve in this area as I understand the importance of finding the right balance between work and mental health.

Question 24

What makes you unique?

Answer 24

1. One thing that makes me unique is my strong sense of dedication and ownership towards the company I work for.
2. I do this because I am grateful that I have been given a chance to work and because of this, I am always committed to bringing great values to the company.
3. For example, in one of my previous jobs as a pick packer I constantly aim to be one of the fastest pick packers in the company.
4. This has worked well as I have maintained one of the top KPI throughout the year, improving company shipping efficiency by 15%.

Question 25

What questions do you have for me?

Answer 25

1. What do you think are key qualities or actions that would make an employee successful in this role or within the company? 2. Did I answer all your questions? Is there anything you me to explain more in depth

Question 26

How do you handle criticism?

Answer 26

1. The first thing I always do when I receive criticism is stay calm and listen to what they have to say. 2. So I can understand their perspective. 3. A lot of workers would take it to heart and get quite mad which I saw as a very bad way to respond. 4. I would then ask for clarification. 5. Ask what I did wrong and how could I improve from it. 6. Then I'll take responsibility and ensure them that I'll learn from it. 7. I always see criticism or mistakes as a chance to grow. That's why all my mistakes have nothing in common, because I always learn from it.

Question 27

A time you showed leadership

Answer 27

1. A time a showed leadership was during my time as a construction labourer 2. As my construction team is always changing, I often work with new and unexperienced labourers. 3. So there are times where I am responsible for guiding the new labourers and delegating tasks. 4. When I work with them, I always follow key principles of leadership. For example: * I consistently serve as a role model, leading by example * I communicate clearly and effectively, * I make decisions together * and I inspire and motivate them to succeed.