Foster + Partners Interview Questions
& Process

The interview process kicked off with a phone screening by HR. Following that, there was a second round, which was a Teams interview with a Project Management Partner. This second interview involved discussing my experience, focusing on major challenges I faced and how I overcame them. We also talked about my working style, and I was asked scenario-based questions, like how I handle not knowing an answer, and to reflect on past challenges with a focus on being truthful and learning from them.

A recruiter contacted me after I applied to set up an initial chat. Before that, I had to do a Revit assessment. My first interview was in the office with a partner. We talked about my background, my portfolio, and why I wanted to work at Foster + Partners. I also got to ask some questions. About two weeks later, I had a second interview with a senior partner. It was pretty similar, focusing on my experience, how I approach design, and what I'm interested in professionally. The interviews felt more like natural conversations than formal tests, focusing on talking through ideas and my background.

The first interview was with the hiring manager online and it was a bit odd because someone else who was supposed to be there didn't show up, and nobody explained why. It was supposed to be a panel interview, but only one person from the company was there. After that, I was asked to do a task and then come in for a face-to-face interview in the office. The final interview was in a really busy open-plan office, which felt unusual and kind of put me off. Then, even after emailing a few times after the final interview, I never heard back at all. It's fine that I didn't get the job, but I really expected some kind of update, either way. No email from Talent Acquisition or the interview organizers to let me know it wasn't a fit (which is totally okay!). I just wish they had the courtesy to at least send an email. I know hiring is a busy process, but at least let your final candidates know the outcome... it doesn't take long :)

So I applied and got a call from the in-house recruiter. They asked a few basic questions about my background, my right to work here, what I'm looking for salary-wise, and how much notice I'd need to give. After that, I had a first interview over Teams. I chatted about my experience, went through my portfolio, and we had a relaxed chat about my creative process and what inspires me. The interviewer seemed really interested. They mentioned I'd have a second interview with the senior partner, and the recruitment team said they'd be in touch to sort out dates. Then I was invited to the studio for the final interview. Christina from recruitment was super helpful, letting me know what to prep for and what to expect. The final chat happened in a breakout area in the studio – it was a really nice, casual conversation about my work and experience, going through my portfolio again like the first interview. The whole thing was really clear and pleasant, and I always knew what was coming next.