Six job interview preparation tips for newly graduated students
A little interview preparation goes a long way towards landing a role at Shell. Preparing will help you calm your nerves, showcase your skills and experience more effectively, and increase your chances of being hired.
Learn how to get ready for your Shell application journey with these practical interview preparation tips.
1. Understand what Shell looks for
Shell uses the C-A-R criteria (Capacity, Achievement, Relationships) to assess potential candidates.
Capacity unleashed: analysing, strategising, and innovating
Shell values a candidate who can demonstrate critical thinking, strategy, and creativity to:
- Analyse complex information
- Solve problems
- Innovate solutions
- Think about the future
Achievement in action: learning, adapting, and excelling
The key to achieving outstanding results lies in continuous learning, adaptability, and willpower. Ideally, you need to show focus, willingness to learn, enthusiasm, and confidence in the face of challenges.
The power of relationships: building trust and collaboration
Strong relationships and effective team collaboration are a bedrock of Shell’s internal values, making it possible for every employee in a diverse and multicultural environment to contribute towards a shared goal.
Showcase your ability to collaborate with various people while letting your personality shine.
2. Research the company
Learn as much as you can about Shell or the position to show your genuine interest and see if your skills and values align with the company.
Understanding the company’s mission and values
Knowing your employer’s mission and values can help you gain insight into the company culture and determine whether it aligns with your passion, values, and career goals.
Check out the “Who we are” section on Shell’s website to learn more about the company’s background, values, and mission statement.
Industry insights
Understanding the industry’s landscape will help you showcase your knowledge and interest in the field and can help give you a competitive edge against other interviewees.
Research the industry’s current events, trends, challenges, and accurate market salary. This will let the interviewers see you as someone genuinely interested in the industry.
Path-specific research
Consider understanding the different career paths and their potential roles instead of focusing on a specific job.
The Shell Graduate Programme offers different paths in Commercial, Technical, Global Functions, and Trading & Supply. You can rotate through different roles within your chosen path and see which one suits you best.
Recent news and developments
Consider researching the latest news, projects, and initiatives of your potential employer to gain insight into their current focus and future direction.
Check out the company’s website and social media channels for relevant and up-to-date content.
How I’m thriving as I’m Powering Progress - Elena’s story
Read the transcript
Read the transcript
Title: How I'm thriving as I'm Powering Progress - Elena's story
Duration: 2:43 minutes
Description:
In this video, we see how Elena, a Hydrogen Business Advisor in the Netherlands, has found
fulfilment through her job with Shell.
How I'm thriving as I'm Powering Progress - Elena's story Transcript
[Background music plays]
Orchestral Sound of Shell adaptation, starting with light, rhythmic keys and building to a crescendo.
[Video footage]
An inset displays against a white background. The inset shows archival footage of Elena, as a little girl
and gymnast, running across the floor at a Royal Dutch Gymnastics Union event, as we can see from
the banner at the side of the arena. Then footage of Elena applying make-up with a make-up brush fills
the frame. She is shown from behind, in slight profile view, and we see her reflection in the mirror
facing her. We return to the inset showing footage of the gymnastics event, and we see little Elena
waiting on her mark. Next, filling the frame, we see low-angle close-up footage of Elena’s face in the
mirror as she applies mascara to her eyelashes.
[Audio]
Announcer voiceover and crowd noise.
Elena
I’ve always pushed myself, and ever since I was little, I’ve loved a challenge.
[Video footage]
The inset displaying footage of the gymnastics event shows the camera zooming in on little Elena as
she waits on her mark. Next, filling the frame, we see close-up footage of Elena in the mirror, adjusting
her shirt collar.
[Video footage]
We return to the inset displaying footage of the gymnastics event, showing little Elena dismounting
from a vault and assuming her dismount pose to the sounds of applause. Still in the inset, we switch to
footage of a slightly older young girl doing her dismount pose, and then we see Elena, now a teenager,
walking away from a balance beam, as an older girl in a t-shirt and trackpants, possibly a trainer, joins
her, taking her arm as they walk off together, still with the sound of applause in the background. Next,
filling the frame, we see close-up footage, as though from behind Elena, of her hand picking up her
gold necklace from the basin.
[Audio]
Crowd applause.
Elena
I think I was ten or 12 when I realised the world was changing, and I wanted my work to have meaning,
while pushing myself in my career.
[Video footage]
The inset displaying footage of the gymnastics event shows teenaged Elena standing on the podium,
waiting to receive her medal. Next, filling the frame, we see Elena in the mirror, fastening the gold
necklace around her neck. Again, the inset displaying footage of the gymnastics event shows Elena
receiving her medal and hanging it around her neck. Next, filling the frame, we see Elena adjusting her
necklace.
Elena
And I knew that working at Shell, I’d be able to do exactly that.
[Video footage]
The inset displaying footage of the gymnastics event shows Elena striking a gymnast’s pose, her medal
now hanging around her neck. Next, filling the frame, we see a close-up, as though from behind Elena,
of her hands holding her mobile phone in landscape mode while the screen displays the archival
gymnastics footage. The point of view changes as we see low-angle close-up footage of Elena smiling
while watching the footage on her phone. Again, the inset displaying footage of the gymnastics event
shows a young girl doing a floor routine.
[Audio]
Crowd applause.
Elena
My name is Elena, and I joined Shell straight after university as a young graduate.
[Text displays]
Elena
Hydrogen Business Advisor
[Video footage]
Close-up footage shows Elena speaking to the off-camera interviewer against an out-of-focus office
background.
Elena
To me, there is no bigger challenge than the energy transition, and now I’m working at Shell, doing
exactly what I wanted to.
[Video footage]
Outside a multi-storey building, we see Elena mount her bicycle and set off. Next, low-angle close-up
footage shows Elena as she cycles down a street that is lined with multi-storey buildings, and we see
some trees in the background. Side-view footage shows Elena cycling past a building, outside of which
we see many bicycles parked. Next, a panoramic shot of a city street shows trams and other traffic
moving along the street, and of note is the many people cycling down the street. Next, we see a
moving tram in close-up, as well as other vehicles passing. A series of footage shows cyclists passing
over a bridge that crosses over a canal, again showing multi-storey buildings, trees and some vehicles
in the background.
Elena
I’m based in the Netherlands, working with low-carbon fuels at a company that supports me in my
career and my life goals.
[Video footage]
We return to low-angle close-up footage of Elena cycling down a city street, a wider series of footage
then showing her cycling past vehicles and bicycles parked at the curb. High-angle footage shows boats
moored along a canal, again showing multi-storey buildings, trees and parked vehicles in the
background. Low-angle footage shows many cyclists passing the shot as they cross a street.
Elena
Right now, I work in hydrogen, and it’s an exciting time, because Shell is tackling this at scale.
[Video footage]
Wide profile-view footage shows Elena cycling across a paved area and passing the shot. As she does
so, we see a Shell Hydrogen-branded car parked in a parking space. Close-up footage shows “H2 in H2O
out” written on the side of the car. We see Elena from behind, cycling towards a building in the
distance. Medium-angle footage shows Elena walking confidently through a large reception area,
approaching the shot.
Elena
I’m working on a new business model for hydrogen trucks. And today is a very exciting day. We’re
going live with the first-ever hydrogen trucks in Germany. And that’s a project that I’m actually leading.
[Video footage]
High-angle footage of Elena’s laptop screen as she tilts the screen. Displaying on the laptop’s screen is
an image of Shell’s black and white hydrogen truck. Close-up footage shows Elena speaking into the
camera, seen against a white background. Next, we see high-angle footage of the hydrogen truck
driving along a straight road in a rocky, mountainous area, then we see low-angle close-up footage of
Elena smiling down at her laptop, which is off-camera.
Christian Hoellinger
Hi, Elena. I’m doing well. How are you?
[Split-screen footage]
The frame is split into two side-by-side screens, one showing Elena in close-up, the other showing
Christian in close-up, with the hydrogen truck parked in the background. Their names display at the
bottom left-hand corner of their respective screens, and it’s clear that they are using a video
conferencing platform.
Elena
Can you maybe show a little bit of the truck that’s behind you?
Christian Hoellinger
Absolutely.
[Video and split-screen footage]
As Elena talks, high-angle footage shows Christian filling Elena’s laptop screen, as just described. We
return to the split-screen footage of the video conferencing platform, also as described above.
Christian Hoellinger
Everything is running smoothly. A very quiet truck, very good to drive.
[Video footage]
We see circling drone footage of the hydrogen truck, which is parked in a flat, open area in a
mountainous region.
Elena
That truck is looking really good.
[Video footage]
Close-up footage shows Elena speaking into the camera, seen against a white background.
Elena
It’s also very empowering and purposeful to be able to contribute to the energy transition.
[Video footage]
Partly rear-view/partly side-view footage of the hydrogen truck shows the three PH2P hydrogen fuel
storage tanks held in a frame behind the driver’s cab. In lower frame-right, a cameraman, seen from
behind, records footage. We briefly see low-angle close-up footage of Elena smiling down at her
laptop, which is off-camera, then we see high-angle footage of Christian on Elena’s laptop screen, as
described.
Elena
And I love the fact that I get to work with an incredible team.
[Video footage]
Close-up footage shows Elena speaking to the off-camera interviewer against an out-of-focus office
background.
Elena
There’s only water coming out of the tailpipe, right?
[Video footage]
Low-angle footage of Elena, seen against the white background, shows her looking down at her laptop
screen as she speaks.
Christian Hoellinger
Right.
[Video footage]
Drone footage shows the hydrogen truck rounding a hairpin bend in the mountainous, rocky area
mentioned previously. We see trees and low cloud in the background.
Elena
I’m constantly learning, and that means I am progressing.
[Video footage]
Close-up footage shows Elena speaking to the off-camera interviewer against an out-of-focus office
background.
Elena
My colleagues really listen to me. I really feel that there is a care for each other.
[Video footage]
Wide-angle footage shows Elena and a colleague in conversation as they walk down a corridor,
approaching the shot. Medium-angle footage of the two show them turning towards each other as
they share a laugh. Close-up footage of Elena shows her speaking to colleague in an office
environment. We see the colleague only partially in extreme frame-right. However, we switch to a
wider view and see that Elena is, in fact, speaking with three colleagues in an office environment. They
are sharing a coffee around a tall, round table.
Elena
Can meet the timeline, but there’s still a few things that we have to do.
[Video footage]
Close-up footage shows Elena speaking to her colleagues in the office environment just described.
Elena
To be able to tap into that wisdom, I find that incredibly inspirational.
[Video footage]
Extreme close-up footage of Elena shows her confidently walking through a large open reception area,
scattered with office plants, though the background is out of focus.
Elena
That culture has helped me thrive outside of work too, and that allows me to bring my best self into
work.
[Video footage]
High-angle footage shows boats moored along a canal, again showing multi-storey buildings, trees and
parked vehicles in the background. Next, medium-angle footage shows Elena in gym clothes, jogging
next to a canal. Next, a series of footage shows Elena doing some stretches next to the canal and then
resuming her jog.
Elena
There is a part of me that feels just like that little girl, but I’ve grown.
[Video footage]
The inset displaying footage of the gymnastics event shows a young girl running up to and launching
herself at a vaulting horse. Next, filling the frame, we see low-angle close-up footage of Elena jogging
over a bridge. We return to the inset displaying footage of the young gymnast assuming her dismount
pose on the mat, to audience applause. The inset then displays a video montage of archival footage of
the little gymnasts doing their routines.
[Audio]
Crowd applause.
Elena
I’m now part of the big discussion. I really have the ability to change lives for the better. This makes me
feel very happy and fulfilled.
[Video footage]
Profile-view close-up footage of Elena shows her confidently walking along a street, once more in her
business attire. Wider-angle footage shows Elena, seen from behind, walking towards a waiting ferry.
Profile-view footage of Elena shows her looking out over the water as her hair is lifted lightly by the
wind. High-angle footage of Elena’s shoes shows her striding across the ferry’s deck. Wide-angle
footage shows the crowd of people on the ferry. We then see close-up footage of Elena on the ferry,
smiling into the camera. The sun setting in the background causes the surface of the water to glimmer
and Elena’s hair to glow. Next, wide-angle tracking footage shows the light of the setting sun
shimmering across the surface of the water, and the buildings along the water’s edge are cast into
silhouette.
Elena
And to find all that in a job? Well, that’s pretty special.
[Video footage]
Close-up footage shows Elena moving in to fill the shot as she speaks into the camera. We see the ferry
in the out-of-focus background.
[Video footage and animated sequence]
Over close-up footage of Elena smiling into the camera, a yellow line draws the shape of a Pecten, and
text displays below this. Then, concentric Pecten shapes pulsate out from the original shape until the
frame is filled with radiating Pecten shapes.
[Audio]
Shell brand mnemonic played on strings.
[Text displays]
Explore careers at Shell
© Shell International Limited 2023
[Animated sequence]
The small classic red and yellow Pecten transitions in to display at frame-center against a white
background. Text is displayed below this and along the lower frame.
3. Prepare for your interview
A lasting impression starts with preparation. Whether you’re going on an online or in-person interview, check out these tips to help you prepare the day before.
Review the company and programme beforehand
Read the job description carefully and review the company’s background and the programme’s offerings. Consider how you can contribute to the company and how the company can help reach your goals.
Practice answering questions
Practice answering common interview questions and know which relevant skills and experiences to highlight. Think of concrete examples of your past experiences, highlighting your soft skills and personality.
Be in good condition
Make sure you’re in the best condition by getting a good night’s sleep, eating well, and keeping yourself hydrated. It’ll help keep you focused, energised and confident.
4. Make a good impression
First impressions last, so here’s how you can stand out.
Be genuine
Don’t be afraid to showcase your personality and respond genuinely while being respectful. Being yourself will demonstrate how well you fit into the role or path you’re applying for.
Ask good questions
If you have questions about the company, programme, or application process, list them beforehand and ask them during the interview. Asking good questions shows your interest and enthusiasm for the role.
Engage throughout the interview
Your actions will speak louder than your words. Make a positive impression by listening actively, responding thoughtfully, asking relevant questions, and connecting with the interviewer throughout the conversation.
Hear from some of our employees
Discover how some of our employees at Shell are powering their progress.
5. Common Shell interview questions and how to answer them
Shell mostly asks competency-based questions rather than technical ones, depending on the role or path you’re applying for.
For example, if you’re applying for a Finance role, the questions may include:
- When have you interacted with a difficult stakeholder, and how did you deal with it?
- How do you build relationships?
- What’s your greatest achievement, and how did you achieve it?
Answer these questions concisely, and avoid talking about irrelevant details or explaining your life story. You could use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to share your experience effectively.
6. Follow-up etiquette
One simple but effective interview technique is to send a thank-you note to the recruiter or hiring manager after the initial job interview. Regardless if it’s a bad interview or not, sending one shows your appreciation, professionalism and interest.
If you want to follow up on your application, you can send a brief and polite email asking about its status after a week.
Understanding Shell’s interview process
Shell holds a three-step application process for job candidates, which includes the following steps:
- Online Application: Apply via the website and fill out the brief application form.
- Virtual Job Tryout and On-Demand Interview: The Virtual Job Tryout lets you experience the job through various simulations that challenge your capability, demonstrate your skills, share your unique story, and reveal your work approach. After completing this, you’ll undergo the On-Demand Interview, where you’ll record yourself answering certain questions. The first stage takes approximately 40 minutes to complete.
- Final Assessment: You’ll work with two Shell employees to complete a case study and hold virtual video interviews with the employees afterwards.
After completing all stages, you may receive a job offer in the Shell Graduate Programme. This programme lets you work with experienced colleagues in a collaborative and inclusive environment.
Explore available roles at Shell and submit your application today!
How to apply?
The application process
Stage One: Virtual Job Tryout and On-Demand Interview
Step into the role with our Virtual Job Tryout, the first stage of your application journey. Experience the job through simulations where you tackle challenges, demonstrate your problem-solving skills, share your unique story, and reveal your work approach. This is a dynamic way to gauge how you’ll fit into a role in the Shell Graduate Programme. Once you complete the Virtual Job Tryout, you'll then move on to the On-Demand Interview. During the On-Demand Interview, you'll be given enough time to prepare for each question before being asked to record your responses.
The Virtual Job Tryout and On-Demand Interview will take approximately 40 minutes.
Stage Two: Final Assessment (Virtual)
Applicants to either programme will complete a virtual case study session with two Shell employees. You will need to read and prepare for this, but don’t worry, all the information you need will be provided to you in advance.
Applicants to the Shell Graduate Programme (SGP) will complete a virtual interview with the same two Shell employees. This allows us to get to know you better and for you to get to know us better.
Offer
Following the successful completion of Stage 2, you could be offered a place in the Shell Graduate Programme (SGP) or Shell Assessed Internship Programme.
In the Assessed Internship Programme, you'll receive hands-on training and the chance to earn an employment offer for the SGP.
Note that for the SGP, you must be available to start your role in one of the following months: February, May, August, or November.
Discover jobs at Shell.
Whether you're just starting your career or already have work experience, see for yourself the variety of jobs Shell has to offer.
Wrap up
To prepare for your interview, research the company and its industry, highlight your relevant skills, try to create a good impression, and end the interview with a thank-you note.
These tips will show your intentionality and interest throughout the Shell hiring process and can help you stand out among other candidates.
Explore current job openings and submit your application today to take the first step toward a rewarding career path. Let these tailored tips guide you through Shell’s interview process, paving the way for a successful and rewarding journey with us.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I prepare for a job interview?
How long should I prepare for a job interview?
Preparing for an interview can take five to ten hours, especially for a big one. Take this time to research the company, review your CV, and practise common interview questions.
What are some specific interview preparation tips for the energy sector?
What are some specific interview preparation tips for the energy sector?
Review the role’s description and learn about the field, tools, and software required, if any. Also, read about the latest technology and challenges in this sector.
How should I handle a panel interview?
How should I handle a panel interview?
Listen carefully to the panel’s questions and consider your answer before speaking. Don’t forget to ask questions and make eye contact.
What are some effective strategies for virtual interview success?
What are some effective strategies for virtual interview success?
Stay focused and engaged by eliminating distractions and finding a quiet space. You can also practise with mock interviews to prepare for the questions. Unlike other types of interviews, you need to ensure your Internet connection, computer, and headset work well.
How can I use feedback from an interview to improve?
How can I use feedback from an interview to improve?
Note the strengths and weaknesses mentioned in the feedback. Highlight your strengths next time and improve on what you’re lacking. Consider getting career services to help you improve your interview skills.
