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
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.
