Glassdoor users rated their interview experience at Shell as 33.3% positive with a difficulty rating score of 3 out of 5 (where 5 is the highest level of difficulty). Candidates interviewing for Graduate Program and Operation Support rated their interviews as the hardest, whereas interviews for Graduate Program and Operation Support roles were rated as the easiest.
The hiring process at Shell takes an average of 30 days when considering 3 user submitted interviews across all job titles. Candidates applying for Materials and Corrosion Engineer had the quickest hiring process (on average 30 days), whereas Materials and Corrosion Engineer roles had the slowest hiring process (on average 30 days).
Here are the most commonly searched roles for interview reports -
I applied online. The process took 4 months. I interviewed at Shell
Interview
Application, online numeracy & logic tests, phone/personal interview, assessment centre. The online tests are the same that you get elsewhere, and can be practised using online material. The phone interview is entirely competency based ("Tell me about a time when you did X.") and require no knowledge of the company. That said, displaying some knowledge in your answers or during your questions at the end will be appreciated. The assessment centre is held in London together with five other candidates. Candidates are not competing against each other and supposedly they will hire anyone who meets their criteria. Similar to other graduate schemes, Shell will preferably hire people with experience despite the nature of these programmes. An economically sound choice for the company, but you should be aware of this going in to the selection process. Make sure you have at least some relevant-ish work experience.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
The usual competency stuff. Where do you see yourself in 10 years.
I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Shell
Interview
Start with the aptitude testing, soon after you get face to face interview with 2 people (one union, one non union) shortly after you have to do a group project with some of the other guys in the interview session. All the interviewers which is about 20ish of them sit and observe you working together to solve the situational problem. As long as you work well with the group, don't discourage others input, but don't sit back and let everyone else do the work; you should be fine.
I applied to Shell through online application. After a week, I got a phone call to set up an interview date with a phone screener. Prepared very well for that one. Collected questions and do mock interview with my wife. It was enjoyable.
At the phone interview, the interviewer was very nice but professional. He took a lot of notes. Questions were based on my past projects in college. Mostly revolve around what I did and what I learnt as an individual. They want you to show (not tell) what you can do through your past experience. I am very surprised because they had no technical questions for me even though I applied to a technical position (Engineer for Graduate Program).
Couple of questions I could remember were:
- Time you had to work hard to deliver a result
- Solve team conflict
- Convince other people
- Deal with an awkward situation with another new team member.
- What do you know about Shell
- Why should we hire you
I followed the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Results) model for most of my questions. Just remember that whatever you do, they want to hear about what "you" did. So use a lot of "I", not "we". The results and what you learn is critical to the success at this stage. They are hiring fresh new blood, and what they look for is a thirst for learning and success.
The interviewer loved the interview, and I got it through to the next stage. SRD review incoming very soon. :)
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
- Deal with an awkward situation with another new team member.