
Tips to apply successfully
Learn more about the various steps and processes involved when applying for position at Shell, and discover some top tips to help you succeed.
Make the most of your CV
Your CV is a key component of any application process. It is the platform to represent yourself and demonstrate your achievements. Here are a few handy tips to help you showcase yourself in the best possible way:
- Ensure that your CV is updated
- Try to restrict it to a maximum of two pages, and keep the layout simple
- Use headings like 'Education', 'Career History', Extra-curricular Activities, etc. to highlight different sections
- Don’t just make general statements about yourself – support them with evidence. For example, explain what you have done/ accomplished to illustrate the qualities you have
- Try to link your skills, strengths, and experience to the requirements of the role you’re applying for
- If you want to fill the application form faster, maintain an updated LinkledIn profile and use the tool in the form to import your online profile
Personal details: Your full name, address, email address and phone number are the most important. You should ensure thatthe full name you provide in the application form is the same as that written in your other official documents.
Educational details: List these in reverse-chronological order, with your most recent education first and the qualifications you obtained or will obtain when you graduate. Include the name of the institutions and the dates you were enrolled and graduate/ will graduate. You may want to list the relevant modules, the projects and dissertations you have delivered, the grades you have achieved, and professional skills you have developed.
Career history and professional experience: Whether they’re paid, voluntary or shadowing, all experiences count! Present these in reverse chronological order with dates to show how long you remained in a particular role. Mention the scope of your work, what you achieved, and the skills you developed.
Achievements and interests: If you have been involved in extra-curricular activities, co-curricular activities or community service, it would serve you well to include this information to showcase that you have a well-rounded profile, with a balanced approach to life. Focus on recent examples, describing your involvement, timelines, achievements, impact/ contributions and learning.
Stage 1
The Stage 1 of the assessment has two levels – a. Stage 1: Online assessments, and b. Stage 1: On-Demand Video Interview. If you successfully clear the Stage 1: Online assessments, then you would receive an invite to take the Stage 1: On-Demand Video Interview.
Stage 1: Online assessments
- Although you’re given 5 days to complete the assessments, we encourage you to complete them as promptly as you can, preferably within 3 days
- Before getting started, check to make sure you are using one of the following supported Internet browsers:
- Internet Explorer 9+, latest version of Firefox, Chrome and Edge on Windows 7+
- Latest version of Safari on Mac OS
- Latest version of Safari on iOS (10" iPad recommended)
- Latest version of Chrome on Android (~10" device recommended).
- Make sure you are in the right frame of mind to take the test (motivated, focused, not tired or stressed)
- It is recommended that you take this assessment on a large screen tablet, desktop or laptop
- If English isn’t your first language you may want to have a search engine on quick tab available
- Ensure you choose a quiet place and time to take the assessments
- Ensure you read the questions properly
- Don’t get spend too much time on one question. You can always go back!
Online Assessment 1: Timed cognitive test
This will be a timed test that is divided into three sections, covering verbal skills (24 questions), numerical skills (16 questions), and abstract reasoning (10 questions), respectively. You would have 4 minutes to complete each section.
- Keep an eye on the timer
- A calculator is allowed and is recommended
- For the numerical/ quantitative test, you will probably want to use a pen, paper and a calculator as you will be required to make calculations (e.g. multiplications, percentages, ratios, etc.)
Online Assessment 2: Working style assessment
This will not be a timed assessment, and generally only takes 10-12 minutes to complete. This segment will assess your approach to working and your preferred behaviour. There are no right or wrong answers, so simply pick the option that feels most natural to you. We celebrate and value diversity at Shell, so we encourage you to be yourself, when responding.
- Before starting, take some time to consider examples of how you’ve worked successfully in the past
- Don’t try to second-guess what Shell is looking for. Above all, we want you to have integrity; be authentic and confident of your opinions.
On the basis of your performance in the Stage 1 Online assessments, if you are successfully shortlisted, then you would receive an invite to the Stage 1 On-Demand Video Interview (ODVI). Altogether this will take about 20 minutes, and will need to be completed within 10 days of receiving the ODVI invite.
Stage 1: On-Demand Video interview
This short, self-recorded video interview is an opportunity for you to tell us about yourself. You will be asked 5 questions in all, and after each question, you will be given time to think and then to respond. From the day of receiving the invite, you will have 10 days to complete this interview. We recommend that you complete this within 5 days.
- Choose somewhere quiet with a good internet connection
- Test your webcam and microphone
Make sure the area is well-lit and you can clearly be seen - Preferred browsers are Chrome, Firefox or Safari (latest version). Click here for more information on the system and internet speed requirements. Click here for more information on the system and internet speed requirements
- Reflect on why you’re applying and what your standout experiences are. Be ready to talk about these in an engaging way
Shell Graduate Programme: New Application Process
SCRIPT 1 (2mins): AMR Script
Hi, I’m Deanna. Welcome to Shell.
Today, I’m going to take you through the steps for applying to the Shell Graduate Programme.
Just some tips from me before we start. We’re so much more than an energy company, so do your research and update your CV accordingly.
Here at Shell we are searching for ways to meet the energy needs of the future. Taking on challenges to help the world progress is what we have done since the day we started.
There’s loads of stuff on the Shell website to help you find a programme suited to you, including the Degree Matcher, which pretty much does what it says. It guides you on a match between your degree discipline with our skillpool disciplines.
When you are ready, the next step is the application form, which takes about 10 mins to complete. If you’re on LinkedIn, save time by simply pulling across your profile.
After you’ve submitted your online application, you’ll go through to Stage 1 where you’re asked to complete three online assessments. You’ll get an email to guide you through this, but in a nutshell these are:
A general cognitive test, with numerical, verbal and abstract reasoning
An assessment of your ‘working style’. And...
A self-recorded video submission. This is where you can show us who you are by answering interview questions from our graduates.
Altogether these will take about 40 minutes and you’ll need to complete them within 10 days of receiving them.
Our graduate recruitment team will then review your application and let you know if you’re through to the next and final step.
This is our live virtual session – essentially an online interview – with two Shell employees and a case study to discuss.
This is where you have a chance to get to know us, and for us to get to know you even better, so expect this part to take around two hours. We’ll tell you more about this closer to the time so you can prepare.
If you are successful, first of all, congratulations! We’ll invite you to your nearest Shell office so you can see; where you will be working; your future manager and other successful graduates. It’s a great opportunity to really get a feel for the place.
That’s it from us for now. You’ve now got all the key information you need to get started with your application. Good luck, and perhaps the next time we meet it will be as colleagues!
SCRIPT 2 (20secs) ODVI EXIT VIDEO SCRIPT:
“So that’s it, well done you’ve now completed the five questions as part of Shell’s Stage One video submission. Great work, you can log off now and we’ll be in touch once we’ve reviewed your overall application. Bye for now”.
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