Shell has a lengthy and difficult recruitment process for new grads, but if you get a job offer, it is definitely worth the effort.
New grads at Shell can get an offer in two ways – through an assessed internship or through Shell Recruitment Day. I went the SRD route. To get to the SRD, the first ‘filter’ is to do online assessments. Try the online practice ones before you attempt the actual one. There are three parts total, the first is a behavioral assessment where they ask you (I believe 80 MC questions) on how you would act in a work environment, if you get pass this step, you do the second and third parts which is 80 questions assessing your business management skills and a timed competency exam. I suggest you get very comfortable and treat the competency exam like a real exam. The questions are tricky and the exam is very long for the time span given. Don’t expect to finish everything but try to get the first 10 or so correct and guess the rest. For all these online sections, don’t try to impress them, pick the answers that you would actually do. They can tell if you’re trying too hard, and there’s no right answer, so don’t try to pick it out. Be consistent in how you would respond to all the situations.
Once you get past these parts, there is a behavioral interview either face-to-face or via phone with an engineer. They will ask you basic behavior questions but note there is approximately 8 questions and you should have 8 DIFFERENT scenarios illustrating your behavioral patterns. This is important, make sure to have many examples. They will also ask for your reasons to apply for Shell, this is where you can make yourself really stand out so plan your interview carefully.
The last part is the SRD, which is two days long at the Shell headquarters. The first night consists of icebreaker games and a casual get together with Shell engineers for dinner. I suggest you make conversation and get comfortable knowing the other recruits, it will help you settle down and make you less nervous knowing you’re not alone. They will also give you information about the case study you will be participating in for the next day. Read it over but don’t get too stressed over it. It’s important to relax and be yourself, I can’t stress this enough.
The next morning you wake up early, so get lots of rest. The first assessment is the online e-tray exercise, which you should have already practiced for. You get 15 minutes to look over the documents (around 5 long ones and 10 short ones), and I believe 30 minutes to answer 12 emails. Try to remember what type of information is in each document and open all of them once the 30 minutes start so you can find the information you need quickly. Then you do a 20 minute written response. Even if you mess up, don’t worry. Just remember what you messed up, write it down and remember to talk about what you will do differently during the self-reflection interview.
The second part of the day is a group activity. I suggest you try to get along with your group and organize yourself before it begins. They show you a scenario and each person is given specific information, and you should try to organize how you will brainstorm first before everyone starts coming up with ideas. Because you’re being assessed and put under timed pressure, people tend to show their true personalities, which is what they’re aiming for. Make sure you don’t freak out and take control and don’t let yourself sit back either.
The third activity is the self-reflection interview, know your weaknesses and point them out and how you will improve.
The fourth part is the most challenging, it’s the case study. You have 20 minutes to review 10-15 pages of data which you must digest and come up with a business action plan. Make sure you do the calculations on cost and production time, so you have data to support up your answer. You do an informal presentation for 5 minutes on your choice, and they will grill you for 30 minutes. Know the document information very well and come up with good reasons for your plans.
The last part is the final interview, which is similar to the phone interview. They ask you for 4-6 scenarios with probing questions, and ask you again on why you want to work for Shell and what areas you want to work in. This is the easiest part of the day.
Overall, the SRD experience is very recommendable. Everyone is very respectful and nice. Make sure to ask questions, and ask for career advice, these assessors have many years of industry experience, and can give you lifelong advice if you ask for it. It is a great experience to talk informally with industry professionals, even if you don’t end up working for Shell, make the most of the opportunity you are given.
