Tips to apply successfully

Make the most of your CV

Your CV is a key step in any application process. It is the platform to present yourself and demonstrate your achievements.

Here are a few handy tips to help you present yourself in the best possible way:

• Make sure your CV is up to date
• Try to restrict it to two pages and keep the layout simple
• Use headings like ‘Education’ and ‘Career history’ to highlight different sections
• Don’t make general statements about yourself – support them with evidence. For example, explain what you have done that illustrates the qualities you have
• Try to link your skills and experience to the requirements of the role you’re applying for
• Make sure you have an updated LinkedIn profile to make filling the application form faster.

Personal details: Your full name, email address and phone number are most important. You’ll also want to make sure the full name you provide is the same full name written in other official documents.

Educational details: List these in reverse chronological order, with your most recent education first. Include the name of the institutions, the dates you were enrolled, and the qualifications you obtained or will obtain when you graduate. You may want to list the relevant modules, the projects and dissertations you 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 what you achieved and the skills you developed.

Achievements and outside interests: Include this information to show that you’re a rounded person with a balanced approach to life. Focus on recent examples, describing what you contributed and learned, and how you did this.

Stage 1: Online assessments

• Although you’re given 10 days to complete the assessments, we encourage you to complete them as promptly as you can, preferably within 5 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!

Part A: Cognitive test

• Keep an eye on the timer.
• A calculator is allowed and is recommended.
• Take the online assessment practice tests: Practice Test 1 and Practice Test 2.
• For practice test 2 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).

Part B: Working styles assessment

• Ensure you have researched Shell’s values.
• 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. We celebrate diversity and uniqueness at Shell and encourage you to be yourself.

Part C: On-demand Video Interview

• 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.
• Reflect on why you’re applying and what your standout experiences are. Be ready to talk about these in an engaging way.

Stage 2: Final Assessment

• Take the time to really familiarise yourself with the case study that you will be given prior to the interview (around 90-120 minutes should be sufficient).
• Be prepared to deliver a presentation to your assessors and answer any questions they may have.
• The assessment will last up to 2 hours and 30 minutes. Please plan ahead to ensure you are not disturbed and fully prepared.
• Don’t worry that the assessment will cover technical knowledge. Focus instead on demonstrating things such as your analytical capacity, drive and enthusiasm, decision-making, and ability to effectively communicate and collaborate at all levels.
• Do your homework by researching Shell and gaining familiarity with Shell operations, projects, sites and values.
• Learn about the capacity, achievement and relationship criteria we use to assess candidates.
• When you’re being interviewed, think carefully about the question. Gather your thoughts before you answer – don’t just dive in.
• Frame your answer to provide evidence of what the interviewer is looking for. Always focus on what you have done. Always be enthusiastic about your achievements.
• Keep your answers relevant to the question. Provide sufficient background information to set the scene, but be careful not to wander away from the question.
• Think of some questions in advance to ask at the end of the interview so you conclude on a positive and inquisitive note.

We hope your application is the first success of many to come in your career. Remember that we want you to do well! Good luck.