Tips to apply successfully

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

After you submit your application, you will be invited to complete the Virtual Job Tryout. You can complete a Realistic Job Preview to learn more about the Shell Assessed Internship Programme. You will be asked questions about how you might handle work challenges and collaborate with work colleagues, followed by questions about you! We want to hear your story and learn more about your approach to different situations. Once you complete the Virtual Job Tryout, you will start the On-Demand Video Interview.

Stage 1: On-Demand Video interview

You will have as much time as you need to prepare for each of the three questions, then you will have two minutes to record your response.

The Virtual Job Tryout and On-Demand Video Interview will take approximately 40 minutes. You can save your progress, but it does have to be completed within 7 days of receiving the invitation.

Once the Virtual Job Tryout and On-Demand Video Interview are complete, a Shell Recruiter will review your application and responses. Depending on current openings, you may be invited to attend a Final Assessment.

• 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).
  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

• Test your system one day before the actual interview. You may use the Virtual Interview Lobby for this purpose by entering it before your scheduled interview time.
• Use the Hirevue Specifications page to ensure your device meets the required specifications for this stage.
• 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.