How to Prepare for Your Shell Graduate Programme Interview with Confidence

This article offers actionable graduate job interview tips to support you at every stage of your Shell application journey.

1. Prepare for your interview

A little preparation goes a long way. When you are mentally and physically ready, you will be better equipped to engage with confidence and clarity. These tips are designed to help you stay calm, focused, and ready for the conversation ahead.

Understand the role

Start by reading the job description thoroughly and reflecting on how your experiences match the responsibilities listed. Identify the strengths and skills you can bring to the role, and consider how they connect to the work you might be doing every day. This will help you speak confidently about your suitability for the job.

Practice your responses

Prepare for common interview questions by crafting examples that highlight key skills such as communication, adaptability, teamwork, or problem-solving.

Practice with a friend, mentor, or by recording yourself. This builds fluency and helps you feel more comfortable.

Pro tip -- If English is not your first language, warm up before the interview by reading or speaking out loud.

Set up your environment (for virtual interviews)

If your interview is online, take a few minutes to prepare your interview setup. Test your internet connection, camera, and microphone. Choose a quiet and uncluttered background and log in a few minutes early to avoid last-minute stress. This will help you focus fully on the conversation.

Be physically prepared

Mental readiness is key, but physical preparation matters too. Get enough sleep, eat a light and healthy meal, and stay hydrated. Taking care of your well-being helps you stay focused and composed during the interview.

2. Understand what Shell looks for

Once you are mentally and physically prepared, focus on how you'll present your experiences. Shell assesses potential candidates using the C-A-R framework (Capacity, Achievement, Relationships). Understanding this model will help you showcase your strengths with confidence.

Capacity: thinking strategically and creatively

Shell values candidates who demonstrate innovative, critical and strategic thinking. Share examples where you solved problems, analysed complex information, or developed creative solutions. Highlight how you think ahead and adapt to future challenges.

Achievement in action: learning, adapting, and excelling

Success at Shell requires continuous learning, adaptability, and determination. Show your ability to stay focused, embrace new challenges, and grow through experience. Prepare a few real-life examples that reflect your drive and resilience.

Relationships: building trust and collaboration

Strong relationships and effective team collaboration are at the core of Shell's culture. Demonstrate how you work effectively with diverse teams and contribute to shared goals. Let your personality shine while showing how you build meaningful professional relationships.

3. Hack the questions before the interview

Shell typically uses competency-based questions to explore how you have handled real-life situations. These questions focus more on your behaviours and experiences than on technical knowledge, depending on the role or path you're applying for. Prepare by reflecting on past experiences that highlight key skills.

Sample Questions to Prepare For

Here are a few sample questions Shell interviewers may ask:

• Tell me about a time you worked with a difficult stakeholder. How did you manage the situation?
• How do you build strong working relationships?
• What is your greatest achievement, and what steps did you take to accomplish it?

4. Make a good impression

The way you engage during your interview helps Shell understand how you work and connect with others. Your presence, communication, and curiosity all contribute to the impression you leave.

Be genuine

Respond to questions in a way that reflects who you are. Stay respectful and open, and don't be afraid to show your personality. Showing your character can help interviewers understand how you might contribute to the team or role you've applied for.

Ask questions

Think ahead about what you'd genuinely like to know about the job, the application process, or the programme itself. Prepare a few questions in advance and ask them during the conversation. This shows that you're curious and well-prepared.

Stay engaged

Whether it's an online or in-person interview, remember: your actions can speak louder than words. Listen actively, respond thoughtfully, and pay attention to the flow of the conversation. Build rapport with your interviewers by staying focused and engaged throughout.

5. Research Shell thoroughly

Learning about Shell before your interview shows that you're genuinely interested and gives you a clearer picture of how your skills and values align with the company. It also helps you speak with more clarity and confidence during the conversation. To do so, follow these 4 steps:

Understand the company's mission and values

Take time to learn about Shell's purpose, values, and the way the company operates. This gives you insight into the culture and helps you assess how well you and your own values and interests align.

You can start by visiting Shell's About Us page to get a sense of the company's background and guiding principles.

Industry insights

Interviewers appreciate candidates who show real interest in the field. Take some time to look into current trends, challenges, or news that relate to Shell's work, such as the energy transition, sustainability goals, or how technology is changing the sector.

You don't need to have all the answers, but showing that you've done a bit of research says a lot. It shows you're curious, informed, and thinking beyond just getting the job.

Path-specific research

Get familiar with the different programme paths Shell offers and how your interests might align.

The Shell Graduate Programme (links to Shell Graduate Programme | About us) offers different paths in Commercial, Global Functions, and Trading & Supply. You can rotate through different roles within your chosen path and see which one suits you best.

Recent news and developments

Consider researching the latest news, projects, and initiatives of your potential employer to gain insight into their current focus and future direction. Check out the company's website and social media for relevant and up-to-date content.

Wrap-up

Preparing for your interview helps you feel more confident, focused, and ready to show your best self.

Following the five interview preparation tips above and taking some time before the interview to do your research can help you perform at your best. These tips reflect the kind of intentionality and interest Shell looks for throughout the hiring process.

Ready to take the next step? Learn more about the Shell Graduate Programme, meet some of our graduates, and explore the benefits of working at Shell.