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Interview Preparation

Preparation for the interview is essential. Research the company and what the graduate oil job entails so that you can demonstrate a general knowledge of the oil and gas industry and what role the company plays. It is not possible to guarantee the content of any interview but in this section you will find some potential questions. You are best placed to know your own shortcomings and where you might fall below the expected standard, so it is important to anticipate and practice the answers. The interview is a prime opportunity for you to sell yourself to the interviewer.

 
PRIOR TO THE INTERVIEW

Prepare - Prepare for Interview Questions, have a few to ask the interviewer, dress well.
Identify - Who are you meeting? their titles, relationship to job.
Research - Find out what the job entails. A good agency will always provide you with a detailed job specification. Make sure you have all the information.
Plan Ahead
- Get a location map, contact telephone numbers, have money, mobile phone if possible, allow yourself a good 30-60 minutes of additional time to arrive.
Check Out - Company brochures and/or website. Most employers will expect you to have researched their company, including their products and services and where they operate. Check out general industry news and trends shortly before the interview, such as the latest changes in the price of crude oil.

 
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

The questions most typically asked at interviews have been grouped into the following topic areas (but are seldom as structured during the interview process). The questions below are focused towards a European market; please note that the style and types of questions do vary from one country to another. This list is not exhaustive but should provide food for thought. You should prepare for questions about your background, your aspirations, the potential employer and the position, your personality and your interests. 

Click on the links below for a list of potential questions:
  • Potential Employer
    • Why did you apply to us?
    • Where did you hear about the position?
    • What do you know about our organisation?
    • Do you know anyone who works for us?
    • What interests you about the position?
    • What do you think we have to offer you as a company?
  • Career Ambitions
    • What are your long/short term goals?
    • Tell me about your career aspirations.
    • What are you looking for in a career?
    • Do you have plans to gain further qualifications?
    • Where do you see yourself in 2/5 years time?
    • Describe your ideal employer.
  • Skills and Requirements
    • Why should we hire you? - Give me three reasons.
    • What have you got to offer the company? - What skills will you bring?
    • How do you work best? - Leading a group, in a team or alone?
    • Are you looking for a position with training?
    • What has been your main career achievement to date?
    • What was the most difficult problem in your current/previous position - how did you find the solution ? You say you have xxx skills…how did you demonstrate these in your previous position ?
  • Personality
    • Describe yourself - strengths/weaknesses?
    • How would your friends describe you?
    • What motivates you?
    • How do you spend your spare time?
  • Problem/Sticky Questions
    • What salary or benefits are you looking for ? (see Job Offer information).
    • Explain the gap in your work history.
    • Given your career plans, how long do you expect to stay with our organisation?
    • Can we contact your current employer or university for references ? (this question is usually only asked after an offer letter has been sent - nevertheless be prepared for the question).
  • Questions to ask the Interviewer
    • Why is the position available?
    • What skills are needed to succeed?
    • What are the initial priorities of the position?
    • How does the position fit into the organisational structure?
    • How much scope (autonomy, flexibility, career growth, responsibilities) is there within this position?
    • What is the company's managerial style/culture?
  • Questions typically asked of Graduates.
    • Why did you chose your particular degree/discipline ?
    • Why did you chose your college/university ?
    • What did you most/least like about your course ?
    • What was your strongest/weakest subject ?
    • Tell me about your project work ?
    • How are your studies related to this position/vacancy ?
    • Tell me about your career aspirations ?
    • Describe your ideal employer ?
    • Do you plan to gain further qualifications ?
    • How do you spend you spare time ?
    • How would your tutor describe you ?
    • Besides your degree, what else do you feel you gained from college/university ?
    • Were you active in any societies ?
    • What positions of responsibility do you hold/have you held ?

 
DURING THE INTERVIEW

  • Smile and make eye contact.
  • Relax and be friendly.
  • Be positive and enthusiastic.
  • Think about your body language.
  • Do not raise the topic of salary until you’re offered the job.



REMEMBER
7-10% is what you say
20-30% is how you say it
60-80% is your image, your body language and the overall impression you create.

Good Luck with your interviews and don't forget you may not succeed the first time but practice makes perfect.