1. Understand the STAR method

During your interview, you’ll be evaluated using the STAR method. STAR stands for - Situation, Task, Action, and Result. It’s a behavioural interview technique that focuses on discussing a candidate’s concrete experiences:

  • Situation - describe the situation you were in.
  • Task - what were the goals you set out to accomplish?
  • Action - what actions did you take to accomplish them?
  • Results - what were the measurable results of your actions?

Preparing a mental list of life and career situations that you can share and the relevant details will enable you to deliver stronger responses.

2. Know why you think you’re a good fit

Give some thought as to why you think you’re a good fit for the role. Try to gauge if your skillset and competencies align with those required by the job.

“Look at your competencies and how they will match with the job,” Andro Kahn, a Recruitment Manager, adds “Be clear as to why you are the best person for the job, and how you can add value. It really matters if you know the role, the company, why you want to apply for the role and how it will help you.”

Ultimately, this simple self-evaluation practice can help you more effectively communicate what you can bring to the role.

3. Answer the questions

Before you skip this item because it seems way too obvious, just remember that when you’re in the moment, it’s easy to lose sight of what the interviewer asked and start rambling. It’s okay to give yourself a few seconds to think instead of immediately talking about the first thing that comes into your head. Don’t be afraid to say you need a moment or ask your interviewer to repeat the question.

Practice doing this with a trusted friend or colleague in advance. By letting them ask you questions you might not expect, it can help you assess your ability to respond quickly. The more you practice the easier it will be for your brain to be prepared by surprise questions when it comes across this situation again.

4. Prepare concrete examples you can share for competency-based questions

Don’t expect too many questions about your technical knowledge. Instead, prepare relevant and meaningful examples from past experiences going into the interview. This applies to all applicants at Shell, from students and graduates to those more experienced applicants.

With a little bit of insight and practice, putting these tips to work during your next interview could have you one step closer to securing that job offer.

Scheduled for an online interview? Learn additional tips specifically for online video interviews.

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