#129: Shell Oil Job Interview

Good Morning!

So, hi. You are on this post, most probably because you passed the first stage of Shell’s Online Tests or Phone Interview. So, this is the time where I feel like I should give back to the community by sharing my experience on attending Shell’s second stage of one-on-one’s face interview. Scary, I know. But fret not, I am here to help you ease your worry after you try googling about it and still clueless and nervous down your spine on it! (I definitely know the feeling as I have encountered a major sarcastic “Thanks Google, listing Shell as the World’s Top 10 Hardest Interviews sure does help me in putting off my worry” before.)

I am currently on my semester break before my last semester of BSc. in Science (Applied Geology) at University of Malaya. I have completed my Final Year Project (or also known as thesis project); majoring in Petrophysics, Geophysics and also Sedimentology. Sounds super heavy and tough, pheeew to that, I actually succeed in going through the long hassle of it. I applied for a technical position in Shell’s Petrophysics and Reservoir Engineering way back in April 2013, via online. I will only be graduating in December 2013. If I am not mistaken, they open the application all year round (You can check the website). Then, I had my first stage of online tests in May 2013. The online tests are basically just some psychological behavioural tests and also a few technical tests (testing on your calculation and understanding ability, 16 questions in 16 minutes). Honestly, I really thought I did so bad for the tests because I don’t even understand half of the questions and the time given was ridiculously too short for such long, twisted questions. I did not heard of anything from Shell after I did the tests for almost 2 months except for a “Thanks for completing the tests…” email. At that point, I was 100% sure of how my chance of working with Shell is down the drain.

Surprisingly, after I finished my 6^th semester, in Early July 2013; I received an email from Shell, an invitation to their second stage interview session. Meaning; I passed the ridiculously tough online tests! I did not expect their interview would be any time near, but I was wrong. I received another email on 8^th July 2013; asking me to pick a date and time slot for my appointment with them for the one-on-one interview session within that week itself. Can you imagine how nervous I felt? Insane. I don’t even know what to prepare as this is my first job interview ever. So many things are going on that week as I have to submit my corrected thesis in for the university library publishing. I was busy and nervous at the same time, what a bad combination of feelings to have; especially during your last semester break ever! None of my batch mates have ever attended a job interview before, so I have no idea who to refer to about it. So, I turned to my thesis supervisor, seniors (Syawal and Muzzamil) and also my new AAPG advisor (Evon, who happened to be my senior that I have never had the chance to meet before). I got a bunch of very useful tips, trust me, they were. Oh yes, I also did my research on Shell and also few job interview skills.

On the day of the interview (12^th July 2013);

I went to the Shell’s Building in Changkat Semantan, Damansara Heights (the building is nearby HELP University in Damansara, you will see a signboard stating “Bangunan Shell Malaysia” after you passed by Jalan Dungun) in the afternoon and I arrived 20 minutes before the interview starts. (It says to arrive 15 minutes before the interview session, but it is always good to arrive way earlier than that. Ohh you know, just to make yourself calm down and be comfortable with the environment and vibe.) The early arrival lets you to deal with the receptionist for your pass in. I sat at the lobby, murmuring a few prayers to calm myself until my interviewer came out herself to call me in. The interview session is done at this area on the ground floor itself. It’s like an area specified for meetings and interviews. The person that interviewed me was one of Shell’s Human Resource (HR) Recruitment Team. My interview was pretty laid back and not as intense as what I have read in other blogs before though. Maybe it was just my luck, but who knows. So, basically the interview is based on your past experiences, achievements and also relationships – in other words, it is based on C.A.R (Capacity, Achievement and Relationship) which is a concept used in Shell. The interview session is divided into two;

First round of interview questions are based on C.A.R like:

·         What is your greatest challenge and how you overcome it?

·         Have you ever encountered a situation where you have to deal with people of different ranks and how is your relationship with them?

·         Can you adapt to a new environment, if so, what is an example and how you did it?

*There are a few more questions, but basically they are just behavioural interview questions, testing your skills and abilities in tackling challenges and problems.

Second round of interview questions are based on your personal preferences and Shell like:

·         Why do you want to work for Shell?

·         What role do you want and what are the skills that you have for the role?

*There are also a few more questions, such as your preferences in the technical skills area and such. Basically, just to know how you would fit in Shell.

There were many questions and they were quite long, so I suggest that you listen carefully to the points that they want from you. If you do not understand what they want, don’t be afraid to ask for the explanation from them. And another advice, if you need a little time to think, don’t be afraid to tell them that you need a minute to think of the answer. They will give you time. My interview session took about 50 minutes; almost an hour. It’s good if you manage to tell them about yourself and give them many points. They will also ask you if you have anything to ask them at the end of the interview session. My advice is that you should prepare a few. I had like 4-5 questions for them. When you ask them appropriate questions, it shows that you are interested to work for Shell and it also shows that you are one curious person and always eager to find out more about something; which is a good trait for the industry and the technical area. I managed to feel comfortable during the interview, and that helps a lot in expressing myself and my thoughts during the interview.

I hope this helps. There was not much tension going on during the interview, and the interviewer was not scary too. She was really friendly. So, calm down and start preparing points to talk on for your interview. I wish you all the best!

And in case you’re wondering, YES I PASSED THIS INTERVIEW ;)

Loves, xx

Listening to: Let’s Go by Matt and Kim

#88: My sky is never grey.

Alright, a little something something on my progress in my part-time career.

Some of you may now know that it has been 2 months I'm working here in Chemopharm Sdn Bhd in SS2. For you who do not know, Chemopharm is a leading supplier in this region specializing in the provision of laboratory supplies, reagents, furniture and systems as well as equipment, instrumentation and bio- and lab-informatics software. They have branches in Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and also Singapore. Basically, they supply scientific equipment and software. And I have been assigned to work under the Analytical Division; Customer Service Department, where all the enquiries, quotations, arranging clients needs and also tenders being done (office work lah basically). So, far, everything has been easy peasy so, I do not have anything to complain about. Best department and division! :D

Birthday celebrations here in the department have been so much fun! My colleagues are such sweethearts and so thoughtful :) We first celebrated our Head of Department; Ms Lai's birthday. We planned a surprise for her, we decorated her place with balloons and such. We even had a blackforest cake for her, which was so tasty! Best part was she treated us Italian Lunch later after that, and we had Starbucks for tea-time. Lovely :)

The second person's birthday was our colleague; Agnes. We had a small celebration since we were too caught up with never ending tenders and quotations, so we bought her cupcakes from +Wondermilk! Yeah, drove til Damansara to get em :p We had an ice-cream session too. It was adorable :)

Angeline, Me, Sunitha, Agnes, Adrielle & Ms Lai :) + Amirah missing in action.

Other than birthday celebrations, here in Analytical Division, we also pair up with the Analytical Sales Department - making us one whole big Analytical Family. Despite all the annoyance and misunderstandings we both departments have to go through almost every day, but we always have each other's back :) And the boys from Analytical Sales will always be the ones that put all those 'give-up' smiles on us. Oh well, boys and their humors! :D

Then, thaaaaat.. bring us to other events such as Product Training, Product Review, Sales Review and such. Wanna know what's the best part in such events? Oh well, you would already know I guess, lol, of course the dining part! There was this week, I got like free lunch, tea-time and also dinner for the whole week! (We usually have Starbucks as our tea break, such a wonderful feeling for avid coffee lovers like moi).

That's about it, my part-time job to kill time is pretty amazing. Such a great experience, and such eye candies (they're pretty good looking) and oh well, I even thought of switching to doing marketing or sales for Oil&Gas instead of getting involve in engineering or research, hahhh! We'll see how it all goes :)

P/S: Imagine me wearing a clean cut ZARA office top with high waisted skirt, paired with Christian Louboutin stilettos and Louis Vuitton tote, carrying documents and BlackBerry on hand; checking emails.. Ohh with a pair of Marc Jacobs' shades walking to meet my sales client. That is so darn cool :D My high school friends always go like "Ohh successful fashionable career minded woman like that? That's definitely Ungku in the future" every time they see a woman like that :p Awwhh :') Amin amin yarabbal alamin :)

Loves, xx

Listening to: Optimist by Lady Gaga

#82: On my waist, through my hair.

JAPAN SUPER GT RACE RAVE PARTY IN SEPANG, MALAYSIA;

VELOCITA; In Beat We Thrust

So, by now, many of you would probably have heard of Speedzone; a very popular rave party for the F1 Race. So this Velocita event is the 'Speedzone' of Super GT Race :) Comprendre? (But of course way cooler than Speedzone's. No, not because I worked for the Velocita's Public Relations. But, it is just way cooler, please bring your eyes down my post to read why.)

Apparently this is the first ever Rave Party for the Japan Super GT Race - they have another one right outside the Sepang Circuit; named Femme Fatale, an exclusive R&B Spins Rave Party by Hong Kong female 'models-turned-DJs' (you may now imagine how hot that would be, yes!) Making it a total of 2 Rave Parties (Velocita & Femme Fatale) that night in Sepang Circuit, just way too cool (also heaven for clubbers!).

3 years back, I attended the Super GT Race as a performer; I got paid as high as 1.5k/squad for performing a cheerleading routine (Yes, cheerleading hardcore here. To think about it, I made a lot of money back then by just performing cheerleading including for an appearance in Nickelodeon. So darn cool? Yeaps.) During that time, the performance was broadcasted live in Japan! Such a memorable international experience, worth the hardwork and risks we took (Imagine, we did a 3 floors pyramid, just crazy). So, this year, I attended the event again; working with the Velocita's Public Relations. Something that I have been dying to do since forever - working in Public Relations! Mini dream come true :p Hahh! It was a whole new experience for me (with null knowledge on PR), it was so fun! Working and at the same time clubbing/partying + backstage and VIP Lounge passes (Note: Free 'meet & greet' with the International DJs)? How cool is that? :D

The highlight of the night is definitely the Playboy Magazine's famous female DJ; Mari Ferrari ( a Russian model turned into DJ. She's a Russian, I think. But whatever, she's so hot!) spins. Well, for me; that's the highlight beside DJ Sied Van Riel's spins (God, his spins are ear-gasm please!). The boys were hoping that she would do her signature spin act (her opening clothes, exposing her boobies, covering her tits with stars. Erkkk, obscenity speaks, I know right?). But, oh well, this is Malaysia anyhow, so you know how it goes. Anyhowever, the party and spins was off-the-charts! Just so darn great! (Y)

I also attended the Velocita-After Party in LAX Club Lounge at Asian Heritage Row, KL; a week after that with my boys. Guess who spinned that night? The hot-ass DJ Mari Ferrari of course! :D Later, after that Luqman brought all of us to the clubs at Changkat KL for oh well, more fun ;) So, I heard; they said that they tried bringing in David Guetta but he's too busy. But who knows, maybe next year's? Stay tuned, mofos. ;)

Playboy Magazine's DJ Mari Ferrari

Til here, and this is my happy face after the Velocita-After Party! :D

Loves, xx

Listening to: DJ Sied Van Riel's Spins

#80: Keep your cards so close to your chest.

Mustard yellow is such a classic color.

I am actually thinking about luck or fate or whatever that surprisingly had brought me to this very random intersection. (But being a typical Capricorn, I actually don’t believe in luck but hard work.. and after all, luck is when opportunity meets preparation. So yeah..) Amazing results, and now this; Job Offers!

I started my part-time job in the hope that it can cure my holiday miseries or in my case, it would be kerinduan malady. So, I pretty much accepts anything that offers me and I ended up being a Customer Service Executive Asst. in this Science-based company in SS2. Yes, office work! Which includes; doing quotations (that needs Mathematical skills, which I just die a bit for a while. The thought of dealing with numbers just.. kills me mentally and abstractly.), a little bit of accountings (null basic of accounting here), and other basic paper works. So far, it’s been pretty easy except for the fact that I suck in Maths and Accounts. The pantry is loved! Best caffeine supply (and Starbucks is just walking distance).Yes, best part of having an office in SS2 is definitely the places to eat there! Everything is just freaking walking distance from the office! (oh well, how I wish UM is just like thaaaaaat) You name it; Murni, McDonalds, Pelita, Tutti Frutti, Subway, KFC, UpStairs Café, Melaka Street, Kam Heong, Lorong Seratus Tahun, and so so so soooo much more! And did I tell? The best pisang goreng in town is right here, infront of Pelita; crispiest Pisang Raja (Y) The department that I’m currently working in is the best department anyone could ever asked for! The best head of department, coolest colleagues + funniest receptionist! :) Everyone is so warm and friendly and.. I just love it :D I feel so loved and a touch of familiarity is sensed here just like I felt in UM Geology :’)

Other than that job, I am also currently doing another part time job during the weekends. Before you can say I’m crazy or insane or something, I would like to highlight on the part that this job is an “on-off” one :p Doing Public Relations job for events like major concerts, rave parties and such :) I mean like 15bucks/hour, that’s like a lot! Obviously, I wouldn’t wanna miss the chance do it ey? Plus, free backstage passes! :D Life is great :B

Not enough with that, I also got an offer from my dream company; Halliburton Oil&Gas. Have I tell that how I just fell in love with their office in the Twin Tower, KL? Oh just so freaking, God-darn beautiful! The pantry is just oh my heaven! The view is ridiculously beautiful! You can see the whole Kuala Lumpur. Imagine working at such place, dreamy ey? :D Besides the fact that they’re one of the top American Oil&Gas company (and also their high pay in US Dollars, mwahahaha!), that are the reasons why I wanna work there. God heard my prayers (Syukur Alhamdulillah), and a few weeks after I started my job as a Customer Service Executive, I got an offer there. Yeap, in Halliburton! Unfortunately, (have I tell you how much I loathe this word? Baaah!) I already signed a contract with my current company; Chemopharm (which is one of the top companies in South East Asia). So, had to let it go, but Good News is, I am going to do my part time there during my 3^rd semester break! Weeehooo :D

Nuff’ said. I am actually a WORKAHOLIC (so much better and cooler than being a Shopaholic). It feels so darn good to be one and I am so much in love with the professional, working world! I just can’t resist all the offered jobs around me! So so so much fun eventhough they’re tiring and the pay that I got/getting just drives me insanely wild and euphoria! And the fact that I’m buying stuffs that I really really (and verbally almost die) want with my hard work, own earned money is just priceless! Til here, Have a Good day, folks! (+ my apology on the facile, incomplex metaphors like I used to. Blame my busy day!)

“Patience is just another word for getting old,
Resolution just as impossible as letting go”

- Favourite German-Norwegian boys.

Loves, x

Listening to: Sunny Day by Joy Williams