FAQs - Students & Graduates

Do I have to upload my CV in English?

If the entire application process for your country is in English, an English CV is mandatory. Please be aware that the entire application process will be in English in most of the countries where we recruit and so we prefer to receive your CV in English.

If the application form and process for your country is in your local language, then a CV in that language is fine.

Is the whole application process in English?

The entire application process will be in English in most of the countries where we recruit and so we also prefer to receive your CV in English.

The exceptions, where you will be given the option to choose local language if you prefer, are Mandarin (China), Brazilian Portuguese (Brazil), Canadian French (Canada) and French (Gabon).

My application has been regretted can I receive some feedback?

Unfortunately, due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we are unable to offer you individual feedback on your application at this stage of the recruitment process. We assess applications taking into account a number of qualities we have identified as being critical to high performance in Shell. A detailed explanation of these qualities can be found in the "What we look for" section of the website.

What is the status of my application?

To check your application status, please log on to your candidate account using the same email and password you created when you registered to apply, then select ‘Application Status’.

Please see below an explanation of the statuses you will see throughout the application and hire process:

• Application Received: We have successfully received your application but you still need to complete any pending E-Assessment tests which you will receive via email.
• Application Under Review: You have completed either one or both of the E-Assessment tests and the outcome is pending. You will be notified if you pass Test 1 and you MUST complete the second test before your application can be considered by a member of our team.
• Pending Interview: You have been selected to attend an interview and you will be invited in due course.
• Awaiting Candidate Response: You need to self-schedule in our system to confirm either your Interview or Final Assessment invitation.
• Interview Scheduled: Your interview appointment is confirmed.
• Completed Interview: You have completed your Interview for an Internship. Outcome to be further  communicated in due course.
• Internship Offered: You have been offered an Internship.
• Pending Final Assessment: Following a successful interview, we are further considering your application for the Final Assessment stage.
• Final Assessment Scheduled: Your Final Assessment appointment is confirmed.
• Completed Final Assessment: You have completed your Final Assessment.
• Offer: Your application is being considered for an offer of employment.
• Hired: You have successfully passed all offer conditions and are awaiting a start date.
• Application Unsuccessful: Unfortunately, your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
• Position Not Found: We cannot find an Internship or Employment opportunity for you.
• Internship Complete: You have completed a non-assessed Internship.
• Application Withdrawn by Candidate: You have withdrawn your application.

When is the application deadline?

We open our applications all year round at most of the locations where we offer graduate employment opportunities, so you can apply at any time of the year. But don't delay - the sooner we receive your application, the better the chance that we can match you with the ideal job for your abilities.

Please visit local country website to find out the application deadlines at countries where we do not recruit all year round.

Where will the interview take place?

The interview will take place either face-to-face or over the telephone. All Shell graduate candidates are assessed on the following criteria (CAR):

• Capacity: How well you absorb information, analyse problems, make fact-based decisions, and propose innovative solutions.
• Achievement: How well you get things done (your drive, resilience, self-confidence, and organisational skills).
• Relationships: How well you work in teams, communicate, and respect others.

At the end of the interview, you'll have the chance to ask us some questions of your own - about the role, the culture, work environment or any other area of interest to you.

English is not my first language; will this be taken into account during my interview?

While fluency in English is necessary to participate in a Shell Recruitment Day, Gourami Business Challenge or an Internship your ability in English is not a selection criterion. If you’re not a native English speaker, you will be given additional time to prepare where appropriate, and you are welcome to bring a dictionary. In locations where a SRD, Gourami Business Challenge or an Internship is conducted in a language other than English, a level of fluency in that language is required.

I have already graduated and have some work experience; am I eligible to apply?

Yes. You may be surprised to find that you wouldn't be the only graduate in Shell who joins us with previous work experience. In terms of process, you will still need to apply in the same way as any other graduate.

I have applied before; can I re-apply?

Yes, you can re-apply if you have been unsuccessful. However, if you do wish to re-apply, we advise that you should leave:

At least 12 months from the date of your previous application, if you were rejected before or after the interview stage. Three years from the date of the final outcome of your previous application, if you were invited to a Shell Recruitment Day or an assessed Internship.

We advise this to enable you to have a better chance of being successful the second time round. The additional time will allow you to demonstrate that you have developed yourself further and have gained additional experience and/or qualifications.

What do you mean by graduate?

A Graduate is someone who has been awarded a degree by a university or college.

While a strong academic record is important, our selection processes are designed to assess your Capacity, Achievement and Relationship.

What selection criteria do you use to assess applications for your student opportunities?

While a strong academic record is important, our selection processes are designed to assess your Capacity, Achievement and Relationship.

Do you sponsor the studies of individual students?

We only consider sponsoring students from developing countries who are interested in carrying out postgraduate studies in the UK and the Netherlands. First-degree students are not eligible. We have 90 scholarships available in total, administered by The Shell Centenary Scholarship Fund.

The programme is a partnership with the Universities of Cambridge, Durham, Edinburgh, Oxford, Imperial College London and University College London, who also contribute to the funding.

Please visit the local country website to find out whether we offer Scholarship there.

For more details please visit Shell Scholar

Will I be paid during my internship?

Yes you will be compensated during your internship. The amount depends on the country.

How many graduates do you employ each year?

We have graduate employment opportunities in most of the countries where we operate. In some countries where we have a higher operating presence we are able to offer more opportunities - for example the Netherlands, UK, Germany, US, China, Malaysia, Qatar and Nigeria.

Please visit the local country website to find out whether we have graduate employment opportunities there.

What is an In-house Day?

An In-house Day is a one day interactive event at which we host a selected group of students at a Shell location with the aim to give them a feel of what it would be like to work for Shell. Included are usually presentations from Shell Recruitment, recent graduates, senior staff and a site tour and/or a case study or workshop.

Will I work outside my home country?

In most cases your first assignment will be in your home country. However, because we are a global company, the job you are matched with may mean relocating abroad. In Europe, for example, your application will be considered both for opportunities in the country you are studying/living in and across the region. You are welcome to note your personal preferences for location on your application. One of the clear dynamics of working for Shell is the possibility of a future posting outside your home country, and we provide full support for all staff to do so.