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✓ High Confidence Energy & Petrochemicals Reviewed 30 April 2026

Shell Assessment & Interview Preparation

Virtual Job Tryout (VJT), On-Demand Video Interview & Remote Presentation

Guide country context: United Kingdom · Energy

Hiring processes can vary by country, role, business unit, and year.

Shell uses a highly integrated digital screening process. Candidates progress through the Shell Virtual Job Tryout (VJT), an On-Demand Video Interview (ODVI), and a final remote presentation and interview round. The process is anchored by Shell's core values of Honesty, Integrity, and Respect for People.

ℹ️ This preparation guide is independent and is not official Shell material. It summarises public candidate guidance and helps you practise similar skills and interview formats. Always follow the instructions in your own invitation email.
⚠️ Shell expects candidates to demonstrate honesty and integrity throughout the process. Complete all assessments independently. The VJT has consistency checks built into its personality sections.

📋 Hiring Process

  • 1
    Online Application official
    Submit application through Shell careers portal
    → Tailor application to role; highlight energy industry motivation
  • 2
    Shell Virtual Job Tryout (VJT) official
    Comprehensive multi-part online assessment with ~80 questions covering work challenge scenarios (SJT), personality/background profiling, and work style assessment
    → Set aside sufficient time; answer consistently and align with Shell values
  • 3
    On-Demand Video Interview (ODVI) official
    Record answers to typically 5 motivational and competency-based questions
    → Practise structured STAR answers on camera; test setup in advance
  • 4
    Final Assessment commonly reported
    Remote presentation and interview round, often as part of a virtual assessment centre
    → Prepare a structured presentation and practise handling Q&A
  • 5
    Offer & Onboarding official
    Job offer and pre-employment checks
    → Respond within stated timeline

📝 Assessments

Shell Virtual Job Tryout (VJT) situational judgement

A comprehensive, multi-part online assessment with approximately 80 questions. Combines work challenge scenarios (SJT format), personality/background profiling, and a work style assessment. Designed to predict on-the-job performance.

Measures: Situational judgement, work style fit, personality traits, decision-making under realistic scenarios

  • Base responses on Shell values: Honesty, Integrity, Respect for People
  • Think about data-driven decision-making and safety awareness
  • Answer consistently across personality sections
  • Consider both short-term action and long-term consequences
On-Demand Video Interview (ODVI) video interview

Asynchronous video interview with typically 5 motivational and competency-based questions. Candidates record answers within a set time limit per question.

Measures: Communication clarity, motivation, competency evidence, values alignment, confidence on camera

  • Practise speaking directly to the camera (not the screen)
  • Use STAR format for competency questions
  • Keep answers concise and structured
  • Test your tech setup, lighting, and background beforehand
Work Style Assessment personality

Part of the VJT, assessing personality traits and work preferences relevant to Shell's collaborative, values-driven culture.

Measures: Work preferences, team orientation, decision-making style, sustainability mindset

  • Answer honestly about your genuine preferences
  • Consistency is key across the assessment
  • There are no 'right' answers but alignment with collaborative culture helps

🎤 Interviews

Remote Presentation

Candidates present on a given business or technical topic, demonstrating structured thinking, communication, and ability to synthesise information. Often part of the final virtual assessment centre.

Format: Individual presentation (15-20 minutes) via video conference followed by Q&A

  • Structure: context, analysis, recommendation, conclusion
  • Reference Shell values in your approach where natural
  • Practise presenting to camera confidently
  • Prepare for probing questions on assumptions
Values-Based Behavioral Interview

Behavioral interview directly assessing alignment with Shell's core values of Honesty, Integrity, and Respect for People through situational and past-experience questions.

Format: Structured competency interview with 1-2 interviewers via video

  • Prepare STAR stories explicitly tied to Honesty, Integrity, and Respect
  • Be genuine - Shell values authenticity
  • Show how you make decisions transparently
  • Demonstrate collaborative approach to challenges

🏛️ Values & Framework

Shell Core Values

Shell is anchored by three fundamental core values. The company places strong emphasis on contributing to sustainable development, balancing short-term execution with long-term environmental considerations, and operating transparently.

Honesty Integrity Respect for People
  • Honesty: Show transparent communication and willingness to share difficult truths
  • Integrity: Demonstrate ethical decision-making and consistency between words and actions
  • Respect for People: Show collaborative behaviour, valuing diverse perspectives, and inclusive teamwork

⏱️ Preparation Plans

  • Identify your stage: VJT, ODVI, or Final Assessment/Presentation
  • If VJT: practise 10-15 SJT scenarios with values-based decision lens
  • If ODVI: record yourself answering 3 competency questions using STAR format
  • Learn Shell's three core values: Honesty, Integrity, Respect for People
  • Prepare 3 STAR stories demonstrating these values
  • Test your video setup, lighting, and internet connection
  • Complete 2-3 full SJT practice tests with Shell values focus
  • Practise personality/work style assessment format for consistency
  • Record 5+ video answers to different competency questions
  • Prepare 5 STAR stories covering different Shell values and competencies
  • If presentation stage: prepare a structured 15-minute presentation
  • Research Shell's energy transition strategy and sustainability goals
  • Daily SJT practice with sustainability and ethics focus
  • Multiple video recording practice sessions with review
  • Build library of 7+ STAR stories mapped to Shell values
  • Practise remote presentation delivery (timing, structure, Q&A)
  • Conduct mock behavioral interviews via video
  • Study Shell's General Business Principles document
  • Research recent Shell projects, strategy, and energy transition plans
  • Practise handling challenging follow-up questions on camera
  • Master SJT format through daily practice with Shell values lens
  • Achieve natural, confident video delivery through repeated recording
  • Comprehensive STAR story bank (10+ stories) covering all competencies
  • Multiple full presentation rehearsals with feedback
  • Deep research into Shell operations, strategy, and industry position
  • Practise full mock virtual assessment centre (presentation + interview)
  • Study sustainable energy and energy transition topics
  • Develop natural language for embedding Shell values into all responses
  • Conduct mock interviews with different question styles
  • Review and refine weakest areas based on practice performance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Shell Virtual Job Tryout (VJT)?
The VJT is a comprehensive multi-part online assessment with approximately 80 questions. It combines work challenge scenarios (SJT format), personality/background profiling, and a work style assessment designed to predict on-the-job performance at Shell.
What is ODVI?
ODVI stands for On-Demand Video Interview. You record answers to typically 5 motivational and competency-based questions. You have a set time to prepare and record each answer. It is asynchronous - you complete it in your own time within the deadline.
How should I prepare for the Shell VJT?
Practise situational judgement tests with a focus on Shell's values (Honesty, Integrity, Respect for People). The VJT measures decision-making through realistic scenarios. Think about what a collaborative, honest Shell employee would do in each situation.
What happens in the final Shell assessment?
The final stage typically involves a remote presentation on a given topic followed by a behavioral interview. It may be structured as a virtual assessment centre. You present via video conference and answer questions from a panel.
Does Shell's process differ for experienced hires vs graduates?
Yes. Graduates typically complete the full VJT battery plus ODVI. Experienced professionals may have a tailored assessment and more emphasis on technical/competency interviews. Always follow your specific invitation instructions.
What are Shell's core values?
Honesty, Integrity, and Respect for People. These are documented in Shell's General Business Principles and are assessed throughout the recruitment process.

📚 Sources & Validation

This guide is based on publicly available employer career pages and candidate guidance. Actual process can vary by role, region, and hiring season.