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.
Hiring Process
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1Online Application officialSubmit application through Shell careers portal→ Tailor application to role; highlight energy industry motivation
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2Shell Virtual Job Tryout (VJT) officialComprehensive 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
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3On-Demand Video Interview (ODVI) officialRecord answers to typically 5 motivational and competency-based questions→ Practise structured STAR answers on camera; test setup in advance
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4Final Assessment commonly reportedRemote presentation and interview round, often as part of a virtual assessment centre→ Prepare a structured presentation and practise handling Q&A
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5Offer & Onboarding officialJob offer and pre-employment checks→ Respond within stated timeline
Assessments
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
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
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
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
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 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: 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
Recommended Practice Modules
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
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.
- official Shell Our Values
- official Shell Online Interview Preparation Tips
- third-party Shell VJT and ODVI Process