Getting A Job At Schlumberger
Schlumberger is a global organisation that designs and provides technology solutions to the energy sector.
In over 120 countries worldwide, Schlumberger offers roles for those at all stages of their career. Getting a job at Schlumberger requires candidates to demonstrate a desire to innovate and challenge themselves in their role and be committed to driving change in existing processes.
Schlumberger Values
Schlumberger is an organisation built upon three clear values:
- People - attraction of talented individuals
- Profits - achieving financial strength
- Technology - creating sustainable technology solutions
These values help the organisation achieve its purpose and mission to create innovative and sustainable energy technologies.
Types Of Roles At Schlumberger
Schlumberger is a global organisation with a variety of roles open to candidates at all levels of experience including entry-level, undergraduate internships, graduates, and experienced hires.
Schlumberger also has a designated application process for former military personnel.
Candidates can apply to a variety of specialisms:
- Operations
- Technology
- Geoscience and petrochemical
- Commercial and business
Hiring Process At Schlumberger
Schlumberger's recruitment process comprises three stages:
- Online application
- Aptitude tests
- Interview
Schlumberger Online Application
All applications occur online. Candidates search for their preferred vacancy then submit an application linked to the vacancy through the dedicated Schlumberger recruitment portal.
To do this, candidates need to have created their own accounts on the recruitment portal.
The application form includes basic personal information, along with a CV upload.
It is worth noting that submitting the application form enables Schlumberger recruiters to match candidates to suitable positions for undergraduate and graduate vacancies, not just for the role they applied to.
Schlumberger Aptitude Tests
If successful at the application stage, candidates are invited to sit a range of aptitude tests. The number and type of tests can vary according to the role applied for.
Schlumberger Numerical Reasoning Test
The numerical reasoning test assesses how well candidates deal with numerical based information. The test is a timed multiple-choice-based test.
Information is presented as tables, charts, or graphs. Candidates need to use their understanding and working knowledge of basic mathematical principles such as ratios, fractions, or percentages to work out which of the multiple choices answers given is correct.
Schlumberger Technical Test
The technical test forms part of the recruitment process for engineering-based roles. This short five-minute test draws on the candidate's practical working knowledge of valve construction.
Candidates need to assemble a valve from a set of components provided.
The timed nature of this test can put extra pressure on candidates, so keeping calm and focused is essential.
Schlumberger Mechanical Reasoning Test
The mechanical reasoning test assesses candidates' understanding of mechanical principles such as force, motion, or electrical circuits.
The test is a timed, multiple-choice test; questions are presented either as images or text.
Candidates need to understand mechanical principles and practically apply them to determine which of the answers they believe is correct.
Schlumberger Abstract Reasoning Test
The abstract reasoning test assesses a candidate's problem-solving ability. Questions are presented in the form of shapes or grids. Candidates need to determine the relationship or pattern between these images and then use the information to select the missing shape or grid in the pattern.
Schlumberger Verbal Test
The Schlumberger verbal test measures a candidate's language and reading comprehension abilities.
Information is presented in the form of passages of text. Candidates need to read, understand, and then answer questions based on this.
The test is a multiple-choice test with answers presented as statements. Candidates need to select which statements are correct based on what they have understood from reading the given information.
Schlumberger Field Engineer Test
This test is a combined numerical and mechanical reasoning test sat by those applying for field engineer roles.
The test assesses a candidate's numerical ability alongside their knowledge and practical application of mechanical principles such as force, motion, or circuits.
There are 20 questions to complete in this test with a time limit of 40 minutes.
The Schlumberger Interview
Depending on the role, candidates attend their first interview before completing the aptitude tests or as part of the final assessment day for those candidates successful at the testing stage.
Interviews can be telephone-based such as at the first interview stage or face to face.
Schlumberger Competency Based Interview
In addition to finding out more about a candidate, their knowledge of the role and work at Schlumberger, and their motivations for applying, interviews at Schlumberger also include competency-based questions.
These questions are scenario-based and require candidates to provide examples from their previous experience.
The competencies assessed include:
- Problem-solving
- Communication skills
- Teamwork
- Technical competencies as relevant to the role applied for
Schlumberger Interview Questions
Questions asked at a Schlumberger interview may include:
- Tell me about your areas for development.
- Why have you applied for a career in the energy sector?
- Describe a time when you encountered conflict within your team. How did you approach the situation?
When preparing for the interview, it is essential to think about your past achievements, experiences, and examples that you can share to support this.
Schlumberger Assessment Centre
In addition to the interview, the assessment centre at Schlumberger also includes a presentation and group exercise.
Schlumberger Presentation
Before attending the assessment centre, candidates are provided with a topic to present. Those applying to graduate or internship vacancies are asked to prepare a 5-minute presentation on a general topic such as their career goals. In some cases, graduates applying for technical roles may be required to prepare a short technical presentation.
Experienced hire candidates are asked to prepare a 30-minute technical presentation relevant to their position.
The presentation exercise is an opportunity to assess a candidate's communication skills and understanding of technical material.
Schlumberger Group Exercise
The group exercise assesses how well a candidate can work within a team. All candidates are given a task to be completed in the group. The group exercise also assesses a candidate's communication, time management and problem-solving skills.
What Is It Like To Work At Schlumberger?
The inclusive culture at Schlumberger means everyone can share their ideas and contribute to the organisation's success and their own careers. Schlumberger is committed to developing its employees, ensuring that its employees have the proper training, and continue innovating in their roles.
It is worth noting that many roles at Schlumberger often require candidates to work away from home and to work long hours.
Top Tips To Getting Hired At Schlumberger
There are many things candidates can do to ensure they perform well at each stage of the Schlumberger recruitment and selection process.
Prepare For Tests
Before taking any assessment tests it is advisable to practice beforehand. Practicing the tests means you become familiar with the format and the style of questioning, as well as how you react under the pressure of a timed test.
Remember to review mathematical concepts and if you are sitting technical tests refresh your memory on any knowledge gaps.
Practice STAR method interview technique
The STAR (situation, task, action, result) technique is a useful framework to use when preparing for competency-based interview questions.
Using the framework when preparing your examples against competencies and sharing them in an interview means that you provide a full example that fully highlights the skill or competency you are looking to demonstrate.
Do Your Research
Research the role and the company and think about how your skills link to the role and your values to the organisation's values. This will demonstrate your commitment to the role and to starting or continuing your career with the organisation.
