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Candidate top tips

Here at bp, we understand that job interviews can be daunting, but we want to ensure that you perform at your very best. We are committed to this principle and that is why it forms part of our Candidate Charter. The most important point to remember at an interview stage, is that interviews are a two way process. They are also an opportunity for you to understand if the role and organisation is right for you. Below are a few suggestions on how to approach your interview with us – for all types of interview, whether it is virtual, via the phone or face-to-face.


Telephone interviews


  • Try a dry run. There are so many ways to record yourself these days that it’s an easy way to check how you sound to others and all those funny “ums” and “has” you might be making can, with practice, be avoided.
  • Ask a family member, friend or colleague to run through some questions and play your answers back to yourself. Smile as you dial (really, this works!). A smiling voice sounds positive and upbeat, coupled with great energetic body language will ensure that you come across positively over the phone.
  • Be in the right place. Find a quiet spot somewhere with no distractions, to give yourself the best chance, you need to be focused on the task at hand. Make sure if you are using your mobile for the call that you have good signal and a full charge.
  • Remember to breathe and try to keep your speaking pace steady. We’ll try to make the discussion as relaxed as possible, but nerves can get the better of us all, and sometimes this can lead to speaking really quickly or sounding like you are mumbling.
  • Give the interviewer a chance too! On a telephone interview, there’s a tendency to speak-over and interrupt. It’s probably nerves – so bear this in mind, and keep calm.
  • Drop us a line. A quick thank you note to your interviewer goes a long way to show your interest. It’s a quick thing to do and it really does show a positive attitude.


Video interviews


  • Follow access instructions in your email invite.
  • Ensure that you have allowed yourself enough time in advance to test your system and check that your connection, camera and microphone are working correctly. There will be a link in your invite to do this.
  • Make sure you run the test on the device you will be using for the video interview.
  • If you are having a live interview, try to join early, in case you run into any unexpected issues.
  • Make sure you are in a quiet, distraction-free environment. Remember you are on camera, so try to find somewhere which has good lighting! Try to avoid having a bright light or a window behind you.
  • Use headphones with a good microphone to avoid feedback and audio echoes.
  • Set yourself up on a steady surface, to prevent a wobbly recording and keep your head and shoulders in focus on the camera.
  • Whilst you may be on camera, try to relax and be yourself! Smiling always shows that you are engaged and it is also proven to help with your own confidence.
  • Dress for success and build rapport – an interview is still an interview, dress for success, and remember to ask open questions to your interviewer if you are having a live video interview. Remember, we want to get to know the real you.


On the day


  • Arrive early – try and give yourself some time to relax before the interview and make sure you are as calm and prepared as you can be.
  • Answer questions honestly. Relax, smile, ensure you have good body language and eye contact but most importantly, just be yourself.
  • If you don’t understand a question, simply ask the interviewer to clarify, and if you don’t know the answer be honest. This will help your discussions be more authentic and transparent.
  • Take a moment to really think about the questions that you are being asked and use plenty of examples from your past experience, from as many different roles and organisations that you have worked for as possible. Varied and interesting examples will help enrich your interview dialogue.
  • Interviews are a two-way process – it’s also an opportunity for you to decide if bp is the right organisation for you.
  • Ask questions too. It’s not mandatory, but it is an opportunity for you to understand any areas you wish to explore further, such as your development, the team you could be working with and bp as a whole.


Next steps


  • Within our Candidate Charter, we commit to enabling you to take away valuable learning, whatever the outcome. So where possible we will provide feedback (this can be restricted by location and even local legislation – but our commitment is to give feedback where we can).
  • Should you be successful (congratulations!) you will receive an offer. There’s more information on this in our application animation and associated downloadable documents.
  • If you are not successful, then we would encourage you to register for job alerts if you have not done so already and keep in touch! The right role at bp might still be waiting for you and we positively welcome re-applicants. Remember - your recruiter will be there to support you throughout your interview process journey.

Other useful materials

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The application process at bp

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We’ve looked at our application process and listened to feedback from candidates to make applying for a job at bp as simple and straightforward as possible. Of course, interviews will vary slightly based on your experience, field of expertise and region you are applying to – but here are the three main steps once you have searched for and found a suitable role:

 

Step 1 – Application and early stages in the recruitment process

 

  • Apply online. Make sure to read the job description thoroughly, take care that you meet the minimum requirements for the role.
  • Your application will be screened by our specialist talent acquisition team and will likely be reviewed by your potential manager as well.
  • We may arrange a telephone or video interview with you. If you review any of the job specs online, you will see the key requirements for the role – the telephone/video interview is to ascertain that you broadly meet these criteria.
  • Your application process may include technical questioning whereby your responses will be reviewed and assessed in line with job requirements – typically technical and operational roles will have this assessment.
  • Depending on the role you apply for, we may ask you to participate in some psychometric testing. If this is required, your talent acquisition contact will explain the process and give you clear guidance on how to complete this, as well as answer any questions you may have. The important thing with this type of exercise is to answer the questions as honestly as you can as the evaluation is really designed to assess your suitability for the role.

 

Step 2 – The final stage in the assessment process

 

  • The final stage will usually be a face-to-face interview. This will comprise a general discussion and a more in-depth competency based interview plus a technical assessment if applicable. You will meet your talent acquisition contact and your hiring manager at this stage and perhaps other stakeholders – the people you could be working with. We feel it’s important for you to meet some of your potential colleagues up front – it will give you much more of a feel for the working environment.
  • Depending on the type of role you’re going for, you may have to visit an assessment centre – but guidelines will be given ahead of time if this is the case. You should make sure you are clear on what and how you will be assessed and what is expected of you. It’s important to listen carefully and to ask questions if you are not 100% certain of what is being asked of you, be up front about this. Rest assured that asking a question won’t affect your assessment – you’re not going to be marked down for requesting clarity!

 

Step 3 – Offer and onboarding

 

  • If you have been successful – congratulations! Your recruiter will contact you to make a verbal offer. Assuming you accept this, we will quickly follow up in writing.
  • Depending on your country of location we may need to conduct pre-employment screening checks, for example: educational qualifications, employment history /references and right to work in the region of employment. Don’t worry, all this will be made clear in advance and you’ll have plenty of time to get the necessary information together.
  • Once you have passed our pre-employment screening the welcoming process begins and we’ll do all we can to help you prepare for your new role with us. As well as keeping in touch with you following your job offer, we’ll have everything ready for your arrival. You’ll meet your line manager on your first day and you will be introduced to your buddy, who will be someone who knows the ropes and will be a great point of contact should you need some help.

 

Helpful tips

 

  • Make sure your CV/resume is up to date.
  • When you set up your account, register for job alerts – each time a role becomes available that fits the criteria you specify, you’ll be automatically emailed.
  • Do make sure that you tailor your application for a role, that way you will receive jobs that fit your job search specification. Also, be certain to answer the questions in the applications as fully as possible as this will help our specialist recruitment team.
  • It is absolutely essential that you complete your application form accurately and truthfully, including, if asked, all exam or module marks, dates and grades achieved. We often have to check these, so please be honest and up front with us.
  • Preparation is always key. Visit bp's website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube pages and do some research on us. We are very active on our social media channels. A job interview should be a two-way conversation and a two-way assessment, so you need to know as much as possible about us, the company and the role you’re applying for.
  • We will do our best to respond to your application, but we can’t guarantee an exact turnaround time – but our commitment to you is that we will get back to you as soon as we possibly can.
  • Finally – don’t be discouraged if you aren’t successful on your first application. We encourage you to keep checking the job alerts you have set up, make sure your searches are as accurate as possible and carry on conducting your research on bp - you never know what you might learn which may come in handy later on. 

 

Best of luck – we hope to hear from you soon!

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Interviewing at bp - a guide for candidates 

expand arrow icon

We’ve looked at our application process and listened to feedback from candidates to make applying for a job at bp as simple and straightforward as possible. Of course, interviews will vary slightly based on your experience, field of expertise and region you are applying to – but here are the three main steps once you have searched for and found a suitable role:

 

Step 1 – Application and early stages in the recruitment process

 

  • Apply online. Make sure to read the job description thoroughly, take care that you meet the minimum requirements for the role.
  • Your application will be screened by our specialist talent acquisition team and will likely be reviewed by your potential manager as well.
  • We may arrange a telephone or video interview with you. If you review any of the job specs online, you will see the key requirements for the role – the telephone/video interview is to ascertain that you broadly meet these criteria.
  • Your application process may include technical questioning whereby your responses will be reviewed and assessed in line with job requirements – typically technical and operational roles will have this assessment.
  • Depending on the role you apply for, we may ask you to participate in some psychometric testing. If this is required, your talent acquisition contact will explain the process and give you clear guidance on how to complete this, as well as answer any questions you may have. The important thing with this type of exercise is to answer the questions as honestly as you can as the evaluation is really designed to assess your suitability for the role.

 

Step 2 – The final stage in the assessment process

 

  • The final stage will usually be a face-to-face interview. This will comprise a general discussion and a more in-depth competency based interview plus a technical assessment if applicable. You will meet your talent acquisition contact and your hiring manager at this stage and perhaps other stakeholders – the people you could be working with. We feel it’s important for you to meet some of your potential colleagues up front – it will give you much more of a feel for the working environment.
  • Depending on the type of role you’re going for, you may have to visit an assessment centre – but guidelines will be given ahead of time if this is the case. You should make sure you are clear on what and how you will be assessed and what is expected of you. It’s important to listen carefully and to ask questions if you are not 100% certain of what is being asked of you, be up front about this. Rest assured that asking a question won’t affect your assessment – you’re not going to be marked down for requesting clarity!

 

Step 3 – Offer and onboarding

 

  • If you have been successful – congratulations! Your recruiter will contact you to make a verbal offer. Assuming you accept this, we will quickly follow up in writing.
  • Depending on your country of location we may need to conduct pre-employment screening checks, for example: educational qualifications, employment history /references and right to work in the region of employment. Don’t worry, all this will be made clear in advance and you’ll have plenty of time to get the necessary information together.
  • Once you have passed our pre-employment screening the welcoming process begins and we’ll do all we can to help you prepare for your new role with us. As well as keeping in touch with you following your job offer, we’ll have everything ready for your arrival. You’ll meet your line manager on your first day and you will be introduced to your buddy, who will be someone who knows the ropes and will be a great point of contact should you need some help.

 

Helpful tips

 

  • Make sure your CV/resume is up to date.
  • When you set up your account, register for job alerts – each time a role becomes available that fits the criteria you specify, you’ll be automatically emailed.
  • Do make sure that you tailor your application for a role, that way you will receive jobs that fit your job search specification. Also, be certain to answer the questions in the applications as fully as possible as this will help our specialist recruitment team.
  • It is absolutely essential that you complete your application form accurately and truthfully, including, if asked, all exam or module marks, dates and grades achieved. We often have to check these, so please be honest and up front with us.
  • Preparation is always key. Visit bp's website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube pages and do some research on us. We are very active on our social media channels. A job interview should be a two-way conversation and a two-way assessment, so you need to know as much as possible about us, the company and the role you’re applying for.
  • We will do our best to respond to your application, but we can’t guarantee an exact turnaround time – but our commitment to you is that we will get back to you as soon as we possibly can.
  • Finally – don’t be discouraged if you aren’t successful on your first application. We encourage you to keep checking the job alerts you have set up, make sure your searches are as accurate as possible and carry on conducting your research on bp - you never know what you might learn which may come in handy later on. 

 

Best of luck – we hope to hear from you soon!

rocket green icon

Recruitment fraud

expand arrow icon module

We’ve looked at our application process and listened to feedback from candidates to make applying for a job at bp as simple and straightforward as possible. Of course, interviews will vary slightly based on your experience, field of expertise and region you are applying to – but here are the three main steps once you have searched for and found a suitable role:

 

Step 1 – Application and early stages in the recruitment process

 

  • Apply online. Make sure to read the job description thoroughly, take care that you meet the minimum requirements for the role.
  • Your application will be screened by our specialist talent acquisition team and will likely be reviewed by your potential manager as well.
  • We may arrange a telephone or video interview with you. If you review any of the job specs online, you will see the key requirements for the role – the telephone/video interview is to ascertain that you broadly meet these criteria.
  • Your application process may include technical questioning whereby your responses will be reviewed and assessed in line with job requirements – typically technical and operational roles will have this assessment.
  • Depending on the role you apply for, we may ask you to participate in some psychometric testing. If this is required, your talent acquisition contact will explain the process and give you clear guidance on how to complete this, as well as answer any questions you may have. The important thing with this type of exercise is to answer the questions as honestly as you can as the evaluation is really designed to assess your suitability for the role.

 

Step 2 – The final stage in the assessment process

 

  • The final stage will usually be a face-to-face interview. This will comprise a general discussion and a more in-depth competency based interview plus a technical assessment if applicable. You will meet your talent acquisition contact and your hiring manager at this stage and perhaps other stakeholders – the people you could be working with. We feel it’s important for you to meet some of your potential colleagues up front – it will give you much more of a feel for the working environment.
  • Depending on the type of role you’re going for, you may have to visit an assessment centre – but guidelines will be given ahead of time if this is the case. You should make sure you are clear on what and how you will be assessed and what is expected of you. It’s important to listen carefully and to ask questions if you are not 100% certain of what is being asked of you, be up front about this. Rest assured that asking a question won’t affect your assessment – you’re not going to be marked down for requesting clarity!

 

Step 3 – Offer and onboarding

 

  • If you have been successful – congratulations! Your recruiter will contact you to make a verbal offer. Assuming you accept this, we will quickly follow up in writing.
  • Depending on your country of location we may need to conduct pre-employment screening checks, for example: educational qualifications, employment history /references and right to work in the region of employment. Don’t worry, all this will be made clear in advance and you’ll have plenty of time to get the necessary information together.
  • Once you have passed our pre-employment screening the welcoming process begins and we’ll do all we can to help you prepare for your new role with us. As well as keeping in touch with you following your job offer, we’ll have everything ready for your arrival. You’ll meet your line manager on your first day and you will be introduced to your buddy, who will be someone who knows the ropes and will be a great point of contact should you need some help.

 

Helpful tips

 

  • Make sure your CV/resume is up to date.
  • When you set up your account, register for job alerts – each time a role becomes available that fits the criteria you specify, you’ll be automatically emailed.
  • Do make sure that you tailor your application for a role, that way you will receive jobs that fit your job search specification. Also, be certain to answer the questions in the applications as fully as possible as this will help our specialist recruitment team.
  • It is absolutely essential that you complete your application form accurately and truthfully, including, if asked, all exam or module marks, dates and grades achieved. We often have to check these, so please be honest and up front with us.
  • Preparation is always key. Visit bp's website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube pages and do some research on us. We are very active on our social media channels. A job interview should be a two-way conversation and a two-way assessment, so you need to know as much as possible about us, the company and the role you’re applying for.
  • We will do our best to respond to your application, but we can’t guarantee an exact turnaround time – but our commitment to you is that we will get back to you as soon as we possibly can.
  • Finally – don’t be discouraged if you aren’t successful on your first application. We encourage you to keep checking the job alerts you have set up, make sure your searches are as accurate as possible and carry on conducting your research on bp - you never know what you might learn which may come in handy later on. 

 

Best of luck – we hope to hear from you soon!

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