Hi guys.

I'm new to this section of the forum. Either way, I feel that it might benefit me (and future job-seekers) to ask some experienced OnG guys here regarding my situation.

First off, I'm a graduate in Chemical Engineering from a UK university branch campus in Malaysia. My Chemical Engineering degree is a standard 3 year UK degree (so not accredited by BEM). I graduated last year, so I can be considered fresh.

Basically, I was invited to join a Baker Hughes Experience (BHE) sometime last month for the position of Field Engineer (Baker Hughes is an upstream oilfield services company- drilling, completions, well services, flow assurance etc.). The BHE lasted for 2 days. Standard assessment weekend activities: panel interviews, teamwork activities, logic test, mechanical aptitude test, poster presentations, debates etc. During the two days, we met hiring managers and got to socialize with them . All the while they were observing and assessing us.

Finally, before we were allowed to leave, they called us in one by one and informed us of whether or not they will be hiring us. Unfortunately for me, I was rejected. They didn't provide me a reason or basis for rejection, they just said: "We don't have a suitable position for you" and that was that. Those who were hired were immediately assigned departments (coiled tubing, cementing, intelligent production systems, upstream chemicals etc.)

What I'm here to ask (especially addressed to the experienced OnG guys) is what exactly were they looking for during those 2 days? Not to brag or come off as egotistical, but I believe that I performed rather well during the many teamwork activities, presentations, panel interviews and tests. I accept that I may not possess a degree that perfectly suits the job, but other chemical engineers were hired. Also, I did my best to leave a positive impression on the hiring managers and HR personnel that were present.

Can anyone can provide me an insight as to what the OnG sectors look for in their candidates ? Also, how did they manage to assess us and say : "You're right for coiled tubing. You're right for cementing. Etc." based on activities that SEEMINGLY don't test for technical skill sets (presentations, teamwork etc.)?

I'm writing this not because I'm sour and sulky that I didn't get the job, but because I need to know why and how I was rejected. What kind of criteria were they looking for. I believe this is important for me to improve myself and prepare for future interviews.

Please do share your thoughts. Any insights the senior OnG guys can provide will be beneficial for future job-seekers. Thank you all !

This post has been edited by thenukid: May 8 2012, 05:39 PM

Not too outstanding eh ? I certainly didn't try to steal the lime-light. My sister gave me the exact advice before I went, and I bore it with me throughout. I guess we'll never fully know unless we work in the HR department of these OnG companies.

This post has been edited by thenukid: May 8 2012, 05:52 PM

Good luck on your upcoming assessment. As many have said, try no to dominate the competition, but at the same time, try not to be too passive. Balance is key for us job-seekers I suppose.

Amen to not dwelling on it for too long. It can drive a guy insane. Just try other routes into OnG. If none exist, sorry mate, I suppose you ain't fated to serve the sector. As my friend said: "You're needed elsewhere". I just hope I'm not needed in McD flipping burger patties (No offence to McD's workers) .

Seems like a lot of other people here have been rejected during the final stage selection process. It's common apparently. It's not that I hate them for not hiring me, at least extend the poor bugger the courtesy of telling the rejected candidate what he/she did wrong. But I suppose the HR department of big OnG firms....busy, busy, busy. Ah well, time to soldier on.

As for grades and extra curricular activities, I just have two true stories to tell :

Case A - Female. First Class Honours (Above 70% average) . Various committee roles in clubs and societies. Active in sports, joined numerous tournaments. Out-going, energetic, enthusiastic. Applied to Shell, rejected via e-mail. Not even a proper phone call.

Case B - Male. Second Class Lower (Below 60% average). Committee post in ONE club. Inactive in sports. A very passive and shy guy, very pleasant. Currently working as a Baker Hughes field engineer.

Once again, what are they looking for in the talent they hire ? Maybe some forumers can shed light .