Interview tips

You've been invited for an interview at Staatsolie. Congratulations! Now it's time to prepare. Here's what our HR team genuinely looks for, and what to avoid.

What to do and avoid in your interview

Do's

  • Arrive on time, dressed professionally. First impressions count. A neat, professional appearance signals respect, for the role and for us.

  • Make eye contact and sit up straight. We understand nerves are normal. A firm handshake and confident posture go a long way.

  • Know why you want this role. We want to hear your genuine motivation, why Staatsolie, why this position, and what you believe you can contribute.

  • Do your homework. Candidates who know our company and understand the role always stand out. Research Staatsolie before you walk in.

  • Use concrete examples. Don't speak in generalities. Tell us about a specific achievement, a challenge you overcame, or a skill you've genuinely developed.

  • Ask us questions. An interview goes both ways. We welcome your questions about the role, the team, and what growth looks like here.

  • Be honest and professional even about difficult experiences. If something didn't go well in a previous role, you can say so. What matters is how you reflect on it.

Don't

  • Don't arrive late without notice. Punctuality is one of the first things we observe. If something unavoidable happens, communicate early.

  • Don't focus too heavily on salary. Compensation is important, but leading with salary expectations can give the wrong impression especially early in the conversation.

  • Don't give vague or generic answers. "I'm a hard worker" tells us little. Specific examples from your experience tell us everything.

  • Don't speak negatively about previous employers. Stay professional. How you talk about past situations reveals a lot about how you'll conduct yourself here.

  • Don't arrive unprepared. Not knowing anything about Staatsolie or the role you're applying for suggests low interest, even if that's not the case.

  • Don't only talk about what you can do. We're equally interested in what drives you, your values, ambitions, and how you want to grow professionally.

Now go and show us what you’re made of

The best preparation is knowing yourself, your strengths, your ambitions, and why this role is the right fit. We look forward to meeting you.


Frequently Asked Questions

Contact the person who invited you as soon as possible. Explain the situation and ask whether another time is available.

Check your invitation for any documents or other items we’ve asked you to bring. If you’re unsure, contact the person who invited you.

Your invitation will tell you how and where the interview will take place. If it’s online, check your internet connection, camera and microphone beforehand. If anything is unclear, contact the person who invited you.

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