A Nigerian man who completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and participated in Shell's recruitment process has shared the study guide he used to prepare. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he displayed a notebook filled with handwritten notes and recounted his experience. Although he aced the interview, he did not attend the final stage of the recruitment.
Man Shares Preparatory Notes for Shell Interview
The man, known as @SirJarus on X, posted photos of the notebook he used to prepare for Shell's recruitment. The pages contained his own handwritten notes, which he compiled to organize his ideas and examples according to Shell's selection criteria. His approach focused on capacity, achievement, and relationship, and he structured his responses to match those headings.
He recalled that his performance during the interview was strong, and he received an invitation to attend the final recruitment phase in Warri. However, he did not attend the last part of the process because the date coincided with his resumption at another energy firm, Oando. Having already secured the role with Oando, he decided not to appear for Shell's concluding assessment. He noted that had he joined Shell, there might have been a chance for him and the interviewer to work together later, albeit in different locations.
Personal Connection with Interviewer
The man also highlighted a personal connection with the interviewer that went beyond the recruitment. The two had attended the same primary school, secondary school, and university, and were part of the same cohort throughout.
In his words: "I underwent Shell recruitment in 2008 immediately after NYSC. This was the jotting I used to prepare, essentially structuring my thought and stories to fit the well-known CAR (Capacity, Achievement and Relationship) criteria Shell used to evaluate candidates. The interviewer chop am. Baba yen koje witi witi. Aced the interview stage and invited for SRD (final stage) in Warri. The date of the SRD happened to be the date I resumed in Oando. I didn't show up. Too excited with bagging Oando already. Maybe if I had shown up and got into Shell, both of us would have worked in same company (though different countries). Would have been a good way to cap to other things we shared already before that stage (same set in same primary school, secondary school, and university)."
Reactions from Nigerians
Nigerians had diverse reactions in the comments section. Adeseun said: "You're a meticulous record keeper! No way I'll be keeping preparatory notes for an interview attended 18 years ago." Adegoke wrote: "Man with Capacity. If it is today I am sure you would have delayed the Oando resumption and tried the Shell final stage interview." SmartKester added: "Some people still think you worked with Shell. Just what if you had gotten into Shell? Who knows you might not have achieved what you have today. I believe people can make it anywhere regardless."
This story highlights the importance of preparation and the unexpected twists in career journeys. The man's decision to prioritize Oando over Shell's final stage ultimately shaped his professional path.
