Top interview questions to expect

Top 7 likely questions:

1. Tell me about a time you faced a difficult challenge and overcame it.
2. Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult colleague and how you handled it.
3. Give me an example of a time when you had to take initiative and lead a project.
4. Tell me about your proudest professional achievement.
5. Give me an example of a time you failed and what you learned from it.
6. Describe a situation where you had to adapt to a new environment or role quickly.
7. Why do you want to work at Schlumberger and what makes you excited about the position?

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR framework is a widely used method to structure your answers in behavioral interviews. It involves breaking down your response into four key elements:

1. Situation: Briefly describe the context of the situation you faced.
2. Task: Explain your specific role and responsibilities in the situation.
3. Action: Detail the actions you took to address the challenge or achieve the desired outcome.
4. Result: Highlight the positive outcomes or lessons learned from your experience.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Example Answer:

In a fast-paced project, I was tasked with coordinating the efforts of a diverse team to meet a tight deadline. Despite initial setbacks and differing viewpoints, I took the initiative to facilitate open communication, assign clear roles, and proactively manage risks. Through regular progress updates and effective problem-solving, we successfully delivered the project on time and exceeded client expectations.

Why this answer is strong:

– Situation: Clearly sets the context of the challenge and the project’s importance.

– Task: Emphasizes the candidate’s specific role and responsibility in coordinating the team’s efforts.

– Action: Details the specific actions taken to address the challenge, including facilitating communication, managing risks, and problem-solving.

– Result: Highlights the positive outcome of delivering the project on time and exceeding client expectations.


2. Example Answer:

Working on a cross-functional project, I encountered a colleague with a very different working style. To maintain productivity and achieve our shared goals, I took the initiative to schedule a one-on-one meeting. During the discussion, I actively listened to their concerns, explained my approach, and found common ground. We agreed on a compromise that allowed us to work together effectively, contributing to the project’s success.

Why this answer is strong:

– Situation: Clearly describes the challenge of working with a difficult colleague and its potential impact on the project.

– Task: Emphasizes the candidate’s role in taking the initiative to address the issue and maintain productivity.

– Action: Details the specific actions taken, including scheduling a one-on-one meeting, actively listening, explaining one’s approach, and finding common ground.

– Result: Highlights the positive outcome of effectively collaborating with the colleague and contributing to the project’s success.


3. Example Answer:

As a project manager, I was entrusted with leading a complex project involving multiple stakeholders and technical challenges. To ensure its success, I proactively developed a detailed project plan, clearly defining roles, responsibilities, and milestones. I regularly communicated with stakeholders, keeping them informed of progress and seeking their input. Through effective leadership and collaboration, we successfully completed the project within budget and on schedule, exceeding the client’s expectations.

Why this answer is strong:

– Situation: Clearly sets the context of the challenge, emphasizing the project’s complexity and importance.

– Task: Highlights the candidate’s specific role as a project manager and their responsibility for leading the project to success.

– Action: Details the specific actions taken, including developing a detailed project plan, communicating with stakeholders, and fostering collaboration.

– Result: Highlights the positive outcome of completing the project within budget, on schedule, and exceeding client expectations.


4. Example Answer:

A significant professional achievement for me was successfully managing a major product launch. I led a cross-functional team, working closely with marketing, sales, and engineering departments to ensure a seamless launch. Through meticulous planning, effective communication, and a strong focus on customer needs, we achieved record-breaking sales and positive customer feedback. This successful launch contributed significantly to the company’s overall growth and profitability.

Why this answer is strong:

– Situation: Clearly describes the context of the achievement, emphasizing the importance of the product launch to the company.

– Task: Highlights the candidate’s specific role in leading a cross-functional team and their responsibility for ensuring a successful launch.

– Action: Details the specific actions taken, including meticulous planning, effective communication, and a focus on customer needs.

– Result: Highlights the positive outcome of achieving record-breaking sales, positive customer feedback, and contributing to the company’s growth and profitability.


5. Example Answer:

In a previous role, I faced a setback when an important project encountered unexpected challenges that resulted in missing a key deadline. I took ownership of the situation, analyzed the root causes of the failure, and learned from the experience. I implemented new processes and improved communication channels to prevent similar issues in the future. This experience taught me the value of adaptability, resilience, and continuous improvement, which I now apply in all my professional endeavors.

Why this answer is strong:

– Situation: Clearly acknowledges the failure and its potential impact on the project and the company.

– Task: Highlights the candidate’s role in taking ownership of the situation and analyzing the root causes of the failure.

– Action: Details the specific actions taken to learn from the experience and implement improvements to prevent similar issues in the future.

– Result: Highlights the positive outcome of gaining valuable lessons, developing adaptability and resilience, and applying these learnings to future endeavors.


6. Example Answer:

When transitioning to a new role in a different industry, I recognized the importance of quickly adapting to a new environment and unfamiliar tasks. I actively sought out opportunities to learn and grow. I reached out to colleagues, attended training sessions, and took the initiative to shadow experienced professionals in the field. By being open to new experiences and actively seeking knowledge, I was able to quickly contribute to the team’s success and establish myself as a valuable asset to the company.

Why this answer is strong:

– Situation: Clearly describes the challenge of transitioning to a new role and industry.

– Task: Highlights the candidate’s role in taking responsibility for their own learning and growth.

– Action: Details the specific actions taken, including reaching out to colleagues, attending training sessions, and shadowing experienced professionals.

– Result: Highlights the positive outcome of quickly contributing to the team’s success and establishing themselves as a valuable asset to the company.


7. Example Answer:

I am excited about the opportunity to join Schlumberger because of its reputation for innovation, global impact, and commitment to sustainability. I am particularly drawn to the company’s focus on developing cutting-edge technologies that address real-world energy challenges. As a highly motivated and results-oriented professional, I believe that my skills and experience align perfectly with Schlumberger’s goals. I am confident that I can make a significant contribution to the company’s continued success and am eager to learn and grow within this dynamic organization.

Why this answer is strong:

– Situation: Clearly expresses the candidate’s enthusiasm for Schlumberger and their excitement about the opportunity.

– Task: Highlights the candidate’s awareness of Schlumberger’s reputation, focus on innovation, and commitment to sustainability.

– Action: Demonstrates the candidate’s confidence in their ability to align their skills and experience with Schlumberger’s goals and contribute to the company’s success.

– Result: Expresses the candidate’s eagerness to learn, grow, and make a significant contribution to Schlumberger.