30 Baker Hughes Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Baker Hughes Incorporated interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Table of Contents
- 1. Accomplishment Questions
- 2. Adaptability Questions
- 3. Capability Questions
- 4. Career Goals Questions
- 5. Communication Questions
- 6. Compatibility Questions
- 7. Competency Questions
- 8. Conflict Questions
- 9. Critical Thinking Questions
- 10. Diligence Questions
- 11. Discovery Questions
- 12. Diversity Questions
- 13. Education Questions
- 14. EQ Questions
- 15. Experience Questions
- 16. Leadership Questions
- 17. Performance Based Questions
- 18. Stress Questions
- 19. Teamwork Questions
Accomplishment
1. What is your most significant achievement? Why was it significant and what was the result?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
What you consider a professional achievement will inform the interviewer what thought you put into your goals for career advancement and what your ambition has to offer your employer. The scale of your achievement will potentially reveal how engaged or unmotivated you are. The achievement you share simply needs to be relevant to the role, showcasing your experience level, your scope of the big picture, and your work standard/ethic.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Focus Your Answer On
Baker Hughes' "People Framework Commitments" are stuffed with keywords that describe their work culture. "Collaborate with organizations and on projects aligned with interests and needs of the communities where we live and work around the globe. Increase diversity in leadership, our employee base, and our supply chain to reflect the communities where we operate. Attract, equip, and empower the workforce of the future by investing in early leadership development, supporting employee health and wellbeing, and creating opportunities for the next generation of talent." From this statement, you can spot the keywords that inform of the types of employees they aim to recruit into the work culture. "Reflect, attract, equip, empower, invest, develop, support, collaborate, and align."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
What You Need to Know
HireVue's "models focus on skills, behaviors, and competencies specific to the job." For example, they state, "Common types of questions you'll see in a video-based assessment are situational judgment questions. You'll be asked what actions to take when confronted with a hypothetical situation." They commonly follow a structure where they ask about a hypothetical situation or a situation you've been in, your course of action, and the results or consequences of your actions. Your answers will be scored for your emotional intelligence, empathy, communication, adaptability, team orientation, and initiative.
So when delivering your answers, avoid rambling, and be as concise as possible. Communicate clearly and use the recommended STAR method when structuring your answers. Address each answer by first offering the SITUATION involved with your example. Then move into the TASK this situation required. Then share the ACTION you took and the RESULT of your actions. To ensure clarity and consistency throughout your interview, practice taking this approach with each situational question posed.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"My most recent significant achievement was my completion of my Advanced Excel and SAP courses. I learned a great deal, have a few extra modules I aim to get through, and greatly look forward to applying these new skills to this role with Baker Hughes. I also feel accomplished in having recently revised my career plan and am excited about what comes next."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 7th, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"For the last two years, I've looked forward to earning my master's degree in Chemical Engineering, while also working full time. I really felt like this was the next step in furthering my career more expeditiously. Overperforming in school and at work proved challenging and difficult at times, but I told myself I could do it so I kept up the work. It was difficult and rewarding all at the same time. My graduation date is this May, so that is the most significant achievement on the horizon."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Adaptability
2. Baker Hughes operates in many countries. Are you able to travel and work around the world?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Baker Hughes is a global organization, "but we're local too. With business conducted in more than 120 countries, we work in partnership with our customers, wherever they are, to deliver better outcomes. Operating across so many markets provides a diverse set of global perspectives, making our company stronger, more resilient, and more responsive to our global customers. We are proud that our people and our businesses are part of the fabric of the communities in which they work." How you answer the question should prove informative of how adaptable you are, and how far you would be willing to go to further your career goals and the goals of the company. Be honest and as open as possible. If you have limitations, share them. If you are not sure, simply state that you are open to discussing it further should the right opportunity arise. If this is something that appeals to you, explain why.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 4th, 2023
What You Need to Know
The HireVue assessment model will record your interview, and then analyze each data point to identify the top performers most suited to the company's goals and culture. That information is then compiled into what they call a "candidate insight report," where HireVue's assessment model categorizes a candidate's skill set into one of five experience levels: novice, developing, intermediate, advanced, and expert. One such skill set is Adaptability, which HireVue defines as "the ability to shift or change opinions, actions, or behaviors when faced with multiple demands, shifting priorities, rapid change, or ambiguity."
Once the report is generated, they will pass the materials on to the company's hiring authority, where they can read the reports, and view the recorded interview by itself, or view more than one candidate side by side for further comparison and evaluation. It's up to the recruiter whether they take the algorithm's recommendations or not. "Your answers are recorded for a representative at the company to evaluate. Because HireVue is not directly involved in the hiring process, the company you applied to will follow up with you about their hiring decision or any next steps after you complete your interview."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
The Goal
HireVue's business model is built upon its platform, product development, and marketing. Their service helps streamline the recruiting process while helping their client companies cut down on administrative and payroll costs. HireVue's reputation is built upon having effective AI that helps screen "unqualified candidates" from "top performers." Your goal is to deliver a great interview with sincerity while putting your best foot forward. To do so, all you need is a basic understanding of how the algorithm works, why their questions are phrased in a certain way, and to appeal to the recruiter who may later view your recorded interview. You want to stand out and come across as a perfect candidate for the hiring manager who reviews the recorded video later because their opinion is the only one that matters.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 4th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"I am eligible to travel and have no limitations when it comes to traveling for work or relocating anywhere in the world. My passport is valid, and I have a NEXUS border pass as well."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 7th, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"I am open to discussing this further and learning more about the travel component in this role since this is the first time the possibility of international travel has come to my attention. So it feels prudent to learn more before agreeing to something I don't yet have the full scope of."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Capability
3. What can you tell me about how Baker Hughes is organized?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The information available online regarding everything Baker Hughes does as a company, from offshore drilling to capturing and cutting emissions, involves solving a fundamental challenge behind the energy transition: reducing environmental impact while maximizing efficiency, productivity, and reliability. So take ample time fully familiarizing yourself with all of their offerings as a company.
"We are an energy technology company that has a diverse portfolio of equipment and service capabilities that span the energy and industrial value chain. The oilfield services and equipment segment provides products and services for onshore and offshore oilfield operations across the lifecycle of a well, ranging from exploration, appraisal, and development; to production, rejuvenation, and decommissioning. The Industrial & Energy Technology (IET) segment combines a broad array of domain expertise, technologies, and services for industrial and energy customers."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Pro Tip
This is an opportunity to share your story as a candidate, and how you relay your story is just as important as the story itself. HireVue aims to predict your future job performance by analyzing your expertise, skills, personality, and integrity by studying your verbal and non-verbal cues, such as tone, body language, the consistency of your answers, how tidy and clean your surroundings are, and how presentable your personal appearance is. Professional confidence and poise are the natural demeanor you want to strike. Maximize your comfort level and try to come across as relaxed as possible. Maintain eye contact and smile softly.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
What You Need to Know
Other than the data obtained through the recorded video, other assessments, such as HireVue's game challenge assessments, which evaluate how a candidate interacts with and processes information may go into their "candidates insight reports." All candidates applying to a position will receive the same set of questions, selected by the hiring company. Additionally, HireVue takes measures to prevent candidates from seeing these interview questions before they interview. These measures ensure that each candidate has the same amount of time to review the questions and prepare their responses, giving all candidates the same interview experience and an equal shot at putting their best foot forward.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Answer Example
"As an energy tech company, Baker Hughes has several brand pillars which are organized into two primary business segments: Oilfield Services which consist of onshore and offshore operations, and Equipment and Industrial and Energy Technology."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Career Goals
4. Why is this job with Baker Hughes right for you at this time in your career?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How you answer this question should offer insights into whether you would be a good fit or a sustainable match for their company. Primarily, they need to evaluate whether your goals align with theirs and whether you are looking for any job anywhere, or if there are specific reasons you are pursuing this opportunity with them. When researching their website, identify the language and value propositions they use. Adopt their language into your answers when able to do so naturally.
"Grow. Collaborate. Lead. Care. Why are these our values? And what do they mean for you, for your everyday work, and for the future of your career? Are you seeking an opportunity to make a real difference in a company that values innovation and progress? Join us and become part of a team of people who will challenge and inspire you! Let's come together and take energy forward. Are you ready? A rewarding career awaits you, helping to make energy cleaner, safer, and more efficient. Let's work together to repurpose our 100+ years of experience to fuel innovation. Let's reimagine opportunities by connecting ourselves and our services across 120+ countries. Let's recognize and respect the part that every person plays in shaping our future. Let's drive the energy transition, and your career, forward."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
What You Need to Know
HireVue prides itself in providing "consistency to the interview process" by helping its clients avoid making "poor hiring decisions," and for finding "top performers," and "qualified talent," most suited to the company's goals and culture by customizing an assessment model, "built for a specific job role" with a "clear performance indicator for the job role that differentiates the strongest from the least promising performers. The right questions elicit responses that can be measured and that are pertinent to predicting job performance. Video-based assessments evaluate both what you know about performing the job and competencies, like communication skills, conscientiousness, problem-solving skills, team orientation, and initiative, the skills and characteristics that are most important for success in that job role. Carefully study the job description and have examples to 'show what you know' about doing that job well."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
How to Prep
The algorithm will screen, evaluate, classify, and categorize each interviewed candidate, and notices "everything relevant in the interview (what someone says and how they say it), and build a model that uses only the data points that help predict success in the job." So, take time to prepare, be in the mental state you want to convey, and be wholly self-aware. Be consistent with the message of your answers and consistent with your non-verbal cues. Pay attention to the details and avoid unintentionally contradicting yourself from answer to answer or from what you've detailed on your resume. Your interview performance will predict your job performance. It will assess your tone for your vocal cues and the message of your answer. Some of the nonverbal cues the assessment vendor will scan your video interview for are your posture, facial expressions, eye movements, head movements, and hand movements.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Answer Example
"I currently manage a small team of 12 field operators and engineers. Although I love the work, I have been passively seeking a new position for quite some time and haven't jumped on anything yet because I want to make sure it's the right fit. I am ready to stretch myself professionally into an organization with more production capacity and teams of 25 or more. This year I dedicated myself to taking two leadership workshops, which I feel greatly prepared me to take on the challenge of the work volume presented here. I feel that this job is right for me at this point in my career because it offers an opportunity for me to advance my management skills. I'm also looking for a company whose corporate beliefs mesh well with my own personal views and an ambitious spirit that matches my own."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Career Goals
5. Where would you like to take your career next?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question offers you an opportunity to share where you would like to take your career with Baker Hughes. The assessment model and the recruiter aim to identify those candidates who are motivated and determined and whose short-term goals, long-term goals, and the bigger picture of their career align with what Baker Hughes has to offer. They are looking for candidates who are confident in their statements, who have a strong work ethic, and have clearly prepared for the opportunity.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
What You Need to Know
Familiarize yourself with the value propositions they've posted on the career page in their recruiting efforts and pay attention to the language they've crafted, which is indicative of their company culture. "Your career success is the sum of all of your experiences. There is enormous opportunity for your career, with the training and support you need to forge a career you can be proud of. Our people are at the heart of what we do at Baker Hughes. We know we are better when all of our people are developed, engaged and able to bring their whole authentic selves to work. We invest in the health and well-being of our workforce, train and reward talent and develop leaders at all levels to bring out the best in each other. We prioritize rewarding those who embrace change with a package that reflects how much we value their input. That's why we are committed to continuously improving how we support your career and help you thrive at work, every day."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
How to Answer
Remember, you will be evaluated for your confidence and sincerity. When confused or concentrating, we tend to furrow our brow or redirect our gaze, and you want to come across as prepared. So try to remain self-aware of how you'll be perceived, remain objective and confident, and keep your body language, posture and facial expressions as relaxed and open and at ease. Practice relaxing your brow and widening your eyes. Tilt your head slightly and nod slowly. Speak softly and with ease. Briefly share the attainable career goals you aim to achieve. Share your standard of excellence, and what success looks like to you across all fronts. Go into brief detail about how Baker Hughes can help you achieve them, and the timeframes you've set for each milestone. Then touch on where you would like to take your career after that.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Answer Example
"I want to further my professional experience through continuous mentorship and training. I want to forge a path forward with the company I work for, while being rewarded with greater responsibility and trust. The higher I can climb, the happier I'll be."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 7th, 2023
Career Goals
6. What type of work environment allows you to be the most productive?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This is another question aimed at assessing whether you are the right fit for their company and would be a top performer in this role. How you answer will offer insights that will help the assessment vendor evaluate how confident you are that you're the right fit for this opportunity, and whether you've identified factors and conditions that facilitate greater success for you than those that you might find more distracting or less ideal. Your response could also inform them whether their work environment and workplace conditions were a motivator for you to pursue this opportunity.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
What You Need to Know
As Baker Hughes states online, "Presently, defining an ideal workplace may appear complicated because of the many factors at play. So what does an ideal workplace look like today?" Learn everything you can about the environment Baker Hughes offers before your interview. The more prepared you are, the more you will showcase your work ethic and potentially be perceived as a top performer. In some of their roles, they offer flexible working patterns, "flexing the times when you work in the day to help you fit everything in and work when you are the most productive. We recognize that everyone is different and that the way in which people want to work and deliver at their best is different for everyone too. Work in a way that works for you."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 6th, 2023
How to Prep
Spend time meditating on working environments, conditions, or situations you find distracting. Spend equal time thinking of what ideally helps you be more focused and productive, and ensure Baker Hughes can facilitate these conditions before volunteering them. Also, be sure to avoid giving off nonverbal cues that could be misinterpreted by the assessment model. For example, many nonverbal cues can be confused for nervous or stressful behavior, such as fidgeting (any small movements of your hands or feet), swaying, shifting your weight, rocking or tilting back in your chair, leaning to one side or the other, straightening and freezing your posture, cradling your neck with one or both hands, crossing your arms, cracking your knuckles or biting your nails.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Experienced Example
"I understand that your work environment is very adaptive, flexible, and collaborative. Some time ago, I identified the kind of environment that enables me to be the most productive. It is about striking an intellectually stimulating environment that is organized and distraction-free. So I make sure that my environment is as optimal as possible no matter where I am working. For example, when I am working at home, I have a desk that can be adjusted from a sit-down desk to a standing desk. I also have my Apple HomePod programmed to play birdsong to Mozart at given intervals, and everything is neatly organized to ensure I have everything I need within reach. I can be very productive when there is the "buzz" of a team around me and also be productive in quieter environments. So I guess I am adaptable and can perform well in a high-pressure, demanding environment that requires me to work smart and make my mark. I am competitive and love a challenge."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Communication
7. Tell us about a time you disagreed with a coworker. Describe the situation, your approach, and the outcome.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Part of how the assessment model evaluates the content and meaning of your message is often through how you interpret each question. The best way to get a high score for this communication question is to showcase your emotional intelligence. Having a disagreement with a coworker doesn't always translate to a conflict situation. An expert handles disagreements objectively, with emotional intelligence, through empathy, and impulse control, utilizing their negotiation and persuasion skills in a professional manner.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
How to Prep
When asked to "Talk about a time when...," it's important to remember that the hiring managers are looking for a specific story-based example that highlights your professional behavior in challenging interpersonal situations. So communicate clearly, avoid rambling, and structure your answer using the STAR method. Focus on the positives and how the overall outcome benefitted the team while aligning your approach with their company culture. Practice in front of your computer's camera until you feel comfortable with this style of interview. Try to avoid looking at yourself on the screen. Maintain eye contact with the camera lens as if you're speaking face-to-face with a person. Pay attention to your body language, and make sure your nonverbal cues are communicating the message you want to send.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
How to Answer
While it is good to practice answering the questions for your Baker Hughes HireVue interview, you want to avoid sounding too rehearsed. Sounding wooden and dull could be interpreted as lacking passion and being burned out or unenthusiastic. Aim to come across as natural, and posture yourself in a relaxed and comfortable position. Nonverbal cues for empathy are slightly tilting your head, nodding slowly, keeping your palms open, maintaining eye contact, smiling softly, and slightly raising your eyebrows. Integrate their language into your own. Approach your research as if you were getting a head start on your onboarding and orientation even before you are hired. You want to come across as one of them, as if you've identified them as an ideal match for what you are looking for and already embrace their culture and values.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 6th, 2023
Experienced Example
"I was on a team being led by someone who was overly ambitious in advancing their career goals and saw this project as an opportunity to train several team members simultaneously on new skills. Although I admired them for wanting to train our teammates on some new skills, the deadline for this project was somewhat tight. Having a strong sense of time management, I felt strongly that training our teammates on these skills alone, before actually embarking on this project, would exceed the allotted time to accomplish our goals. Although I admired their intent, this approach was not conducive to accomplishing our goals. So I expressed this, and instead suggested we place everyone on the team in accordance with their strengths and aim to come in as far ahead of our deadline as possible, and if we met this goal, we could use the additional time on the tail end to offer some training, that is, once our priorities were met. They resisted at first, and I asked that they simply consider it. So they did and got a second opinion which was in alignment with mine, and they ultimately adopted my approach."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Communication
8. How would you describe your communication skills?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question is aimed at determining how effectively you would be able to represent their company and whether you would be able to adhere to the Baker Hughes Code of Conduct. According to their code, this requires ensuring that communications are accurate, forthright, in good faith, with due care, competence, and diligence, without misrepresenting material facts or allowing independent judgment to be subordinated. This includes respecting confidentiality, that company information is not to be used for personal advantage, and that you conduct yourself with fairness, honesty, integrity, and professionalism.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
What You Need to Know
Being an effective communicator, verbally and in written form, is an essential skill. Your aim is to come across as an expert rather than a novice, so focus on what the algorithm evaluates and how it scores. HireVue states you will be scored on "the content of your message, the meaning in your message, and the emotion you express." This includes your consistency, attention to detail, and how well you are able to communicate complex matters in the simplest of terms. As Baker Hughes advises, "Share a positive, consistent and simple message."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
How to Prep
Practice speaking in a natural and evenly paced tone. Try not to speak too fast. Rushing through your responses is a sign of stress or nervous behavior. Moderate your tone to come across as confident and relaxed, more like an equal speaking among your peers. Speak with purpose. Spend time meditating on what you want to say. Take into consideration the positive or negative undertone of every word you choose. Enunciate your words, avoiding stutters or long pauses. Limit over-use of any speech crutch words such as like, ah, er, um, and you know. Lastly, attest to your integrity and strength of character, and how you take pride in protecting your company through the utmost professional conduct.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Experienced Example
"I would say I am a strong communicator, whether verbally or written. I easily recognize unclear or messy communication when I see it, and make efforts to clarify until I am sure the intention of the message is clear and received. I would describe my communication as clear, concise, and thorough. I am adaptable and recognize when written communication is a necessary follow-up to verbal communication. I'd say I am empathetic as well, an active listener, and situationally objective."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Compatibility
9. What is our mission?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question is not only intended to test your company knowledge, but to evaluate whether you embrace their mission and values. Go deeper than simply exploring the statements posted on their website. Watch the videos they've posted on their careers site as well, including their employee testimonials, and what they have to say about working for the company.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
What You Need to Know
"Grow. Collaborate. Lead. Care. Why are these our values? And what do they mean for you, for your everyday work, and for the future of your career? See challenge as opportunity and learn every day. Inspire, be inclusive, and bring out the best in each other. Make, invent, and perform with impact. Do the right thing, always, for our customers, our people, and the environment. We are united in our mission to redefine what's possible in the energy sector. We are also united in how we work together to get there, and that's where our values come from."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
How to Prep
The assessment model for your interview has been customized for this role to identify the skills and characteristics that are most important for success in this particular role, and to identify how suited you are to the company's mission, values, and culture. So go deeper than reciting their mission statement and convey your like-mindedness and that you personally and professionally identify with their mission.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Experienced Example
"The mission of Baker Hughes is to redefine what's possible in the energy sector. This is accomplished through their values of grow, collaborate, lead, and care. These are aligned with what I aim to accomplish while furthering my career. I am looking for the opportunity to be challenged, inspired, and to make an impact with integrity."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 7th, 2023
Compatibility
10. Why should we hire you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question offers you another opportunity to showcase your merits. Highlight any top skills you feel will add more value to your candidacy. Spend some time looking up terms that you feel best apply to you or are naturally part of your vocabulary. Use professional adjectives to describe yourself and your situation, such as career-focused, ambitious, persistent, genuine, patient, enthusiastic, disciplined, and passionate. Also, evaluate how they describe their ideal candidates and align yourself appropriately. "Hit the ground running and perform responsibly in challenging roles with real impact on the organization. Through formal and informal training, learn, adapt, and quickly gain situational and organizational awareness in a dynamic business environment."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
How to Prep
As you practice this interview set, set your timer for three minutes and practice answering each question out loud while recording yourself delivering your answer. Although HireVue takes measures to prevent candidates from seeing their interview questions before the interview, they offer practice questions on their website to prepare candidates for the process. "While virtual interviewing isn't difficult, a little practice can help you prepare. Most on-demand interviews ask you to give your answer in just a few minutes. It's helpful to think about how you will illustrate your skills clearly in that timeframe, and to practice them out loud." While their practice questions do not apply directly to Baker Hughes, they can also serve as additional help to prepare you to deliver your answers within the allotted three-minute timeframe.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Experienced Example
"In my last position, I hit the ground running swiftly getting up to speed and put my organizational skills to work by making an incredible impact on improving our systems in-office. I quickly implemented new filing systems for both physical and digital files. I also introduced the use of Trello, a project management app that we now use office-wide. My ability to build strong relationships helped me secure and maintain a great deal of new business, delivering an increased customer base and a stronger contractor network."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Compatibility
11. Have you done any volunteering?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This is another question aimed at assessing how compatible you are and whether you would be a good fit for their company. One of Baker Hughes's core values is care. This directly applies to their policy on community service and volunteerism. "Our employees demonstrate our "Care" value when they volunteer their time to help others. We logged more than 27,181 employee volunteer hours logged around the world."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
What You Need to Know
HireVue offers candidates conflicting advice on their website. On one webpage, they recommend finding a quiet and professional space to perform your interview, "Pick a spot free from distractions and noise." But on another page they say, "Just relax. If your dog barks or your kid runs across the screen-relax. It's okay. Your employer will understand, and if they don't, perhaps it's not the right culture fit for you. And that's okay. This is your time to showcase who you are and what you can add to an organization. Prepare, take a deep breath, and be yourself."
Even though you have the advantage of being in your own environment, bear in mind that your surroundings are a reflection of you. So prioritize what you want the assessment model and the recruiter to focus on. You want their focus to be on you and not on your background. Make sure your space is organized, free of distractions, and work-appropriate. Choose a space not too cluttered, preferably with a plain background. If you're not home alone, give everyone a heads-up that you are about to record your interview and ask them to be respectfully quiet. If this is not an option, wait for an opportunity to be alone. Remember, you can record your interview anytime, anywhere. Exercise sound judgment and present yourself on camera as a professional in every way, as you would in an in-person interview.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
How to Prep
Since you can interview from anywhere, make sure it's somewhere you're comfortable. You can use a computer, tablet, or mobile device. Allow some time before the interview to enter the virtual interview room and check that your Wi-Fi signal is strong, your webcam and microphone are responsive, and that your sound and lighting are suitable for your interview. Close any unnecessary browsers or distracting alerts and notifications on your connected devices during your interview. Use the bathroom before you begin. Have a glass of water ready next to you if you need it during the interview. Ensure you are in a quiet room or area, well-lit and free of distractions.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Experienced Example
"Yes. I volunteer for my neighborhood cleanup, picking up trash and cleaning up our neighborhood nature spaces and parks. We also clear paths and make them safer for the kids that play in those spaces. I also volunteer with the city's horticultural society, where I guide online seminars for individuals who are interested in getting a free rain barrel through our city program. It helps educate them on our storm watershed efforts to clean up our rivers. For me, it is about doing the right thing for our community and the environment."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Compatibility
12. What does integrity mean to you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question aims to determine how aligned you are with their core values and code of conduct. "At Baker Hughes Company (Baker Hughes), we care about doing what's right. It's in our DNA to act with integrity in all that we do. The Baker Hughes Code of Conduct reflects that core belief. The Code is our North Star, the foundation around which everything else revolves. It reflects our personal accountability but also reinforces and reminds us that at Baker Hughes, we are expected to do what's right, safe and considers the wellbeing of our people, our customers, the communities in which we operate and the environment. How each of us acts and reacts reflects on our company directly. Be honest, fair and trustworthy in all Baker Hughes activities and relationships. Fulfill your obligation to promptly report any concerns about compliance with laws, Baker Hughes policies or this Code. Simple compliance is more effective compliance. Effective comaliance is a competitive advantage. Work with speed, accountability and integrity."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 6th, 2023
What You Need to Know
HireVue offers a background blur feature if you are unable to find a location that is free of distractions. However, considering that Baker Hughes offers flexible working patterns, they'll need assurances that you will be self managed and organized when working remotely, and most recruiters may find that blurred background distracting or wonder what that hidden background says about how organized or professional you are. In fact, if the recruiter thinks you are hiding something, they may question your integrity.
Remember, the assessment model only evaluates and scores your performance before screening or forwarding your interview and candidate report to the company's recruiter, who makes the final call. So avoid using the background blur feature, if at all possible, and find a relatively quiet and organized space with as few distractions, interruptions, and background noise as possible.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
What to Avoid
Your answer will be evaluated for how sincerely you seem to present your answers. So avoid any non-verbal cues for dishonesty, such as stroking your chin, and covering your mouth or your eyes, gaze avoidance, the direction of your eyes, excessive fidgeting such as restless foot and leg movements, frequent body posture changes, and grooming behaviors such as playing with hair or pressing your fingers to lips.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 6th, 2023
Experienced Example
"Integrity is one of my core values and is integral to my character. For me, it is about caring about doing what's right, holding yourself accountable, taking ownership of your commitments, and keeping your word. It's about conducting yourself in a manner that is considerate of others' wellbeing, safe, honest, fair, trustworthy, and law-abiding."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Competency
13. What do you know about Baker Hughes?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question aims to assess how familiar you are with their company, how well you've prepared for your interview, and how vested you are in this opportunity. It is also a test of how well you would represent their interests by how you might potentially communicate your company knowledge with the public and potential clients. "What we do: We develop and deploy the most advanced technologies to serve energy and industrial companies looking for more efficient, more reliable and cleaner solutions. Our diverse portfolio of technologies and solutions are transforming how industry works today and in the future."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 6th, 2023
What You Need to Know
The algorithm will evaluate how well-groomed you are and how tidy and professional your attire is, so wear appropriate professional clothing suited to the role. "We recommend that you wear exactly what you would for a traditional face-to-face interview. This can mean something different for every company and position, so we recommend picking your outfit based on the role you are interviewing for. Think about it this way: if you're applying to a non-customer-facing role, it will probably have a more casual dress code, and a nice, clean top, free of excess writing will probably do for your interview! Alternatively, if you're applying for a role where you'd typically wear a suit and tie every day, we recommend you do the same for your interview. It may feel a little different to put on your Sunday best for your kitchen table, but hey, at least you won't have to get it pressed again after this, right?"
Written by Kevin Downey on October 6th, 2023
How to Answer
Visit the Baker Hughes website to learn more about what they advertise with pride. Pay attention to their branding and marketing efforts. Keep in mind that you want to communicate in a manner that would earn their trust so that you could effectively represent their company. So when sharing what you know about Baker Hughes, communicate it as you would if you worked for the company, and were representing their interests.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Experienced Example
"From what I have read, Baker Hughes is fully invested in using technology to reshape traditional approaches in the oil and gas industry, is redefining the energy sector, and living up to its mission. Baker Hughes is both a full-stream provider and a digital company, providing digital solutions and furthering technological developments such as artificial intelligence, while tailoring customer-specific solutions. I am impressed and excited by this, and I would love to be a part of it."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Conflict
14. Describe a time you faced a conflict at work. Describe how you addressed it and the outcome of your actions.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question aims to determine how emotionally intelligent you are and how strong your interpersonal skills are. How you answer this question will inform them of whether you contributed to the conflict situation or helped de-escalate it. Your answer also stands to reveal what you consider a conflict to look like.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
How to Answer
Often when a person recalls a conflict situation, the emotions of that moment rise to the surface. So try to practice being in the emotional state you want to convey when delivering your answer. If the example you've thought of doesn't allow you to remove yourself emotionally and observe it situationally, think of another. You want your answer to resonate with authentic sincerity. Objectify the situation, exhibiting an emotionally mature perspective and how you navigated this terrain, ultimately leading to a successful resolution. Nonverbal cues for empathy are slightly tilting your head, nodding slowly, keeping your palms open, maintaining eye contact, smiling softly, and slightly raising your eyebrows. Posture yourself in a relaxed and comfortable position. Focus on the positives and how the overall outcome benefitted the team.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
What to Avoid
The assessment vendor's algorithm will assess you for defensive behavior as you recount your experience with a conflict at work. Therefore, you'll want to make every effort to come across as emotionally mature and not regress into the emotion of that conflict when reflecting upon it. So avoid any behavior or body language that could be interpreted as defensive, insecure, closed-off, unapproachable, hostile, or disinterested. Avoid trying to come across as strong. Confident and relaxed is the tone you want to consistently aim for.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Experienced Example
"A coworker accused me of stealing their lunch from the communal fridge. They were upset and agitated, so I listened empathetically. After a long rant, they paused, and I asked if they were done. I apologized for their distress and validated their feelings. Their anger deescalated. I explained they were mistaken, and that I didn't steal their lunch. They said another employee had told them I did it, and I explained that they often confused my name with another employee. They felt embarrassed and apologized for accusing me. I advised them to take some time to calm down and control their emotions before addressing the issue with the correct person."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 8th, 2023
Critical Thinking
15. When was the last time you created a solution by thinking outside of the box? Why was this important and what was the impact?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Your goal is to deliver a recorded on-demand interview which the algorithm will forward on to the company's recruiter for review. Therefore, it is important to come to your interview well-prepared and spend adequate time familiarizing yourself with the Baker Hughes brand and the type of innovators they target in their recruiting efforts. Once you have an in-depth understanding of what their ideal candidate looks like, examine, contrast, and compare your brand of innovation to theirs, determine where they overlap, and convey where you are sincerely aligned. For example, Baker Hughes advertises as part of their recruiting efforts that "Making the world's energy cleaner, safer, and more efficient is a big mission. That means big opportunities for big thinkers...like you. What's left for you to do? Conquer the newest frontiers."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
What You Need to Know
The first step to customizing HireVue's AI assessment models is using their interview guides, which were developed by Industrial and Organizational (IO) psychologists. A preset system on the HireVue platform allows a company to select from a wide range of categorized, and sub-categorized interview questions that best apply to them. The categories range from employee culture, branding, and IO-validated content. These questions are designed to better enable the algorithm to identify top performers and recruit those most suited to the company's goals and culture. Most questions follow the uniform situational judgment structure: "Tell me about a time when you faced a situation. What were the steps you took? What was the impact of your decision?"
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Pro Tip
A few things to remember with each question. Once a question is posed, you'll be allowed roughly 20-30 seconds per question to formulate your response. You're allowed up to three minutes to record each answer. You get only one opportunity to record your answers. So, even though you are talking to the algorithm, you want to imagine you are speaking to a real person. Keep it natural and be yourself. Even though some questions may take longer to answer than others, only take as much time as you need to answer, and keep it under three minutes. Don't allow it to cut you off, or try to run out the clock either. Be as succinct as possible.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Answer Example
"I recently was building a working relationship with a newly hired administrative assistant who was initially brought on to scan and edit all of our hard copy records using a flawed optical recognition software. This project was going to take months. So I asked for a minute of our supervisor's time and asked if they'd considered any other methods of digitizing those documents in a more expeditious fashion. They told me they had not and asked what I had in mind. I then told them about how there are apps on a smartphone that can convert the text it recognizes in its viewfinder and allow you to cut and paste that text into a document which is then converted into a pdf format. They were curious and wanted to give it a try so we did it together. They loved it and had me dedicate the office smartphone for this purpose and I trained our newly hired admin on this new method and it cut the project time in half."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Diligence
16. Baker Hughes has a serious commitment to safety. How will you help us uphold this commitment?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Safety is a vital topic in the oil and gas industry, and this question aims to assess whether you would be an asset or liability when adhering to their safety standards. "Baker Hughes is committed to manufacturing high-quality, reliable products for harsh industrial environments, and maintaining a healthy, safe environment for our customers and employees."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 6th, 2023
What You Need to Know
When words and statements are incongruent with your tone, facial expressions, or mannerisms, it suggests a lack of self-awareness, which is considered an indication of limited emotional intelligence or of burnout syndrome. Therefore, the HireVue assessment model will evaluate you for how consistent your verbal answers align with your non-verbal cues, which in most situations reveal a speaker's true feelings, intentions, and attitudes. So not only do you want to ensure your answers are consistent throughout your interview but your performance as well.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Pro Tip
HireVue considers a novice as someone who takes unnecessary risks or is willing to bend the rules to deliver. Whereas an expert is careful in how they operate and holds themself and others accountable for making principled decisions. When your words don't match your gestures, it's your gestures that will be seen as the truth. So avoid sending any unintentional signals that could be interpreted as signs of dishonesty. These include repeating a question before answering, speaking in sentence fragments, displaying a change in speech pattern, irregular speech, and rising and falling tone, slouching, folding your arms, or protecting your neck. So maintain eye contact and confident body language, be comfortable, and speak from the heart.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Experienced Example
I am always safety-conscious, and taking shortcuts with safety doesn't make any sense. It serves neither the company's nor my interests. I was comforted to read about Baker Hughes' commitment to corporate responsibility and safety, especially with its employees. I also read how the company has a range of safety programs and integrates process safety into its business practices. When Baker Hughes says that it encourages and expects employees to recognize process safety risks and show courage, this resonates with me. I value this commitment and will help you uphold it by exceeding expectations, completing my documentation fully and clearly, and staying up-to-date on industry trends and changes. Values guide me and I understand the importance of a healthy environment and a safe workplace.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Diligence
17. Tell me about a time when you witnessed unsafe behavior in the field. What did you do?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
A study related to workplace safety found only 2 in 5 employees felt comfortable reporting unsafe behavior and the average employee performs three unsafe acts per week. Baker Hughes's ideal candidate will protect their assets, reputation, and interests by reporting unsafe work or unsavory behavior in the workplace and adhere to their stringent safety regulations. Therefore, this question is aimed at assessing your commitment to safety.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
What You Need to Know
According to HireVue's interview builder, a novice is someone who is "disorganized and unable to pay the attention required to deliver accurate and high-quality work, dismisses the importance of their responsibilities and fails to take ownership of their performance, and tends to be lazy and careless when delivering in their job role." And Baker Hughes states, "all employees are encouraged to take an active role in promoting a positive safety culture. Health, safety, and environmental excellence is a core part of our operating culture. The cornerstone of these efforts is our HSE Days, we celebrate every workday we complete with no injuries, accidents, or harm to the environment. We remain fiercely committed to improvement and learning from our experiences. In addition to measuring safety performance outcomes, we use leading indicators such as observations, near misses, and stop work events to measure the health and maturity of our systems and to identify hazards."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Pro Tip
When asked several related questions pertaining to a similar subject, you will be evaluated for your consistency. This includes how consistent your non-verbal cues are with what you say, and whether you unintentionally contradict yourself from answer to answer, or from what you've detailed on your resume. This will also inform them of your attention to detail and the consistency they can expect from your work performance.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Experienced Example
"In my previous role, I often witnessed coworkers engaging in high-risk, dangerous work while fatigued. Overexertion is common in the field, too focussed on trying to get the job done as quickly as possible, working harder, not smarter, without taking proper breaks and rests. I often reminded my coworkers to take a break and offered to jump in or call someone new to the floor to take over. I also often reminded them to wear their proper personal protective equipment. Safety gear is non-negotiable, so I would promptly approach them and gently remind them to protect themselves. Safety rules are in place for everyone's protection, so I will do everything I can to uphold them. If a teammate regularly ignores these practices, or if I felt they were repeatedly putting themselves or others in harm's way, I would report it. It's the right thing to do."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 8th, 2023
Discovery
18. Tell us about yourself.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Anytime this question is asked at the beginning of an interview, it's with the aim of getting to know you as a candidate. How you answer this baseline question will help them better evaluate when you are being more sincere with the other answers you offer, contrasting what they perceive as your genuine personality against your more reserved and performative answers. It's in your best interest to make their job easier by letting them get to know you for who you are as a professional.
Spend time preparing for your interview and aim to deliver each answer with sincere consistency, according to your nature. This will help them better assess your fit for their company and teams, and how equipped you are to perform at the job. As Baker Hughes states on their website, they are looking to hire "the next generation of talent, aligned with [their] interests and [their] needs of the communities where we live and work."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
What You Need to Know
For many of their interviews, Baker Hughes uses HireVue, an online assessment interview company. HireVue's platform uses what they refer to as assessment models which analyze your recorded video to determine your fit for the company you are interviewing with, predict your future job performance, and classify your experience level, rating each candidate on a scale from being a novice to an expert. It uses I/O psychology, analyzing a candidate's facial expressions, eye movements, body movements, clothing details, and vocal inflections. It also evaluates the messaging of each answer, consistency, honesty, confidence, attention to detail, and communication skills. It then compiles a report and forwards that, along with the recorded video, to the hiring authority of the company.
As HireVue puts it, their assessment model combines "video interviews with predictive, validated IO science and artificial intelligence. HireVue augments human decision-making in the hiring process and delivers higher quality talent, faster." HireVue calls the algorithms that analyze your interview "assessment models." "HireVue Assessments take the place of the same kinds of things that a recruiter or hiring manager would be looking for in a candidate for the job you're applying for."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Answer Example
"Well, I am just out of college. I graduated with my bachelor's degree at the top of my class and just finished my internship with XVP Incorporated. After being immersed in the industry, and learning more about the part each major company plays, I found myself most aligned with Baker Hughes, what they do, and was equally enticed by the career opportunities they provide. Based on my extensive research on the company, it feels like a strong mutual fit."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Diversity
19. What does working in a diverse and inclusive environment look like to you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question is aimed at determining how comfortable you are working in an equitable, diverse, and inclusive working environment. This includes working directly under a diverse leadership team, spanning all ages. So spend time familiarizing yourself with Baker Hughes' diversity and inclusion policies.
"Forward. Together. Our people are diverse, ambitious and collaborative. We support them in creating and protecting an environment where each person can thrive. If you're a true collaborator who cares who can't wait to reach out, include, listen, and learn, welcome. We foster a culture of open dialogue, collaboration, and rigorous decision-making to create long-term value for our stakeholders."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 6th, 2023
What You Need to Know
In their efforts to help their clients build teams from diverse backgrounds, diverse knowledge, experiences, and perspectives, they've designed their assessment models to mitigate bias, only evaluating skills, experience, and company culture fit. "Unstructured interviews create opportunities for unconscious bias and poor hiring decisions." They suggest using the results of their services in "structured interviews that ensure consistent talent assessment for fairer hiring." They also advertise they "actively work to prevent the introduction or propagation of bias against any group or individual," and claim their assessments focus on skills and competencies, not age, race, or gender. "We also continue to advance our abilities to monitor, detect, and mitigate bias. We strive to build teams from diverse backgrounds with diverse knowledge, experiences, and perspectives to best represent the people our systems serve."
Yet as much as HireVue claims to mitigate bias while screening and assessing candidates, it is important to remember that the decision will ultimately fall upon the hiring authority, who serves as a representative of the views and culture of the company.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Focus Your Answer On
Conveying cultural competence requires interest, openness, and curiosity. So whether you come from a diverse background or consider yourself worldly and culturally competent, ensure your nonverbal cues are consistent with the messaging of your answer. Lean in, tilt your head as you speak, smile, and make eye contact. Signs of discomfort and avoidance could be interpreted as indicators of negative bias and antipathy, such as decreased positivity, less eye contact and more gaze aversion, fewer smiles, greater interpersonal distance, and increased blinking. Signs of interest, openness, and curiosity include leaning in, tilting your head as you speak, smiling, and making eye contact.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Experienced Example
"To me, it looks like working with open-minded people with a wide range of perspectives who are all interested in learning more about each other and learning from each other. It is trusting in the fact that you have been recruited into this team for a reason, just like everyone else on the team has, and being excited about and looking forward to what the collective team will accomplish together."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Education
20. Tell me about your education and how it relates to the oil, gas, or energy sector.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question offers you an opportunity to provide a deeper context for all you learned in your academic experience and on-the-job professional experience. It also evaluates how familiar you are with the requirements of the job, and the in-company opportunities available to further your training and experience level.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
What You Need to Know
Baker Hughes offers several learning opportunities for their clients and teams alike. "Baker Hughes University, a learning accelerator. A unique and high-quality training experience in an inspirational, multicultural environment. Extensive and training solutions to develop talent and improve expertise to reduce risks and increase productivity. Our passion for pushing technological boundaries also applies to learning, as we invest in advanced training methodologies to meet customer needs and the energy industry's evolution. Our training solutions are designed to meet career development needs of energy professionals, with the perfect combination of theoretical, practical, and digital approaches. From in-depth training on equipment and auxiliaries to the human and soft skills needed to effectively maximize production, operational efficiency, and environmental compliance."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
How to Answer
Go deeper than sharing your GPA, your major or minor, or any academic accolades and awards that you received. Share any leadership experience you attained from student-led clubs or other extracurricular activities. Volunteer anything you learned from your mentors or professors that helped further your career, and share what you learned from those experiences. Share any extraordinary experience you gained from your internships or on-the-job experience as well. Feel free to mention any trade school, seminars, online courses, or anything you've done to further your education as well, whether formal or informal. The more relevant detail you offer the better a chance you can establish yourself as a qualified candidate.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Experienced Example
"I recently graduated with a 3.8 GPA in chemical engineering and made the Dean's List. My education has prepared me for a role at Baker Hughes in many ways. My degree focused heavily on petroleum, including safety issues such as blowouts, fire, and other hazards. I also learned about hydrate formation and decomposition, H2S, toxic gases, and the safe transportation and disposal of petroleum waste. As president of the Student Union, I gained valuable leadership experience as well."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 8th, 2023
EQ
21. How do you go about balancing your personal and professional life?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Their ideal candidate is someone who is less likely to burn out on the job, someone who won't bring their personal problems to work with them, and who won't consistently bring their work or the stresses of their work, home with them. They want to make sure their ideal candidate balances their personal and professional lives, prioritizes their physical and emotional well-being, can manage their stress, and tends to the demands of each sphere appropriately.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
What You Need to Know
Baker Hughes makes efforts to contribute to the well-being of their employees, with the aim of maintaining a sustainable workforce and employee retention. "We invest in the health and well-being of our workforce. Not only does Baker Hughes offer an employee assistance program, but Baker Hughes understands the importance of staying fit. That's why we offer a fitness reimbursement benefit, supporting employee health and wellbeing. Get help with stress, mental health, substance use and more. EAP for resources and referrals for counseling services related to grief and loss, marital issues, depression, anxiety, stress, time management and other concerns. Additionally, the EAP can assist with legal and financial questions, finding child or elder care and other personal needs. Up to five, in-person counseling sessions are available for each issue." But the first step in building a sustainable workforce is ensuring those they hire can effectively balance their personal and professional lives and prospectively manage the and needs demands of both.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
How to Answer
Remember, the algorithm will evaluate your verbal and non-verbal cues to identify what sets you apart from the other candidates, studying your behavior, problem-solving skills, and cognitive abilities. An experienced professional who has learned several on-the-job skills will undoubtedly apply those skills to their personal life as well. This includes communication skills, time management skills, problem-solving skills, and how adaptive you are to change, to name a few. So you want to answer with sincerity, conveying that you manage your time well, that you set boundaries, and that you prioritize your physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing, and balance your personal and professional life.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Experienced Example
"Well, I am very proactive and organized in every way. As I see it, time management is stress management, so I dedicate time every day and every week to making sure I am equally prepared to address my personal and professional needs. I also schedule downtime as well. I am very health-conscious and eat well. I stay fit and run or cycle every day. I also prioritize my mental well-being and go to counseling once every two weeks. I also make sure that I am being financially wise as well and comb through my finances once a week. It sounds weird, but I love budgeting."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
EQ
22. Tell us about a time you failed. Describe what happened, your approach, and the outcome.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question aims to assess whether you learn from your mistakes, take ownership of your setbacks, and hold yourself accountable for your failures. How you answer will offer insights into your emotional intelligence and your drive for success. Aside from the message of your answer, the assessment model will score you on how comfortable you seem with discussing the setback and whether you take ownership of your growth opportunities.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 7th, 2023
What You Need to Know
HireVue considers someone of a novice skill level as someone who is likely to suffer from task paralysis and procrastination when suffering a setback or failure, doesn't react quickly in time-sensitive situations, looks to others to make those tough choices for them, is afraid of making the wrong choice, takes unnecessary risks, puts effort into hiding, covering up, remedying, or abandoning their failure, hoping it won't be discovered or traced back to them, and is a liability to the company's assets. They classify an intermediate skill level as someone who holds themself accountable for their setbacks while identifying and admitting to their weaknesses, limitations, needed adjustments, and mistakes. An expert is someone who considers areas where there is room for improvement as a growth opportunity rather than a weakness or debilitation, is resourceful and decisive, and takes action with a degree of informed calculated risk.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Experienced Example
"I can be a bit of a perfectionist, and strive to consistently go above and beyond in the work I deliver. But this ambition sometimes got in the way of delivering on time, or as early as I'd like. It is something I have actively worked on and now ensure that I prioritize all things accordingly. But one time, some time ago, I was fine-tuning all the details of a report I was working on, pushing things all the way up to the deadline when I realized I'd left out a key component of the report, and the accompanying charts and graphs. It wouldn't take long, but I had to stay late to deliver it a few hours after the deadline, and that aspect didn't meet my standards but did pass just fine. Still, a mistake I have learned from, and one that I won't make again."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Experience
23. How do you stay up to date in your profession?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
A recruiter's ideal candidate serves as a reliable resource of information among their customers and their peers. It ensures that the candidate will maintain a competing edge and take charge of their own development. It also provides confidence that the candidate would be up to date on the positions of the company and do well at representing their interests and reputation.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 7th, 2023
How to Prep
You always want to be in the position of seeming prepared to answer any question posed, while exuding confidence and communicating clearly. So, before your interview, write down every method you employ to stay current and up to date in your profession, field, and industry. Refresh your memory in advance rather than on the spot. Write down all the sources of information you rely upon, from what's in your news feed, to email newsletters, blogs, print periodicals, seminars, speaking events, and anything else that you rely upon for such information. Then, spend adequate time researching all the sources of information Baker Hughes offers online, those which serve as quick resources which they expect the work community to be instantly up to date with, such as their newsroom, Energy Forward Stories, Case Study Library, to name a few.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 7th, 2023
Experienced Example
"I subscribe to several newsletters, from Oil & Gas Journal, to Upstream, Hart Energy, and Rigzone. I subscribe to a few podcasts as well, in addition to what the algorithm plugs into my newsfeed. I also have followed Baker Hughes Newsroom, Energy Forward Stories, and occasionally browse the Case Study Library as well. I also look for trending tweets on Twitter and I follow several oil and gas corporations on social media, for up-to-date news. I'm always looking for new sources of reliable information about the industry."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Experience
24. Tell us about a time you made a suggestion that benefited your team. Describe how you suggested it and the result of your suggestion.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question offers you an opportunity to share your brand of innovation. They want to know more about your unique perspective, and how your contributions make you their ideal candidate. "From strategy through execution... From sparks of ideas through transformation... From internal governance through external partnerships... Being a part of Baker Hughes means being in the room to help open the doors that enable energy to move forward... and open doors to your own rich career opportunities." It goes deeper than your unique ideas, but how you validate a need, visualize, and transform that idea into a strategy, and in collaboration with your teams, execute that vision into a reality.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
What You Need to Know
In a HireVue interview, it is important to be seen or assessed, according to your aims. This requires being constantly self-aware of how you may be perceived by others (the algorithm and the recruiter). HireVue repeatedly offers candidates the advice that they ensure their lighting is good, and that they are not backlit. This is likely due to the fact that the assessment model cannot accurately assess a candidate it cannot properly see. Since HireVue's business model is reliant on the success of screening unqualified candidates from top performers, it is less likely to recommend a candidate they could not properly assess as a top performer. So it is important to ensure that the algorithm can assess your interview as accurately as possible.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
How to Prep
From HireVue's Website: "Virtual interviewing is similar to the video calls many of us have been using. And don't forget to check your lighting. Make sure it's in front of you. Lighting from behind makes it hard to see you. Just be natural! Get comfortable and be confident in yourself." Find a space with good natural lighting, cast evenly across your face. Avoid being backlit. The camera angle should be at eye level. Positioning it too low will make you come across as domineering. Too high and you'll seem too weak or small. So center it. Maintain eye contact in front of the camera as if you're speaking face-to-face with a person. Looking at yourself on your computer screen could be misinterpreted as looking at your feet, signaling a lack of confidence. Practice until you are comfortable with this style of interview. Try not to get frustrated with it, and be mindful of your facial expressions. Furrowing your brow while concentrating on how to answer a question can easily be misinterpreted as exhibiting anger and raise a red flag.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 7th, 2023
Experienced Example
"Well, I have a lot of integrity, and I don't want to go into too many details to protect the confidentiality of my current employer, but there was an opportunity I identified to streamline some of our systems a while back. So I approached my leader and asked when we could sit down, as I had some questions. So my leader set aside some time, and I asked several questions regarding why our systems were set up as they were. They explained. I then asked if a solution similar to what I was thinking had been attempted before. They said no and asked what I had in mind. I then explained my new system, which took a working-smarter-and-not-harder approach, saving considerable time by eliminating a lot of steps. They loved the idea and passed it on further up the chain of command and within the week, it was implemented."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 8th, 2023
Experience
25. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
A recruiter's ideal candidate is someone who takes pride in building upon their strengths and uses them to contribute to the goals and success of the team. They also recognize their weaknesses as growth opportunities and even use their weaknesses to their advantage. For example, someone who is a perfectionist might spend too much time refining their work and have trouble knowing when it's good enough. This is both a strength and a weakness. The standard of excellence is in striking the right balance.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 7th, 2023
What You Need to Know
According to HireVue's interview builder, a candidate with an intermediate skill level or above is someone who holds themself accountable for their setbacks while identifying and admitting to their weaknesses, limitations needed adjustments, and mistakes. Someone more experienced considers areas where there is room for improvement as a growth opportunity rather than a weakness or debilitation. And someone who takes ownership of a growth opportunity isn't afraid to share it, which in itself is a show of strength.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 7th, 2023
How to Prep
Before your interview, record yourself answering a question. Then take a break, and do some physical exercise to manifest more confidence. Follow that up with some stretches. Go to a mirror, give yourself a self affirming pep talk, and raise your arms, stretch your back, and make yourself as big as possible. Then go back to the camera, and record yourself answer the same question a second time. Then watch both recordings back to back and witness the difference. Research the body language of a confident and relaxed person in a seated position.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 7th, 2023
Answer Example
"I would say that one of my strengths is my positivity. I am great at motivating my team, setting the pace, and creating a strong sense of camaraderie. One of my weaknesses is that I sometimes push my own limits too far. In my aim to overachieve, I sometimes stretch myself too thin, and this is something I am aware of and have made significant strides in pacing myself."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Leadership
26. What does leadership mean to you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question aims to measure your leadership potential and experience, whether in a formal leadership position, when you've taken the lead when helping your teams, or in taking charge of your own development. Gaining a better understanding of your leadership style will help them determine your fit. "Our main goal is to develop energy-industry leaders, offering the opportunity to be part of a global multicultural network based on knowledge-sharing, to discuss and learn about trends, future scenarios, and technologies of the energy sector while developing leadership behaviors."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
What You Need to Know
Baker Hughes has customized their assessment model, according to their pre-set criteria, to find a candidate who will fit into their work culture and match their specified leadership style. Knowing that HireVue scores candidates' experience levels into five categories: novice, developing, intermediate, advanced, and expert, you should also know that Baker Hughes describes their leaders as "experts developing tomorrow's energy-industry leadership behaviors, responsible for training, driving organizational and workplace changes dealing with cultural differences, engaging teams, and building trust in highly competitive and volatile, uncertain, complex, and hyper-connected environments."
According to HireVue's interview builder, someone with an expert skill level is "aware of other's needs and feelings, is attentive, meticulous, and careful in how they operate, and evaluates the impact of their work to improve future delivery. Holds self and others accountable for making principled decisions and addresses unethical behaviors when working to meet the demand. Views change as a challenge and an opportunity to advance toward mutual goals. Possesses a positive attitude, shares their vision, inspires others, is a role model."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
How to Answer
Showcase how well you've prepared by displaying your familiarity with the leadership styles Baker Hughes looks to recruit, and your familiarity with Baker Hughes's aims to promote their employees into their leadership development programs. Contrast the leadership they are looking for with your approach, how the two are aligned, and detail how the opportunity to develop your leadership skills motivated you to pursue this opportunity.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Experienced Example
"Hiring smart, ambitious, and imaginative people and challenging and collaborating with them to find a better way. Leadership is about having confidence in the abilities of your team when you are leading them with engagement, trust, being bold, and creating a supportive environment. My mantra is that "people who shine from within do not need the spotlight." I feel that it is incredibly necessary to be a humble leader and I take this mission statement very seriously. I want my team to be in the spotlight rather than being the kind of leader who takes the credit for good work. My mission is to give my best 100% of the time. I value my reputation as a leader with a positive attitude."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Performance Based
27. What fuels your ambition in your career?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question aims at determining how Baker Hughes can continually motivate you to perform at your best. Being able to ensure you stay motivated also ensures you'll retain job satisfaction and be with the company for the long term. How you answer will inform them of whether you are motivated by further career growth, or if you are only in it for the benefits and the money.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 7th, 2023
What You Need to Know
Another category HireVue will evaluate a candidate for is their personality, work style, and ethics. They'll do this by classifying the candidate's personality according to the "big five personality traits." Lastly, depending on the assessments one takes, one may also evaluate a candidate's problem-solving skills and cognitive ability: "reasoning, visuospatial, ability, mental agility, numerical ability, coding proficiency, job-specific knowledge, language proficiency, writing skills."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 7th, 2023
How to Answer
Baker Hughes has a tagline on their career site, "Fuel Your Future." So, when answering this question, consider it an opportunity to offer them a roadmap of what you would like your future at Baker Hughes to look like. Relay your career goals, the milestones you would like to achieve, and the timeframes you would like to reach them. This will ensure that the opportunities you are pursuing will be met while assuring them that you are interested in a long-term career with them.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Experienced Example
"I am fueled by being consistently included in the big picture and am motivated by helping steer the ship in the right direction. I am more determined the more I am entrusted with greater responsibility and increased trust. I am very driven to succeed in accomplishing my career goals and reach every milestone with speed. I look at the big picture of my career goals before accepting a position, which includes whether the type of work challenges and opportunities presented align with my ambitions and whether they would be a detriment to my work/life balance, and impede what I am to accomplish. The company's mission, culture, and work environment are driving components and I'm looking to join an industry-leading organization where I know I can learn, grow, and develop as a professional. I would very much look forward to going over my career goals and the timeframes I hope to accomplish them in person in the near future."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Stress
28. When have you had to make a split-second decision under pressure? What were the stakes and what was the outcome?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question aims to gauge how well you cope with stress, and the recruiter wants to know how you handle pressure when an unexpected stressor arises. Being able to make quick decisions and think fast on your feet are the traits of an expert. Someone who has a firm grasp on their emotions and isn't governed by them, nor allows their stress to dictate their decisions, exhibits signs of greater emotional intelligence.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
What You Need to Know
The assessment model will screen your verbal and non-verbal cues for signs of stress as you recall the example you choose to share. It will evaluate your facial expressions, eye movements, body movements, tells and posture, and the nuances of tone and choice of words. Consider this when you aim to convey that you keep calm under pressure.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 7th, 2023
How to Answer
When conveying that going above and beyond is your status quo, it should come across as second nature. So spend time thinking of an example where you thought clearly, acted decisively, and where your confidence led to a successful outcome. Reflecting on your best moments, consider only those where you were able to act decisively and drove success for your teams. Speak sincerely, be confident, relaxed, and at ease. You want to come across as in your comfort zone. Be mindful of your posture and smile with both your mouth and your eyes. Showcase your pride for your performance and let your confidence and emotional maturity shine.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Experienced Example
"In my current field admin role, I often make tough decisions under pressure. I have a strong instinct and can make split-second decisions. Last week, I had two high-profile clients show up for a meeting at the same time. One was late and the other was early. To avoid making either client feel bad, I placed each party in a different conference room and had my colleague start the meeting with the early client while I met with the late client. I am comfortable multitasking and have great support staff. We handle many contractor situations involving schedule and shift changes, following guidelines when possible and using creative solutions when needed. I always make split-second decisions with the company's best interests in mind."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Teamwork
29. Describe a time you found it necessary to disagree with a leader for the benefit of the team. Why was it important to voice your concerns, and what was the outcome of this challenge?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question aims to assess how well you communicate, how you exercise diplomacy, and how well you get along with those in positions of authority. Being able to respectfully disagree with your leaders in the workplace, for the sake of the betterment of your teams, requires enhanced communication skills, diplomacy, and a high EQ. How a candidate answers will distinguish those who have strong interpersonal skills from those who have problems relating to those in positions of authority.
Good team members occasionally disagree with their leaders, respectfully voice their concerns, and ultimately support the final decision, even if they disagree with it, maintaining their support for the direction the team is heading.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
What You Need to Know
"At Baker Hughes, it is vital that people work together. As individuals we need to be empathic in our words and actions. We need to be intentional with our words because words matter, and they are hard to take back. It is necessary to ensure a tailored approach to achieve success. Employees feel safe when they can freely voice their concerns."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 7th, 2023
How to Answer
If you want to be seen as an expert in HireVue's proficiency rating system, you need to show that you view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Experts are able to overcome challenges with a positive attitude and a sense of urgency. They lead by example and help their teams succeed by sharing their experience and confidence.
So, to increase your chances of receiving a higher proficiency rating from the algorithm, think about the experience, and take notes on how you handled the challenge, both mentally and procedurally. Explain how you focussed and managed your emotions, avoiding letting stress dictate your behavior. You want to show that you communicated capably, respectfully, objectively, and decisively. Describe how you objectified and addressed this challenge. Highlight the approach you took to problem-solving and your ability to boost team morale while diplomatically promoting a positive attitude. Be prepared to confidently articulate how you approached this challenging situation, and your confidence to do so again in the future.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Experienced Example
"I think someone does a better job of supporting a team under someone else's leadership when they have taken the initiative themselves to lead. Disagreeing for the benefit of the team is a sign of leadership in itself. I've had team members disagree with decisions that I have made as a manager and it does not bother me as long as it is respectful. If someone disagrees with me because they have the greater good of the team and/or the company in mind, then I want to hear that. I need to hear it. It's okay to disagree when communicating professionally with respect and positivity, and ultimately be willing to support whatever the leader decides."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Teamwork
30. You will often be working cross-departmentally. Tell me about a time you worked successfully with people outside of your department.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Baker Hughes is an international industrial service company and one of the world's largest oil field services companies. Therefore, cross-functional collaboration and teamwork will be a prerequisite for many positions throughout their company, with opportunities to work alongside different people in varying roles, functions, and departments. "Our progress as a team and planet is intertwined. So, for the good of all, let's get together and take energy forward. Guided by our purpose and our core values, Baker Hughes' corporate responsibility framework of People, Planet and Principles guides our responsibility to sustainable operations and enables us to realize our energy technology strategy."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 7th, 2023
What You Need to Know
HireVue's AI assessment models will categorize their findings according to how well a candidate works with others, their relationship-building skills, how collaborative and team-orientated they are while coordinating with others, and whether they invest in developing their coworkers and team. It will also evaluate a candidate's composure, compassion, dependability, adaptability, willingness to learn, drive for results and initiative, and safety and compliance.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 7th, 2023
How to Answer
Using the STAR method, share an occasion that required you to collaborate with the members of another department's team, on a small or large scale. Share any challenges that came up and what you learned from the experience. Maintain consistency in your performance and keep it natural, speaking with friendly confidence while maintaining eye contact with the camera. Keep your body language open, and your tone steady, even, and consistent with your statements.
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023
Answer Example
"I have worked in a cross-functional setting for many years. Primarily with the Engineering department and the HR department, arranging various contractors and agreements. Clear communication and clarity in expectations are of huge importance to me and you can rest assured that I would work cohesively with any department, with an understanding that everyone has their strengths and limitations based on their expertise and job function."
Written by Samantha Brown on November 28th, 2023