Many freshers ask me in the comments: will I get a job without experience, what questions will they ask, and where should I prepare from? In this video I discussed these questions with an experienced HSE Supervisor who has worked mostly on Saudi Aramco projects. Here is what we covered.
Is the interview different for a fresher?
No. When you walk in, the interviewer does not know whether you are a fresher or experienced. In their eyes both are the same. They will ask general safety questions and questions related to the project’s scope of work, for example the activities you will supervise on that project.
How does the interviewer find out you are a fresher?
From your answers. Within the first two questions, an experienced interviewer can usually judge how much real work you have done. This comes from their experience, not from your face.
That is why your introduction is so important. As the supervisor said, when you give your introduction, you have already done about 50 percent of your interview. A clear, confident introduction that matches your CV makes a strong first impression.
Where should you prepare from?
For interviews in Saudi Arabia, especially on Aramco projects, start with the Saudi Aramco Safety Handbook. Aramco has many detailed standards, but the handbook gives a summary of the basic safety rules in one place. If you prepare the safety handbook well, you have covered at least 25 percent of your interview.
How to prepare as a fresher
- Practice your self-introduction until you can say it clearly in about two minutes.
- Study the Saudi Aramco Safety Handbook, topic by topic.
- For common activities (excavation, lifting, confined space, work at height), learn the definition, hazards and control measures.
- Find out the project’s scope of work before the interview, and prepare for those activities.
- Be honest. If you do not know something, say so and move on.
Read my own experience: My First Safety Officer Interview: Why I Got Rejected. You can also practice with our safety quizzes.