Preparing for an Interview at Anadarko Petroleum – Common Questions and How to Ace Your Answers

Interviewing at Anadarko Petroleum can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience. As one of the world’s largest independent oil and gas exploration and production companies, Anadarko is highly selective in its hiring process. Walking into an interview unprepared is never advisable. By learning about the company, researching common interview questions, and practicing your answers, you can present yourself as a top candidate.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to ace an Anadarko Petroleum interview, from background information on the company to specific tips for responding to the most frequently asked questions. Read on to learn proven strategies to impress your interviewers and land the job!

About Anadarko Petroleum

Founded in 1959 Anadarko Petroleum is headquartered in The Woodlands Texas. The company explores for, acquires, develops, and produces oil and natural gas. Its major operating areas are located in the United States, Algeria, Ghana, Mozambique, and other countries.

Some key facts about Anadarko

• Employs approximately 4,700 people worldwide
• Operates over 40,000 producing wells
• Produces approximately 760,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day
• Has major liquified natural gas (LNG) projects underway
• Completed a $36 billion merger with Occidental Petroleum in 2019

Anadarko prides itself on its culture, which emphasizes integrity, relationships, commercial focus, and execution Employees are given significant responsibility early in their careers The company seeks to hire adaptable, innovative team players.

Common Anadarko Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Let’s take a look at some of the most frequently asked interview questions at Anadarko Petroleum and tips for crafting strong responses:

Tell me about yourself.

This ubiquitous interview opener is an opportunity to briefly introduce your background and experience most relevant to the role. Focus on key qualifications highlighted in the job description and explain why you are passionate about the position. Keep your answer to 2-3 minutes.

Strong response: “I’m a petroleum engineer with over 5 years of experience in shale oil drilling operations and hydraulic fracturing. I started my career at Halliburton where I conducted pressure pumping operations in the Permian Basin. For the past 3 years, I’ve been a drilling engineer at Pioneer Natural Resources where I optimized efficiency and lowered drilling costs by 15%. Anadarko’s commitment to technology and innovation excites me, and I’m particularly interested in this position because I would have the chance to manage complex drilling projects from start to finish and continue developing my leadership skills.”

Why do you want to work for Anadarko Petroleum?

Hiring managers want to know that you have researched the company and are genuinely interested in the job. Highlight aspects of the role and company culture that appeal to you and align with your background. Demonstrate your passion for their business.

Strong response: “I’m excited about Anadarko for several reasons. I’ve always admired your commitment to safety and sustainability. Developing natural gas resources responsibly while protecting the environment is very important to me. I also love the entrepreneurial, team-oriented culture here. The opportunity for collaboration, growth, and taking on new challenges inspires me. Most attractive is the chance to work on mega-projects like the Mozambique LNG development. Being part of delivering such a complex, game-changing project would be the highlight of my career.”

Why should we hire you?

Summarize your strongest qualifications for the job. Focus on what makes you stand out from other applicants. Tie your experience and skills directly back to the position’s requirements. Stay positive when describing what you have to offer.

Strong response: “With my petroleum engineering degree and 8 years of hands-on experience managing drilling projects, I can immediately contribute to technical planning and operations here. My expertise with directional drilling and hydraulic fracturing will enable me to maximize well productivity. Just as important, I have the problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills to collaborate cross-functionally, develop solutions, and guide teams successfully. I’ve been seeking an opportunity like this role at Anadarko where I can grow as a technical leader. I’m confident my diverse experience and drive make me an excellent fit for the position and I’m excited about the prospect of tackling new challenges that come with it.”

What do you consider your greatest strengths?

Choose strengths that genuinely apply to you, not just buzzwords. Provide specific examples to back up your claims. Select strengths that align with the company’s needs and priorities. Emphasize transferable skills applicable to the role.

Strong response: “I have very strong technical knowledge of geology and reservoirs as well as great interpersonal skills. For example, at my current job, I successfully initiated and led cross-functional teams of geologists, engineers, and land professionals to evaluate acquisitions and maximize their potential. This required synthesizing complex technical data as well as aligning everyone around common goals through clear communication and leadership. My manager frequently praised my ability to motivate others and execute seamlessly on projects with aggressive timelines. I think my blend of technical expertise and strong collaboration abilities would allow me to thrive in this role at Anadarko.”

What do you consider your greatest weakness?

The key here is to choose a weakness that won’t raise major concerns related to your ability to perform the job duties. Present it as an area you have improved on rather than a fatal flaw. Emphasize the steps you’ve taken to address and overcome your weakness.

Strong response: “Early in my career, I struggled with public speaking. When I had to present technical analyses to large groups, I felt very nervous. However, I didn’t let this weakness hold me back. I asked my manager for opportunities to take a lead role in internal meetings to improve. Outside of work, I joined Toastmasters which boosted my confidence immensely. Now, I regularly deliver presentations at industry conferences, board meetings, and other large events. The experience enabled me to develop strong communication and influencing skills. Although public speaking may never be my strongest suit, it is no longer an obstacle for me in any way.”

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

The interviewer wants to gauge if you are committed to professional growth and aligned with the company’s needs. Express your interest in taking on more responsibility. Convey how you hope to apply what you learn in your current role to develop new skills. Align your goals with potential advancement pathways at the company.

Strong response: “In 5 years, my goal is to have expanded my expertise significantly beyond my current role, perhaps by leading offshore exploration efforts or managing a major shale development project. I hope to be recognized as an innovative technical problem-solver and leader within Anadarko. I’m very interested in this company’s global operations and growth plans, and I want to become someone leading complex engineering initiatives around the world. With my strong drive and desire to take on new challenges, I’m confident I can continue advancing my career here as Anadarko expands.”

Why are you leaving your current job?

If possible, avoid negative explanations about your current workplace. Frame your reason for leaving in a constructive way, focusing on your desire to gain new skills and take on different challenges. Emphasize that you are looking for a long-term home where you can grow professionally.

Strong response: “I’ve learned a tremendous amount in my current role, but after 4 years I’m ready to take on more responsibility with new projects and technologies. Anadarko offers exciting opportunities that align well with my experience and future ambitions. Making the move now to further expand my expertise will help me achieve my career goals in leading large engineering initiatives. I’m attracted to Anadarko’s culture of innovation and teamwork. Finding a collaborative environment where I can learn and develop with top talent is very important to me at this stage in my career.”

How to Prepare for the Interview

• Research the company culture and current projects. Understand Anadarko’s business strategy, strengths, challenges, and areas of growth. Study major projects like Mozambique LNG.

• Practice answering likely questions aloud. An interview is a conversation. Practicing out loud will help responses feel polished and natural.

• Review your resume and qualifications. Refresh yourself on your skills, achievements, and past responsibilities. Draw connections to the role’s requirements.

• Prepare smart questions to ask the interviewer. Asking thoughtful questions shows your enthusiasm and interest in joining the team.

• Dress professionally and arrive early. Make logistics easy by planning your route in advance. Show respect by dressing in formal business attire.

Thorough preparation and a positive attitude will serve you well in your Anadarko Petroleum interview. Believe in yourself and your ability to succeed. With these tips, you’ll be ready to impress your interviewers and get hired!