National Oilwell Varco Hiring Process: Job Application, Interviews, and Employment

This post provides detailed information on the hiring process at National Oilwell Varco (NOV), including the job application and requirements candidates are expected to fulfill to be employed, as well as the various career opportunities available at National Oilwell Varco.

NOV Hiring Process

The recruitment process at National Oilwell Varco involves the following stages:

Job Application Process

To apply for a job at National Oilwell Varco, the first step is to create your own profile on the NOV career website. You are required to provide information about your skills and education.

After you have registered with the NOV career website, you will then receive a confirmation email.

National Oilwell Varco Interview Process

If you are selected, you will be scheduled to attend an interview at the company’s location in Houston.

The interview process is quite simple, consisting of a common set of questions that vary depending on the position, such as asking why do you want to join NOV? Why do you want this particular job? etc.

Job Assessment Test

NOV conducts aptitude and language tests to shortlist applicants. The test ensures that NOV has the right people to hire by ensuring that they are not hiring an unqualified/non-permanent employee.

The applicant’s skills and experience are tested to determine if they’ll be a fit for the company.

Candidates are then asked to do the interview, which consists of questions about past experience and work history, including examples of what has been accomplished at previous employers, as well as why they want the job opportunity at NOV.

Tips for Passing the NOV Assessment Test

Here are some tips you can apply in passing the NOV aptitude test:

1. Make sure to review your skills carefully in order to improve your chances of passing the NOV assessment test.
2. Make sure to familiarize yourself with some important terms used in the oil industry, therefore you are well-prepared for any questions that may ask about oil and gas terminology used by NOV when hiring new employees.
3. Aptitude tests require a high level of concentration, therefore make sure to review all parts of the test carefully be it math or verbal reasoning.
4. Prepare ahead for the test by using similar materials you can find online.
5. Keep up to date with the latest industry trends, for example, oil prices, global economic conditions, etc.

National Oilwell Varco Interview

Applicants are screened for an interview, the interview starts with a preliminary phone call that is followed by an on-site interview or/and group interview.

• Phone call/screening

The phone call is usually a 10-minute screening to confirm all the information about the candidate, for example, basic information about your education and employment history and a review of your application.

From here on, it is possible to schedule an on-site interview.

• On-site Interview

The on-site interview occurs at NOV, therefore you need to take time off work and travel expenses in order to attend the interview.

Candidates are required to meet with key people in the NOV department they are applying for.

The interview is used to assess your skills, personality and interests in relation to the job. After the on-site interview is complete, you will be notified of its results.

• Group Interview

The group interview is conducted by hiring managers. The morning or afternoon is usually a round of one-on-one interviews and the other part involves interviews with groups of candidates who are competing for the same position.

The on-site interview usually takes about half a day to complete.

Tips for Passing the NOV Interview

Here are some tips to pass the NOV interview:

1. Research about your interviewers, therefore you will get an idea of what you should expect in the interview and what you should discuss in order to impress them.

2. Come prepared- do your research and know as much as possible about NOV and the position that you are applying for.

The interviewer is interested in a passionate candidate who has knowledge of the company they are applying for.

3. Prepare ahead for the interview – it is recommended to prepare ahead for the interview, therefore you will come up with answers to questions that are likely to be asked during the process of recruitment.

4. Ask questions in order to establish rapport with your interviewer. This helps break the ice and show you are really interested in the job.

5. Be confident- always speak confidently and make eye contact during your conversation with your interviewer.

This shows confidence. Therefore it will make an impression on your interviewer.

NOV Interview Questions and Answers

Find here some interview questions frequently asked by NOV (as well as suggested answers):

1. Why do you believe you are the strongest choice for this position?

I am the best fit candidate because I possess the skills that are required for the job and I have a solid work experience in this industry.

2. What is your greatest strength?

My greatest strength is my ability to work as part of a team and manage and supervise projects efficiently.

3. What do you know about our company?

I know that NOV is an industry leader and a well-respected company in the oil and gas industry.

4. Have you ever been reprimanded or warned at work? If so, explain.

I have never been reprimanded and warned at work.

5. What motivates you?

I am motivated by the desire to be successful in my career as well as by taking care of my family.

How Long Does NOV Hiring Process Take?

If your application matches what the company is looking for, then you should hear back within a week.

It takes about a day to complete the job assessment testing. The interview process will last two days at most.

The typical employee went through one interview and received a response within a week.

Major NOV Careers and Jobs

Some of the major careers and jobs available at National Oilwell Varco include:

1. Machine operator

Description: The machine operator is a working class job that works closely with the drilling crew.

They typically drive various equipment to support operations, as well as gather data of drilling operations, and operate machinery used in drilling the well.

2. Driller

Description: The driller is a working class job for those who want to be part of the drilling segment of the oil and gas industry.

They are responsible for planning, operating and supervising drilling activities in all phases of a drilling project.

3. Drilling Supervisor

Description: The drilling supervisor is a working class job that supervises the drilling process.

They are always involved in the drilling activities as well as supervising them.

Their main job is to ensure that everyone follows the correct procedures and regulations.

4. Integrated Logistics Manager

Description: The integrated logistics manager is a working class job that ensures operations are smooth during the entire project lifecycle, which includes planning, execution, monitoring and evaluation all activities of the supply chain.

What to Expect Working at NOV

NOV offers the following benefits to employees:

1. Health, dental and life insurance
2. Employer contributions to the 401(k)
3. Possible tuition reimbursement
4. Outstanding training opportunities – NOV pays for continuing education courses, therefore employees are able to enhance their skills and knowledge in order to advance their career.

What Employees Dislike about Working at NOV

Some employees at National Oilwell Varco complain about the following:

1. Lack of career growth opportunities – some employees want to learn new skills and build their experience as an oil and gas industry professional.

Work at NOV is limited. Therefore, it is difficult to advance in this industry.

2. Relocation – some employees do not like the fact that they have to relocate and move from job to job.

3. Lack of job security – some employees complain about the fact that they are not sure if they will have a job next year.

4. Long hours – career development is limited and you can expect to work long hours as an NOV employee.

5. Low pay – some employees complain that they do not receive fair pay for the amount of hours they must work.

National Oilwell Varco Company Profile

National Oilwell Varco designs, builds, and sells systems, components, and products for the oil and gas drilling.

It also involves the production, industrial and renewable energy sectors around the world.

The business is divided into three divisions: Rig Technologies, Wellbore Technologies, and Completion & Production Solutions.

It also offers portable power generation products, drill and wired pipes, drilling optimization and automation services, tubular inspection, repair, and coating services, instrumentation, measuring and monitoring services, downhole and fishing tools, steerable technologies, and drill bits.

It also offers cranes, jacking systems, pipe lifting, racking, rotating, and assembly systems, mud pumps, pressure control equipment, drives and generators, rig instrumentation and control systems, mooring, anchor, and deck handling machinery, offshore wind construction vessel equipment components, and pipelay and construction systems.

In January 2021, the company changed its name from National Oilwell Varco, Inc. to NOV Inc. NOV Inc. was established in 1862 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Conclusion

Are you ready to start your career in oil and gas? NOV is a great company to start with. The pay is reasonable for people without experience, the hours are flexible enough and the environment is friendly and positive.

You can also look forward to several opportunities for professional development in your career as an employee at NOV.

If you are interested in a career with National Oilwell Varco, this post has provided all you need to know about the hiring process at the company to improve your chances of being employed by NOV.