Valero Assessment Test

Valero Energy Corporation is an internationally recognized company part of ‘Fortune’s 500’; with over 30 years of experience, it specializes in the manufacturing and distribution of fuels, petrochemical products, and power. Based in San Antonio, Texas, Valero Energy Corporation employs over 10,000 employees worldwide.

As one of the U.S.’s most profitable companies, Valero was also named by Forbes Magazine as one of the ‘Best Employers in 2018’. Thus, naturally, it is also one of the most popular career choices for young professionals.

Valero Hiring Process

Valero’s hiring process is not as complicated as you may think. Nonetheless, there are still many things you should take into consideration if you wish to ace your application and impress the recruitment team. Below we outline the process for you to have a better understanding of what to expect. Keep in mind that depending on the job you are interested in; the process may be slightly different.

Online Application

The first thing you should know is that all Valero applications are filled out online through their portal (or the occasional LinkedIn post). At this time, the application process is pretty much standard. You are asked to create a username, password, and fill out a profile that requires you to answer basic questions about your experience, previous employment, educational background, and more. Here, job seekers are also requested to upload their resume in a simple format, such as PDF or Word document.

Valero Assessments

As mentioned above, depending on the position you are interested in, you might have to take one (or more) in-person or online assessments before moving on with the recruitment process.

Personality Test

Every applicant is administered a personality test to evaluate if they are the right fit for the company. Valero uses Hogan’s methodology for this portion of the assessment.

Hogan assessments are all about predicting a person’s potential performance (while on the job) based on their strengths, shortcomings, skills, and personality characteristics. There are five different tests available:

• Hogan Personality Inventory (HPI)
• Hogan Development Survey (HDS)
• Hogan Motives, Values, Preferences Inventory (MVPI)
• Hogan Business Reasoning Inventory (HBRI)
• Hogan Judgment Assessment

Reading Comprehension & Numerical Reasoning Tests

These two assessments are pretty much self-explanatory and may be compared to any other standardized test such as the GMAT, GRE, or even the SAT.

The numerical portion usually includes basic math, numeracy drills, solving logic-based problems, and interpreting graphs/tables. They are meant to test your mathematical abilities and skills.

On the other hand, reading comprehension tests are precisely that. They evaluate a person’s ability to comprehend and understand passages effectively and efficiently. These tests are, more often than not, administered in international offices to assess the applicant’s English proficiency.

Aptitude Tests

Applicants interested in technical or engineering positions need to undergo additional examinations to evaluate the person’s ability to understand and apply crucial concepts intrinsically related to the job. For instance, if you are applying for ‘Plant Operator’ or ‘Process Operator’ you will need to undergo a Mechanical Aptitude Test. 

These assessments tend to take 2-3 hours, and their sole purpose is to solve a set of technical problems that you will encounter on a ‘typical day on the job.’ The most important thing to remember is to take your time and answer the questions you are most familiar with first. Remember each item has only one correct answer, and you will have only 30 seconds (on average) to answer each question.

The Valero Energy Corporation recruiting process is simple. However, if you wish to prepare yourself further, we recommend you take a look at their website as there is a lot of materials readily available.

Interview

If recruiters are impressed by your application, you will be invited to complete a face-to-face meeting at one of Valero’s offices. Sometimes, a phone screening is required before the interview; if this is the case, do not be alarmed.

It is crucial to note that a panel of experts generally conducts these interviews. Expect 3 to 4 people, including hiring managers and employees related to your field of interest. It might feel overwhelming at first, as the conversation takes place in groups and may last up to two hours. Nonetheless, the questions are very straightforward.

Sample questions include:

• Why are you interest in working at Valero?
• If hired, what do you expect from a career at Valero?
• Could you name a few of the brand’s products and services?
• Have you recently read any headlines regarding Valero? If so, what are your thoughts regarding said note? 
• Do you consider yourself a team player/ a creative person/ a problem solver?
• Tell us about a time when you had to manage conflict.
• Tell us about a time when you learned from a mistake and how it impacted your job.

Keep in mind that you should respond as naturally as possible, and even though you might have rehearsed some of the answers to these questions, recruiters need to feel you are genuine.

Follow-Up

Following up on your interview may seem like a no-brainer. However, Valero receives thousands of applications every month enlisting some of the world’s most qualified professionals.

Therefore, a great way to stand out is by sending a brief hand-written thank you note to the people who interviewed you. A thank you note will not only demonstrate your good manners, but it will also show that you are willing to go out of your way to make a good impression and land the job. Besides, it confirms that you are still interested in the position and helps recruiters remember your name.

Of course, this is merely a suggestion, but small things like these can go a long way when competing for a job!