Page 45 - Graduate Recruitment Handbook 2025

important, but employers also value teamwork,
communication, and adaptability. These can
be developed through student organisations,
group projects, or part-time work and should be
clearly highlighted on your CV.

Prepare and practice – Before interviews,
research the company, review the job
description, and prepare examples using the
STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
How important are soft skills, such as
communication and teamwork, for recent
graduates in your organisation?
Soft skills like communication and teamwork
are absolutely essential for recent graduates
joining NOV. While technical knowledge
and qualifications are important, it’s the soft
skills that often determine how well someone
integrates into a team and contributes to
projects effectively.
In our experience, graduates who demonstrate
these soft skills early on are quicker to adapt,
more resilient, and often show stronger
leadership potential. That’s why we place a
strong emphasis on these qualities during the
recruitment process—they’re not just “nice to
have,” they’re fundamental to success at NOV
and in the wider energy industry.
How important are extracurricular activities
and leadership roles in assessing a recent
graduate’s employability?
Extracurricular activities and leadership roles
are very important when assessing a recent
graduate’s employability—especially when they
may not have extensive professional experience
yet.
When a graduate has taken part in clubs,
sports, volunteer work, or student leadership,
it often shows they know how to work in teams,
manage responsibilities, solve problems, and
lead others—skills that translate directly into the
workplace.

2025/26 Graduate Recruitment Handbook 45