20 Phillips 66 Interview Questions and Answers

Phillips 66 is an energy manufacturing and logistics company with a long history dating back to the early days of the oil industry. Today, Phillips 66 is a Fortune 500 company with operations in more than 30 countries.

If you’re interviewing for a job at Phillips 66, you can expect to be asked questions about your experience in the oil and gas industry, your knowledge of energy markets, and your ability to work in a team environment. Here are some sample Phillips 66 interview questions to help you prepare for your interview.

Phillips 66 Interview Process

The interview process at Phillips 66 can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For operator positions, there is an initial application followed by an assessment and a virtual interview. The virtual interview is a recorded video response to questions. For human resources manager positions, interviews are typically done in panels with questions focusing on your background and behavioral questions using the STAR method. Logistics specialist positions may involve a Hireview video interview followed by a phone interview and then an interview at the corporate office. Internship interviews are usuallybehavioral and last about 30 minutes. Property tax interviews may be conducted by an Asian lady who focuses on your attire and jewelry. Commercial analyst interviews may only involve one interview, but it is important to have a strong GPA. Engineer interviews may involve a HireVue session where you record video answers to pre-set questions. Maintenance engineering interviews may involve situational questions. Software engineer interviews may be difficult with questions about space solutions. HR associate interviews may involve 3 interviews, 5 people, and some repetitive questions. Environmental engineer interviews use the STAR model and focus on behavioral questions and examples of work experience. Accountant interviews may be conducted at a career fair with positive feedback, but no offer. Engineering intern interviews may be met at a career fair and not be

1. What are some of your strengths and weaknesses?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you view yourself. They want to know that you are confident in your abilities, but also aware of areas where you can improve. When answering this question, it’s important to be honest and specific. Try to focus on a few strengths rather than many weaknesses.

Example: “I am very organized and detail-oriented. I have always been good at finding solutions to problems and coming up with new ideas for improvement. My weakness is that sometimes I get so focused on the task at hand that I forget to take breaks. This has led to me feeling overwhelmed or burnt out in the past.”

2. Why do you think you would be a good fit for Phillips 66?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you have done some research on Phillips 66 and can explain why you would be a good fit for the company. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific aspects of the company that appeal to you or how your skills and experience make you a great candidate for the position.

Example: “I think I would be a great fit for Phillips 66 because I am passionate about energy production and love working in an environment where I can use my problem-solving skills to find solutions to challenges. I also understand the importance of safety and environmental protection when working in the oil industry, which is something Phillips 66 takes very seriously.”

3. Do you have any experience with data analysis or financial modeling?

Phillips 66 is a large company that requires employees to have some experience with data analysis or financial modeling. Your answer should show the interviewer you are familiar with these processes and can apply them in your current role. If you do not have any experience, consider describing how you would use data analysis or financial modeling if you were hired.

Example: “I have worked as an accountant for several years now, so I am very familiar with data analysis and financial modeling. In my previous position, I was responsible for creating monthly reports on our revenue and expenses. I also used this information to create budgets for each department within the organization.”

4. Would you say that you work better in groups or independently?

Phillips 66 is a large company that requires its employees to work well in teams. Your answer should show the interviewer that you are comfortable working with others and can collaborate effectively. You can also mention any skills or experiences that make you a good team member.

Example: “I find that I am most productive when I have time to work independently on projects before collaborating with my colleagues. This allows me to think through problems more thoroughly, which helps me come up with solutions that benefit everyone. However, I do enjoy collaborating with other professionals because it gives us all an opportunity to share our ideas and learn from each other.”

5. How do you think the oil industry will change over the next 5 years?

Phillips 66 is a company that’s constantly adapting to the changing energy industry. Employers ask this question to see if you’re aware of how the oil industry has changed in recent years and whether you have any predictions for what it might look like in the future. In your answer, try to highlight some specific changes you’ve noticed in the past few years and explain why you think they’ll continue into the future.

Example: “I believe we’ll start seeing more renewable energy sources being used as primary forms of power. As technology continues to advance, I think we’ll see solar and wind become much more cost-effective than fossil fuels. Another change I expect to see is an increase in automation within the industry. With so many new technologies available, I think companies will start using them to streamline their processes.”

6. What is your greatest strength/weakness when it comes to working as part of a team?

Phillips 66 is a company that values teamwork and collaboration. Your answer to this question should show the interviewer that you are willing to work with others, understand your strengths and weaknesses and learn from them.

Example: “My greatest strength when it comes to working as part of a team is my ability to communicate effectively. I am always open to listening to other people’s ideas and opinions, and I try to be respectful of everyone’s thoughts and feelings. My weakness when it comes to working as part of a team is that sometimes I can get so focused on one task that I forget to check in with my teammates. I have learned over time to make sure I take regular breaks to talk to my coworkers about what they’re doing.”

7. What type of process engineering experience do you have?

Phillips 66 is a large company that requires its employees to have extensive experience in their field. The interviewer wants to know what type of process engineering you’ve done and how it relates to the position you’re interviewing for. Use your answer to highlight your relevant skills, knowledge and abilities.

Example: “I’ve worked as a process engineer for five years now. In this role, I’m responsible for designing and implementing processes that are safe, efficient and cost-effective. I also work with other engineers to create new processes or improve existing ones. This has helped me develop my communication and collaboration skills, which I think will be beneficial to Phillips 66.”

8. Describe how you dealt with an issue regarding employee safety at one of your past jobs.

Phillips 66 wants to ensure that you will uphold their company’s values and commitment to safety. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide specific details about the situation and how you handled it.

Example: “At my last job, I noticed a few employees were not wearing proper safety equipment while working in certain areas of the facility. I approached them privately and explained why they needed to wear the required gear at all times. Some employees didn’t understand the importance of following the rules, so I scheduled mandatory training for everyone on the importance of safety. After the training, I noticed an improvement in compliance.”

9. Give us an example of a time when you had to make a quick decision with very little information. How did you handle this situation?

When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide an example of a time when you made a decision that benefited your company or helped others. This can show the interviewer how you make decisions and what factors you consider when making them.

Example: “In my previous position as a manager at a restaurant, I had to handle many situations on my own because our general manager was out sick for several days. One day, one of our servers called in sick, which left us with only two servers working during our lunch rush. I decided to hire a new server to help cover the rush so we could still serve all of our customers. It ended up being a good decision, and we were able to get through the rush without any problems.”

10. Talk about a project that you were proud of and why.

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you are proud of the work you do and how it impacts others. When answering this question, try to think of a project or accomplishment that was meaningful to you and why.

Example: “I am very proud of my most recent project at my current company because I worked with a team to create an innovative solution for our client. We were able to save them money by implementing our new system, which made me feel good about what we do as engineers.”

11. Tell me about a time where you disagreed with a manager, how did you handle it?

Phillips 66 wants to know that you can respectfully disagree with a manager and still maintain a positive relationship. This question also helps the interviewer determine how well you work in teams. In your answer, try to show that you can be honest with your opinions while maintaining respect for authority figures.

Example: “I once disagreed with my manager about an important project I was working on. My manager wanted me to change some of the specifications of the project, but I felt strongly that we should stick with what we had already planned out. After discussing it further with my manager, they agreed to let me keep the original plan. They were happy with the results when the project was finished.”

12. What is your approach towards problem-solving?

Phillips 66 is looking for candidates who can solve problems and challenges that arise in the workplace. Your answer should show the interviewer how you approach problem-solving, what your process looks like and any tools or techniques you use to help you find solutions.

Example: “I start by identifying the issue at hand and then I research possible causes of the problem. Next, I develop a plan of action based on my research and implement it. Finally, I evaluate whether the solution worked as expected and if not, I go back to the drawing board until I find a solution that works.”

13. How would you deal with a difficult client?

Phillips 66 is a company that works with many different clients. Your interviewer may ask this question to see how you would handle difficult situations at work. Use your answer to show the interviewer that you can remain calm and professional in challenging situations.

Example: “I have experience working with many different types of people, so I know that sometimes they can be challenging. If I ever had a client who was being particularly difficult, I would first try to understand why they were upset or frustrated. Once I understood their concerns, I would do my best to address them as quickly as possible. I find that remaining calm and respectful when dealing with difficult clients helps diffuse the situation.”

14. Have you ever been asked to do something outside of your job description? How did you respond?

This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of your problem-solving skills and ability to adapt. Use examples from previous jobs where you were asked to do something outside of your job description, but still managed to complete it successfully.

Example: “At my current position, I was asked to fill in for an employee who was out on medical leave. Although I had no experience with that specific task, I researched how to perform the duties and practiced until I felt comfortable enough to take over the role. The company appreciated my willingness to learn new things and offered me more opportunities within the company.”

15. Phillips 66 has many different types of operations. Which area are you most interested in?

This question is a great way to show the interviewer that you have done your research on Phillips 66 and are familiar with its operations. It also allows them to see if there’s an area of the company that interests you most, which can help them decide whether or not you’re a good fit for their organization. When answering this question, make sure to mention one specific operation and why it appeals to you.

Example: “I’m very interested in working in the refining side of Phillips 66 because I’ve always been fascinated by how oil refineries work. I think my background in chemistry would be a great asset to the team.”

16. Can you tell me about a time when you encountered a conflict within a group? How did you handle it?

Phillips 66 wants to know how you handle interpersonal conflicts. This question can help interviewers assess your problem-solving and conflict resolution skills, as well as your ability to work with others. When answering this question, try to describe a specific situation in which you helped resolve a conflict between two or more people.

Example: “In my last position, I was working on a project team that included several different departments. One day, one of the marketing managers came to me and said they were concerned about the timeline for our project. They thought we might not be able to meet our deadline because some of the information we needed from another department wasn’t ready yet.

I met with the other department manager and explained the issue. We talked through the timeline and determined there would be enough time to get everything done by the deadline. The marketing manager felt much better after talking with them.”

17. Discuss a time when you suggested an improvement on a current process.

This question can allow you to showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to think critically. When answering this question, it can be beneficial to discuss a time when you implemented a change that improved the efficiency of a process or helped solve a problem within an organization.

Example: “At my previous job, I noticed that we were spending too much money on shipping costs because our trucks would often return empty. This was causing us to have to pay for extra drivers to make multiple trips per day. I suggested implementing a system where we could track which shipments had been delivered so we wouldn’t need to send back empty trucks. The company agreed, and we installed GPS tracking devices in all of our delivery trucks. We saved thousands of dollars each month by not having to send back empty trucks.”

18. What are your career goals? Where do you see yourself in five years?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your career goals and how they align with their company’s objectives. Before your interview, research the company’s website or annual report to see what its future plans are. If you can find information on employee development programs, take note of those as well. In your answer, explain which aspects of the job appeal to you most and why you think you would be a good fit for the position.

Example: “I am excited to apply for this role because I have been following Phillips 66’s growth strategies for some time now. I believe my skills and experience make me an excellent candidate for this position, and I hope that I could contribute to the company’s continued success in the coming years.

In five years, I hope to still be working here at Phillips 66. I would like to continue growing within the organization and contributing to the company’s bottom line. I also plan to complete my MBA by then.”

19. What do you know about our company’s values?

Phillips 66 is a company that values its employees and their contributions to the organization. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have researched the company’s culture, mission statement and core values. In your answer, try to show that you understand what Phillips 66 stands for as an organization. You can also use this opportunity to explain how your own personal values align with those of the company.

Example: “I know that Phillips 66 places a lot of importance on safety in the workplace. I value my own safety at work, so I am happy to hear that the company takes this issue seriously. Another important value of the company is innovation. I think it is great that the company encourages its employees to come up with new ideas and solutions to problems. I would love to be part of a team that works together to find innovative ways to improve processes.”

20. We want our engineers to help create new processes while also improving existing ones. Are you comfortable doing both?

This question helps the interviewer determine if you have experience with both types of projects. Use your answer to highlight any previous experiences that helped improve processes or create new ones.

Example: “I’ve had several opportunities in my career to help create and implement new processes for clients. I enjoy this type of work because it gives me an opportunity to use my creativity and problem-solving skills. However, I also love working on improving existing processes. In fact, I find it more challenging than creating a new process because there are so many different variables to consider. It’s rewarding when I can help reduce costs or increase efficiency.”