Getting A Job At Oracle
Founded in 1977 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, Oracle is an American multinational cloud-based computing company employing approximately 135,000 people worldwide.
In 2020, Oracle was named the second-largest software company in the world and are best known for cloud software products and services.
The Oracle hiring process is fiercely competitive, so understanding the application process will maximise your chance of success.
Oracle Values
Throughout the application process, Oracle will be looking for signs that you embody its values. Therefore it is worthwhile familiarising yourself with these early on and keeping them in mind throughout the process.
- Integrity
- Customer Satisfaction
- Mutual Respect
- Quality
- Teamwork
- Fairness
- Communication
- Compliance
- Innovation
- Ethics
Types Of Roles At Oracle
Oracle has positions across professional disciplines including development and engineering, marketing and communications, sales and operations, human resources and legal.
As a top 100 undergraduate employer, the company's graduate internships make a great place to kick start your career. All you need is a curiosity for cloud computing and a passion for business.
Hiring Process At Oracle
Positions at Oracle are highly competitive and, as such, the hiring process is rigorous, starting with an online application form that may feature additional screening questions. Following that, you'll participate in interviews and assessment days and you may be asked to complete technical and aptitude tests throughout the application process.
Oracle Aptitude Tests
If asked to complete online aptitude assessments as part of the recruitment process, some of the tests that you may be asked to complete include:
- Logical reasoning
- Verbal reasoning
- Numerical reasoning
- Diagrammatic reasoning
- Situational judgement test
Oracle Logical Reasoning Test
Logical reasoning tests evaluate your ability to use abstract, non-verbal information to solve problems. The test presents a series of shapes or images, which candidates must find the rule or pattern that applies and connect them all.
Most logical reasoning test questions will be timed, usually giving less than 60 seconds to answer, so practising sample tests will be crucial in remaining calm for the real assessment.
Oracle Verbal Reasoning Test
Verbal reasoning tests evaluate your ability to comprehend and analyse written passages. You will be presented with a paragraph of text, followed by a statement relating to the text. You then need to decipher if the statement is 'true', 'false, or 'cannot say'.
What's important to remember with this test, is that no prior knowledge of the subject is needed. You only need to identify and extract the key information each question is asking for. The best way to prepare for this timed test is to practice timed verbal reasoning questions.
Oracle Numerical Reasoning Test
A numerical reasoning test is designed to challenge your mathematical skills. You'll be presented with numerical data in the form of graphs, charts, or tables, and will submit your answers via multiple-choice questions.
This is a timed test that measures your ability to think analytically and reason with numerical data. We recommend practising sample numerical reasoning tests and brushing up on your basic mathematical knowledge including percentages, ratios, and fractions.
Oracle Diagrammatic Reasoning Test
Diagrammatic reasoning tests offer a different way of assessing your logical thinking skills. They use more complex question types, where sequential rules are applied to multiple-stage processes and must be used to determine several possible outcomes.
Diagrammatic reasoning tests are used to evaluate how you cope with solving problems under pressure, so practising sample tests will help familiarise yourself with the question style and format.
Oracle Situational Judgement Test (SJT)
Situational judgement tests (SJT's) are role dependent and most commonly deployed for
leadership positions. They assess your ability to demonstrate good judgement and decision making and will highlight how strong your communication, commercial awareness, relationship building, and teamwork are.
The test consists of multiple-choice questions based on challenging workplace scenarios. You can better prepare yourself for this test by familiarising yourself with the company's values and completing free situational judgement tests online before the real test.
Oracle Technical Tests
The technical assessment is only used for candidates applying to a position requiring technical expertise. The test is usually taken online and is used by the Oracle team to assess whether you have the necessary skills and knowledge for the position.
The specific test you will receive will be dependent on the area you are applying to and the recruitment team will advise what test you are taking in advance, with enough time to prepare for it.
Oracle Telephone Screening
If you pass the initial application screening, you will be invited to an informal telephone interview with an Oracle recruiter.
This will be a short telephone conversation, where the Oracle recruiter will ascertain more information about your background, pulling details from your original application.
Oracle Super Day
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an assessment centre day at the Oracle Reading head office. This is an opportunity to meet the business and understand the culture whilst participating in an interactive assessment. The day will help both you and Oracle identify how well-suited you are for each other.
Oracle Group Presentation
For the group presentation, you will be placed with up to 5 other applicants and posed with a fictional commercial scenario to work around. Though this is a team exercise, you will be assessed individually, so ensure you actively participate in the task.
Teamwork is one of Oracle's core values, so ensuring you show your ability to actively listen and respond, as well as share your personality and strengths without dominating the task will be key to success.
Oracle Behavioural Interview
You will also participate in a one-to-one interview. The conversation will be largely based on your application and career motivations and technical competency where relevant. Ensure you memorise your application form as this will help you to present as focussed and confident.
What Is It Like To Work At Oracle?
Oracle is a great company to work for, especially when kick-starting your career. Placed as a top 100 undergraduate employer in the UK the company puts a big focus on giving you the tools you need to thrive in the career of your choice.
Top Tips To Getting Hired At Oracle
Do Your Research
Oracle will want to see that you are passionate about a career with them specifically, you will need to demonstrate passion and understanding for Oracle's unique job and culture proposition and why you want to work for the organisation. Your motivation and drive is more important than technical know-how for graduate positions.
Practise Tests
The best way to prepare for the assessments is to practise sample tests. You should take the tests under timed conditions as you would for the real assessments - this will help you become accustomed to the time pressure and question types in the real test. Reviewing your answers after you complete a test will identify areas for improvement.
Prepare For Different Test Formats
You may be given a series of aptitude or technical tests to complete throughout your application process. Generally, they will all be time-limited and provide multiple-choice answers, however, to avoid panic on the day, we recommend practising a wide range of aptitude tests.
Use The STAR method
Familiarise yourself with the STAR method of responding to behavioural interview questions. This will give you a concise structure to follow, ensuring your response is communicated effectively. This consists of:
- Situation: Describe the situation
- Task: What was the goal?
- Action: Describe the actions taken
- Result: Describe the outcome of your actions
