Plains GP Holdings: Selection and Interview process, Questions/Answers

Plains GP Holdings is a publicly traded master limited partnership (MLP) that doesn’t directly deal with oil and gas exploration or production itself. Instead, it functions as a holding company for Plains All American Pipeline (PAA) [1, 2]. Here’s a breakdown of their key areas:

• Midstream Infrastructure Ownership: Plains GP Holdings owns a controlling interest in PAA, which operates an extensive network of pipelines, terminals, storage facilities, and gathering systems across key oil and gas producing basins in North America [2].
• Logistics and Transportation: Through PAA, they provide logistics and transportation services for crude oil, natural gas liquids (NGLs), and natural gas [2].

A career at Plains GP Holdings can be an opportunity to contribute to the vital infrastructure that keeps energy flowing across North America.

What are the selection and Interview process of Plains GP Holdings?

Navigating the Selection Process at Plains GP Holdings

The selection process at Plains GP Holdings can vary depending on the specific role, department, and location. Here’s a general overview of the potential steps:

1. Application: Submit your resume and cover letter through Plains GP Holdings’ careers website or through job boards where they might post openings [1, 3]. Tailor your application materials to highlight relevant skills and experiences for the specific position you’re applying for.

2. Phone Screening (possible): An initial phone conversation with a recruiter to discuss your qualifications and suitability for the role might occur [3].

3. In-Person Interview(s): This is a common stage and could involve one or two in-person interviews. You might meet with the hiring manager, team members from the department, or a combination of both.

4. Additional Assessments (for some roles): For certain positions, especially technical roles, you might encounter additional assessments to gauge your technical skills or knowledge relevant to the job (e.g., engineering software proficiency).

5. Reference Checks: Plains GP Holdings might contact your references to get their insights into your work ethic, skills, and suitability for the role.

Tips to Shine During the Process:

• Research Plains GP Holdings and PAA: Demonstrate your knowledge of their business model, the role of midstream infrastructure in the energy sector, and their areas of operation.
• Highlight Your Skills: Tailor your resume and interview responses to showcase how your skills and experience align with the job requirements.
• Technical Expertise (if applicable): Be prepared for in-depth technical discussions for engineering or IT roles (e.g., knowledge of pipeline operations, specific software used in the industry).
• Problem-Solving Skills: Showcase your ability to analyze complex problems and propose solutions, particularly relevant for operational roles.
• Communication and Teamwork: These are essential skills for success in most industries. Highlight your experience working collaboratively and effectively communicating with colleagues.

By understanding the potential selection process, showcasing your relevant skills and technical knowledge (if applicable), and demonstrating your problem-solving, communication, and teamwork abilities, you can increase your chances of landing a rewarding career at Plains GP Holdings.

How many rounds of interview conducted in Plains GP Holdings?

Plains GP Holdings, a publicly-traded master limited partnership, operates midstream energy infrastructure and provides logistics services for crude oil, natural gas liquids (NGL), and natural gas. Their extensive network includes pipeline transportation, terminalling, storage, and gathering assets in key crude oil and NGL producing basins in the United States and Canada. On average, they handle more than 8 million barrels per day of crude oil and NGL in their Transportation segment.

Regarding interviews at Plains GP Holdings, they typically conduct two rounds:

1. Resume Shortlist Round: In this initial round, your resume is reviewed. It’s essential to keep your resume concise and impactful, as recruiters spend an average of 6 seconds scanning it.
2. Technical Round: The technical interview covers various topics related to the energy industry. Here are some sample questions from similar companies:
   • What is a centrifugal pump?
   • How many types of valves exist, and what are they?
   • Describe a ball valve.
   • What is a shell and tube heat exchanger?
   • How many types of heat exchangers are there, and what are they?
   • What does PPE stand for?
   • Explain axial flow pumps.
   • Discuss check valves.
   • Briefly explain positive displacement pumps.
   • What is a globe valve?
   • Define PPE and explain its purpose.

What is the salary for freshers in Plains GP Holdings?

As for salaries, the estimated average annual salary at Plains GP Holdings is approximately $134,867. However, individual salaries can vary based on factors such as job title, department, location, education, certifications, and skills. For instance, an Operator’s salary falls between $52,008 and $64,488 per year. Executives or management positions tend to have higher compensation. Keep in mind that these figures are estimates and may not directly reflect the company’s factual payroll records or survey data.

If you’re interested in internships, you can explore their openings on their website. Remember that salary negotiation and achieving pay equity are crucial aspects of finding and retaining the right talent in any organization.

Top questions Asked for freshers in Plains GP Holdings

Since Plains GP Holdings is a private company, specific details about interview questions and the application process might be harder to find compared to publicly traded companies. However, here’s what you can expect for interview questions and how to potentially apply for a job at Plains GP Holdings:

Top Interview Questions for Freshers in Plains GP Holdings

As Plains GP Holdings deals with midstream oil and gas operations, interview questions will likely focus on a mix of technical understanding and general skills relevant to freshers:

• Technical Knowledge (Basic understanding):
  • Familiarity with the oil and gas industry, particularly the midstream sector (transportation, storage, and processing of oil and gas). This can be gained through research.
  • Knowledge of relevant oil and gas terminology (e.g., pipelines, storage tanks, processing facilities).
• General Skills:
  • Tell me about yourself and your interest in Plains GP Holdings. (Highlight your academic background, relevant projects, and what interests you about the company’s role in the energy sector).
  • Describe a time you faced a challenge and how you overcame it. (Showcase your problem-solving skills and resilience).
  • Explain a situation where you had to work effectively in a team. (Demonstrate your teamwork abilities).
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses? (Be honest, but focus on how you’re working on weaknesses).
  • Why do you want to work at Plains GP Holdings? (Express your genuine interest in the energy industry and potential to learn within the company).
  • Do you have any questions for us? (Always have thoughtful questions prepared about the role or Plains GP Holdings’ operations).

Additionally, Plains GP Holdings might ask freshers about:

• Their academic projects that showcase initiative, problem-solving skills, or analytical abilities (applicable to any field).
• Their willingness to learn and adapt to a new work environment in the energy sector.
• Their interest in learning more about the midstream oil and gas industry.

How to apply for job in Plains GP Holdings?

Since Plains GP Holdings is private, they might not have a publicly advertised careers page. Here are some alternative ways to potentially apply:

1. Check their Website: Visit the Plains GP Holdings website to see if they have a careers section or contact information. You might find job postings or contact details for HR.
2. Job Boards and Networking Sites: Search for job postings related to entry-level positions in the midstream oil and gas sector on job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn. You can also try searching for Plains GP Holdings on LinkedIn and see if they have a company page with job postings or employee profiles. Reach out to employees (appropriately) to inquire about potential openings.
3. Speculative Application: If you find no job postings, consider sending a speculative application directly to Plains GP Holdings HR department. In your cover letter, express your interest in the company and the midstream oil and gas industry, highlight your relevant skills and eagerness to learn, and attach your resume.

Remember, while specifics might be limited, showcasing your interest, willingness to learn, and potential fit within the company can increase your chances of landing an interview.