Topsoe Interview Questions
& Process

So, your first interview with Topsoe was basically a screening or alignment chat. They wanted to see if you'd be a good fit, kinda like getting to know you. It was probably about 30-45 mins on Teams, and they were pretty friendly and casual, trying to make you feel comfortable and give you a good vibe about the company. The main thing they were looking at was how your resume matched up with what they needed for the Senior Buyer job, checking if your skills like SAP, working with suppliers, and handling contracts or saving money were what they're looking for. They also wanted to gauge your interest in their mission of 'Sustainable Energy' and see if you'd mesh well with their team's culture and if you've got that proactive attitude.

The interview process involved typical questions like introducing yourself, explaining your interest in the company, discussing your strengths and weaknesses, and describing what constitutes a good day at work. I think there were like 3 rounds in total including a recruiter call, a phone screen, and an onsite interview. The interview formats were mainly behavioral and technical.

It was a super quick hiring process, with 4 steps and I talked to 7 people, including execs. They were nice and professional, but I felt confused about the company's direction and there was a lot of uncertainty. Initially, it felt like they really wanted to hire someone, but after a while, it seemed less important, and they almost ghosted me. I had to do a case study, which I completed. However, I didn't get much feedback. The case study felt like my last chance to prove myself, but I didn't hear back quickly. It seemed like they were looking for a reason not to hire me, but they never gave me a clear reason, just a 'thanks for your time.' I felt completely ignored in the end. HR was involved, including tests (like the Thomas International PPA, which was cool), but their interpretation seemed off and didn't accurately represent me. HR felt like they were trying to dig up something hidden, but there was nothing to hide. I was honest and did my best. Sadly, I felt like just a number, which is surprising for such a well-regarded company.

A third party handled the initial candidate search based on relevant experience. I was contacted about my interest, received the job details, and had to fill out a form. About two months later, I had a face-to-face/Skype technical interview at their office. It was a relaxed, straightforward interview covering basic chemical engineering topics, my past experience, and college projects. It lasted about an hour. This was followed by an online personality test. Another month later, I had an HR interview focused on salary discussions and my enthusiasm for joining. This was also very easy. The offer was confirmed 15 days after that. Note: They specifically seek candidates from reputable engineering schools with strong academic records and excellent communication skills, which are essential. Salary negotiation is minimal as they have many applicants; attempting to negotiate significantly can lead to disqualification.