Marathon Petroleum is one of the largest petroleum refining, marketing, and transportation companies in the United States. With operations spanning across refineries, terminals, pipelines, and corporate offices, Marathon seeks to hire candidates who are skilled, safety-conscious, and aligned with the company’s values. As part of the hiring process, many applicants are required to complete pre-employment assessments designed to evaluate their technical knowledge, cognitive abilities, behavioral traits, and situational judgment.
Types of Assessments at Marathon Petroleum
1. Mechanical Aptitude Test (for Operations & Maintenance Roles)
Candidates applying for technician, operator, or maintenance positions may need to complete a mechanical aptitude test. This assessment measures your understanding of mechanical principles, tools, pulleys, gears, forces, and systems. It often includes diagrams and multiple-choice questions.
Tip: Brush up on basic physics, mechanical systems, and tool recognition. Use practice tests to get familiar with the question format.
2. Behavioral Assessment
This is a personality-style test that evaluates your work habits, values, and how well you align with Marathon’s safety culture and team-oriented environment. It checks for consistency and traits such as responsibility, integrity, adaptability, and stress tolerance.
Tip: Answer honestly, but keep in mind the traits desired by employers in high-risk and collaborative environments like energy and refining.
3. Situational Judgment Test (SJT)
This test presents realistic workplace scenarios—especially around safety, teamwork, and customer interactions. You’ll choose the most and least effective responses to each situation. SJTs are commonly used for both corporate and field positions.
Tip: Choose answers that reflect leadership, communication, and a commitment to safety and teamwork.
4. Cognitive Ability Test (for Technical and Corporate Roles)
For roles in engineering, IT, or management, candidates may be asked to complete tests assessing numerical reasoning, logical thinking, and problem-solving skills. These tests are usually timed and require fast, accurate thinking.
Tip: Practice basic math, data interpretation, and logical puzzles under time pressure.
Preparation Tips
- Use online test prep platforms to practice mechanical, cognitive, and behavioral tests.
- Read each question carefully, especially in personality and judgment-based assessments.
- Stay consistent in your answers—some behavioral tests ask similar questions in different formats.
- Get a good night’s sleep before testing to ensure focus and accuracy.
Start practice today and improve your hiring chances
Common Interview Questions
6 common interview questions and sample answers for roles at Marathon Petroleum, whether you’re applying for an operations, maintenance, engineering, or corporate position:
1. Why do you want to work at Marathon Petroleum?
Answer:
Marathon Petroleum is a respected leader in the energy industry with a strong focus on safety, innovation, and community impact. I’m excited about the opportunity to work for a company that values integrity and operational excellence. I want to grow my career in an environment that emphasizes continuous improvement and teamwork.
2. Tell me about a time you had to follow strict safety protocols.
Answer:
In a previous job at a manufacturing plant, we had strict lockout/tagout procedures. During a maintenance task, I followed all safety steps, double-checked valve locks, and confirmed with my supervisor before proceeding. I understand that safety isn’t just about rules—it’s about protecting people and operations.
3. How do you handle high-pressure situations or emergencies?
Answer:
I stay calm, assess the situation quickly, and follow established procedures. At my last job, we had a brief system failure. I alerted the team, switched to manual controls, and helped troubleshoot the issue without panic. Staying focused and communicating clearly made all the difference.
4. Describe a time you worked as part of a team to complete a difficult task.
Answer:
We had to repair a major pump under tight deadlines. I worked closely with technicians and supervisors to coordinate parts, manage downtime, and ensure everything was done safely. Good communication and shared responsibility helped us complete the job on time and without any incidents.
5. How do you stay updated with industry best practices or technical knowledge?
Answer:
I attend safety training sessions regularly, read industry publications, and stay connected with peers in similar roles. I also take advantage of any online courses or certifications that can strengthen my skills, especially in areas like process safety or industrial maintenance.
6. What would you do if you saw a coworker violating a safety procedure?
Answer:
I would intervene immediately but respectfully, reminding them of the correct procedure. If necessary, I would report it to a supervisor. Safety is everyone’s responsibility, and it’s important to protect both the individual and the team by addressing unsafe behavior promptly.
