Most people are under the impression that oil field employment opportunities are abundant and that they are all very well paid. This is true to a great extent. However, there is no guarantee that you will be able to get a job with a high salary easily. The best way to ensure that this will happen is to work for it.
Thoroughly research oil patch areas and get an idea of the number of oil field jobs available there. Areas with large reserves, the exploitation of which is just picking up, offer more and more secure employment opportunities. The higher demand for workers automatically means higher remuneration. By researching the different areas, you will get an idea of where the best opportunities are and apply without wasting time and resources applying for positions in multiple places.
Look for oil field employment positions that have matching or slightly lower requirements in comparison to the qualifications and experience that you have. Let’s say you have worked as drilling and service rig manager for some time in your previous company. It is natural to look for open positions of this type. However, it may be a smarter move to consider driller jobs as well.
You certainly have all the necessary qualifications and experience for driller jobs so you have higher chances of securing a position. At the same time, a driller job puts you in the best position for advancing to rig manager. You do not have to sit at home waiting for the perfect opportunity to come up. You have the chance to work, earn an income, prove your qualities and become a manager faster.
Apply for oil field jobs in late summer and early autumn. This strategy is based on simple reasoning. The well drilling usually starts in late autumn and continues throughout the entire winter. This means that employers want to have ready crews by mid autumn. Your chances of getting hired are greater when you submit applications earlier. In general, it is a good idea to apply for a number of jobs so that you boost your chances further. Basically, you need to follow the wisdom of the old saying – do not put all your eggs in one basket.
Provide important relevant details on previous oil field employment or employment in general in your resume. These details include name and possibly address of the previous employer, main duties on the job and reasons for quitting. The latter part is tricky, but most employers will ask about it. Be careful not to mention negative things such as not getting along with the manager. It is best to say that you decided to change the setting or to seize a new opportunity. Make sure that you highlight the qualities contractors look for in your resume such as diligence, integrity, team work and so on.
Include references in your oil field employment application. You can readily put the names and addresses of the people who can recommend you for the job at the end of your resume or on a separate page. This is the preferred option compared to adding the standard “references available upon request”.
Be prepared for relocating and starting work instantly. If you have some experience in the industry or if you have read about it, you certainly know that the demand for workers varies due to drilling sites opening and closing. That is why when hiring, most contractors want the workers to start working now and not in one or two months’ time. Hence, if you want to secure a job, you should be able to arrange relocation quickly so that you can begin when required.
Now you know how to get the best oil field employment position. Follow all of these tips for success.