As with any career, are you willing to do what it takes?  This could mean relocating your life/family to another country or by taking a much lower paid position or entry level and working your way up.  If you want to be the better candidate, are you willing to invest in yourself?  If you’re not, why should anyone else.

If you don’t have any work experience within the oil and gas industry another way to gain experience is through education.  There are many Universities, Colleges and Training Providers who offer excellent courses relating to the oil and gas industry.  Visit our Training page for further information.

After maths and English, the most common requirement to work in the oil and gas industry is to hold qualifications in science subjects.  You will also need the desirable skills to match the job type you wish to do.

Working in the oil and gas industry can lead to an exciting variety of career paths.  You need to draw up a list of potential jobs that interest you.  You then need to do some research around the skills and qualifications required.  Visit our Job Search page and look at the skills and qualifications that are listed in your chosen job.

Attend networking events and make sure your CV/Resume is up to date.  The more industry related people you meet, the greater your chances are of securing the role you want through them.  First impressions count, so make sure you show them that you are passionate and demonstrate your expertise.

Follow up with your new connections.  Perhaps they asked for your CV/Resume?  You should tailor your CV/Resume to the company and position you are interested in.  Always thank those you meet for the time they took to speak with you – this will also keep you fresh in their minds for any upcoming jobs.

Below are possible career paths, note that there are many more within each category – time to do your research;

Careers in Engineering;

• Chemical Engineer
• Drilling Engineer
• Engineering Geologist
• Mechanical Engineer

Careers in Mathematics;

• Engineering Geologist
• Hydrologist
• Process Engineer
• Petroleum Engineer

Careers for Scientists;

• Geophysicist
• Geochemist
• Hydrologist
• Mudlogger

Office-based careers;

• Marketing
• Production Manager
• Account Manager
• Oil Broker

How did you break into the oil and gas industry?  Tell us your experiences.

We hope this helps.

Life expectancy in the UK is increasing however many of us are saving less into pensions.  Last October, the government introduced workplace pensions and most individuals will be automatically enrolled.  Am I automatically enrolled?

If you were enrolled you, you’re employer and the government will pay into it.  Having a workplace pension makes saving easier and will allow you to keep living the same standard of life when you retire. 

If you opted out of the workplace pension do you have a plan b? It’s never too early to start thinking about your retirement.

Here’s how the workplace pension works;

• Every payday a percentage of your pay is automatically put into the pension scheme for you.
• There are 2 main types of workplaces pensions;

 

1.       Defined contribution pension schemes

Your employer will chose which pension provider to invest your money into.  When you retire, the amount you receive will depend on:

• How much has been paid in
• How long you’ve been paying in
• How well the investment has done

Nearer the retirement age, the pension provider generally moves your money into lower-risk investments; if this is not done automatically you can ask your pension provider for more details. 

 

2.       Defined benefit pension schemes

These pensions are also known as ‘final salary’ or ‘salary-related’ pensions.  These pensions will give you a certain amount each year when you retire, the amount doesn’t depend on investments.

How much you get will depend on how long you have worked for your employer and your salary, the pension scheme administrator can give you more information.

• You pay a percentage of your earnings into the scheme, your employer will also contribute and the government will give you tax relief.  Saving couldn’t be easier!

 

So, if you have opted out of the workplace pension scheme you may want to think about re-joining.

Starting your pension early will give your money time to grow, ask your employer about your workplace pension scheme today.

 

 

It’s the end of the interview and you’re asked “do you have any questions for us?”  This is your chance to stand out from the competition.  If you ask too few questions it will look like you haven’t properly researched the company which gives the impression that you are not really interested in the position.  If you ask too many questions this can be annoying; make sure you have several good questions prepared.

 

1.       Do you think I am the right person for this role?

If you want this job, it is important to ask this question.  Hopefully there won’t be any concerns, but it is important to show the interviewer your interest and that you are more than capable of meeting the job spec.

2.       What will be my biggest challenge?

Asking this question shows that you like to be prepared to meet the expectations which come with the job.

3.       What are the three most important skills needed to excel in this position?

With every position there is a set amount of skills required to do well. If you need to be highly organised, is this an area you struggle in, if so can you improve?

4.       Does the company offer professional training?

If training and professional development is important to you, make sure this is available in your new role.

5.       What systems do you have in place?

You will need to make sure that their current systems are adequate for you to fulfil your role within the company.  If they aren’t, find out if they are open to new suggestions of systems you have used in the past and know will work well.  This will show that you are proactive and know when to use your initiative.

 

What not to ask?

Your salary – you should want the job because it will excite and motivate you, yes the salary is important but it shouldn’t be the sole decision.  Wait for them to bring it up.

You should make sure that any questions you do ask has not already been covered. You want to make a good lasting impression, not a poor one which shows you don’t listen.

 

Good luck!

The UK Government has relaxed the immigration rules allowing businesses within the oil and gas industry to employ skilled foreign workers.  This news gives the oil and gas industry a boost to help fill specialised engineering jobs from out with the EU Zone.

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has advised the immigration authorities to add the twenty new engineering job categories to the Shortage Occupation List (SOL).  The new additions added include mechanical, production and electrical engineering occupations.

Jill Turner, Immigration and employment law expert said; This is really good news for the oil and gas sector which is finding it difficult to recruit specialist engineers. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has listened to the concerns of employers and has taken steps to make it easier for firms to recruit outside Europe.

“Clients tell me one of their biggest challenges is being able to fill key jobs when bidding for or landing a contract and this creates uncertainty and undermines long term planning and business growth. ”

“MAC have acknowledged that there is a shortage of specialist skills in Aberdeen which is vital to the oil and gas industry and that it’s not possible to train people for those posts in the short term.

“In the last four years 100 job categories have been removed from SOL and it is relief that a so-called sunset clause has been ruled out because this would have made it easier to axe more posts and would be detrimental to recruitment in the energy sector.”

The SOL list is a record of jobs which are in demand and are not affected by the strict immigration rules which can often make it difficult for employers to hire skilled foreign workers.  This change will allow businesses within the oil and gas industry to feel secure that they will have the workers to meet the required demands of the jobs.

Jill Turner, expert on Employment and Immigration law.  Visit Jill Turner’s profile page.

For many candidates the interview can be the most daunting part of the recruitment process and can fill them with dread.   Job interviews are stressful by nature and almost everyone gets interview nerves.  Here are our top 5 tips to help you overcome your fears and ace an interview.

1.       Don’t be afraid to show off

The first question you are likely to be asked is “what do you know about the company?” if you say nothing that will not get you off to a flying start.  When researching a company my two stops are the company website and Google.  Use the website to find out who they are, what they are about, their clients and their target audience.  Searching the company on Google will return any blogs, press releases and breaking news about the company – all useful information to start off the interview!

Remember to take a copy of your CV/Resume and the job description to refer back to, it is also worth putting your CV on to a USB stick, and of course prepare your portfolio if one is required.

2.       Practice makes perfect

It’s always a good idea to practice being interviewed before the real deal, to become familiar with questions you are most likely going to be asked.  The more comfortable you are with answering the questions the easier the interview will be.

Interview questions will depend on the job level you are applying for, but there are general questions you are likely to be asked such as ‘What are your strengths/weaknesses, your goals, accomplishments and how you handled a difficult task.’

Practice in plenty of time and you won’t have any problems answering the questions.

3.       Timekeeping

We shouldn’t need to tell you this – make sure you’re on time.  First impressions count and showing up 10 minutes late will do you no favours with your interviewer.

Have a practice run getting to the interview on time, use Google maps for exact directions and have alternative routes should there be any problems.  Take note of the contact number for both the recruiter and the company your interview is with, should there be any problems you can let them know.

4.       Make an effort

Unsure what to wear?  Always go for the smart option.  You don’t need to over-do it, a suit or dress will be appropriate for most companies.  I would advise not to use any heavy aftershave or perfume and be careful on the make-up – you want to make a lasting impression for the right reasons.

5.       Once the interview is over

Always ask for feedback from the interviewer, if you were unsuccessful, take away the experiences learned and improve on your technique for the next time.   If you show your initiative and keenness, the interviewer might consider you for future vacancies at the company.

You should always follow up with a thank you email/phone call for the interviewer’s time, regardless of the outcome.

And, if you can’t remember those top 5 tips then remember these top 3 tips shared by a recruitment consultant:

1. Don’t swear
2. Remember to shower
3. Make sure your zipper is up

 

Good luck!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are in the midst of a huge change in the way we receive our news. Until very recently the power of mass communication was vested only in television companies, radio stations, newspapers and other publications.

But, that is no longer the case. Now, anyone with a computer, or simply a mobile phone, can broadcast a message around the world instantly. 

That really hit home in January 2009 when US Airways flight 1549 ditched in the Hudson River.

Thanks to onlookers in Manhattan and on a passing ferry, the first reports were beamed around the world on Twitter. The first picture was on the web a good 15-minutes before the news channels’ helicopters reached the scene.

As 7,000 people scrambled to see that picture, the server collapsed under the strain.

Social media and the job-seeker

So, what does this have to do with you, as someone seeking a new career in the oil and gas sector?

It means that you have a powerful suite of social media opportunities at your disposal to get your name out there, in front of potential employers.

OilCareers.com recently highlighted on its Facebook page that being ‘head-hunted’ is no longer reserved only for senior management. So it pays to use every opportunity to sell yourself and your skills to potential employers.

Social media opportunities

The recent blog on this website, by Dominic Morris gave you an insight into the ways you can showcase your skills with LinkedIn.

Twitter also has potential if you can master the style of saying something apt and meaningful in just 140 characters. I’m not sure I can see the Evening Standard’s Twesume (half tweet half resume) taking off, giving the limited amount you could say.

However, if you can find some potential employers and other influential people in your sector and persuade them to follow you, then you have the opportunity to put across your strengths.

But, remember how nobody likes an overzealous sales pitch, or the conversation hog at a party who will not stop talking about how brilliant they are. Get your message across with charm and subtlety!

Watch out for the dangers

Hardly a week goes by without our news featuring stories of someone in court, or threatened with court action, as a result of what they said on Twitter, or Facebook.

Even if you don’t say anything libellous, remember your social media comments are public. Your potential future employer would not be the first to Google your name (or username) to see what comes up.

That ill-considered comment you made on Twitter, or Facebook, months ago might just come back to haunt you.

So, before you hit the send button on your next social media update, just make sure you are happy that a potential employer could well see your comment.

Guest blog by Ken McEwen of Ken McEwen Public Relations www.kenmcewen.com

Just as technology is evolving so too is the recruitment and hiring process and while there have been countless column inches devoted to advising job seekers on how to utilise social media to enhance their chances of getting a new job, the ‘grand dame’ of business networking tools, LinkedIn can be an often overlooked resource.  While many people use it primarily as an ‘online CV’ there are many other ways to make you more visible to people who may be able to help you find that next lucrative contract or permanent post.

Optimising your profile

A LinkedIn profile not only gives you an online professional identity but it also gives you the opportunity to showcase your skills. Most people will put their job title in the main headline – but if you are a Manager or even a ‘Project Manager’ it doesn’t tell a recruiter much. Consider using your skill set in your headline such as Petrochemical engineering specialist or ‘Project Manager – Subsea systems’ to really highlight your niche. Your LinkedIn Profile also allows you to add skills and expertise – ensure you enter as many as possible – this area is very search engine friendly and the more visible you are – the more likely you are to be found by recruiters.  Examples could include: project execution; drilling engineering; oil industry; subsea control systems etc.

Recommendations

Recommendations act as references that you can showcase, adding value to your profile and giving you credibility. Ask employers, colleagues or customers to write a short comment about your skills and the benefits of working with you, to give potential employers and recruiters an overview.

Endorsements

LinkedIn has recently introduced a new feature – endorsements. Arguably, they don’t have as much value as recommendations, but if other job seekers are utilising them, you should too. As with recommendations, you have to rely on others to endorse you by clicking on the skills they think you have. However, you have the responsibility of ensuring that you’ve added in all of your skills in the first instance, so really think about what you specialise in. Also, try to list them in order of importance so that those that are most significant will be the first ones on your profile, and the easiest to see.

Groups

Your LinkedIn commitment doesn’t end on your profile. Remember that it’s a networking site, so use it as one by being active. Search for relevant groups to join in your industry sector and specialisation.  It’s a great way of extending your network and keeping up to date with industry developments.

Researching companies

LinkedIn is also a first class research tool so if you are looking to shortlist companies with whom you may be interested in working before meeting a recruiter; this is a great place to start.  Additionally, if you are preparing for an interview then look at the LinkedIn company page as well as the website – it’ll give you insights into employees – where they tend to come from and what background they have. And obviously look up the people who will be interviewing you on LinkedIn because at the end of the day – knowledge is power!

 Guest blog by Dominic Morris, Director of Global Energy Business at Twenty Recruitment Group

At OilCareers.com, the world’s largest online dedicated oil and gas jobs board, our objective is to provide our candidates with access to a variety of positions spanning the entire oil and gas supply chain and in turn provide recruiters and organisations with the highest quality skills to meet their needs.

That’s why, with the oil and gas forecast for the North Sea predicting a jobs boom of up to 50,000 new vacancies in light of recent prospects and developments, but the industry still feeling pressure from the lingering overcast of the global skills gap, our job has never been more important.

In line with supporting employers in their search, OilCareers.com in association with Forces Employment Fairs, an organisation with 26 years of experience in running events for the Armed Forces, recently introduced the Armed Forces Employment Fair to Aberdeen’s Exhibition and Conference Centre for the first time. This introduction aimed to attract fresh talent to the sector by means of transferable skills.

The fair saw 34 major multinational oil and gas organisations exhibiting and over 400 armed forces personnel turning out in search of new career opportunities and was open to all individuals regardless of whether they were in resettlement phase or just thinking of leaving.

The event not only offered sought after opportunities to employers, but in light of The Ministry of Defence announcing that a third round of 5,300 Army redundancies are to be made in June, the transferable needs of the energy sector also present a sustainable and secure outlook to families who face an otherwise uncertain future.

The Armed Forces Employment fair created a crucial shared value platform for all parties and with such a high level of turn out and positive feedback, it can be said that the event was a resounding success and just one of the on-going commitments that OilCareers.com continue to make in order to meet the growing recruitment needs of the oil and gas industry going forward.

CV Checker is very proud to be the new selected professional CV writing partner for OilCareers.com.

When you commission CV Checker to write your CV, you will receive a dedicated service from our most appropriate consultant who is highly qualified with significant expertise within Oil and Gas. They will conduct an in-depth telephone consultation or ask you to complete our comprehensive skills probe form in order to establish your future career aspirations, qualify and quantify your achievements, create your core competencies, highlight your transferable skills and make your CV keyword effective. We do not use templates, or cut and paste when producing your CV; it is a unique and extremely important document that we know you will be proud of. Your new document will be tailored to your target audience and salary expectations within five working days.

A professionally written, powerfully worded and easy to read CV will tell the reader what they need to know, quickly and succinctly. Your CV is the most valuable document you can own – CV Checker can provide you with that document.

Please read some of our recent fantastic statistics;

Within 4 weeks, 91% of our clients had a new job offer

29% of our clients increase their salaries by 25% after using our services

Why not come and have a taster session and speak to a consultant for our free CV review service to get your CV checked for the January job rush?  Click here for your free review.

You’ve made the decision to further your career.  Now it’s time to start the job hunt.  If you are reading this blog you have landed in the right place!  OilCareers.com has thousands of live vacancies within the oil and gas sector – the key is knowing how to search for them.

 

To begin your search visit the Job Search page.  Select the category that most interests you and to ensure you see the most relevant jobs you should also select a sub-category and if appropriate a relevant region. Once these sections have been selected, click search.

 

You can narrow down your job search further within the Job Search page by entering keywords, or specific cities in the specified field.  If you are looking for a specific job type such as contract, staff or part-time positions you can select this from the drop down box.  To specify how the vacancies are listed, you can specify from the ‘Order By’ drop down box.

 

Found your dream job? It’s now time to apply.  You will have to register for an account with OilCareers.com – registering is free, quick and simple!  Click here to register. Registration will only take a few moments, but if you have any problems please contact the office and we will be happy to guide you through the process.

 

When registering, the second section – Your Skills, is a crucial part to finding your next job! We recommend that you choose as many primary and secondary skills as you can. Within your account you can sign up to job alerts and have the system send you new jobs that match your criteria. The skills you select will ensure that the correct job alerts are emailed to you.

 

Don’t miss out on potential job opportunities – register your CV/resume today!