In the past when we thought of oil and gas production our thoughts immediately turned to overseas and the Middle East. Today with the onset of new technologies such as hydraulic fracturing (fracking), and safe ocean exploration techniques; companies throughout north America have been able to reach new ocean and land deposits which were previously unreachable with the technologies of the past.

This technology has led to an expansion of employment within the oil and gas industries throughout North American from companies large and small looking to capitalize on this marketplace expansion; but individuals seem to struggle to find these jobs and structure a resume to focus their skills for these employer’s needs.

Truck drivers, Welders, Heavy Equipment Operators, Machinists, Oil Rig Operators, Geologists, Engineers, Administration Personnel, Project Managers, etc.. are all needed by these employers and they are willing to compensate employees well above national standards.

Newcomers to the industry need to start their job search by learning the basics about the industry; look at what companies are working in the marketplace, types and locations of projects they are working on, technologies they are using, types of people they are hiring and the skills that are needed do to the jobs they require.

Once you have a general understanding of the market it’s now time to establish some relationships. Talk with HR managers about their needs, network with professionals already working within organizations that you are interested in, go to informational interviews or career fairs, talk with oil and gas industry staffing agencies / recruiters to learn more. Making as many contacts as you can will get you noticed and express your desire to work within this growing industry.

It is also necessary to have a properly structured resume tailored to the oil and gas industry. All the typical resume writing rules apply; but you want to focus your skills to address the needs of hiring managers within the oil and gas industries. Have a properly formatted objective; showcase the skills you have that employers need in the industry. Once you send a resume out, call the employer on the phone, talk with them and express your interest. Always be selling yourself and what you can add to their organization.

As a candidate you need to stand out in a pool of many applicants as the marketplace is crowded with individuals looking for brighter career prospects; your goal is to shine and obtain the career opportunity that will lead to long term career success.

Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing (www.webuildstaffing.com). To learn more about Michael or Follow his Blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com

Most employers want their employees to exhibit confidence, strength and provide an excellent service to their clients; when you are interviewing for a job you always want to show your abilities to handle stress and portray a professional image. When you place to much stress on yourself to get the job in an interview setting you may find your job search beginning to spiral out of control.

So here are some tips to keep your stress and anxiety under control;

(1) Prepare and do your homework on the company you are interviewing with. Learn about their products, services, corporate culture, the job you are interviewing for, who you will be interviewing with and make a list of questions you can ask.

(2) Practice interviewing. Practicing interviewing will make you more comfortable in an interview setting. Rehearse typical questions you may be asked in the interview. Ask a friend to interview you or use a video camera to interview yourself; knowing how it feels to be interviewed will greatly relieve the stress in a real interview setting.

(3) Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses. Practice talking about yourself.

(4) Visit the interview site the day before your interview; so you don’t get lost looking for it right before your interview. See what people are wearing

(5) Prepare you clothes the night before. Wear clean, properly fitting clothing that fits the environment in which you will be interviewing.

(6) Get enough sleep the night before; do not go to an interview looking tired and worn-out. Eat a good breakfast the day of the interview.

(7) Arrive to the interview 10 to 15 minutes early.

(8) Consider the interview a two way conversation; this is not an interrogation. During the interview focus your attention on the interviewer, ask questions and think about your answers. If necessary pause a few seconds to think about what you are going to say first.

(9) Bring examples of your work with you; having visual aids always helps to presenting your experience to an interviewer. Show off your hard work, celebrate the success you have had.

Utilizing these simple tips will help combat your interview anxiety and succeed in obtaining your next career opportunity.

Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing (www.webuildstaffing.com). To learn more about Michael or Follow his Blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com