Last updated on Jun 6, 2024

Here's how you can navigate discussing your previous work experience in an Oil and Gas interview.

Navigating an interview in the Oil and Gas sector can be quite challenging, especially when you're expected to discuss your previous work experience. The industry is complex, with a variety of roles ranging from exploration, drilling, production, and refining to distribution. Understanding how to effectively communicate your past roles and responsibilities, while demonstrating how they align with the potential employer's needs, is crucial. It's not just about listing your job titles; it's about showcasing your contributions to projects, your technical expertise, and how you've overcome industry-specific challenges.

1 Reflect Deeply

Before stepping into an interview room, take time to reflect on your previous roles in the oil and gas industry. Consider the projects you've worked on, the challenges you faced, and how you contributed to overcoming them. It's important to have a clear narrative that ties your experiences to the job you're applying for. Show how your hands-on experience with drilling equipment, for example, or your strategic role in supply chain management, has prepared you for the responsibilities of the new position. This reflection will enable you to articulate your experiences confidently and relevantly.

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JULIUS LARROBIS

Senior Administrator
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It is important to develop the skill of positive scripting. This is achieved by expanding your vocabulary through various exercises. Learning this skill allows you to put a positive spin to an otherwise dreadful experience. If you had a less-than-ideal experience from your previous job, relay the story from the perspective of the lessons you learned and how it forged you into becoming a seasoned veteran in the field. It is all about choosing to highlight the progress you were able to make in spite and despite of the adversities you have had to deal with. This will portray you as a level-headed individual who will not allow negativity to rule his/her productivity.

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2 Tailor Examples

Tailoring your examples to fit the job description is key when discussing previous work experience. If the role requires expertise in offshore drilling, highlight your experience in that area, detailing specific projects and outcomes. Explain how you've managed safety protocols or optimized drilling operations, as these are critical skills in the oil and gas sector. By aligning your examples with the employer's needs, you demonstrate that you not only understand the industry but are also a perfect fit for the role.

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3 Use Jargon Wisely

In an industry as technical as oil and gas, using jargon can demonstrate your knowledge. However, it's important to strike a balance. Use technical terms when they are relevant and can illustrate your point more effectively, but avoid overloading your interviewer with industry slang that may not be necessary. For instance, when discussing geological formations during exploration, specific terms can be useful. But always be ready to explain these terms in a way that showcases your expertise without alienating non-technical interviewers.

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Vinam Sharma

Flow Assurance Engineer @Wood PLC || Ex-RIL || Petroleum Engineer ||
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Speaking fluently in industry jargon can help establish credibility with the interviewer. It suggests that you have hands-on experience in the field and are accustomed to the terminology commonly used in the industry.

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4 Highlight Adaptability

The oil and gas industry is known for its dynamic nature, so it's critical to highlight your adaptability. Discuss how you've successfully navigated changes in the market or adapted to new technologies or regulatory environments. For instance, if you've transitioned from traditional drilling practices to incorporate more sustainable methods, such as hydraulic fracturing or 'fracking', this shows your ability to evolve with industry trends and regulations, which is a highly valuable trait.

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5 Showcase Achievements

Don't shy away from discussing your achievements. Whether you've led a team to complete a project ahead of schedule or under budget, or you've implemented a new technology that increased efficiency, these accomplishments speak volumes. Be specific about your role in these successes and how they benefited the company. This not only demonstrates your capability but also your potential to bring similar results to the future employer.

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Vinam Sharma

Flow Assurance Engineer @Wood PLC || Ex-RIL || Petroleum Engineer ||
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Whenever possible, quantify your achievements. For example, "I implemented a new technique that increased production by some percentage". "I optimized some methods to predict daily oil and gas sales, resulting in saving daily time of 3 hours ." Some of the safety points and achievements can be quantified in the same manner, which will be an added advantage to the interview. By providing specific examples of your achievements and their impact, you can effectively showcase your capabilities and demonstrate your value.

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6 Discuss Learning

Finally, be open about what you've learned from your experiences. The oil and gas sector is one where continuous learning is essential due to its ever-evolving nature. Discussing courses you've taken or certifications you've achieved, such as a well control certificate or safety training, shows your commitment to professional growth. Moreover, sharing lessons learned from past challenges indicates your ability to reflect and improve, a quality that is highly regarded in any professional setting.

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