How to write a great CV for the Oil and Gas Industry

February 9, 2024

How to write a great CV for the Oil and Gas Industry

As the global oil and gas industry enters a period of rapid growth, we see our clients needing to fill more and more offshore jobs and requiring drilling recruitment support. The work is often hands-on and different levels of experience are required for different roles.

So how can you make sure to stand out with your CV? As an offshore recruitment agency specialising in the drilling industry, we have put together some of our top tips!

  1. Use a clear and technical format

Before you even begin looking at the content of your CV, it is important to consider the layout. These days, we see a trend of creative and unique CVs that include images, colour and minimal information.

This works for some jobs in other sectors, however it is unnecessary when applying to jobs in the Oil and Gas industry. The important thing when it comes to offshore recruitment is that you are able to clearly demonstrate your skills, technical expertise and professionalism.

In order to do this well, you need a structure to your CV. We recommend that you create clear sections that include:

  • Contact details
  • Education and qualifications
  • Work experience and job history
  • Relevant skills
  • References (if you are short for space, state that references are available on request)

This must all fit within two sides of an A4 sheet of paper. Including a personal bio, interests and testimonials can also be helpful to include if you have space, but they are not essential.

  1. Include relevant education, qualifications and certificates

Within the oil and gas industry, contractors and employees will be expected to complete a number of courses and qualifications which are extremely important for roles offshore.

If you have been in the industry for some time and have a long list of courses under your belt, it is important to prioritise the most relevant qualifications to include on your CV. For example, leave out courses that are outdated and no longer of interest to an employer. We recommend including the foundation of your training such as an apprenticeship or degree, any qualifications specifically highlighted in the job description, and qualifications that are particularly recent or impressive.

Within this section of your CV for the Oil and Gas industry, include survival and first aid training you have undertaken.

  1. Show evidence of transferable skills through your employment history

Whether you are applying for an entry-level position or are looking to climb further up the career ladder, it is essential that you tell the offshore recruiter why you are the perfect candidate to fill the role. One of the best ways to do this is through highlighting your previous work experience and employment history.

List your employment history and for each position state the job title, company, location and the years spent in the role. Under each heading, create a concise and clear description of the job. The recruiter will want to see key responsibilities, duties and achievements.

You may want to include more information about certain jobs if they are particularly helpful and relevant to the job you are applying for.

If you have never worked in a similar role, or even industry, to the one you are applying for, show evidence of transferable skills. For example, are you experienced in the fishing industry or served in the armed forces and looking to move into oil and gas? There will be similarities to draw upon such as time working offshore in difficult environments, long shift patterns, and working closely with a team.

Offshore recruitment agencies like to see a variety of transferable skills across your employment history. Make sure to highlight these skills and demonstrate that you are able and willing to adapt. As a result, this shows you have what it takes to work offshore on an oil rig!

  1. Consider the specific skills required for the role

On your CV for a job offshore, list approximately 5 key skills that are relevant to the job. A great CV will be tailored to the role you are applying for. Carefully read the job description and highlight any skills it specifically mentions.

Does the role require someone with great communication skills? Draw on your previous experiences and give examples that demonstrate your excellent ability to communicate with others.

Are there specific technical skills that are highlighted as desirable? If you have experience in these skills, make sure to include examples and show the recruiter that you are suitable for the job.

By demonstrating that your skills meet the specific requirements included in the job description, you immediately set yourself ahead of many other candidates! We specialise in drilling recruitment, so it is important that our applicants carefully consider the skills required within this sector when applying for a job.

Applying for Jobs in Offshore Drilling

We hope this helps you as you seek employment in the offshore oil and gas industry! At Global Resources Network, we are an offshore recruitment agency specialising in drilling jobs. Our clients are frequently looking for hard working and dedicated personnel to join their drill crew. Within our drilling recruitment organisation, most positions seek experienced candidates however we do see entry-level jobs come up from time to time.

If you are hunting for an offshore drilling job in the Oil and Gas industry, please contact us today! Our candidate hub has more information on what you can expect when you join our network.

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