How to prepare for an interview in the oil and gas industry

Got an interview for an exciting potential role in the oil and gas industry? Congratulations, your oil and gas job search is off to a great start, but the work doesn’t end there.

It’s important you understand what employers are looking for so that you can confidently navigate the oil and gas job interview process and showcase your skills, knowledge, and potential. Whether you're a seasoned industry professional or an aspiring newcomer, our oil and gas recruitment agency has essential tips that will equip you with the tools you need to excel in your interview.

Here are 4 essential tips for success from our oil and gas recruitment agency:

1. Research the oil and gas job you are applying for

Take some time to research the company you will be interviewing with. Look for information on their history, products, services, and recent developments. This will help you to understand the company's values and goals, and to demonstrate your knowledge and interest in the company during the interview. With new reports revealing global investment in clean energy technologies grew to an estimated $1.1 trillion in 2022, up 31 percent from the prior year, it’s worth investigating company portfolios to learn more about their focus and how your knowledge and experience can contribute to their growth plans.

Make sure you thoroughly understand the oil and gas job description and the skills and qualifications required for the role. This will help you to tailor your responses to the interviewer's questions and to demonstrate how your skills and experience match the requirements of the job. For example, if the post is based offshore, consider what questions are asked at an offshore interview, or read about the company culture to understand how to dress for the interview. The oil and gas industry is typically formal within office based settings, so expect to wear formal business attire.

2. Get familiar with oil and gas terminology

When interviewing for an oil and gas job, it's important to be familiar with key terms and concepts. Whether you’re a newcomer to the industry or highly experienced, it can be beneficial to brush up on your knowledge. This will help you to understand the interviewer's questions and demonstrate your industry knowledge.

Sign-up to industry newsletters to receive the latest news and insights directly. Staying up to date with trends that reveal the future of oil and gas in the industry is of paramount importance for job seekers. From increasing your credibility and helping you stand apart from other candidates to helping you speak confidently and articulately about current issues and challenges during interviews.

3. Prepare for technical questions 

Review industry terminology and processes, and be prepared to discuss how you would approach technical challenges that often arise in oil and gas jobs. Prepare specific examples of times when you demonstrated the skills and qualities required for the role. This could include examples of problem-solving, teamwork, communication, or leadership. Be sure to focus on examples that are relevant to the oil and gas industry and to the job you’ve applied for.

It can be helpful to adopt the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to help you structure your answers clearly and highlight particular skills and qualities you have that the employer is looking for. Practicing your responses to these questions can help you to feel more confident and prepared during the interview.

4. Practice answering common interview questions

Nailing the technical oil and gas job questions and showing your expertise is important but don’t forget to prepare for common interview questions too. Adrenaline and nerves can run high in an interview situation, making it easy to forget even simple answers.

Make sure to prepare for common interview styles such as behavioral and competency based questions, which are similar in style but have their differences. For example, behavioural interview questions aim to gauge a candidate's work style and team compatibility, while competency interview questions assess their job-relevant skills and knowledge, but both styles may start similarly with “tell me about a time when…” or “give me an example of…”. 

By following these tips, you can prepare for a successful interview in the oil and gas industry. Good luck! 

Amplify your oil and gas job search

At TRS, we have nearly 40 years’ of experience in finding and connecting the best talent with businesses and organisations, with a specialist focus in the oil, gas, and chemicals sectors. Our oil and gas recruitment agency has a collaborative global network of over 200 experienced recruiters, we have the resources and expertise to help you master your oil and gas industry job interview.

Eagerly waiting an invitation to interview or still on the hunt for oil and gas jobs that are just right for you? Why not improve your chances of getting your dream role by searching for exciting jobs in the oil industry at TRS Staffing? Explore and apply for our latest opportunities, or get ahead and send your CV to be the first to hear about our latest jobs.