How to get a job in an oilfield

To get a job in an oilfield, use this guide:

• Qualifications to work at an oilfield. First off, here are some musts when trying to get a job at an oilfield. You must be at least 18 years of age and have proof of identification or a work visa.

  To work at an oilfield, you must also be able to put in long shifts. Many jobs in the industry require you to work extended shifts, 12-14 hours per day.

  You must also be able to do physically intense work. Oilfield workers need to be in good shape physically because of the demanding labor of the job. The ability to go up and down many flights of stairs, and to be able to lift at least 50 pounds, are standard requirements.

• Use networking and connections to get an oilfield job. This is your best bet for quickly obtaining work in the oilfield industry. If you don't have any oilfield connections, use the connections you do have to see if they know anyone in their network that is connected.

  You can also frequent establishments that you know are attended by oilfield professionals, such as certain restaurants or bars.

  You can submit resumes online, of course; however, most oilfield teams are composed of people that already exist in the network. It can be hard to break in if you don't know anyone.

  Knowing someone, or even better, getting the recommendation of someone already in the field, is almost always a faster route to obtaining jobs in this industry.

  Another way to gain a network is to use professional-based social media. Try to connect with oilfield professionals. Do not just blatantly ask for work, but show them your interest and ask if they could give you some tips for the field. These types of online relationships may even result in you eventually landing a job.

• Go to a specific oil company. The oilfield industry is still one where you can literally walk into a company's office and ask if they have any open positions. This shows ambition and even if they aren't hiring at the moment, seek to add their hiring manager to your oilfield network.

  To clarify, larger oil companies usually do not operate this way, but you can try. Smaller ones, however, do typically take walk-in requests for work.

• Use Rigzone. Rigzone is the premier oil and gas job search website. Here you will find many listings for all types of positions in the oilfield industry.

  Do not just apply to everything; this will take up a lot of time and likely lead to poor results.

  Seek out positions that you are qualified for or ones that are considered entry-level positions if you have little-to-no oilfield experience.

• Employment agencies. Employment agencies can also be utilized to help find you work in the field.

  Depending on your level of experience, you may have to take hard manual labor positions at first. But this will prove to be a great foundation for a solid career in the oilfield industry if you work hard, learn as much as you can, and stay dedicated.