How to Get a Job As an Oil Driller
Many different types of jobs are available on oil rigs. Men and women who work as oil drillers are usually crew leaders who are responsible for training and safety of their crew. Oil drillers also ensure that their crew operates the drilling rig properly and safely. Oil drillers must also monitor all of the parts of the oil rig, such as the power systems, hoists and well-control equipment. They conduct safety drills and manage the setting up and moving of the rig itself. Oil drillers usually start out as a driller assistant or a "roughneck" rig worker. Oil drillers work long hours.
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Instructions
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Make sure you are in good physical condition to work as an oil driller. Get a complete physical examination and chest x-rays to ensure that you are in peak physical condition. Be prepared to submit to additional physical examinations and drug tests during the hiring process.
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Update your resume to include all physical labor jobs, quality control experience and management training. Emphasize on-the-job training if you lack experience or education. Tell potential oil driller employers about your ability to work long, hard hours.
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Make at least 10 copies of your resume. Fax or mail your resume to as many oil drilling companies as possible. Follow-up your fax or mail with a telephone call. Continue to apply for entry-level oil rig job openings as they are posted.
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Register with online oil industry job boards, such as Drillers.com or Alternative Power Careers, or a paid recruiting service, such as Rig Worker. Upload your resume to the recruiter's website to apply for drilling jobs. View and apply for oil drilling jobs in your area, or anywhere in the world if you are willing and able to relocate.
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Network with people who already work in the drilling industry. Use online social networking sites, such as LinkedIn and Facebook, to locate groups associated with the oil drilling industry. Join the groups, read job-related posts, get information from experts and ask questions.
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Prepare for your job interview by researching the company. Be ready to explain how your experiences, education and talents will be an asset to the company. Dress professionally and be on time for the interview.
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Bring extra copies of your resume, reference letters and certifications to leave with the interviewer. Thank the interviewer for the opportunity to and consideration for a position as an oil driller. Ask for a business card and send a thank you note to the interviewer.
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Tips & Warnings
The minimum age requirement to work on an oil drilling rig is 18 years old. The average age of off-shore oil rig workers is 27 years old.
Be prepared to pay your own moving costs to reach the job site once you are hired. Few oil drilling companies will pay moving costs.
Off-shore oil drilling workers usually work six months on the rig and then are off work for six months. The average pay is $50,000 per year.
Beware of recruiting agencies that charge you a fee in exchange for job leads. Some oil industry companies hire their own recruiters who do not charge the job seeker a fee.
Oil drilling jobs are physically demanding and require long hours on the job. Off-shore jobs require that the worker be away from family and friends for up to six months at a time.
References
Resources
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