Interview question tips for offshore oil and gas jobs

Got an interview for an exciting potential role offshore in the oil and gas industry? Here’s some tips and  advice that will help candidates present themselves in the best possible light.

General tips

Let's start with the basics. Turn up on time and turn up looking the part. That means a smart, clean suit, shiny shoes and clean nails and hair. Make sure that the colours remain on the right side of coordinated and remove any surplus jewellery or items that are likely to provide the interviewers with an unwelcome distraction. The purpose of the exercise is to be judged on general demeanour and quality of answers, after all. Check the interview location well beforehand, and leave plenty of time to get there, calling the agency a day or so in advance to double check details. Read up on the prospective employers beforehand and think of a couple of interesting questions to ask – for example, what are the companies’ expansion plans for the next few years, or even what do the interviewees like most about working there? Look over job ads and requirements again, and make sure to be able to explain how they are met through previous work or other experience.

Further information for offshore oil and gas job candidates

Whilst the types of oil and gas offshore roles are wide, interviewers will be looking for a number of key attributes that are common to successful applicants. Candidates will need to be able to prove they not only have the academic ability to undertake the required employment related study (all offshore employees have to pass a health and safety certificate, even if not planning any further qualifications) but also the personal skills required. Successful Offshore employees will be team players, able to resolve conflict that arises with colleagues in a calm and sensible manner, and be organised about their lives and work. Candidates need to be able to take responsibility for their work, and communicate clearly with others at all levels.

Offshore oil and questions

• What do you see as the key challenges faced by oil rig employees on a day to day basis?
• What do you think the most important attributes of offshore workers are?
• What kind of career related qualifications would you like to gain?
• What attracts you about a career offshore?
• Have you spoken in depth to anyone who has worked offshore before? 
• Have you ever worked a twelve hour shift before?

General interview questions

• What appeals most about working for us?
• What do you see yourself doing in five years’ time?
• What are your key strengths that would apply to this career?
• Why should we employ you and not any of the other candidates?
• What do you think are your weaknesses in the workplace? How are you addressing those? 

Scenario interview questions

• Can you talk me through a work or educational experience where you had to work closely with a group of colleagues to complete a task? What collaboration strategies were most effective?
• How would you deal with a disagreement about a health and safety issue when doing a job on a rig?
• Can you describe to me a situation you have dealt with which best demonstrates that you have the key skills required for this role?