Breaking into the oil and gas industry can be tough, especially for fresh engineering graduates. With thousands of candidates applying for limited positions, your resume needs to stand out. But what exactly are recruiters looking for?
To answer this, we spoke to 100 HR professionals from leading oil and gas companies. Based on their insights, we’ve compiled the 10 most critical things HRs look for in an oil and gas resume. Let’s dive in. 1. Industry-Specific Certifications
87% of HRs emphasized that having recognized certifications significantly increases a candidate’s chances. The most in-demand ones include:
IADC RigPass – Basic safety and operational training
IWCF Well Control – Essential for drilling and well control professionals
NEBOSH/IOSH or any industry grade training
Tip: If you don’t have these, enroll in a certified training program ASAP. It makes a difference!
Relevant work experience (even If It’s an internship!)
Experience matters, but if you’re a fresh graduate, internships or hands-on training can help bridge the gap. 63% of HRs prefer candidates who have at least 3-6 months of practical experience in the field.
Tip: Mention project details, safety protocols followed, and equipment handled.
3. Technical Skills – Do you have these?
HRs revealed that over 70% of applicants miss listing key technical skills. Ensure your resume includes:
Drilling and well control principles
Mud logging and formation evaluation
Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
HSE (Health, Safety & Environment) knowledge
Tip: Use industry keywords to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
4. Clear, concise resume format
According to our survey, 60% of resumes are rejected due to poor formatting. Avoid lengthy paragraphs, flashy designs, and cluttered layouts. Instead, follow a simple, professional format:
One-page resume (two if you have extensive experience)
Bullet points for skills and experience
Clear sections with headings like “Certifications,” “Experience,” etc.
Tip : Check out our blog on "Resume formats & examples"
5. Safety training & awareness
Oil and gas is a high-risk industry. 92% of HRs said that a candidate’s safety awareness plays a major role in hiring decisions. If you’ve taken safety courses like:
First Aid & CPR
Fire Safety Training
Confined Space Entry Training
Make sure they’re listed prominently on your resume.
6. Soft Skills – teamwork & communication
Technical expertise alone isn’t enough. 68% of recruiters say they look for candidates with:
Strong communication skills (written & verbal)
Ability to work in teams
Leadership potential
Problem-solving abilities
Tip: Showcase these through examples in your work experience or cover letter.
7. Knowledge of Industry standards & regulations
Regulatory compliance is crucial in oil and gas operations. 75% of HRs check whether candidates are familiar with:
API (American Petroleum Institute) standards
OSHA regulations
Environmental protection laws
Mentioning specific regulations you’ve worked or seminars you have went to gives you an edge.
8. Multilingual Skills (If Applicable)
In global operations, language skills matter. 34% of HRs said candidates fluent in multiple languages (English, Spanish, Arabic, etc.) are preferred for international roles. If you speak more than one language, highlight it in a separate section.
9. Strong references & recommendations
HRs trust recommendations from industry professionals. 55% of recruiters said that having strong references can tip the scales in favor of a candidate. If possible, include:
Professors from your engineering school
Supervisors from internships or training programs
Industry professionals you’ve networked with
Tip : Use LinkedIn to network & request recommendations.
10. Career progression & willingness to Learn
Lastly, 81% of HRs value candidates who show a growth mindset. If you’ve taken additional courses, participated in industry workshops, or attended oil and gas conferences, mention it. Final Thoughts
Your resume is your first impression – make it count. If you’re missing any of these key elements, now is the time to work on them. Certifications, hands-on training, and a well-structured resume can increase your chances of landing your dream job.
Want to boost your resume with industry-recognized training? Check us out!
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