We can’t blame it on the sunshine, we can’t blame it on the moonlight, we can’t even blame it on the boogie.
In fact, it’s difficult to pinpoint the precise causes that led to the slump in the oil industry that began in 2014.
There’s no doubt the worldwide surplus of oil caused by the US shale boom did not help.
Now, however, crude prices have fought back from the 13-year low last year and have been holding above $50 a barrel since the start of 2017.
This steadying of prices has seen new drilling activity as companies boost spending plans to take advantage of the expected crude price hike.
That’s good news number one.
The bad news number one is massive cuts have already cost an estimated 440,000 jobs globally, with experienced workers transferring skills to other sectors.
In fact, a University of Houston global survey of laid-off oil workers found 25% had already moved to another industry – another 55% were thinking of moving.
Now for bad news number two: the exodus of workers and lack of recruitment could threaten future production, when the upturn in the industry speeds up.
Thankfully, good news number two gets the last word: all of this means there are major job opportunities coming your way.
And you need to be ready to seize these.
So here are our three top tips for ensuring you’re at the front of the line.
1. Get your CV bang up to date
Even if you’ve been working ‘off-grid’, it will pay to add all of your recent work, either paid or voluntary. Skills in other sectors will only add to your attractiveness for a new position in Oil & Gas. And don’t be shy about asking for testimonials from former bosses and colleagues. s1jobs can help you create your perfect CV (http://www.s1jobs.com/newsandguides/guides/g2.shtml).
2. Highlight your USP
Your unique selling point is that particular skill or career experience that makes you the stand-out candidate. Do you know what that is? Consider your talents and previous roles and ensure you highlight on your CV and at your interview the personal strengths that make you indispensible.
3. Refresh and upskill
Brushing up on skills via online courses and seminars means you’re ready to leap back into action. Take this one step further by gaining brand new qualifications and you’re already ahead of the competition.
Your trump card for a winning deal is right here with s1jobs, the best place to find all the latest roles in Oil & Gas.