The oil, gas and energy sector presents unique opportunities for professionals at every stage of their career. It’s a rewarding industry with huge growth potential and with the rise of renewable energy, there’s a range of devising ways to succeed in this exciting industry. Petroleum engineers, for example, are high in demand and oil and gas companies are always searching for new contractors. However, preparing for the interview and securing the role are just the first steps. Throughout your career, you need to keep honing your skills and continue to prove that you’re an indispensable employee. But what sets the best professionals apart? A strong desire to perform and a positive mindset are what enables people to excel. With the right attitude and expertise, there’s no reason why you can’t climb the ladder. Read on to learn more about how you can enjoy a successful career in the energy sector.

The oil, gas and energy sector has faced many challenges in recent years. When it comes to professional development and growth in this industry, learning ‘hard skills’ such as forecasting and project management, are often the main focus. However, to have a successful career in the long term, professionals must build on their soft skills. The oil downturn and the COVID-19 pandemic have accelerated trends in the market, such as digital transformation, which means it’s all the more important that energy professionals develop their soft skills to enable them to embrace change and handle new challenges. 

For example, as technology has begun to dominate the industry, there is a greater need for professionals with critical thinking and problem-solving skills. With many companies trying to capitalise on the rise of electric power and new technologies, it’s become all the more important that energy professionals have a global mindset and understand the importance of clean energy transitions. Soft skills will always be highly regarded because of how diverse the workplace can be – so they should be a priority for every professional.

Becoming a specialist or a generalist in your career is an age-old debate, present in every industry. In the energy sector, however, it’s important to become an expert in a particular area, but have a well-rounded point of view. This means understanding the “big picture”, how the processes flow and connect to your role. For example, the main responsibility of a geologist is to investigate the Earth’s natural resources, collect data and advise on site selection – but they need to understand the engineering process to ensure their examinations are valid. Specialisation allows professionals to have more of a focus and hone their expertise over time. Petroleum engineers, for example, are divided into several different types, including exploitation engineers and drilling engineers. Becoming an expert means you will build more depth of understanding and even position yourself as a thought leader.

Success in any industry is largely dependent on the pool of information or ideas you have learnt from other people in the past. That’s why networking is incredibly important for career growth. It’s vital to build a professional network of trusted and valuable individuals, including colleagues and influential people in the industry. One of the best ways to grow your network is by attending conferences and events, and joining professional trade organisations where you will gain access to an exhaustive network of contacts. Alternatively, you could develop your energy network online, which can be a much more efficient way of building your reputation. For example, LinkedIn has become the ideal platform for building professional networks. It enables continuous growth and the opportunity to join groups. Beyond LinkedIn, however, there are plenty of ways to expand your network. Consider creating a personal website that showcases your achievements and provide details about how people in the energy sector can connect with you. Networking provides an avenue for new opportunities, meeting high-profile professionals from the same career path can serve and support your career growth. Always tap into your network at each stage of your career journey.

One of the key elements of career management is planning and goal setting. To make real progress in the energy sector, professionals should set relevant goals that are meaningful and achievable. When you’re busy at work and focused on the details, it can be easy to lose track of your wider objectives and career ambitions. There are hundreds of challenging positions in the oil, gas and energy sector, so make sure your goals are clear, detailed and measurable. For example, if you want to switch from a drilling engineer to an energy driller, you could set milestones along the way that address the key skills you’ve gained that help toward your goal. When professionals have goals, it’s much easier to stay motivated and reach the next level.

The energy sector remains an important and relevant industry in the 21st century and is an excellent career choice for the right kind of professional. At Petroplan, we’ve had years of success recruiting and consulting into the energy and oil and gas sectors for both permanent and contract hire roles. We’ve invested heavily in the renewable sector, recruiting professionals into a wide range of roles. We’re also specialists in the commercial and technology sectors. As a talent and workforce solutions agency, we provide high-quality recruitment consultancy and we take a personalised approach. Our consultants are always up-to-date on the latest trends in the market. Take a further look at our client services here or contact us to find out more about the energy sector and how we can help you develop your career.

The energy sector is a massive industry with a wide variety of professionals in different roles – which means there are always opportunities to meet people and build your network. In the energy sector, strong and positive relationships are vital. The value of improving your network is in building relationships and creating a community of people in the same industry. It’s all too easy to take a passive approach and expect our network to develop on its own, but professionals with strong networks make the effort to connect and reach out to new people. There’s a range of ways to build new relationships and create a quality network. The below tips will help you make the most of your network in the energy sector. 

Over the years, LinkedIn has become one of the best tools for networking. In building your network, you want your LinkedIn profile to be diverse and focused, with connections to people in the energy sector or to people who have expertise. If you’re just starting on LinkedIn or haven’t been concentrating on it, send connection requests to people with a personalised message to introduce yourself and add context. When it comes to networking, you should also try to engage and reconnect with old contacts, rather than relying on strangers. These contacts can be an excellent way to re-establish a relationship and support each other’s careers.

One of the best ways to make your LinkedIn profile stand out is by asking for a recommendation from people you have worked with, as well as engaging with other people’s posts. It’s not enough to simply add people to your network. Interacting with your connections and engaging regularly by sharing valuable content will help you build stronger relationships with the energy professionals in your network. Linked Jetpack has outlined a few different examples of recommendations in a blog post, which shows the value of having other people vouch for your skills and success. Recommendations show that you’re a trusted and well-respected professional, and they’re a great way of maintaining relationships.

Industry events and conferences provide an excellent opportunity to expand your network. At these events, you’ll have the chance to meet like-minded people and engage with industry leaders. In the energy sector, there’s a wide range of industry events that professionals can attend. For example, the Society of Petroleum Engineers is the largest member organisation for oil and gas professionals worldwide, and they advertise several different events and training courses, bringing professionals together from all around the world. Furthermore, one of the most well-known oil and gas events is the Offshore Technology Conference, which is sponsored by 13 different associations, including the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. Attending events, whether in person or virtually, can connect you with key influencers. Also, you can always reach out to people in your network and ask if there are any relevant events or groups to attend. That way, you’ll be able to learn about new groups regularly.

Alternatively, another way to expand your network is by starting a group of your own and inviting people who might be interested in joining. The key benefit of starting your group is that you’re immediately being positioned as a leader and a specialist in your industry. Networking is all about collaborating and sharing knowledge to help others, and it’s always an opportunity to develop your interpersonal skills. However, it’s important to know that the best networking groups have specific aims. For example, starting a group for young professionals in the energy sector increases the chances of your networking group having a more meaningful impact because it will have a specific focus. Therefore, your networking group must have a clear objective and be grown carefully over time.

Within your network, you need to communicate with people consistently to maintain and strengthen relationships. It’s critical that you follow up after initial conversations at networking events through email or LinkedIn, once you’ve taken a business card. Continuing the conversation after a business event is something people often overlook, but it’s key to developing a long-lasting relationship. When following up through email, you need to make sure you mention something memorable from the event or the previous conversation. Discuss each other’s career goals and ask about any relevant projects your new connection may be working on. The key to successful networking is maintaining a valuable, ongoing dialogue that’s mutually beneficial.

Building your network is essential for the growth of your career. At Petroplan, we have an excellent team of consultants who understand the importance of consistently building your professional network. As a specialist talent and workforce solutions business, we’ve established strong relationships with both clients and candidates. If you’re interested in finding out more about networking in the energy sector, contact Roxy Hohls and Lizzie Verbeek or get in touch with our wider team today.

The liquid natural gas (LNG) industry has always been a volatile market, even as it continues to grow and offer businesses more opportunities to save energy. LNG remains one of the world’s fastest-growing fuel resource, as demand has increased following the coronavirus pandemic. Thanks to LNG, natural gas is much more readily available, as it’s transported around the globe in huge tankers, making it a convenient option for businesses and gas producers.

With temperatures rising around the globe, there’s no doubt that energy businesses need to focus their efforts on natural gases to lower the environmental impact. Compared to fossil fuels, LNG has a much brighter future. If managed successfully, the implementation of LNG can improve environmental performance. Let’s take a look at the ways LNG is positive for the global environment and why energy businesses should make natural gas a top priority. 

LNG is used across many business sectors within the industrial sector, including commercial, marine and road transport – and it’s a clean-burning, low carbon fuel that’s much more efficient and easier to transport. LNG has proven to be better than any other fossil fuel for the environment, as it generates 30% less carbon dioxide than fuel oil and 45% less than coal. The combustion of natural gas evaporates much more quickly in the air, compared to traditional heavy fuel oils, leaving no particles or residue. 

This also means there’s far less spreading of oils after LNG spills because it dissipates quickly into the atmosphere. While LNG still does have an environmental footprint, it contributes to far fewer carbon emissions. Data from the Energy Information Administration shows that since 2006, increased use of natural gas has driven carbon dioxide savings. There’s no doubt LNG has played a great role in reducing CO2 emissions globally, and as a cleaner fuel, it’s expected to eventually replace traditional fuels for power generation.

Since LNG is a natural gas that has been cooled down to liquid form, it’s much more reliable and can be transported in large quantities. As well as saving on carbon emissions, LNG has a higher energy density, which means more energy can be stored and transported for the same amount of volume. The LNG market has fluctuated over the years, but LNG producers have been able to keep up with the demand. However, production companies need to shift how they conduct business if they truly want to capture the true potential of LNG, as well as to help the save environment. This could include optimising the supply chain, using more energy-efficient equipment, and constantly be on the look-out for energy-saving options. 

LNG contributes to cleaner air in several ways. For example, natural gas burns extremely efficiently, producing mainly heat and water vapour, and it’s much more cost-effective. According to research, natural gas releases 56% fewer greenhouse gases than coal for the same amount of electricity. However, natural gas has often raised concerns because it is made up of mostly methane, which is nearly just as potent as greenhouse gases – and methane emissions are the second largest cause of global warming. Fortunately, we’re in an age where gas transition and distribution companies have the opportunity to utilise technology to help improve productivity and lower the carbon economy. There are a range of new technologies, like microscopic nanotubes that can reduce carbon emissions. In this digital era, LNG producers have plenty of opportunities to apply data and analytic techniques to optimise operations, reducing costs and energy as a result. Above all, LNG has a range of benefits for the environment and according to research, natural gas is one of the main reasons carbon dioxide emissions are at their lowest in almost 25 years.

At Petroplan, we have deep knowledge and expertise of the oil, gas and energy industry, with more than 40 years’ experience working with clients and candidates. We’re a specialist, talent and workforce solutions business that seeks out the best permanent and contract opportunities, both locally and globally. Over the years, we’ve established long-lasting relationships with clients and candidates, helping businesses find the best talent. We offer career advice and insights, and we’re dedicated to helping you grow your career. Contact us today to start the conversation or view our oil and gas jobs.

If someone was looking for top legal advice, specifically property, they’d seek an expert who is well-versed in property law rather than a general practice solicitor. An expert who has specialised in one field will have a far greater understanding of the subject and can offer unrivalled advice. Similarly, a consultative recruitment and workforce solutions business that has specialised in a distinct area will be deeply-rooted in their field and have the industry-specific knowledge that general recruitment agencies don’t. Concentrating their attention on a niche group of candidates allows specialist consultants to adopt a highly personalised approach, which remains a top priority in the changing recruitment landscape. Read on for a deeper dive into the main advantages of working with a specialist agency.

Specialist consultants speak the language of the industry and understand on a much deeper level the different types of roles on the market and often more importantly, how to get individuals mobilised and on to a project quickly. Because a specialist talent and workforce solutions agency covers an entire industry – including the most niche areas – and provides expert consultancy advice, dedicated teams are designed to focus on distinct disciplines and services. For example, within Petroplan we have dedicated teams for both technical areas – Engineering, Geoscience, Subsea and Marine, Drilling, and Completions, HSE and Quality, Downstream & LNG (to name a few) and Commercial areas - Technology, Supply Chain, Finance, HR, Procurement as well as all other energy-related areas. We also have client-dedicated operational teams focused purely on the logistical aspects of contractor management, payroll and mobility. Our consultants keep their ear to the ground for news and developments in their niche fields and use their specialist insight to source high-quality candidates. Additionally, our specialised consultants are familiar with how the digital transformation is requiring a new approach to recruitment and will work alongside companies to create future-proof talent solutions that are specific to their industry.

A specialist talent and workforce solutions business has a carefully curated candidate pool. Simply put, we have access to the top talent on the market – both passive and active. With an extensive candidate network comes the luxury of having access to a more diverse group of people, which is something every company can stand to benefit from. Take the oil and gas industry, which is making slow progress towards having a gender diverse workforce. Should companies in this industry partner with a specialist agency, they could benefit from the diversity of thought and experience and increased profitability while creating a fair and equal workplace that would help to attract more diverse candidates.

A KPMG report revealed that 73% of CEOs say the new world of remote working has expanded their candidate pool and though, in theory, this is good news for hiring teams, having more people to screen and interview can drive up the time to hire. Using sophisticated automation software, we can relinquish control of the more manual tasks - such as screening and producing shortlists faster; we can also arrange interviews, carry out psychometric testing – and generally create a more streamlined, tailored process for each client, whilst also managing the candidate’s expectations. In-house hiring teams might not have access to the newest software that has all the latest bells and whistles, but specialist consultants do. Reducing the time to hire in this way will ensure that candidates remain engaged at every stage and will limit the risk of them dropping out of the process.

Though technology can help companies avoid bottlenecks from interview to hire, a specialist, consultative agency is all about the people. Consultants are in the business of developing meaningful connections with candidates and are adept at establishing these relationships whilst protecting a company’s employer brand. Employer brand has earnt a place in the top five objectives on many boards because companies recognise that their reputation could be the difference between a candidate accepting an offer and going to the competition. By working with a specialist talent and workforce agency, leaders can be confident that they have the best people on the job who are skilled at engaging with prospects and being a guardian of the company’s brand.

What makes Petroplan unique is that our company was founded by industry engineers who spotted a growing need for talent in the oil, gas and energy industry. Since 1976, the team has grown into an international energy workforce solutions business and now operates in over six continents. We are also independent and privately owned, which clients often favour due to the flexibility that this provides. Our specialised sectors cover exclusively Oil& Gas (E&P, Mid-, Downstream and LNG), Technology, Renewable Energy, Commercial and Executive/C-Suite roles.

Our scale means we’re able to continue providing a personalised service for our clients by tailoring it to each region’s specific requirement. With a wide range of expertise, spanning upstream, midstream and downstream, greenfield and brownfield, early oil production, full-field development and expansion projects, our consultants can support your unique resource needs. Don’t forget to get in touch to hear how we can help you navigate the new world of talent acquisition.

As remote work and virtual recruiting have become the new normal, businesses in all industries are facing tough competition to secure the market’s top talent. 70% of the global workforce is made up of passive talent, not to mention the increased focus on stability and security that professionals have in the Covid-19 era. Therefore, it remains difficult for organisations to identify, attract and retain the best candidates. Retrenchments have led to more talent on the market, so now is the time to consider whether they can add value to your organisation. With so many candidates in the market right now, it isn’t always easy to find what you’re looking for. So, here’s how you attract and hold onto the best people in oil, gas and energy.

Business leaders and hiring managers have long reported challenges attracting the market’s most qualified candidates. This is particularly pronounced in the SME market, with 64.2% of small businesses reporting they struggle to attract qualified talent. According to research by One Rec, 81.5% of recruitment professionals said that a lack of relevant candidates was impacting their recruitment efforts. While business priorities may have changed for many due to Covid-19, businesses with industry-leading professionals will be best placed to meet these challenges moving forward. 

Many organisations have had to flex, reduce or restructure as a result of the pandemic and the corresponding economic downturn. Your resourcing requirements no doubt look very different from how they did before the outbreak. Contractor mobilisation and the supply chain have both been impacted, creating more challenges for businesses. Now is the time to understand your company’s mission and values, and identify roles you need to move your organisation forward. Whether that’s looking for tech talent to bridge the digital skills gap or introducing a new HSE position to remain compliant with Covid-19 policies, take the opportunity to rethink what roles make up your business. 

It’s essential you foster a mission-driven company, as it can improve employee engagement – and regardless of the skills you identify, make sure that diversity and inclusion plays a part in any future talent attraction strategy. Gender diversity in particular is a chief concern for the oil, gas and energy, so ask your recruitment partner how they can help you with diverse searches. 

Your employer brand plays a significant role in how appealing you are to top candidates. It serves as the identity of your company and the internet and social networking sites have made it easier than ever for professionals to find information about what it’s like to work for an organisation. It’s been found that nine out of ten candidates are more likely to apply for a job with an employer whose brand has been actively maintained. This means that it’s all the more important to define the message of your company and nurture your culture. That way, you’ll be able to give candidates a stronger perception of your brand. Whether that’s by overhauling your social media pages, asking employees for honest feedback, or developing your website to feature more company benefits, you need to add depth and show that your company is an excellent place to work. 

Speaking of culture and benefits, you need to think about what would make industry-leading talent consider changing jobs. While salary will always be a key factor, the current climate means organisations may no longer have the budget to compete on salary. If this is the case, focus on other top factors for professionals, such as company culture, benefits and flexibility. In today’s competitive market, it’s all the more important that you anticipate candidate and employee needs. For example, start developing meaningful relationships during the recruitment process by delivering clear communication about onboarding timelines, and the requirements of the role. Providing a positive candidate experience is crucial to attracting the best talent and making successful placements. It’s been found that people who are pleased with their candidate experiences are 38 per cent more likely to accept a job offer.  

Stability will also be increasingly important in the coming months and years as the market continues to respond to Covid-19. Longer contracts, help with mobilisation, permanent positions and employer support will all be more appealing to candidates, as will company culture. Glassdoor reports that 93% of employees mention company culture in their reviews, suggesting this is a critically important factor in both attracting new people and retaining current employees. It’s all the more important then, that you focus on maintaining a positive workplace culture where employees understand how they can add value and be successful. The key to retainment is building healthy relationships with your employees from day one. 

Identifying, attracting and securing the market’s best talent takes time, effort and resources. A specialist recruitment partner is best placed to support you through this, particularly as the market continues to ebb and flow with the pandemic. An outsourced partner will work as an extension of your business, taking the time to build long-term relationships with you and truly understand not only what you need from your people, but also what makes you unique as an employer. This allows consultants to position your business in the best possible way to the best possible candidates. 

Whether you’re looking for drilling and well engineers or executive-level leaders, Petroplan can help. We’ll work with you to tap into new talent pools, identify the best solutions for your business and ensure you’re attracting the best candidates in the industry. Find out more about our client services here or contact us to start a conversation. We look forward to hearing from you soon.