subject: 5 Reasons Why People Don't Get Their Desired Offshore Oil Rig Jobs [print this page] So you've always been told that getting a well paying job on an offshore oil rig is easy because of a lack of trained manpower, yet haven't really managed one for yourself no matter how hard you've tried. If such be the case, then you need to sit back and think hard to work out the reasons for not being successful. The five basic reasons for not being able to land successful oil rig jobs are as follows:
*Offshore oil rigs are operated seasonally in some locations. You may have applied to any of these at a time when the rig wasn't operational and your CV went unnoticed. In Canada for instance, offshore drilling is done only during wintertime between November and March. Workers are paid hourly and drilling operations are halted during the rest of the year. So be sure to apply during these months when the rigs are working in order to get a job. Certain offshore rigs in the North Sea area are also operated seasonally.
*If you are a foreigner, finding appropriate accommodation may not only be difficult but also fairly expensive. Many employers do not provide housing which may make it all the more difficult if your family is going to be with you. So not getting a place to stay first may automatically disqualify you for the job.
*Often going after the larger corporations directly for employment does not yield the desired results. Rather, drilling contractors to whom the larger companies like Shell outsource their drilling jobs may be able to take you in. Even those in the rank of foremen, drillers and toolpushers may offer you some very useful leads to get jobs.
*Most offshore drillers prefer employees with minimum on land or offshore experience and if you are an absolute greenhorn, your chances of getting employment may be slim. Moreover, a weak constitution or defective eyesight may also debar your employment. You will be told at the outset that life on an offshore rig can be very hard with long shifts backbreaking work for days together. If the interviewer feels that you may not be able to handle the situation, he is at liberty to reject your application.
Always remember that the basic qualities required to get a job on an offshore oil rig are perseverance, patience and grit. Prepare yourself mentally first that it's no party out there and you will have to prove your mettle at every step. There's no room for complaining but every opportunity to keep growing if you can rough it out and learn the ropes of the trade.
