Truck drivers, delivery people and even florist work with the city’s oil companies. While what you’re doing may not seem to be paying off, you’ll eventually find a lead for a job that can move you from your temporary situation to a more permanent one.
Take classes in oil and gas related topics
Plenty of colleges in the city will offer classes the deal with various aspects of the Oil and Gas industry. As one of the largest industries in the city, Houston has a commitment to keeping a skilled job force at the ready when new jobs open.
No matter what aspect of the industry that you plan to work in, there are terms and regulations that are specific to the industry. Before you send out your first application, make sure you know the difference between “upstream,” “midstream” and “downstream.” No one minds you asking questions in a class or training session, but lack of knowledge about the industry will keep you from getting your dream job.
Show genuine passion for the industry
It’s not enough to know about what makes sweet crude sweet, you have to actually care about the process of extracting hydrocarbons from the ground, refining them and getting them to consumers. If you have moral objections to the industry, you won’t have much luck finding a job within it.
On your resume and cover letter, spotlight your experience (ideally), knowledge or interest in the energy industry. Go beyond checking them for typos-do anything that you can in order to make it sound like you really have a passion for the work that you’re looking for.
Take advantage of Job Fairs
One of the benefits of relocating yourself to Houston is the ability to take advantage of opportunities in person, including job fairs. Houston holds a number of job fairs in the city specifically for Oil and Gas professionals. Sometimes, a larger company such as Conoco Phillips will hold a job fair of its own.
Networking is one of the most important things that you can do to increase your chances of getting a oil and gas job in Houston. Take advantage of any Meetup or Meetin group, and if you can afford it, join local civic clubs as a way to meet people. Many of the companies based in Houston do charitable work, so in addition to helping a great cause, you will work alongside people who can help get you inside the door.
Getting an oil and gas job in Houston requires you to make sure that you have the skills and passion for the industry. Living in the city makes networking easier, since virtually all jobs are tied to the oil and gss industry in one way or another.