Climb the career ladder at Offshore Europe: top tips

It’s going to be a big week for the north-east as Aberdeen’s globally renowned energy industry exhibition welcomes the world’s movers and shakers to the oil and gas capital.  The event will be peppered with engineers, technical specialists, industry leaders and experts ready to share and debate the latest goings-on in oil and gas.  

The four action-packed days include breakfast briefings, education opportunities and networking galore.  And nestled within the dawn to dusk schedule, there are plenty of job-hunting opportunities.

Now, we’re not suggesting you and a few thousand other job hunters turn Offshore Europe into just-another-old-job-fair.  But, if you’re attending, take advantage of some of the more personal meet-and-greet opportunities...

Here are our top tips to score your next big move:

Check out the market.  If you fancy a move but aren’t sure where’s next, Offshore Europe is an ideal chance to compare and contrast what other companies have to offer.  Visit their stands, collect their marketing material and go to employment-orientated seminars.  Check out ‘Oil and Gas Skills: Your Future Today,’ on Friday morning, for example.

Do your research.  You never know who will turn up as a delegate but you can at least have an in-depth scan of the floor plan to pinpoint your workplace wish list.  Do some background reading on the companies you want to approach.

Plan how to broach the employment conversation.  It’s not a recruitment-focused event so people won’t assume you’re looking for a job.  But many companies will come armed with their top recruiters – global engineering and project management consultants AMEC will be doing just that.  Plan your approach beforehand to ensure you’re targeting the right people and having the most productive conversations. 

Connect.  Join the conversation on Twitter (@SPE_OE) or LinkedIn.  Make an impression, and some connections, before you even get there.

Network as much as possible.  Sign up for all the business breakfasts and drinks receptions you can.  Try to get a list of the attendees the day before so you have time to do a bit of research on who you want to be introduced to.

Introduce yourself.  If you’re at a seminar without a colleague, say hello to the person next to you.  You never know who they might work for, be related to or be best friends with.  This random person could be the key to your career move.

Talk to the media people.  Don’t think that just because someone doesn’t work in oil and gas, they can’t help you.  If you come upon a journalist or PR who knows a bit about the industry, pick their brains.  It’s a quick way to find out who’s hiring, growing or building new premises.

Sell yourself – within reason.  Demonstrate how well your company or project is doing, particularly any areas directly related to you.  Make a lasting memory so you’re first to come to mind for future vacancies.

Ask questions.  If you’re at a business breakfast or seminar, stick your hand up and put forward your burning question.  It’s a great way to stand out.

Finally, it might sound like common sense but don’t bad mouth your current employer.  You could be talking to your next manager so hearing you talk less than favourably about your current boss isn’t the most attractive trait.  No matter how relaxed the situation – and how many glasses of fizz you’ve had at a champagne reception – keep your professional head on.  You never know who you might encounter in future.

Click here to find out more about visiting Offshore Europe.