Job links on Del.icio.us

Del.icio.us is a software program that allows you to bookmark all of your favorite websites and share the list over the Internet.

In researching the energy industry for the past year, I've come across numerous companies' websites which I've been collecting and categorizing into various "tags" such as green-jobs, extraction-jobs, news, information, etc.

Some of the smaller, independent extraction companies near the oil & gas basins that serve as sub-contractors to the large energy firms frequently hire entry level field positions. However, they generally do not have their own websites. They mostly post jobs with their local workforce centers, in the paper, or use word of mouth/employee referrals. Many of them are listed in Don's Directory, which charges a fee for their hard copy and access to their online directory.

As you may already know, looking for work is a job in and of itself. This list merely does some of the research leg-work for you. Unless you're extremely lucky, brilliant, or know someone (networking is one of the best ways to look for work - many energy companies offer bonuses to their employees for referring qualified candidates), companies aren't going to be knocking down your door begging you to come to work for them.

In preparation for your job search:
- Be sure to have family or friends you trust, or a career advisor, critique your resume--one that reveals what you can do for the company (versus what you want the company to do for you)
- Write a cover letter tailored to the company to which you're applying, indicating how well you know the company based on the research you've conducted about them.
- Practice mock interviews and answer behavioral questions or those which may seem out of the ordinary (for example, "what was your greatest occupational ch allege and how did you deal with it?", or "if you were a geometric shape, which would you be and why?")

If you do make it to the interview phase, be sure to watch the videos (link below) in advance, be on time (or early), dress appropriately, and bring extra copies of your resume.

Here is a link to some very informative videos of interviews with oil & gas recruiters to help you in your energy job search, guide you in preparing for interviews, and provide resume advice: http://www.pennenergyjobs.com/video/

Below are a couple links to general videos about resume writing, preparation, and interviewing. Though the information contained in these videos may seem to be common sense, it's a great refresher if you haven't interviewed for a job in a while -- and don't forget to send a thank you note to those you've interviewed with! Here are the links:

- http://fordeop.com/v3/site/page72.html
- http://www.collegegrad.com/videos/