Drilling is its own skillset, but it shares skills with plenty other skilled trades, from welding to trucking. Read job descriptions carefully, and let interviewers know what crossover skills you might have.
This article is for people who want to work as a driller but don’t know how to get the job. Most of my advice is for employers.
There is a lot of information on the internet about “preparing for an interview,” but keep in mind that interviewing for a skilled trade job is very different from interviewing for an office job. These sources might be useful, but today we’ll focus on tips for interviews for jobs as a driller, assistant driller, or field technician.
Yo, aspiring drillers!
Landing your dream job as a driller requires more than just technical skills. You need to show the interviewer that you have a sharp mind, are sure of yourself, and can clearly talk about your experiences.
But how do you prepare for those curveball questions that leave you tongue-tied?
Not to worry, my friends! I’ve put together a full guide with driller interview questions, sample answers, and professional advice to help you ace your next interview and get the job you deserve.
Let’s dive in!
Common Driller Interview Questions:
1. Tell me about yourself.
This seemingly simple question can trip up many candidates. You need to show more than just your resume; you need to paint an interesting picture of who you are as a professional.
Here’s how to nail it:
- Name, age, nationality, education, and relevant experience.
- Highlight your key strengths and achievements: Focus on skills and experiences that align with the job requirements.
- End with a positive and enthusiastic statement: Express your eagerness to contribute to the company.
Example:
“Hi, I’m [Your Name], a [Age]-year-old [Nationality] with a [Degree] in [Field]. I have [Number] years of experience as a driller, working on both onshore and offshore rigs. I’m a highly motivated and results-oriented individual with a strong safety record and a proven ability to work effectively in a team environment. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and experience to your company.”
2. Describe your personal attitude in five words.
This question is designed to assess your self-awareness and ability to concisely communicate your values.
Here’s how to approach it
- Choose words that accurately reflect your personality and work ethic.
- Be honest and authentic.
- Provide examples to support your chosen words.
Example
“I’d describe myself as dedicated, reliable, adaptable, safety-conscious, and results-driven. I’m dedicated to my work and always strive to deliver high-quality results. I’m reliable and can be counted on to complete tasks on time and to a high standard. I’m adaptable and can easily adjust to new situations and challenges. Safety is my top priority, and I always follow all safety protocols and procedures. I’m results-driven and motivated to achieve success in everything I do.”
3. What have you learned from your mistakes?
Everyone makes mistakes but what matters is how you learn from them. This question allows you to demonstrate your ability to reflect on your experiences and grow from them.
Here’s how to answer effectively:
- Acknowledge your mistake and take responsibility for it.
- Explain what you learned from the experience and how you’ve applied that knowledge to improve your performance.
- Focus on the positive takeaways and demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning.
Example:
“In a previous role, I made the mistake of not double-checking my calculations before drilling, which resulted in a minor equipment malfunction. I learned the importance of meticulous attention to detail and thoroughness in my work. Since then, I’ve implemented a double-checking system to ensure accuracy in all my calculations. This experience has made me a more careful and reliable driller.”
4. How do you deal with an angry subordinate or client?
Conflict resolution is a crucial skill for any driller. This question assesses your ability to handle challenging situations calmly and professionally.
Here’s how to demonstrate your conflict resolution skills:
- Stay calm and collected.
- Listen actively to the other person’s concerns.
- Empathize with their perspective.
- Communicate clearly and respectfully.
- Work collaboratively to find a solution that addresses everyone’s needs.
Example:
“If I encounter an angry subordinate or client I would first try to de-escalate the situation by remaining calm and respectful. I would then actively listen to their concerns and try to understand their perspective. I would empathize with their feelings and acknowledge their frustration. I would then communicate clearly and respectfully explaining the situation and working collaboratively to find a solution that addresses everyone’s needs. If necessary, I would involve a supervisor or other relevant parties to assist in resolving the issue.”
5. What do you do in your free time (your hobbies)?
This question may seem unrelated to the job, but it can reveal valuable insights into your personality and interests.
Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Choose hobbies that showcase your skills and interests.
- Highlight hobbies that demonstrate your teamwork, problem-solving, or leadership abilities.
- Be enthusiastic and genuine in your response.
Example:
“In my free time, I enjoy rock climbing and playing team sports like basketball. Rock climbing requires focus, problem-solving, and the ability to work effectively under pressure, skills that are essential for my role as a driller. Playing team sports has taught me the importance of teamwork, communication, and leadership, which are also valuable assets in my professional life.”
Bonus Tip:
Research the company and the specific role you’re applying for. This will help you tailor your answers to align with the company’s values and the job requirements.
Remember, preparation is key! By practicing your answers to these common driller interview questions, you’ll be well-equipped to impress the interviewer and land your dream job.
Go get ’em, drillers!
Talk About Problems Solved
Focus specifically on your problem-solving abilities. Let the interviewer know about specific problems you dealt with at a previous job and explain how you did so. You could also talk about the lessons you learned from those tough times to show that you can adapt and get through them.
Another crucial attribute of a driller or environmental field technician is flexibility. Talk about any time you had to adjust to changing priorities, deal with last-minute changes to a project, or deal with an unusual situation. Keep in mind that if you work in the field, you may have to travel at the last minute, reorganize teams, or make many changes to projects.
Put it on Paper
Remember that resumes serve a purpose. Most people in our industry know that most job applicants won’t have a perfect resume ready, and that’s fine. It will help you during the interview if you have a document ready that lists your work history and previous duties.
Oil Driller interview questions
FAQ
What does the Driller do?
How do I prepare for an oil and gas interview?
Why do you want to join an oil company?
What questions are asked in an assistant driller interview?
During the interview, you will be asked a variety of questions about your experience, skills, and qualifications. You will also be asked questions about your knowledge of the drilling process and safety procedures. To help you prepare for your interview, we have compiled a list of the most common assistant driller interview questions and answers.
What are Driller interview questions?
Driller interview questions will assess your experience and competence in this area. If you’re looking for a job as a driller, it’s important to be prepared for the interview. This guide will help you do just that by providing you with some common driller interview questions and answers. Are you comfortable working in confined spaces?
How do you answer a drilling interview question?
An interviewer may ask this question to assess your leadership skills and ability to motivate a team. In your answer, demonstrate how you would use your communication and problem-solving skills to help the drilling team meet their goals.
What questions do employers ask a driller?
Drilling is a high-pressure job, so employers ask this question to make sure you can handle the pressure. They want someone who stays calm and focused in stressful situations. Use your answer to show that you have experience with handling pressure. Explain how you stay calm under pressure and focus on getting the job done.