Let’s face it, getting hired in the Oil & Gas Industry these days is tough. In this article, we explore some of the most common interview questions asked during an oil rig worker interview along with some great answers to help you win the job. Are you sitting comfortably? Let’s begin!
Drilling Interview Questions | Oil and Gas Rig
This question can help interviewers understand your technical skills and how often you perform maintenance on equipment. It can also show them if you have experience with specific types of drilling equipment. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the type of equipment you’ve worked with in the past and what kind of maintenance you performed.
Example: “I’ve worked in many high-pressure situations during my career as a driller. I find that it’s important to remain calm when things get hectic. When drilling, there are always unexpected problems that arise. It’s best to take a deep breath and think through the problem before making any decisions. This helps me stay focused and work efficiently until the issue is resolved.”
Example: “I would stop drilling once I reach my target depth because it’s important to ensure that we’re drilling at the right speed so we don’t damage the well. If I notice any issues with the drill bit, I’ll also stop drilling immediately to inspect the problem and make sure we fix it before continuing.”
Example: “I would first try restarting the computer and see if that fixes the bug. If not, I would check for any updates on the software. If there aren’t any available updates, then I would contact my supervisor or another drilling equipment expert to help me figure out what’s wrong with the software. Once we know what the problem is, we can work together to find a solution.”
Example: “I always start by inspecting all of the equipment for any damage or wear. If there are any issues, I make sure they’re fixed before moving forward. After that, I perform a thorough cleaning on all of the equipment using specialized cleaners and brushes. This process usually takes me about two hours per day.”
Example: “When I am faced with a risk of explosion on one of my projects, I first assess what caused the risk. If it’s due to an issue with drilling equipment or procedures, then I will work with my team to implement changes to prevent future explosions. If there is no way to avoid an explosion, then I will evaluate evacuation plans for all workers on site. I will also ensure that everyone has access to proper protective gear.”
Example: “I am someone who thrives under pressure. I enjoy having a deadline because it helps me stay focused and get my work done quickly. In my last position, we were working on a very tight deadline for a client. We needed to drill through several layers of rock before reaching our target depth. The company was relying on us to meet their timeline, but there were some complications along the way.
Example: “I have worked with several clients who want to be more environmentally friendly, so I’ve learned some ways to implement eco-friendly drilling practices without sacrificing quality or efficiency. For example, one of my clients wanted to drill in an area where there was no power source available. We used solar panels to charge our equipment instead of using diesel generators, which saved them money on fuel costs and reduced their carbon footprint.”
Example: “I would specialize in horizontal directional drilling because it’s one of the most versatile drilling methods available. Horizontal directional drilling allows me to drill through hard rock, soft soil and water without having to change equipment or processes. This saves time and money on projects that require drilling in multiple environments.”
In order to extract natural resources from the earth, drilling engineers are needed to design and oversee the drilling process. This includes selecting the right drill bits and drilling fluid, as well as monitoring the drilling process to ensure safety and efficiency.
Tell me about your ability to work under pressure?
Answer tips:
Here’s where the ability to perform under fire comes into play. And, if possible, give an example that is relatable to the type of position that you are applying for.
The ideal way to respond to this question is to provide examples and situations of how you have handled stress in your previous jobs. In this way, the interviewer can establish a clear picture of how well you are likely to react when the going gets tough.
Pro tip: make sure you are not referencing a time when your lack of organization or communication put you in a “self induced” stressful scenario. This is to say, don’t share a story about how your procrastination created a situation where you had to think quickly.
Answer samples
Tell me about your ability to work under pressure?
Answer tips
You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates to the type of position applied for.
Mention routine pressure you face, such as dealing with deadlines on a regular basis.
Try not to use an example where you created the pressure yourself, by waiting too long to start something, or by handling a task irresponsibly at the beginning. For example, working under pressure to meet a customer’s deadline could be a good example, but not if you had waited too long to start the project.
Answer samples
“Pressure is actually a catalyst to my work. When there is an imperative deadline, I refocus my energy into my work which in fact, has helped me to produce some of my best works. (Give examples) I guess you can say I thrive under pressure.”
