5 Things Oil and Gas Companies in Iraq Look For In Candidates in 2017

How can you stand out from your competition in your job hunt? Or perhaps you have a job already but would like to change position or get a promotion. Discover how you can improve your candidacy with these 5 things and oil companies in Iraq (including the Kurdistan region) look for in candidates.

1. Experience in the oil and gas sectors (preferably in Iraq)

Whatever the position you are applying for, experience in the oil and gas industries is highly valued by employers. This experience shows that you have proven your value in the sector and know what is expected. Aim to show your achievements and the value that you brought to previous oil and gas employers in your CV and during the interview stage.

If you don’t have experience specific to the oil and gas industries yet, you will at least be expected to have transferable skills based on your previous experience. If this is the case, how can you best demonstrate that these skills are directly transferable to the oil and gas sectors?

2. Previous technical training

Employers are particularly interested in candidates with an evident set of abilities gained from training courses. Improving your work experience and education with training courses makes you a much more attractive candidate as you will be seen to bring more to the role, which will create greater value for the company.

Oil and gas employers look for candidates with specialised knowledge or training. Is this you? If not, what training courses can you join to make your job application rise to the top?

3. Local to site of operations

Do you live near the site where you would work? If not, are you willing to relocate to be closer?

Iraqi oil and gas companies want you to be close – to be local to the site of operations. The government also advises oil & gas companies to hire as close as possible to the site of operations.

If you apply for positions in the Iraq oil and gas sectors, ensure that you are either close to where the operations site is or clearly state that you are willing to relocate.

4. Strong English language skills

For companies with an international workforce, you simply must speak English as the language of communication. Otherwise dialogue is seriously limited, which impacts efficiency, productivity and capability. Oil and gas companies will not look at you if you cannot demonstrate a professional level of English.

Do your language skills need improving? Signing up for an English language course or hiring a private tutor are great ways to improve. These days there are also many excellent online options, including many free language courses.

It is valued even more by employers if you have certificates of achievement in the language on your CV, so do consider signing up for an exam to prove your credentials.

5. Evidence of attitude and work ethic

A strong work ethic is prized in the oil and gas sectors. How can you demonstrate this? In your interview, employers will be looking for signs that you are productive and efficient in your answers, your manner and in how you communicate.

Prepare for your interview by readying answers that show such productivity in your past roles. Additionally, make sure that the references you provide confirm your positive attitude and work ethic.

These two steps should follow on from a CV that demonstrates your achievements and key duties. Doing this successfully indirectly communicates that you are a great professional with an excellent approach to your job.

The final word

Applying for positions in the oil and gas sectors can be competitive. But knowing what employers look for in a candidate and the 5 tips we have covered here will help you enormously to get that job.

You can always make your profile more attractive to employers in the industry and we recommend that you see it as a constant process of strengthening your profile instead of a one-time improvement, for the job you want now and in the future.