RECRUITMENT & RETENTION FOREWORD

Joining in on the upstream hiring rush

NELL LUKOSAVICH, Senior Editor

In one of this supplement’s feature articles, Schlumberger explains the philosophy that underlies its hunt for the best workforce recruits.

As an industry that never seems to stand still, the upstream oil and gas sector has seen a tremendous amount of growth over the last several years. Given the steady price of oil, as well as advancing technologies to reach resources deeper, hotter, and in locations thought impossible to produce even 10 years ago, it is no surprise that the global industry is clamoring to find new talent. The search is on for both young professionals entering the industry and experienced professionals. There is a multitude of university programs supporting petroleum education, plus industry groups providing training and scholarships, and companies reaching out to potential candidates and offering skill-set training to current employees. So, the race to find the best and brightest is in full swing, and it doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.

In this supplement, you will find a comprehensive snapshot of what companies and organizations are doing right now to fulfill their hiring needs. In addition, there are global industry trends in recruiting and retention; personal stories of those working in the industry; and the types of programs that corporations, both big and small, have in place.

OIL & GAS WORKFORCE OUTLOOK

A study by Gulf Research brings to light the industry’s challenges in managing workforce needs and how the current workforce sees the industry. Included are workers’ motivational factors, reasons that they were attracted to the industry, and how professionals see the future outlook of recruiting in the business.

GLOBAL HIRING AND PAY RATE TRENDS

 An excerpt from Air Energi and OilCareers.com’s soon-to-be-released “Global Oil & Gas Workforce Survey,” an analysis of survey results from over 10,000 respondents in seven global regions, examines the expectations for hiring and pay rates. Worldwide expectations overwhelmingly indicate that companies will increase their hiring rates for the second half of 2012. Respondents also report jumps in contract and salary pay rates.

RECRUITING CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES

In an in-depth look at the company’s recruiting and retention philosophy, Schlumberger’s recruiting manager, Wayne Finger, explains the various ways in which the industry can tackle the “big crew change.” By identifying key candidate pools and tailoring special programs to meet their needs, Schlumberger has adopted the philosophy, “Recruiting the best candidates can be likened to courtship.”

BEST PRACTICES IN RECRUITMENT & RETENTION

Every organization has its own goals and philosophies about recruiting and retention. In a collection of best practices, several companies, as well as employees new to the industry, share their opinions on what recruiting methods are effective; how social media have come into the mix; common misconceptions about the industry; and what prospective candidates should know when considering a career in oil and gas.

CAREER CONNECTIONS

To connect folks interested in a career in the oil patch, our Career Connections section gives brief overviews and contact information for companies actively hiring right now.

This supplement provides background of today’s recruiting and retention opportunities, and insights into what employers are looking for.