In energy, a highly competitive industry, securing your dream role requires more than a stellar CV.
If you’re going to stand out from the crowd when applying for British oil and gas jobs, you’ll need a standout cover letter that showcases your interest, skills, and suitability for the position.
Unlike your CV, a cover letter is your first opportunity to explain how these elements make you the best fit for the role. Crafting it with purpose, therefore, is crucial – which is why we’ve put together a list of top tips for writing a winning oil and gas cover letter that gets you noticed.
Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!
4 steps to creating a cover letter that gets you noticed
1. Research is your first port of call for cover letter writing
Before you start writing your energy cover letter, it’s important to take the time to understand the company you’re applying to and the specific role requirements. That means taking stock of the company’s mission, values, initiatives, and any recent projects, as well as the skills and attributes necessary to perform your job.
A cover letter that mirrors these elements will demonstrate your interest and commitment to the organisation – and in industries as competitive as oil and gas and renewables, words matter.
A company’s hiring manager may use application-tracking software to filter applications. This is commonly practised in the energy industry, which recruits for more specialised roles - from electrical engineers to offshore technicians - to identify whether a candidate holds suitable credentials and experience.
So, following your research, you’ll want to select specific keywords highlighted in the job description to increase your chances of getting noticed. This should include a mix of:
Next up, it’s important to use concrete examples to support your candidacy. That means succinctly highlighting the skills, experiences, and achievements most relevant to the role.
The more senior the position, the more important evidencing these will become. In the energy industry, these types of positions demand exceptional project expertise and technical abilities—sometimes across international markets, too.
Focus on quantifiable results and accomplishments, such as reducing energy consumption, implementing renewable energy solutions, or improving operational efficiency. Adding numbers and percentages is a useful tool for capturing a hiring manager’s attention faster.
3. Make it personal
Your cover letter provides an opportunity for you to really sell yourself to your future employer, so it’s essential that you communicate your passion for the energy sector, what drove you to a career in this field, and why you are attracted to the company to which you’re applying.
Employers are seeking dedicated professionals who aspire to first-class results just like them, so make sure to mention if you’ve held a lifelong ambition to work on global oil and gas projects or you want to contribute to the decarbonisation of our economy.
But don’t fall into the trap of thinking you need a thesaurus to bring out the big words. Your writing should reflect your voice. The only big thing here should be your achievements, conveyed with simple, succinct language.
TOP TIP: Try reading your cover letter out loud. Not only can this help you gauge whether your writing sounds like you, but it can also help you spot typos, dropped words, jargon, and other potential errors.
4. Be clear and concise
Finally, remember: keep it clear, concise, respectful – and always proofread.
Ideally, you should aim to keep your cover letter under one page, too. While this is your chance to show off your achievements and experience, your aim is to catch their attention in as few words as possible, so make every word count.
Structure is also important. You’ll want to close with a strong call to action, for example, that illustrates your competence and eagerness and inspires the reader to pursue your application further.
Need further advice on how to nail your energy cover letter?
If you’re looking for more hints and tips on how to craft the perfect cover letter, or if you’d like to find out more about the latest British oil and gas jobs available, you’ve come to the right place.
Here at Orion Group, we are proud to have a holistic approach to recruitment. With over 35 years of experience in oil and gas recruitment, we are experts in matching skilled energy professionals to their dream jobs all over the world.
We provide specialist recruitment services across a range of sectors, including life sciences, renewables, oil and gas, nuclear, IT, and more, and have a proven track record in helping our candidates achieve their career goals.
To supercharge your cover letter, or are keen to find out more about our available jobs in energy, contact your local Orion Group branch today.
