Effective Targeted Recruiting in the Oilfield Services Industry

To find qualified talent in the oil and gas industry where demand exceeds supply, Range Resource Corp. uses unconventional targeted recruiting methods as The Wall Street Journal reports in A Tactical Recruiting Effort Pays. The natural gas company's efforts are paying off, plus it has also overcome its problem of high turnover.

One thing it does is work with local job training organizations by donating welding supplies and providing scholarships. Range also asks the organization to invite students to apply for jobs with the company.

Other recruiting activities Range does includes the following:

• Holding outdoor cookouts for prospective employees.
• Entering its drilling derrick float in local parades.
• Attending many community events, such as agricultural fairs.

While these activities aren't cheap, they reach hard to find prospective employees and fast. Its hiring needs can change in an instant as it's dependent on ever-changing drilling activities and natural gas prices.

On top of the specialized job requirements, Range needs people who are willing to spend a lot of time outdoors and work long hours. So, many of its recruiting activities occur outside to find people who like the outdoors.

Learning from its past high turnover rate, Range lets prospective employees know -- upfront -- that its jobs require long hours. The natural gas company also uses traditional recruiting tactics, such as providing training programs and stock bonuses, and advertising including television ads.

How does your company find employees? What is the most effective way?