So you landed an interview for a roughneck position. Congratulations! Being a roughneck on an oil rig is a fun, challenging, and well-paying job. However, getting hired is the first big hurdle. Roughneck jobs are very popular, so you should be ready to do well in the interview.
In my experience as a hiring manager for drilling companies I’ve conducted hundreds of roughneck interviews. I’m sharing the 10 most common roughneck interview questions and how to give winning answers.
1. Why do you want to be a roughneck?
This question tests your motivation. Hiring managers want to know you’re passionate about the role, not just there for the paycheck
Good answers:
- You’re fascinated with the oil drilling process and want to learn hands-on.
- You thrive doing tough physical work outdoors.
- You want a challenging, engaging career where you can constantly expand your skills.
2. What attributes make you suitable to be a roughneck?
This reveals if you have the right qualifications Roughnecking requires stamina, strength, mechanical skills, and level-headedness under pressure.
Highlight attributes like:
- Physical fitness, strength, and ability to lift heavy loads
- Mechanical aptitude and hands-on skills
- Calmness under pressure and ability to act decisively
- Willingness to work hard in tough conditions
- Ability to follow procedures carefully and maintain safety
3. How do you handle working outdoors in remote locations for long stretches?
Roughnecks often work 12+ hour shifts for weeks at remote drilling sites. This questions your resilience.
Good responses:
- You don’t mind being away from home for extended periods.
- You enjoy working outdoors and isolation doesn’t bother you.
- You’re used to working long, tiring shifts and bounce back quickly.
- You stay connected with loved ones through phone/internet when off-shift.
4. How do you handle a supervisor who is difficult to work with?
There will be personality clashes and harsh bosses in this job. They want to know you’ll stay professional.
Good responses:
- Remain respectful and do your job diligently, regardless of relationship.
- Address issues calmly and constructively if they impact your work.
- Focus on common goals and finding solutions.
- Ask for feedback on improving working relationship.
5. How do you handle conflicts with crew members?
Rig crews work in high pressure environments for long hours. Tempers can flare. Show you can defuse conflicts.
Good responses:
- Listen to their concerns and perspectives non-judgmentally.
- Find compromises so everyone feels respected.
- Remind them we’re a team working toward shared goals.
- Involve supervisors if tensions escalate and threaten operations.
6. How do you ensure work tasks are done safely?
Safety is paramount. Demonstrate you rigorously follow safety regulations.
Good responses:
- Never skip procedural steps, no matter how rushed or tired I am.
- Always double-check equipment and use PPE properly before tasks.
- Stop co-workers if I see unsafe actions and respectfully remind them of procedures.
- Proactively identify and report hazards so they can be addressed.
7. How do you ensure quality in your work?
They want to see attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
Good responses:
- Verify measurements and torque levels multiple times when assembling equipment.
- Consult manuals and experienced team members if ever unsure about proper techniques.
- Clean and inspect equipment thoroughly so defects aren’t missed.
- Take time to do tasks right the first time, rather than rush and make mistakes.
8. How do you prioritize when handling multiple tasks?
Roughnecks juggle many concurrent duties. Show how you stay organized when under pressure.
Good responses:
- Make to-do lists and tackle most urgent tasks first.
- Inform supervisors if assigned too many conflicting tasks and ask for prioritization.
- Double-check with team to ensure nothing slips through cracks.
- Find small pockets of time to gradually complete lower priority items.
9. Where do you see your roughneck career in 5 years?
Hiring managers want to see you’re in it for the long haul and have ambition.
Good responses:
- Gaining experience and skills to take on more responsibilities like assistant driller.
- Expanding expertise in all aspects of drilling operations.
- Joining a tight-knit crew and making a career with the company.
- Continually improving safety, productivity, and morale on rigs I’m assigned to.
10. Do you have any questions for me?
Always close interviews by asking 1-2 thoughtful questions. It shows your engagement.
Good questions:
- Can you describe a typical day for roughnecks on your rigs?
- What training programs does your company offer for professional development?
- What qualities make roughnecks successful here long-term?
- What achievements are you most proud of your drilling teams for?
Following this roughneck interview guide will impress hiring managers and boost your chances of being selected. Show your genuine enthusiasm for this demanding but rewarding work, highlight your physical stamina, technical aptitude, teamwork skills, and unwavering commitment to safety. With the right preparation, you’ll be ready to ace the interview and embark on an exciting career in oil and gas drilling. Best of luck!
What are the Tools used for a Roustabouts ?
Roustabouts wear hard hats and protective gloves, goggles, earmuffs and boots. Power grinders, safety belts and harnesses, safety hooks, power wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers, electric sanders, saws, and other hand and power tools are what they use for their jobs, according to O-Net Online. They also require the use of computer software for managing projects, writing reports and logging maintenance work.
Roustabout Interview Questions & Answers
What is the role of a Roustabout ?
Roustabouts serve as members of oil drilling crews. Their primary duties involve assembling, disassembling, monitoring and repairing piping . To keep the drilling area in good working order. Usually spends two or three weeks on a drilling rig or platform and then two or three weeks off on land.
What are the duties of a Roustabout ?
- Cleans, scrapes and paints the drilling deck and equipment.
- Off loads supplies and moves them to storage areas.
- Moves supplies and equipment to the work site.
- Uses lifting equipment to load and stack equipment.
- Helps to repair equipment.
- Assists with the mixing of chemicals.
What are the Primary responsibilities of Roustabout ?
Roustabouts generally work for oil companies. According to the U. S. Occupational Outlook Handbook, roustabouts clean tools, equipment, and machinery, such as drills, pumps, and machinery. They also keep work areas clean and organized. Roustabouts also use motorized lifts and truck winches to get rid of loose pipe and other junk and to load, unload, and stack materials and equipment. They also bring supplies and tools to the job site and put together, fix, and take apart machinery and equipment like pipes, boilers, and engine parts.
What are the Secondary Tasks ?
Other tasks required of roustabouts include working with crane and gin-pole truck operators. Roustabouts guide the operators and attach lifting slings to the loads. They also mix drilling mud, which is used to lubricate the drill bit that bores into the ground. People who work as roustabouts on offshore oil rigs must also take care of the ship by painting, scraping, and cleaning the deck, equipment, and work areas.
Roughneck interview questions
FAQ
Why should we hire you?
