How to Stand Out When Applying for Jobs Online in Specialised Industries

In today’s 'always on' careers landscape where digital communication meets employment opportunity, applying for jobs online has become the cornerstone of the hiring process. This is especially true for engineering and energy sectors like Renewables, Offshore, Oil and Gas, Shipbuilding and Marine, Subsea, Nuclear, Mining and Metals. Opportunities are vast, but so is the competition! Therefore, navigating the job market requires a strategic approach to make your application rise above the rest.

At Land & Sea Resources, we understand the unique challenges of applying for roles in these technical and specialised fields. Here’s how to maximise your chances of success.

1. Tailor Your CV for Each Role

Generic CVs rarely make the cut, particularly in niche industries where technical skills and certifications matter. Craft your CV to align with the specific requirements of the job by:

• Highlighting industry-specific skills such as offshore safety certifications, proficiency in CAD software, or experience with renewable energy systems.
• Using keywords from the job description (e.g., "subsea engineering," "ISO 14001 compliance," or "marine construction").
• Structuring your CV to clearly present relevant qualifications, such as welding certifications for shipbuilding or NDT qualifications for nuclear and subsea roles.

Customising your CV demonstrates that you understand the industry and the specific job requirements, making it easier for hiring managers to see your value.

2. Craft a Compelling Cover Letter

Your cover letter is your first opportunity to make a direct connection with a potential employer. In industries like mining or offshore operations, where teamwork and problem-solving are paramount, use the cover letter to showcase not just your skills but your mindset.

Tips for a strong cover letter:

• Personalise it: Address the hiring manager by name whenever possible.
• Be specific: Explain how your expertise aligns with the company’s mission or recent projects. For instance, if you’re applying for a role in renewables, mention your passion for contributing to sustainable energy solutions.
• Show enthusiasm: Highlight what excites you about the role and the company’s work.

3. Keep Your LinkedIn Profile Updated

Recruiters in these technical fields often use LinkedIn as a vetting tool to verify your professional presence. Ensure your profile is:

• Comprehensive: Include detailed descriptions of your roles, projects, and accomplishments in industries like subsea operations or oil and gas.
• Consistent: Align your LinkedIn profile with your CV to avoid discrepancies.
• Engaging: Add a professional photo and list certifications, such as STCW endorsements for maritime roles or HSE qualifications for offshore work.

Pro tip: Regularly share or comment on industry-related content to demonstrate your knowledge and active engagement in your field.

4. Leverage Niche Job Portals

General job boards are a starting point, but specialised platforms like Land & Sea Resources are tailored to industries like nuclear and shipbuilding, giving you a significant advantage.

• Set up alerts for new opportunities in your desired field.
• Apply promptly to positions of interest; many technical roles have a high volume of applicants, and early submissions often get noticed first.

5. Follow Application Instructions to the Letter

Many technical roles require a high level of attention to detail, and your application is often the first test. Carefully review:

• Specific document requests (e.g., certificates, portfolios, or licenses).
• Application deadlines.
• Requirements for formatting or naming documents (e.g., “Surname_CV.pdf”).

A missed step can result in your application being rejected, regardless of your qualifications.

6. Include Relevant Certificates

For industries like mining, nuclear, or subsea, certifications can make or break your application. Always include copies of essential credentials, such as:

• Offshore survival training (e.g., BOSIET).
• Technical certifications (e.g., AWS welding certification for shipbuilding or NACE coating inspector certification).
• Safety qualifications (e.g., NEBOSH or IOSH).

Providing these upfront demonstrates your preparedness and professionalism.

7. Optimise Your Application for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Many companies in specialised sectors use ATS software to streamline hiring. To ensure your CV gets noticed:

• Use simple, clean formatting (avoid tables or images).
• Include keywords from the job description, such as "structural analysis" or "project management in renewable energy."
• Use standard section headers like “Work Experience” and “Skills” to help ATS parse your CV correctly.

8. Highlight Achievements Over Duties

Employers want to know how you’ve added value in your previous roles. Replace generic statements with specific achievements, such as:

• “Led the installation of a 20-turbine offshore wind farm ahead of schedule, saving the project $1.5M.”
• “Reduced equipment downtime by 15% through proactive maintenance strategies in a mining facility.”
• “Designed a subsea pipeline system that improved operational efficiency by 25%.”

Quantifiable achievements showcase your ability to deliver results.

9. Double-Check for Errors

Errors in technical applications can reflect poorly on your attention to detail—an essential quality in industries like nuclear or offshore engineering. Before submitting:

• Proofread your materials meticulously.
• Use tools like Grammarly to catch typos or formatting inconsistencies.
• Consider asking a trusted colleague to review your application for clarity and accuracy.

10. Maintain Professional Communication

From the moment you send your first email, professionalism is key. Use:

• Formal language and a respectful tone.
• Clear subject lines, such as “Application for Offshore Project Manager – Ref: 12345.”
• Polite follow-ups if you haven’t received a response within the expected timeframe.

Recruiters and hiring managers in technical fields value clear, respectful, and concise communication.

Why Choose Land & Sea Resources?

At Land & Sea Resources, we believe in building strong, long-term partnerships with our clients. We listen closely to your needs, understanding the unique challenges and expectations that shape your business. By tailoring our resource strategies to align with your goals, we work to ensure that our support not only meets but also enhances your project’s delivery on Quality, Time, and Cost.

Our Approach To Recruitment

We are dedicated to developing bespoke, solutions-driven strategies to meet your project demands. Through collaboration, open communication, and a commitment to understanding your organisation’s culture and values, we provide tailored talent pools and workforce solutions that are aligned with your business objectives.

Our Services To You

Whether your needs call for expert headhunting services or large-scale outage and construction staffing, we bring comprehensive recruitment solutions to the table. Our multidisciplinary approach spans both contract and permanent roles, ensuring that you have the right talent, precisely when and where you need it.

Our Standards To The Industry

Land & Sea Resources operates to the highest industry standards, following the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) practices that promote better work and better working lives. As a proud affiliate of The Recruitment and Employment Confederation, we’re committed to delivering quality, reliability, and accountability in every partnership.

Final Thoughts

Applying for jobs online requires more than just uploading your CV and waiting for a response. By following these tips and leveraging the resources at Land & Sea Resources, you’ll increase your chances of standing out in a crowded job market. Visit our website to explore current job openings and take the next step in your career journey. At Land & Sea Resources, our philosophy is simple: We Recruit, You Deliver.