LinkedIn: 7 tips to rock your personal brand

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LinkedIn? Why would I want to be on LinkedIn? I don’t own a multi-billion-dollar company – so why would anyone want to connect with me?

Well, long gone are the days where a logo would tell clients everything they needed to know about your company and the most colourful advertisement would catch attention. People aren’t buying into that anymore. People are buying into people. The fact is, if you are in business, your online presence portrays yourself and your business to the world. It is estimated that there are 10-15 million engineers worldwide – your personal brand needs to be strong enough to stand out in this cluttered environment.

As engineers, it’s time to get into self-branding and the best platform to start that journey in the business world is LinkedIn.

Branding on LinkedIn simply means knowing how to highlight what you have to offer. With millions of accounts on LinkedIn, without fine-tuning your “brand”, you might get lost in the crowd. Stand out from the pack by rocking your personal brand with these seven tips.

Design Your Narrative

When someone first comes in contact with your profile, they will make an instant decision to keep reading – or pass on to the next profile – who is probably your competitor. Because of this, you need to focus on optimizing your profile to make it stand out.

To do this, choose the past jobs to put on your profile and which parts of these jobs to highlight – ensuring that these directly match the brand you are wanting to build.

Add Keywords

Think about what someone might type into Google if they were searching for someone like you. What are your job titles or qualifications? Consider where you’re located, your business name, etc.

Add your Elevator Pitch

If someone messages you or you want to talk to them about your brand, have a good 30 second elevator speech ready. If it is in online message form, you can use a one paragraph pitch instead. Keep it short, simple and straight to the point. Your pitch is only as good as the weakest link.

Focus on your connections

LinkedIn is a professional networking account, so simply going out and connecting with your friends really isn’t necessary. Sure, it can boost some exposure, which is fine, but you need to focus on the quality of your connections. Don’t just connect to connect. Seek out people in your field, look for those you admire or who represents their company in a way you like.

Use the Publisher Tool and Share Other Content

Consider writing content on the subject matter you’re interested in. Create a weekly or bi-weekly blog based on your personal brand. This will help boost your exposure and bring additional connections. And if you read something that represents your brand well, even if you didn’t create it yourself, share it and like it. Others will see this. This can bring about new connections simply for leveraging the other content.

Customise your URL

When you create a LinkedIn account you’ll end up with some garbled mess of a URL. So make sure you customise your URL. It helps it stand out on a page.

Industry Photo

Use a profile photo that represents not only your professional side but connects with the industry. Try to keep your branding images consistent across all of your online pages.

MEC Mining’s CEO Christofer Catania joins Panel on Critical Minerals at WA Mining Conference

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The WA Mining Conference is just around the corner, and we’re thrilled to announce that MEC Mining’s CEO, Christofer Catania, will be a panellist on the panel: “Critical Minerals: Powering the Energy Transition.”

This panel discussion promises to be a thought-provoking and informative event for anyone with an interest in Australia’s role in the global energy transition.

Join Chris, fellow panellist Dr. Francis Wedin, Executive Chairman, Vulcan Energy Resources and moderator, David Parker, Executive Director, Western Australia, Minerals Council of Australia as they tackle critical issues, including:

  • Diversifying Supply Chain and Expanding Downstream Processing
  • Future-proofing and Optimizing the Critical Minerals Value Chain
  • Navigating Challenges with ESG, Financial Investment, and Business Growth
  • Harnessing New Economic Opportunities from Critical Minerals

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from industry leaders and contribute to shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for our nation.

Date: Wednesday 11th October 2023

Time: 14:30 – 15:30

Venue: WA Mining Conference – Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC) 

CV Strategies for Mining Professionals: Secure Your Next Career Move

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Whether you’re just embarking on your journey in the mining industry or have spent years shaping your career, this concise guide is your compass for crafting a Curriculum Vitae (CV) – commonly known as your resumé – that stands out from the crowd.

Your CV serves as the key to unlocking coveted interviews, making it imperative that your resume shines with compelling content, showcasing your strengths and unwavering dedication to securing the job you desire.

Recruiters and employers look for:

Detailed experience

No need to be vague – clearly list the responsibilities you have had in previous employment. Some action words relating to the mining industry include: prepare; ensure; plan; review; operate; conduct; analyse; develop; schedule; launch; execute; coordinate; inspect; monitor; maintain.

For inspiration, LiveCareer has some CV examples for various mining industries.

Your qualifications

Include a list of licences you hold (and classes), qualifications and machinery operating tickets relevant to the role, including the date you obtained them and the expiry date (where applicable). Having the right qualifications, tickets or mandatory licences can fast-track your chance of employment. For drivers for example, an HR-X, dump or heavy truck licence is required for entry-level mobile equipment operator positions. There are other compliance certifications that can get you ready for work in the mining industry including courses about elevated work platforms, entering and working in confined spaces, an introduction to mining, or working at heights.  

Physical labour experience

If the role you are applying for is a physical one, list previous experience that shows you are capable of hard labour. This can include farming, construction, or volunteer firefighting for example. Likewise, as your job may require physically long hours and rosters away from home, employers will be looking for evidence of good physical health, so list any examples which show your physical interests or interests that help your mental wellbeing. If you’ve taken a fitness test, share your results on your resume. Unlike other 9-5 jobs, health and fitness is often important in mining.

Reliability

When you list your work history, ensure you list the dates you started and finished those roles. If you have had any time out from work, have an explanation ready as employers who are looking for stability and reliability will want to know the reason.

References 

Choose your referees, which are previous supervisors or managers, wisely. They are of vital importance when recommending you for a job, so tell them why the role appeals to you and that way they will know what skills to highlight during a reference check.

For more tips on choosing the right referee, visit Mining People International’s article.

Your commitment 

If you are new to working in mines, be willing to show how committed you are to wanting to work in the industry. Outline any courses you have done to prepare, or skills you have gained that are transferable to the job you are applying for. This includes instances where you have worked in a team, or jobs that require strong communication or problem-solving skills. While you should list this in your resume it is also a strong selling point for your cover letter.

Your social media presence

Recruiters and future employers now look online and at social media accounts to see what appears publicly about a person. It is a first impression, so ensure you are happy with the way you appear online or on social media.  You want your CV to do that talking, not anything that may paint you in a negative light on social media.

The mining industry is always in need of good talent and the financial rewards are often satisfying too. Hopefully this list gives you some insight into what employers and recruiters look for.

Sources & further reading:

Mining People International

RecruitWest

LiveCareer

Think personal branding doesn’t have a place in the world of mining? Think again.

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Contrary to the misconception that personal branding is reserved for those in more conventional career paths, it holds immense value for professionals in the mining industry. Here’s why.

Clarity

In essence, crafting a personal brand centers around self-awareness. It entails introspectively examining your strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes. This process establishes an authentic foundation from which to advance your career and construct the life you aspire to lead.

Remember, the personal brand development process need not be public; you can refine it over time as your priorities shift.

Uncertain about where to begin? Here are some straightforward directives.

Compose Your Mission Statement

  • What are my values?
  • What ignites my passions?
  • What serves as my driving motivation?

Define Your Objectives

  • What aspirations do I hold for my life?
  • How do I envision success now and in the future?

Evaluate Your Aptitudes Against Your Objectives

  • What is my training and experience?
  • What are my strengths and vulnerabilities?
  • What attributes render me distinctive?
  • Who contributes to my happiness?

Clear comprehension of your abilities, potentials, and anticipations empowers you to prioritise qualities and relationships that propel you toward your objectives, while also identifying any hindrances.

Communication

Once your personal brand is internally defined, conveying it to others becomes more seamless. This process nurtures your confidence and emboldens you to seize inspiring opportunities.

In a role you already relish, consistent communication and behaviour steer you toward desired career growth. During transitions or job searches, the ability to articulate your ambitions and epitomise your brand positions you as an appealing candidate.

 

Credibility

Your personal brand enhances credibility among colleagues and superiors. Their confidence in you positions you well for promotions and high-profile projects.

It also commands esteem in your wider professional network. Clarity about your contributions and interests empowers you to stay attuned to pertinent industry trends and locate your “tribe”: kindred spirits who involve you in conferences, webinars, events, whitepapers, and more.

Control

Crafting and projecting your personal brand furnishes you with greater control over your professional image. It further provides flexibility to refine and expand your brand as your career progresses.

Bear in mind, that your career journey spans a considerable stretch – one we hope brims with fulfillment. Therefore, positioning yourself to attain truly meaningful outcomes is an astute move.

The 6 Best Things About Being A Mining Consultant

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 Exploring a potential career path as a mining consultant? Discover the six aspects of this profession that mining consultants truly cherish.

  1. It’s never Groundhog Day

As a mining consultant, your schedule will vary depending on the nature and location of projects you’re working on. One thing that’s for certain is that you won’t be sitting behind a desk from 9 to 5. Mining consultants enjoy a varied schedule that’s never boring.

  1. You’re not alone

As a consultant, you’ll be collaborating with many people during the course of your work, giving you the opportunity to meet great contacts, develop friendships, learn and further your career while you work.

  1. You’ll use your thinking cap

Problem solving will be a pivotal part of your work as a mining consultant. You’ll need to think on your feet, tackle obstacles and keep clients happy. Overcoming challenges involves creative thinking and tenacity – and it’s one of the most exciting and satisfying aspects of the job.

  1. So many skills

Consultants are valuable to companies because they’re experts in their field. Your job will involve you keeping up to date with industry trends and knowledge. This means you’ll stay relevant to clients, and your skills in your job will never plateau.

  1. Diverse Clients and Varied Experiences

Just as your schedule and work will be varied, so too will your client base. Mining consultants come into contact with a range of clients with different needs and expectations. You’ll gain excellent experience in dealing with all sorts of people to solve problems and drive results.

  1. Networking Galore

The upside of working across so many clients and team members is that your networking game will be strong. If you seize opportunities to stay in contact with past clients and build relationships with current and potential clients through events, informal catch-ups and online networking, your career as a mining consultant will go from strength to strength.

Keen to become a mining consultant? Visit our careers page at https://www.mecmining.com.au/careers/

 MEC Mining meet future Mining Engineers at UQ

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We had the pleasure of meeting many enthusiastic students at UQ’s Engineering Careers Fair last Friday.

MEC’s Head of Talent Management Cheryl Holton attended the event along with Graduate Mining Engineers Hung To and Fabian Graes as well as Undergraduate Mining Engineers Yuri Gervasiev, Bryant Li and Ajay Datt.

It’s always fantastic to meet up-and-coming engineers, said Cheryl, and I am so proud to be part of the young professionals who joined me on the day. They did an amazing job representing MEC’s values, vision, and expertise.”

It was a valuable exchange for us as mining professionals and for them as aspiring professionals. Not only were we able to hear about their thoughts and career ambitions, but we were also able to answer their questions about the industry and show them the sorts of opportunities available to them if they work for a company like ours.

Team Day 2023

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MEC Mining’s Team Day took place in Perth and Brisbane last Friday and was a resounding success, bringing together the teams both virtually and in person for a day of celebration, fun and updates.

It was great to hear from the management team who provided valuable insights across the business.

Both teams had some fun in a couple of team-building activities followed by afternoon drinks and canapes.

Thank you to all those involved in making the day a great success!

We look forward to Team Day 2024!

Finalists in Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards 2023!

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There’s a buzz of excitement at MEC Mining as we proudly announce that we’ve been selected as finalists in the Professional Services category of the 2023 Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards!

This acknowledgment highlights our dedication to excellence and innovation within the mining sector.

The Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards serves as a resounding tribute to the exporters who are fearlessly pushing boundaries and making Queensland proud on the global stage. It’s a nod to the brilliance and determination that define our export community’s spirit, propelling our economy and reputation to new heights.

So, as we count down the days to October’s Awards Gala, we raise a toast to all the outstanding finalists who share our drive for progress and international expansion. Each finalist’s journey is a source of inspiration, showcasing the resilience and brilliance that define Queensland’s export prowess.

Let the excitement build and the celebration begin!

View the full list of finalists for 2023 here

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Mining Engineering Graduates: A Practical Adaptation of Stephen Covey’s Timeless Principles by Brock Ventnor

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In this article, we will explore an adaptation of Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People specifically tailored for engineering graduates. From being proactive in finding efficient ways to complete tasks to prioritizing safety, these habits provide valuable insights for success in the engineering field. Whether it’s seeking to understand technical questions or sharpening one’s knowledge, these habits can help engineering graduates excel in their careers. Plus, we’ll even share a bonus tip on dealing with slow or buggy software. So, let’s dive in and discover how these habits can benefit you as an engineering graduate

 

Habit 1: Be proactive

Take Responsibility. There is often a more efficient way to complete the task but be careful to balance experimenting with productive work. When trialling a new method, start with small batch iterations and refine the process before upscaling. For a small project, innovation time might be unjustified. For a large project, innovation might make it quicker for the next person.

 

Habit 2: Begin with the end in mind

Sometimes the end can mean losing work to a dodgy macro or corrupt file. Save multiple versions so that you can easily roll-back a file.

– Problem solving – how will your ‘solutions’ affect other departments or future work?
– Career pathways – Don’t lose sight of your personal goals.

 

Habit 3: Put first things first

Safety is the #1 priority. As an engineer, you look out for everyone. Safety, safety, safety.

 

Habit 4: Think win-win

Read the room before starting a revolution. You will see greater acceptance of your ideas if your peers have been involved from the beginning. Time saved for you, and morale boost for them. Try and present things in an interesting way and keep meetings short.

 

Habit 5: Seek first to understand, then to be understood

Ask technical questions early in the project, or as soon as they arise. If you can show that you understand that facts and fundamentals, then you’ve already won half the battle.

 

Habit 6: Synergize

If your mate is working hard and you aren’t, offer a hand. Socialising with colleagues outside of work will make office communication less intimidating. When your peers find the courage to speak up, you damn well listen.

 

Habit 7: Sharpen the saw

Knowledge is an easy advantage to gain. Read books, attend training, review previous projects at every opportunity. Eventually it will rub off on you.

 

BONUS:

If software is slow or buggy, try a different version. Some features have gotten worse with updates.

Discover Innovation in Mining: MEC Mining at the 2023 AusIMM Underground Operators Conference

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We are thrilled to share that MEC Mining will be exhibiting at the AusIMM 2023 Underground Operators Conference! This premier gathering brings together the best in the underground mining industry to explore the latest advancements and trends.

Join us at Stand 15 to learn how we can help elevate your underground operations with improved efficiency and productivity. We look forward to connecting with fellow industry professionals and sharing our expertise.

When: 27 – 29 March 2023
Where: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
Register here : https://www.ausimm.com/conferences-and-events/underground-operators/attend/registration/

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to discover innovation in mining!