Commodity prices are rising and mining activity is ramping up, which means more jobs are becoming available in Australia’s resources sector. Here’s how to capitalise on the widely reported mining skills shortage and secure the job you want.
Do your research
This is a prerequisite for any job-seeking process really, but it’s especially pertinent for a sector that has seen so much turbulence in recent years.
- There are countless articles and reports available online for you to read about industry trends, so school up and work out where you think you’ll be useful.
- If you know which organisation you want to work for, arm yourself with as much knowledge about them as possible. Follow them on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn to keep up with their news and gauge their key concerns. Then use this information to position yourself as an appealing candidate.
Dust off your CV and call recruiters
Whether you’re after an entry-level mining job or you’re returning to the industry following the downturn, chances are your CV could do with some work, so:
- add missing details
- subtract irrelevant information
- give examples and quantify your achievements with specific facts and figures where possible – show how you made a difference in the organisations you’ve worked for
- refresh its design if it’s looking tired
- have someone look over it to check for errors.
Do the same for your LinkedIn profile, and also:
- use a professional-looking headshot
- write a brief summary that tells your story and highlights your most relevant experience
- get endorsements – an easy way to do this is to endorse others as they’ll often return the favour
- get recommendations – when asking a connection to write you a recommendation, give them an idea of what you’d like covered so that it’s relevant to your job search.
Once you’re confident that you’re looking great on paper and online, you can start approaching recruiters and applying for jobs.
Upskill
If you’re considering more training to make yourself a prime candidate for jobs in the sector, consider the areas in which mining is experiencing skills shortages. For example:
- mining engineers are in short supply, so recent graduates are well placed for jobs
- mining companies are embracing new technologies, creating opportunities for tech-savvy candidates who can tailor their skills to current industry needs
- the skills shortage is also good news for women who may have been discouraged from entering the male-dominated sector in the past, and for entry-level applicants and apprentices.
Find out what certificates or training you need for particular jobs and upskill to make yourself more hireable.
Connect
Networking has become an essential part of career development. Hiring decisions are often the result of referrals, so if you have contacts who can suggest jobs for you and introduce you to employers you should capitalise on those relationships.
Also, make an effort to stay in touch with people after interviews, even if you didn’t get the job. If you’re strategic, you can build relationships that could be lucrative for you in the long term.
Rock that interview
So, you’ve done everything right and you’ve landed an interview. No matter what role you’ve applied for, the basic rules for interviewing hold true – check out our guide to making an a good impression, particularly if it’s been a while since your last interview or you keep missing out on jobs once you hit this crucial stage.
Image credit: http://www.miningreview.com.au/training-recruitment/job-underground-articulated-agitator-operators-sa/