Looking for a Mining Job

LOOKING FOR A MINING JOB

Looking for work?

Why being pro-active with your job search is so important.

Many Australian jobseekers are not aware that each year, on average, only 25% of available positions are advertised on online job search engines (eg. Seek, My Career, Career One), or in newspapers. So what happens to the other 75% of positions? They are informally ‘advertised’ and filled via what is known as the ‘hidden’ job market. Given this ‘hidden’ job market contains the majority of Australian jobs, jobseekers can no longer rely on formally advertised positions alone, to find work.

Newspapers and online job search engines should of course be included in your job search strategy, however, they should not be the only way you look and apply for work. There are many ways you can tap into the ‘hidden’ job market and ultimately, increase your chances of finding work.

• Use your networks. Make a list of contacts and networks you have from University/Tafe/Training/School, Employment (ex-colleagues/managers), Sporting Groups/Clubs, Community Groups, Friends, Family, Friends of Friends….you get what we mean! Let these networks/contacts know what your qualifications are, what skills and experience you have and how keen you are to work. 
• Cold Calling Mining Companies, Recruitment and Labour Hire Agencies. Research Mining Companies and Recruitment and Labour Hire Agencies you want to work for. Contact each one by phone and ask to speak to the person responsible for recruitment, as you are interested in possible employment opportunities. Cold calling can be daunting for a lot of people, but it is definitely worth it. You may be able to secure leads from the person you speak with, or you may contact a recruiter/employer that is currently hiring and eager to see your resume. 
  
  Ensure you have done some research on the company prior to calling in case your conversation turns into a phone interview. Be professional, clear and friendly, as you will only have one chance to establish rapport with the person you speak to. If you have no luck in getting through to the hiring manager, always ask where they advertise their positions, or if there is someone you can send an email to. 
• Attend Mining industry/trade events. Attend career expos, information days/nights/sessions, seminars, workshops etc. and build relationships with people already working in the Mining industry. Try to obtain business cards from as many people as possible and send them a follow up email after the event, telling them how great it was to meet them. Remind them of what positions you are seeking and how eager you are to work.
• Update your Social Media Profiles. Whether you use Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn, put the word out and let your friends/followers/connections know you are looking for work. If you use LinkedIn, ensure your profile highlights your key skills, qualifications and experience and is filled with keywords relevant to the position you are seeking – these keywords will be how recruiters/employers search for you. 
  
  Being pro-active with your job search, putting yourself out there and building new networks and relationships is key to tapping into the ‘hidden’ job market and ensuring successful employment.