How you can use alternative methods to appeal to employers
How to appeal to employers through clever job applications
In the mining industry job market, there is such a high level of competition it is hard to get yourself to stand out from the crowd. As it becomes harder and harder to get yourself noticed by employers, more job seekers are turning to creative and innovative ways to stand out. This can include doing clever things to your resume and cover letter and attaching documentation or supporting material to help grab the employer’s attention. There are numerous ways to make yourself stand out when you are applying for a job in the mining industry but you should always keep in mind your audience and ensure that if you do something creative, it is appropriate and relevant to the position at hand.
When you are writing your cover letter and resumes you want to grab the recruiter’s attention. Customise your resume and cover letter to the specific job and company you are applying for ensuring it is relevant to the mining industry. Make a clear connection between the company’s needs and your specific skills, demonstrating how you would fit into the position and company goals. By customising these documents, you are creating a personal link between the company and yourself resulting in your application having more of an impression than one that has no link to the company.
Attaching relevant documentation is a good way to get yourself noticed. This does not necessarily mean documents such as awards and achievements etc but you may have some ideas that you think the company would benefit from. Write them up and present them to the company with your resume. This shows initiative and visions and will not be forgotten by employers. Whatever you do, you should ensure that it highlights your skill set and suitability for the role. For instance, if you are fluent in English and Spanish and believe this could be an advantage for you, send in two copies of your resume, one in English one in Spanish, and request an interview in either language. Alternatively a current reference letter or online recommendation on LinkedIn can also boost your appeal in the eyes of prospective employers.
Another strategy is to create a well written LinkedIn profile and on your profile include strong details of your past projects to demonstrate your skills and ability to be flexible. Ask your past colleagues, managers and clients for a recommendation to boost your reputation online. These recommendations can then be viewed by any recruiters if you direct them towards your profile. Further, including worksite pictures, logos and any other relevant visual materials on your profile will also boost the visual appeal of your profile, therefore making it more attractive those who appreciate a more hands on application.
Finally, in order to make yourself stand out from the rest of the job seekers, including some supporting materials for recruiters to look at. Utilise social media and create a short video in which you describe your skills, what you have done and what you like to do, or have a video describing past projects and the results achieved. Set up a YouTube channel and include the videos on there. Put a link to the channel in your resume and on your LinkedIn profile so employers can easily access it. Doing this goes a long way to distinguish yourself from other candidates and creates a lasting impression.
Doing creative things to make yourself stand out can be risky, therefore you must always keep in mind your audience, especially when applying for jobs in the mining industry, and make sure it is appropriate for them. Whatever you choose to do to differentiate yourself, you must ensure that it highlights your specific skill set and demonstrates your suitability for the role and company you are applying with.
