Networking to find the hidden Mining Jobs

Networking to uncover the hidden mining jobs

Networking for employment involves using your personal and professional contacts to assist you with your job search. Employment networking can take place at industry specific events, such as mining conferences, through your family and friends and through the use of social media sites. Networking gives you access to the hidden job market, at least 60% of all jobs are received through networking, therefore it is a vital activity that you, as a job seeker, should engage in. Networking will not only aid you in your job search but it gives you contacts in the mining industry who can give you industry relevant advice and guidance throughout your job search.

Social Media

The use of social media has taken off over the past few years and is now a key tool used by job seekers and recruiters. Jobseekers should utilise social media site such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter when networking to find employment in the mines. Connect with and follow big mining companies to hear about vacant positions and keep up to date with relevant industry news. To get the most out of this networking type you have to be active on the sites. Engage in discussions on LinkedIn, utilise the hashtag function on twitter in order to reach a wider audience and take advantage of the numerous mining pages on Facebook in order to connect with specific people in the mining industry. By doing this, you as a job seeker, will be able to make contact with people in the mining industry to help you in your job search.

Mining Events

Attending mining events, conferences and functions is a great way to network with people in the mining industry. At these functions you will meet people working in the mining industry as well as industry recruiters. Attending these functions is a great opportunity for you as a job seeker to network in order to find employment in the mines. Have your business cards read, introduce yourself to people, ensure you do some research before you go in order to participate in conversations, and make sure you dress and present yourself in an appropriate manner. As with anything, in order to get the best result out of networking at these events, you must be active and engage with others while you are there. Mining events give you the opportunity to engage in face to face networking with recruiters, this is a strong way to get yourself out there and known and aid you in your job search.

Family and Friends

Whilst networking with family and friends might not seem to have much relevance in helping you get a job in the mining industry, the extent of people’s personal and professional networks may surprise you. Ask family and friends if they know of anyone in the mining industry or if any of their contacts have connections in the mining industry that could assist you in your job search. Using family and friends to network is a powerful tool as they are essential providing you with a recommendation. Recruiters know that people will not refer poor performers, so it is of benefit to you in your job search if one of your contacts puts you in contact with one of their connections.

In Summary

All of these are great ways to network to find employment in the mining industry but in order to ensure you get the best result you must make sure that your networking is a continuous process. Networking is not a one time thing, once that connection has been made you must ensure it is maintained through regular contact as you move forward. This allows you to get the most out of the networking you have done.