Have the certificates or licence, but no experience… so how do I get a foot in the door?

This is the most commonly asked question we receive from our subscribers and see on mining chat forums. I have been on a fact finding exercise and using Truck Driving roles as the example for this blog - here is what a number of Companies – mining, labour hire and recruitment agencies advised about Truck Driving roles and the recruitment

• Most of these jobs are advertised with a requirement of between 2 – 5 years experience.
• There are very few jobs advertised as traineeships.
• The average number of applicants they receive is about 280 - with about a quarter having the experience they are looking for.
• Applicants are screened from their resume/application
• Screening applicants for interview - applicants are usually graded into Yes, Maybe and No piles, based on the details listed in their resume/application form.
• Process always includes some sort of interview (phone or face to face), reference check and a pre-employment medical.

With this in mind, here is a summary of tips that might increase your chances of getting to the Maybe, and ultimately the Yes group to get an interview.

• Resumes - key messages for the Recruiter

If you have general industry experience, certificates and licences, but just not in the particular job, make it obvious on the front page of your resume. The Maybe candidates are those who have had experience with some of the challenges that face people working in the industry. That is long shifts and shift work, working in remote locations – if it’s a residential role, or FIFO and camp life experience if that is the arrangement.

http://www.theresourcechannel.com.au/blog/answers-today%E2%80%99s-burning-r%C3%A9sum%C3%A9-questions

• Referral – It’s who you know first, then what you know.

A referral from someone on site, given directly to a recruiter will place you in a higher grouping at screening stage. Ie – you might move from No to Maybe, or Maybe to Yes. Especially if you have some industry experience, this might get you at least a phone screen, if not a full interview.

• Keep in contact with the Company and with the Recruiters

The best way to keep in contact with the Company which will also save you time, is to set up job alerts on their careers pages and with the recruiters, emails are probably the best received, rather than turning up, or phone calls, but this does vary from Company to Company. Some do have preferred contact details listed on their websites, or job postings.

• Pre Employment Medicals

The best advice here is in the blog written by Dr Christopher Kelly http://www.theresourcechannel.com.au/blog/whats-go-pre-employment-medicals-these-days

But there is one important thing to point out - and that is a candidate’s physical fitness and weight. Trucks and other mobile equipment are fitted with seat weight ratings ranging from approx 120kg up to 150kg weight limits – varying with the different equipment. So above this weight, you just can't get considered for these roles.

• Useful links on the website

Here are a list of other blogs on the site that go into more details on the points above and address some of the questions that you might have

http://www.theresourcechannel.com.au/blog/what-do-we-ask-your-referee

http://www.theresourcechannel.com.au/blog/thousands-jobs-still-can%E2%80%99t-get-foot-door

If you haven’t checked this out already, here is a link to the Inside Guide, a document, specifically targeted to those seeking blue collar opportunities; technicians, trades, apprentices, operators and camp and site support roles - in oil, gas, mining or resource construction, the Guide also offers valuable information for overseas candidates and for those seeking their next position, across all levels.

http://www.theresourcechannel.com.au/the-inside-guide

The Guide offers information and advice on:

• The best way to break into the industry;
• What you can expect on a mine site or off shore platform;
• The types of entry level/blue collar roles available and salary ranges, including entry level roles;
• The training you may need and a list of providers;
• How to market yourself;
• Interview tips;
• What to expect at a Pre-Employment Medical;
• Average salaries across all role types/disciplines, sector and level;
• Visa options for overseas candidates;
• Practical tips from those in the know;
• An extensive listing of resources employers across Australia, contact details, and how to apply.