Create one master resume with everything on it, then review and edit it every time to ensure it aligns with the requirements of the job to which you are applying. We understand the temptation to want to tell someone everything about yourself, but as we’ve said before – your resume is actually more about me and less about you! In other words, tell me what I need to know about how you can meet the requirements of my role, and as quickly as possible.
Never say 'I am willing to do anything'; This is the quickest and easiest way of ensuring you DON'T get a look-in. Because of the volume of positions or candidates available, companies do not have the time to work out which position you may be suited to. Couple this with the fact that there are too many other variables to consider (will you work shift, what salary, can you do fly in, fly out etc) and it becomes far too difficult and cumbersome for the Recruiter to work out your next career move. THIS IS YOUR JOB. You need to identify what it is you want to do and tell the company what that is and what skills and experience you have for that job.
Again, really consider the type of job you want and continue to shoot for that, at least initially. Industry recruiters often receive applications from people in other industries; teachers, police officers, nurses etc who all have fantastic skills which are transferable, but they apply to everything advertised and it ends up working very much against you.
Register to receive Job Alerts from company websites and job boards. This means that every time a relevant vacancy is listed, you will be alerted by email.
Consider yourself a product on the market. You need to consider what it is that an employer wants and then how to market yourself according to their requirements. The more you can demonstrate that you meet the requirements they have, the better your chances. Don't use acronyms on your resume and don't assume the recruiter does not know about every mining, oil and gas term or employer.
Be careful how you respond to rejection; we cannot tell you the number of times a candidate is black listed for responding to a "sorry you have been unsuccessful" email or letter with something inappropriate such as "F___ you" or "you can shove your job". As much as it is frustrating and disappointing to receive such a letter, resist all temptation! And don't be fooled into thinking that just because the rejection email looks like it comes from a generic email address or database, that the original recruiter doesn't receive it - they do!. All it does is prove to the recruiter that they were right to not select you in the first place and they will make a note on your applicant card. For those few who actually write something like, "Whilst I'm disappointed not to have been selected, I thank you for the opportunity to apply and will continue to do so", you'll have no idea how that stands out. When employers write about their company values on their web page, they typically mean it, so if you demonstrate behaviours that don't align with those values, you won't last long in the process.
Think about contact points; when a recruiter is making contact, what impression will they form? Too many don't consider their voicemail message (does it identify who you are?) or email addresses, both of which can be very unprofessional from our experience! When you answer the phone, always identify who you are. There is nothing worse as a recruiter, having to ask, "is this....?" when they call. Also consider where you reside in the electronic world; do you have a Facebook page etc? If so, ensure that it is only available to those you want it to be available to. Recruiters have become much savvier at checking on candidates using other sources, like Facebook! On such sites, do you have a personal email address or your work email address? I can assure you the latter is not appropriate! Be mindful what photos are on the site and what is being written if you have dozens or hundreds of friends linked to you. It is becoming more common for organisations to have social media policies which guide employee conduct on such forums. If you are observed contravening these policies, the company can and may take disciplinary action.
