How to get a mining job with no experience

Everyone knows that once you get your foot in the door with a mining job, you can earn some big bucks. But how do you get your first job in the mining industry? Getting your first job when you have no experience in mining can be challenging. The good news is, plenty of people have done it before you, so it is possible. You just need to know where to start, and we are here to help.

Australian Mining is getting busy again

We all know there was a mining boom and then it all went quiet again. But looking forward it appears the industry is looking up again. The bust is behind us and I wouldn’t say we have boom times ahead, but there are certainly many great projects coming on board. More projects mean more jobs, including for those looking to break into the industry to take advantage of the great pay-rates on offer.

What type of entry level mining jobs are available?

Ideal entry level jobs include: 

Trades Assistant, Labourer, Peggy, Utility, Cleaner, Housekeeper, Kitchen Hand, Cook, Catering Assistant, Administration Officer, Site Clerk, Accounts Assistant, Drillers Offsider, Boilermaker/Fitter, Dump Truck Operator, Truck Driver, Bus Driver, All Rounder, Mobile Plant Operator.

What skills do you need to get into mining?

So where do you start? How do you know if you have the skills to land one of these jobs? Do unskilled mining jobs exist?

Qualifications and Tickets

The best place to start is to know which job you want to go for, then make sure you have the right skills and qualifications. If you don’t have them, get them. If you are completely unskilled and inexperienced, your need to do what you can to make yourself more employable.

For example, if you need to get more tickets, such as Confined Spaces and Work Safely at sites training, take the time and spend the money to complete the course. All mining jobs have a huge safety focus, so make sure you have all the required safety tickets. Without these you will not get a start. If you want to drive dump trucks get the right licence or you will not get off the starting block. Even if you are looking for work as a Kitchen Hand, there are TAFE courses you can complete and/or food hygiene training that will be viewed favourable. Look at the different advertisments on Seek or on the Mining Company’s website and see what they are looking for.

Get the right skills

Yes you will need to have some experience working in the role before you can work in that role on the mines. Get a job locally first. If you need labouring experience, get some. A great way to achieve this is to work as temporary labour hire for an agency.

I’ve got no experience, but I am a hard worker

Every employer values a hard worker, but the problem is everyone says it! Use phrases on your Resume such as ‘I have a strong work ethic’. This says a lot more than ‘I am motivated’. Be prepared to deliver on your promise. Always be on time, always be prepared, always do your best. Consistency will be rewarded and if you have done this with previous employers you will benefit from getting a great reference.

Get a great Mining Resume and Cover Letter

Make sure your Resume looks professional and is easy to read. This is your first and only opportunity to get noticed. Make your moment count.

Remember that every job gets tons of applicants, so you need to make sure your Resume looks great so that you make the recruiter’s job easy. Make sure you have plenty of keywords that jump out. For example, talk about your commitment to safety. Safety is extremely important to mining employers, even if your role is in admin or hospitality.

Our Mining Resumes are already written with tons of the right keywords in place. By purchasing one of our Resumes and Cover Letters for a very small cost, you can greatly increase your chances and likelihood of landing a job in mining. A small investment for a potentially big return.

Apply for Every job you can find

Jobs are advertised in many places. Find out where, and apply for everything. Eventually persistence should win. Look on mining company websites in addition to job websites such as Seek.

In summary, you need to set yourself up with the right skills and tickets, get a professional Resume and Cover letter, then start applying for jobs. Good luck.

View ALL ready-made Mining Resumes by clicking here.

Click here to VIEW our Entry Level Mining Resumes