5 Ways to Improve Your Chances of Securing Your Next Role

With the job market in mining being very tight with not many opportunities about, here are 5 ways to improve your chances of securing your next role:

  1. Update your LinkedIn profile: Employers and recruiters will scout and search mainly LinkedIn as the preferred social media platform to find a candidate for their vacancy.  Therefore, it would be a good idea to review and update all the details on your page. If you’re stuck for ideas, then have a look at 3-5 profiles belonging to other people to get a good idea of what you should add or update based on their profile.
  2. Networking: Attend local networking and mining events wherever you’re based or when you’re home on R&R. Get some personal business cards printed with your contact details on and give them out to people you meet and speak to.  Tell them your intentions ie that you’re always considering a new employment if it arises.
  3. Direct approaches: Approach managers of particular mining companies or projects that you’re interested in to see if there are any opportunities with your skills and experience. Although often there may not be vacancies at that particular time, they should keep your details for future opportunities so they can contact you when you least expect it. You can approach them via LinkedIn or obtain their email address and email them with an expression of interest.
  4. Re-connect with old contacts: Dig out and search for old contacts you either worked with, or who managed you or someone you didn’t know but worked at the same organisation as you, and contact them. You should drop names, projects and anything you may have in common to build that rapport and then let them know you’re seeking a new opportunity.
  5. Work with 2-3 established recruiters: Work and keep regular contact with a few established recruiters in your niche. This is a 2 way process so don’t always wait for the recruiter to contact you; contact them periodically keeping them updated of your job search and any changes you have in your criteria.