How to Get a Job in Mining Industries

Mines need a lot of people to run.

The mining industry offers a great deal of opportunity for those who are prepared to work hard. The general rule of the thumb is that the more skills you have the easier it is to get a job in mining.

Instructions

Entry Level

1. Apply for every low-skilled job there is. Do not be picky; you just need a foot in the door and some experience to move onto higher-skilled jobs.

2. Search for a job that is in line with your real-world experience. So if you worked in a kitchen in high school it will be easier for you to find a job as a cook for a mine than it will be to find a job as a dump truck driver.

3. Ensure that you will pass a drug test, as these are common for mining jobs.

4. Consider paying for training before you apply. A good example of this is a truck driving license as dump trucks (and their drivers) are an extremely important part of mining.

Graduate

1. Choose a degree program that is directly related to mining. Examples include geology, hard sciences and technology. English and history are not particularly applicable to mining.

2. Participate in as many internships as possible, as these will allow you to meet key people and also indicate that you have actual experience in the field in addition to your qualification.

3. Apply to a graduate program. Most of the major mining companies have these, and they are excellent for a graduate without very much experience as they take you on with the understanding that you are going to need some on-the-job training.

4. Ensure that you have top-notch people skills as these will set you apart in interviews as someone who can interact with others, which is key for any job but particularly so with these jobs as they often come with a supervisory component.

References

• Mining People International: How to Get a Start in the Mining Industry
• Mining Technology: How to Get on the Mining Industry Ladder
• Hogan Mining: Australian Mining Entry Level Jobs