How to actually get a FIFO job: ring the agency

By PJ Adami, underground mine worker and ERT member, Queensland

Most people trying to get into FIFO do the same thing: build one resume, fire it at 20 ads on SEEK, then wait. Then wait some more. I work in an underground mine, and here's what I did instead, and what I'd tell any mate trying to get a start.

Why mass-sending resumes doesn't work

Entry-level FIFO ads pull in a lot of applications. On the other end there's usually a recruiter or coordinator with a pile of resumes and a client who wants people mobilised. When your resume lands as one of hundreds, it gets a quick skim at best. If nothing jumps out in the first few seconds, it's gone.

Sending 20 identical resumes doesn't change that. You're just 20 more files in 20 more piles. It feels productive, but it's the lowest-effort, lowest-return way to look for this kind of work.

A phone call changes the order of things. Once a recruiter has spoken to you, you're not a file anymore, you're the person who rang up, sounded switched on and said they're ready to go. When your resume comes through 10 minutes later, it gets read with that in mind.

Who to ring

• Mining and FIFO recruitment agencies. Search "mining recruitment agencies" plus your city or region (Brisbane, Perth, Mackay, Townsville, Kalgoorlie and so on). Look at which agencies keep showing up on the entry-level ads you actually want.
• Labour-hire companies. A lot of entry-level site work, shutdowns and TA roles go through labour hire. These are often the easiest first foot in the door.
• Contractors and camp providers. Drilling companies, mining contractors and camp or village services companies often hire directly. Their careers pages usually list a phone number for the recruitment team.
• The contact on the ad itself. If an ad names a person and a number, that's your first call.

Pick one realistic role first (utility, TA, labourer, driller's offsider, trainee operator, nipper) so you know what you're asking about. If you're not sure which one fits, the role guides and the entry-level jobs guide will help.

What to say on the call

Keep it short, friendly and specific. You're not asking for a favour, you're making their job easier by telling them exactly what you're after and that you're ready. Something like:

Then listen. Ask what they're looking for at the moment, whether there's anything that would make you a stronger fit, and if they'd prefer you apply through the ad as well. Write down their name.

If you get voicemail, leave a 20-second version: your name, the role, where you're based, that you're keen and available, and your number. Then send the email below anyway.

Send your resume straight after the call

This is the bit most people skip. Don't wait until tonight or tomorrow. Send it within the hour while they still remember the conversation. Use the name of the person you spoke to and mention the call in the subject line so it doesn't get lost.

Attach your resume as a PDF named properly, like Firstname-Lastname-Resume.pdf, not resume final v3 (2).docx.

Make sure the resume backs up the call

The call gets your resume opened. The resume still has to do its job in the first few seconds. The top third should show the role you're going for, where you're based, your availability, your tickets and licences, and the experience that's most relevant to site work. If that stuff is buried on page two, the good impression from the call fades fast.

Not sure if yours is up to it? Grab the free 10-second resume check, or read how to write a FIFO resume with no mining experience.

Following up without being a pest

• If you haven't heard anything in about a week, ring once more, mention your earlier call, and ask if there's anything new coming up.
• Keep your phone on you and answer unknown numbers. Recruiters usually call first and email later. If you miss one, ring back the same day.
• Tell them when something changes: a new ticket, a new availability date, a licence upgrade. It's a good reason to check in.
• Log every call and email in a simple tracker so you know who you spoke to and when. The free application tracker stays in your browser.

Once a week per agency is plenty. Every day is too much.

Mistakes that undo the good work

• Ringing about "anything FIFO". Have one or two roles in mind and say them.
• Claiming tickets or experience you don't have. It comes out at the medical, the induction or on site.
• Calling, then never sending the resume. Or sending it three days later.
• Ringing one agency and stopping there. Work through a list.
• Having a voicemail greeting that's a joke or a full mailbox. They will hang up.

Being honest about it

Ringing agencies won't guarantee you a job. Nothing does, and anyone who promises that is selling something. Hiring depends on the role, timing, location and the client. What ringing does is put a real person behind your resume, and in my experience that matters a lot more than people think. If the company or recruiter has actually spoken to you and knows you're keen, you've got a better shot than a file in a pile.

Quick answers