Breaking into the mining industry without direct experience is one of the most common challenges job seekers face in Australia. The good news? Mining companies actively recruit from construction, warehousing, logistics, and trades backgrounds - you just need to present your transferable skills effectively on your FIFO resume.
With entry-level FIFO roles paying $75,000 to $110,000+ (including allowances), getting your resume right can be the difference between staying in the city and earning serious money on-site. This guide shows you exactly how to position yourself for your first mining role.
Quick Stats
Salary Range: $75,000 - $110,000+ (including FIFO allowances) Work Arrangement: FIFO (typically 2/1 or 8/6 rosters) Key Certifications: Standard 11, HR/HC Licence, Working at Heights
FIFO & Entry-Level Mining Resume Example
Ryan Cooper
FIFO Worker (Entry Level)
Professional Summary
Motivated and physically fit worker transitioning into the mining industry with 5+ years of experience in construction and warehousing. Proven ability to work in demanding environments, follow strict safety protocols, and operate as part of a team. Holds Standard 11 Mining Induction, HR Licence, and Working at Heights certification. Eager to apply transferable skills in manual handling, equipment operation, and workplace safety to a FIFO mining role.
Employment History
General Hand / Trade Assistant
Programmed Skilled Workforce, Perth, WA
- Provide trade assistance to boilermakers and fitters on shutdown maintenance projects
- Operate hand and power tools including grinders, drills, and oxy-acetylene equipment
- Maintain clean and organised work areas in compliance with site safety requirements
- Complete daily JSAs and participate in pre-start safety meetings
Warehouse Operator
Toll Group, Perth, WA
- Operated forklifts (counterbalance and reach) in high-volume distribution warehouse
- Maintained zero damage record across 2+ years of materials handling operations
- Trained 6 new team members on warehouse procedures and safety protocols
- Consistently met daily pick-and-pack targets while maintaining accuracy above 99%
Construction Labourer
Georgiou Group, Perth, WA
- Performed general labouring duties on commercial and civil construction projects
- Operated small plant including bobcats, compactors, and elevated work platforms
- Assisted with concrete pours, formwork, and steel fixing tasks
- Maintained strong safety record with no incidents across multiple project sites
Education
Certificate II in Surface Extraction Operations
IMINCO Mining Training, Perth, WA
Certificate III in Warehousing Operations
TAFE WA, Perth, WA
Certifications & Training
Skills
Bullet Point Assistant
1. What did you do?
2. What metric did you improve and in what time span?
3. Connect your action to your strategy.
Key Sections of a FIFO & Entry-Level Mining Resume
Professional Summary
Your summary is the most important section when changing careers. It needs to bridge the gap between your current experience and what mining employers are looking for.
Strong Summary Elements
- +Highlight transferable skills from current industry
- +Mention mining-specific certifications upfront
- +Show willingness to work FIFO rosters
- +Reference physical fitness and safety awareness
Avoid These Weaknesses
- -Focus only on non-mining experience
- -Leave out certifications you've obtained
- -No mention of FIFO readiness
- -Generic 'hard worker' statements without evidence
Employment History Tips
Without mining experience, you need to frame your existing roles in mining-relevant language. Focus on:
- Safety compliance - JSAs, SWMS, pre-starts, toolbox talks, PPE usage
- Physical demands - Manual handling, outdoor work, extended shifts
- Equipment operation - Forklifts, small plant, trucks, power tools
- Teamwork - Working in crews, shift handovers, following instructions
Reframe Your Experience
Mining employers look for evidence you can work safely in demanding conditions. "Operated forklifts in a warehouse" becomes relevant when framed as "Operated heavy machinery following strict safety procedures and pre-start protocols."
Essential Certifications
Getting the right certifications before applying dramatically increases your chances. Many are available as short courses in Perth, Brisbane, and Mackay.
Must-Have Certifications for Entry-Level Mining
- Standard 11 (or state equivalent) Mining Induction
- HR Truck Licence (minimum) - HC preferred
- Working at Heights
- Confined Space Entry
- First Aid Certificate
- White Card (Construction Induction)
- Manual Handling
- Forklift Licence (beneficial for warehouse/stores roles)
Skills to Highlight
Even without mining experience, you likely have many skills that mining companies value.
Transferable Skills Mining Companies Want
Safety & Compliance:
- JSA/SWMS completion and understanding
- Pre-start inspection familiarity
- PPE usage and maintenance
- Hazard identification and reporting
- Fatigue awareness
Physical & Operational:
- Manual handling in demanding environments
- Hand and power tool proficiency
- Equipment operation (forklifts, small plant)
- Working outdoors in extreme conditions
- Extended shift endurance (12-hour shifts)
Workplace Behaviours:
- Following verbal and written instructions
- Two-way radio communication
- Team coordination and shift handovers
- Time management and punctuality
- Housekeeping and workplace organisation
Breaking Into Mining Without Experience
Target the Right Entry-Level Roles
Not all mining roles require experience. These positions regularly hire career changers:
- General Hand / Trade Assistant - Assisting tradespeople during maintenance and shutdowns
- Offsider / Nipper - Supporting machine operators with setup and consumables
- Service Crew - Refuelling, water cart, and ancillary equipment operation
- Warehouse/Stores - Mining site inventory and logistics management
- Cleaning / Crib Attendant - Village and site facility maintenance
Get Your Foot in the Door
"The biggest mistake I see is people waiting for the perfect role. Get on-site in any capacity - even cleaning or stores. Once you're there, you can upskill and move into operator roles. Eighty percent of our haul truck operators started as general hands."
Labour Hire vs Direct Employment
Most entry-level mining positions are filled through labour hire companies. Your resume needs to appeal to these agencies:
- Register with multiple agencies (Programmed, WorkPac, Hays, Chandler Macleod)
- Keep your resume to 2 pages maximum
- Ensure certifications are clearly listed with expiry dates
- Include a professional photo if requested by the agency
- Be available at short notice for mobilisation
FIFO Lifestyle Considerations
Demonstrating FIFO Readiness
Employers want to know you understand and can handle the FIFO lifestyle. Address this directly:
- Mention any previous experience with extended time away from home
- Reference shift work experience (nights, weekends, rotating rosters)
- Show you understand common rosters (2/1, 8/6, 4/3)
- Highlight self-discipline and routine management
FIFO Tip
If you've never worked FIFO before, mention any experience that demonstrates your adaptability - interstate work trips, military service, remote construction projects, or even extended travel. Employers want evidence you won't struggle with the lifestyle.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Strong Resume Elements
- +Mining-relevant language throughout
- +Certifications prominently listed with dates
- +Transferable skills clearly mapped to mining
- +Clean, professional 2-page format
Weaknesses to Address
- -No mining certifications obtained before applying
- -Resume reads like a non-mining job application
- -More than 3 pages for entry-level roles
- -Missing HR/HC licence or Standard 11
Ready to Start Your Mining Career?
Getting your first FIFO role requires the right certifications, a well-crafted resume that highlights transferable skills, and persistence with labour hire agencies. The investment in training pays off quickly with mining salaries well above city averages.
Next Steps
- Complete your Standard 11 Mining Induction
- Obtain your HR or HC Truck Licence
- Update your resume using this guide
- Browse entry-level mining jobs on Resource Jobs
- Register with 3-5 labour hire agencies
Looking for more mining resume examples? Check out our guides for Haul Truck Operator, Boilermaker, Mining Supervisor, and Underground Miner roles.