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So you’ve decided to enter the mining sector and you’re well prepared with a shining portfolio of relevant mining tickets, qualifications and an industry-focused resumé.
Yet have you considered the impact of social media on your job application?
Being proactive and undertaking the relevant mining tickets to better your job prospects is one thing but the companies you apply to for work have a vested interest in what kind of person you are.
The tight-knit mining camp, community style of living makes it highly relevant for employers to take on team players. You might be the quiet type who likes to keep to yourself, which is totally fine, but if you have shown a history of anti-social behaviour on social media, you could be a red flag for recruiters.
FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM
Facebook is generally supposed to be a fun way of networking with friends, like-minded people and posting fun things – not taking yourself too seriously.
Instagram should be about sharing pictures or quick items to those on your page and that is all.
However these forms of social media can now be used by employers to get a feel of who you are.
And, let’s face it, you can’t really blame them!
If they are looking for a person to operate machinery, they may become concerned when every image on your page is of you partying, or your posts contain mischief-making that you have been involved in.
A social profile that frequently posts about drinking can have them concerned about your drinking behaviour , and some material that you find “funny” may even be deemed as sexual harassment or racial discrimination in the mining environment.
Even having a “rant” on facebook about someone who has done something wrong to you can be “red-flagged” by the employer as it can come across as you being someone who does not handle conflict well.
All’s Fair in Work Policy & Social Media Assessment
If you think this is a breach of your privacy and you should be able to post what you like, just consider how your ‘book cover’ looks to people who haven’t had a chance to ‘read your pages’ yet.
If these employers don’t know you personally and can’t see for themselves whether or not your posts are harmless, they will have to take them at face value.
Unfortunately, this will negatively impact any glowing work ethic laid out in your resume.
Keep Your Nose Clean
There have been cases of employees getting into trouble once they are employed for posting inappropriate content on their profiles or posting opinions about their workplace, co-workers etc.
Again it is prudent to avoid using social media as a way of “venting”about your job.
Protecting your Social Media Privacy
Fortunately, your privacy can be kept private. There are things you can do to protect yourself from exposure.
The team at My Solution Training has compiled a list of suggestions to help you keep your social posts above-board and if you think there’s anything you’re unsure of, if you’re not prepared to delete it, we advise you to remove access to anyone other than your close friends altogether.
- Change your facebook page settings from Pulbic to Private and ensure the main pictures remain tasteful at all times.
- Do not rush into adding new co-workers on to your facebook page until you have spent some time working with them to avoid awkwardness on site – Remember, if you make friends and connect on socials once you’re on site, they will be able to see your posts.
- Never post anything related to your work, the people you work with or the mine site you are employed on. Posting anything about your work on social media can be classified as a Breach of Contract and some companies will see you lose your job for such infractions.
- If you are having issues at work, meet with your Supervisor or HR official to discuss your concerns rather than voice it on social media.
- If you have real concerns but aren’t sure where to go, perhaps phone a loved one to help clear your head before you take any action.
- Like and follow the mining companies on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn you want to work for, so you can see post information regarding job prospects, what’s happening on their mine sites and potential new sites coming up, whereby they’ll need more employees.
- By “liking” and “following”, it may encourage a mining company to bring you in for an interview because it shows you’ve looked at all avenues when it comes to gaining employment.
LinkedIn is a great way to find a job, with plenty of mining recruiters posting jobs or looking for profiles of potential employees with the right skill set.
If you have an existing LinkedIn account and you are changing your career from another sector, we suggest you adjust it to ensure your professional focus is in the mining sector.
Be sure to include all your certificates and anything regarding your safety qualifications or interests in your profile, which will show potential employers you are serious about getting into mining.
If you do not have an account already, create one and ensure you write a small bio about wanting to change your career to mining and why. Include the qualifications you have gained in your efforts to switch careers. And make sure you mention the importance of safety, which is a key component of working in mining.
Follow the companies, try to connect with people in the company and communicate with them directly on social media. You never know where it could lead.
Remember social media is a very potent way to connect with people, so use it to your advantage. It could be the catalyst to finding your dream job.
My Solution Training offers a range of mining courses to help you become certified.
Contact us today on 1300 414 341 to discuss your future.