How to Work with Mining Recruitment Agencies

Most mining jobs go through labour hire companies and recruitment agencies. Understanding how to work with them — and how they work — dramatically improves your chances of landing roles.

Here's the insider's guide to making recruiters work for you.

How Mining Recruitment Works

The Two Main Types

Why Agencies Exist

Mining companies use agencies because:

• Flexibility to scale workforce up and down
• Someone else handles recruitment admin
• "Try before you buy" through labour hire
• Access to larger talent pools

The Major Mining Recruiters

Register with multiple agencies — different ones have contracts with different sites:

National Labour Hire

• WorkPac — One of the largest, strong in QLD coal and WA iron ore
• Programmed Skilled Workforce — Broad coverage across Australia
• Chandler Macleod — Strong presence in WA mining
• Hays — Both labour hire and permanent recruitment
• Brunel — Strong in oil & gas and mining

Mining Specialists

• Mining People International — Specialists, good for experienced workers
• DFP Recruitment — Strong in WA resources
• Core Mining — Underground and surface mining
• Maxima — Operates in multiple states

Company-Specific Recruiters

Some mining companies have preferred suppliers or in-house recruitment. Check company websites directly as well as agencies.

How to Register Effectively

Before You Register

1. Polish your resume — It's the first thing they see
2. Gather documents — Tickets, licences, VOCs, references
3. Have references ready — Supervisors' names and current contacts
4. Know what you want — Roles, locations, roster preferences

The Registration Process

1. Create online profile with resume and documents
2. Phone screening with recruiter
3. Sometimes: in-person or video interview
4. Reference checks
5. Added to their database for suitable roles

Getting Recruiters to Call You Back

Recruiters are busy. Here's how to stand out:

1. Make Their Job Easy

• Resume clearly states your tickets, experience, and hours
• All documents uploaded and current
• References who will answer their phone
• Phone always on, voicemail set up
• Reply quickly to texts and emails

2. Be Specific About What You Want

Vague = hard to place. Be clear about:

• Equipment you can operate (and hours on each)
• Locations you'll work (and won't)
• Rosters you prefer
• Minimum salary expectations (realistic ones)

3. Stay Top of Mind

• Check in regularly (every 2-4 weeks)
• Update your profile when you gain new tickets/experience
• Apply for specific roles, don't just wait
• Be friendly but not pushy

4. Be Professional

• Answer calls professionally (they might be calling about a job)
• Show up to interviews on time
• Follow through on commitments
• Don't badmouth previous employers

What Recruiters Actually Do

Understanding their job helps you work with them better:

• They have KPIs — Filling roles, speed, client satisfaction
• They juggle many candidates — You're not their only priority
• They need to trust you — Their reputation is on the line
• They want repeat placements — Getting you jobs benefits everyone

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Being Hard to Reach

Mining roles often need to be filled fast. If you don't answer or take days to respond, the job goes to someone else.

Exaggerating Experience

Recruiters will verify. Getting caught out burns that bridge permanently. Be honest about hours and experience levels.

Registering and Disappearing

Registration alone isn't enough. Stay engaged, apply for roles, check in regularly.

Being Too Picky (Too Early)

If you're new to mining, you might need to take what you can get first, then be selective later. Prove yourself, build experience, then negotiate better roles.

Burning Bridges

Mining is a small world. If you no-show, badmouth people, or behave poorly, word gets around. Treat everyone professionally.

Labour Hire vs Permanent: Which to Aim For?

Labour Hire Advantages

• Easier to get into (lower barrier)
• Try different sites and companies
• Often leads to permanent roles
• Flexibility if you want it

Permanent Advantages

• Job security
• Better benefits typically
• Career progression within company
• Often higher base pay

Your Action Plan

1. Prepare documents — Resume, all tickets, licences, photo
2. Register with 5-8 agencies — Major national plus specialists
3. Complete profiles fully — Every field, every document
4. Apply for specific roles — Don't just wait for calls
5. Follow up regularly — Check in every 2-4 weeks
6. Stay responsive — Answer calls, reply quickly
7. Keep updating — New tickets, experience, availability