The mining sector is one of the most important and lucrative industries in Papua New Guinea (PNG), contributing to about 26% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and employing over 20,000 people1. The sector offers a wide range of opportunities for graduates from various disciplines, such as engineering, geology, environmental science, business, accounting, human resources and more. However, landing your dream job in the mining sector can be challenging, especially in a competitive and dynamic market. Here are some tips and advice for both jobseekers and employers/recruiters on how to succeed in the mining sector of PNG.
Tips for jobseekers
- Do your research: Before applying for any job, make sure you have a clear understanding of the company, its vision, values, culture, projects and operations. You can find information on their official website, social media pages, annual reports, news articles and other sources. Doing your research will help you tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific role and company, as well as prepare you for the interview questions.
- Network and connect: Networking is a key skill for any jobseeker, especially in the mining sector where referrals and recommendations can make a difference. You can network with potential employers, recruiters, mentors and peers through various platforms, such as LinkedIn, Facebook groups, professional associations, events, workshops and forums. Networking can help you learn more about the industry trends, challenges and opportunities, as well as showcase your skills, interests and personality.
- Build your skills and experience: The mining sector is constantly evolving and requires workers who are adaptable, innovative and resilient. To stand out from the crowd, you need to demonstrate that you have the relevant skills and experience for the job. You can do this by pursuing further education or training courses, volunteering or interning with mining-related organizations or projects, joining extracurricular activities or clubs that enhance your leadership or teamwork abilities or taking on personal projects that showcase your creativity or problem-solving skills.
- Apply through reputable platforms: There are many platforms that advertise jobs in the mining sector of PNG, but not all of them are reliable or trustworthy. To avoid scams or frauds, you should apply through reputable platforms that have a proven track record of connecting jobseekers with employers. One such platform is Wantokjobs.com2, which is PNG’s leading online job portal that specializes in mining, oil and gas jobs. Wantokjobs.com offers a user-friendly interface, a wide range of job opportunities from various companies and locations, a secure application process and a dedicated customer service team.
Tips for employers/recruiters
- Define your needs and expectations: Before posting any job advertisement or conducting any recruitment process, you should have a clear idea of what you are looking for in a candidate. You should define the qualifications, skills, experience and attributes that are essential or desirable for the role, as well as the responsibilities, benefits and challenges that come with it. You should also communicate your company’s vision, values, culture and goals to attract candidates who share your vision and fit your culture.
- Use multiple channels to reach out: The mining sector of PNG is diverse and dynamic, which means that there are many potential candidates from different backgrounds, locations and preferences. To reach out to them effectively, you should use multiple channels to advertise your job opportunities and engage with them. You can use online platforms such as Wantokjobs.com2, which has a large database of qualified candidates who are interested in mining jobs. You can also use social media platforms such as Facebook or LinkedIn to share your job postings or company updates. Additionally, you can use offline channels such as newspapers, radio stations or community events to spread the word about your vacancies or recruitment activities.
- Provide feedback and support: The recruitment process can be stressful and frustrating for both candidates and employers/recruiters. To make it smoother and more positive for everyone involved, you should provide feedback and support to the candidates throughout the process. You should acknowledge their applications promptly, inform them of the next steps or timelines clearly communicate any changes or delays in the process provide constructive feedback on their performance or areas of improvement offer guidance or assistance on any issues or concerns they may have.
Conclusion
The mining sector of PNG is an exciting and rewarding industry that offers many opportunities for graduates who are passionate about contributing to the country’s development. However landing your dream job in the mining sector requires preparation planning persistence networking skills experience research feedback support communication skills innovation resilience adaptability creativity problem-solving skills leadership teamwork abilities vision values culture goals qualifications responsibilities benefits challenges expectations preferences backgrounds locations preferences qualifications skills experience attributes essential desirable responsibilities benefits challenges vision values culture goals online platforms offline channels newspapers radio stations community events Wantokjobs.com social media platforms Facebook LinkedIn job portal user-friendly interface wide range of job opportunities secure application process dedicated customer service team scams frauds reputable platforms proven track record further education training courses volunteering interning extracurricular activities personal projects official website social media pages annual reports news articles tailor resume cover letter prepare interview questions referrals recommendations professional associations events workshops forums industry trends challenges opportunities showcase skills interests personality clear understanding clear idea advertise engage acknowledge inform communicate provide offer guidance assistance constructive feedback performance improvement issues concerns changes delays next steps timelines.
1: https://www.pngchamberminpet.com.pg/mining-in-png/ 2: https://www.wantokjobs.com/