Why Mining Jobseekers Still Face Silence (And What You Can Do About It)

Here's why you're being ghosted and how you can take back control.

Leslie Sharp was doing everything right. 

A solid mining resume, a great FIFO application, and more than 10 years of site admin experience behind her.  

But after moving back to Perth and sending out more than 60 applications, she only heard back from three employers. 

All rejections. 
No calls. 
No updates. 
No clue what went wrong. 

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why don’t I hear back after applying for mining jobs?” you’re not alone. Silence feels personal, even when it isn’t.  

And in today’s mining recruitment market, it’s become so normal that many people think it’s “just the way things are.”  

But it’s not. And you’re not powerless.  

This guide explains why silence happens and what you can do to reduce the chances of being ghosted when applying for Australian FIFO roles and mining jobs. 

Why Mining Candidates Don’t Hear Back 

Let’s get one thing out of the way: Most of the silence you experience has nothing to do with your worth or your skills. 

Common reasons include: 

• High application volumes (especially for FIFO entry roles) 

• Recruiters are managing 30+ jobs at once 

• Clunky recruitment software that buries messages 

• Jobs going on hold halfway through 

• Slow internal feedback loops 

None of this makes the silence easier. Yet, knowing the “why” gives you some power back. 

Now let’s move to the part you can control.  

7 Ways to Reduce Your Chances of Being Ghosted 

Here are the most effective steps you can take when applying for mining jobs in Australia, based on thousands of candidate journeys we’ve seen firsthand. 

1. Tailor your resume to the job (even if it takes just 10 minutes) 

Generic resumes can blend into a crowded ATS systems. 
Add the exact skills mentioned in the ad (“sampling,” “loader operation,” “SAP,” “mobilisation”) if they apply to you. 

This makes your application far easier to find in a database. 

2. Apply early. Don’t wait for the closing date 

In mining, recruiters often shortlist quickly, especially for urgent site rosters. 
If you apply in the first 48 hours, you can increase your chances of being reviewed. 

3. Use the employer’s preferred application method

Some employers prefer Seek. 
Some prefer direct applications. 
Some want a cover letter. 

Following the instructions helps you apply in the right places with the right documents. You owe it to yourself to stand out.  

4. Follow up once (politely) after 5–7 days

Just a simple check-in. 
Something like: 
“Hi, I’d love to stay in consideration for this role. Is there anything else you need from me?” 
A gentle nudge can pull your application back to the top. 

5. Keep your phone close

This one matters. 
Recruiters call first. 
They email later. Sometimes much later. 

If you miss a call, call back promptly. Mining roles move fast. 

6. Build relationships with recruiters who reply

Not all recruiters communicate equally. If you find one that calls back, stay close. 

They’ll think of you first when a suitable role opens. Even if you weren’t the best match for the last one. 

7. Apply for jobs that match your level of experience

This one’s tough to hear, but it helps you avoid unnecessary silence. 

If you're applying for a role needing 3–5 years of experience and you’re brand new to mining, it’s unlikely you’ll get a response. Even though you should. 

Look for: 

• Trainee roles 

• Entry-level FIFO positions 

• Camp support jobs 

• Labouring roles 

• Shutdown work 

These paths help you get your foot in the door and build experience quickly.  

Silence Is Hard. But You’re Not Powerless. 

A lack of replies doesn’t mean you’re not good enough. It often means the system is strained, not you. 

But by tailoring your resume, applying early, following instructions closely, and staying connected with responsive recruiters, you improve your visibility and reduce the chances of being overlooked. 

You deserve respect, clarity, and communication. 

And while we can’t fix the whole industry overnight, we can promise this: We get back to every candidate. Every time. 

Whether it’s a yes, a no, or a “not right now,” you won’t be left wondering. 

We’re here. We’ll reply. 

 

Need to return to this article? You can either bookmark it or download this helpful guide. 

 

If you’d like help finding FIFO and mining jobs where communication matters, you can browse our jobs or reach out any time.  

If ghosting has ever left you frustrated, disappointed, or just plain confused, please get in touch.  

 

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