Is a cover letter necessary for mining jobs?

 

It depends on what the potential employer has asked for.

Did you know some mining companies don’t require a cover letter? For others, it’s a formal part of the application process and may require you to address specific criteria.

You do not need to submit a cover letter when applying for a role at BHP. They’ll read it if you send one, but it’s not a requirement for their recruitment teams. It’s important to read the job advertisement and check the company’s website to understand their expectations.

Think of your cover letter as a bonus opportunity to sell yourself.

 

Always submit one if you’re unsure if a cover letter is required. They might read it. They might not. Keep it concise at one page and use the space wisely. Rather than repeating your resume, use this space to:

• highlight why you’re interested in the role
• show why you’re a good fit, and
• show how your values align with the company’s values

Consider it a bonus opportunity to sell your skills and the value you can bring to the role, the crew and the company.

 

If you’ve been around here awhile, you’ll know I talk about the importance of tailoring your resume to the job advertisement and the company you’re applying to. You can read my blog about it here. Your cover letter is no different.

 

Please address your cover letter to the person who is listed on the job advertisement. If you don’t know who to address it to, call the company and ask, or use the words “Hiring Manager” and the address of the company’s Head Office. An issue that Recruiters often talk about is receiving applications with a cover letter addressed to a different employer and referencing a different job. Do.not.do.that. Simple mistakes can detract from an otherwise strong cover letter.

TIP: Create a generic cover letter template and then tailor it for each job application.

 

If you’re applying to more than one role, creating a generic cover letter as your base allows you to quickly add in specific and relevant details based on each job advertisement. Take the time to read the job advertisement, and tailor your cover letter to the job and the company. It’s a simple adjustment and shouldn’t take you any longer than 5-10 minutes. Taking the time to make your cover letter relevant, specific, and addressed correctly shows a level of professionalism and shows you actually care about your application.

 

So, there you go. Is a cover letter necessary for mining jobs? Yes, I think it is.

 

Does Ruby Resumes write cover letters? I sure do. If you have any questions, feel free to email me: info@rubyresumes.com.au

Cheers to your mining career,

-Jasmin