fifo resume tips from the experts

The FIFO industry is becoming increasingly competitive, and now more than ever, having a strong, professional resume is more important than ever.

Recruitment processes across mining, construction, shutdowns, transport, and oil & gas industries continue to evolve rapidly.

Employers are increasingly using:

  • Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

  • AI-assisted resume screening

  • Online onboarding systems

  • Automated keyword filtering

This means your resume must not only look professional but also be optimised correctly for modern recruitment systems.

Why FIFO Resumes Matter More than 5 years ago

Many mining and labour hire companies use ATS software to filter resumes before a human ever sees them.

ATS-Friendly Resume Tips:

  • Use simple formatting

  • Avoid graphics and tables

  • Use clear headings

  • Save as PDF unless otherwise requested

  • Include keywords from the job advertisement

  • Use readable fonts

  • Avoid excessive colours and designs

A clean and professional resume performs far better than an overly designed one.

FIFO Resume Tip #1: Keep Your Resume ATS-Friendly

What Recruiters Look for in FIFO Resumes

FIFO recruiters are often reviewing large volumes of applications quickly.

Most recruiters are looking for:

  • Relevant tickets and licences

  • Safety-focused experience

  • Transferable skills

  • Site experience

  • Reliability

  • Strong work history

  • Clear formatting

  • Easy-to-read resumes

  • Availability and roster flexibility

A cluttered or overly complicated resume can hurt your chances.

FIFO Resume Tip #2: Include All Relevant Tickets & Licences

Tickets and licences are critical in FIFO recruitment.

Common FIFO Tickets to Include:

  • White Card

  • Working at Heights

  • Confined Space

  • First Aid

  • HR Licence

  • Forklift Ticket

  • EWP

  • Standard 11

  • Gas Testing

  • Rigging

  • Dogging

Always ensure:

  • Expiry dates are current

  • Ticket names are accurate

  • Licences are easy to find on your resume

Many recruiters scan resumes specifically for tickets first.

Mining companies, labour hire agencies, shutdown contractors, and major resource companies are receiving hundreds of applications for every advertised role. If your resume is not tailored correctly, ATS-friendly, and easy to read, it may never even reach a recruiter.