Finding a Job in Mining; A Risk Management Challenge

From that inestimable team, the father-son Obonis of Riskope, here is what I got in today’s email.  I repeat most of it.  I edit to smooth & personal prose as their Italian dialect leads to bumps in easy reading.  I copy here as I think the suggestions they make for finding a job in mining or anywhere else, are worth disseminating.  Let me know what you think.

They write (as edited by me):

Currently, there is a bunch of college graduates out there thinking, “Now what?” This is a typical question in today’s no-holds-barred international job market that has students asking themselves if they ever should have gone to college.

Because some grads don’t know what to do next after acquiring their diplomas, career entry-point identification can be a nerve-racking adventure.  Finding the right job can, however, be one of the most gratifying journeys in a person’s life.

If folks could simply add some fundamental risk management concepts (such as understanding the differences between Hazard, Risk, Probabilities, manageable and unmanageable risks) or by learning  The 20 Rules for good Risk Assessments), before undertaking to navigate the perils of employment shopping, odds are that unexpected frustrations would turn up less frequently, and opportunities would occur more often.

Have no fear, Degree Jungle risk management students are here. A team of college graduates who look at Risk Management programs online through the Degree Jungle database recently convened to put their scholastic training to work. Let’s see how they applied some basic risk management principles for obtaining optimal job searching results!

Whether folks know it or not, they possess valuable skill-sets and abilities. The secret is to promote these characteristics in a manner that attracts interested employers.

During every step in the employment-searching process (application-resume-interview) one needs to flaunt the positive aspects and one-of-a-kind advantages that a company will receive giving you the thumbs up.  You must emphasize why you stand apart from the rest of the pack . JUST do not expose yourself with wrong claims!

Good planning is a vital key to locating work faster. The occupation search process is lengthy; it’s loaded with disparities; and it has no conclusive end. Keeping organized involves establishing a plan of action (POA) and carrying it out in a synchronized way. More specifically, a POA needs to be a series of habits that enables you to control your time productively and to center your initiatives on the highest-value endeavors. To summarize:

• Establish objectives and evaluate hazards.
• Prioritize activities and upside/downside risks.
• Get rid of distractions.
• Use the correct job hunting tools.
•  Develop a schedule.
• Remain.
• Steer Clear of Occupation Decision-Making Traps.

Making the best choices for the appropriate reasons is what this is all about. Occasionally, folks enter psychological snares when making huge career choices. Keep in mind these “DO NOT DOs” in making career decisions:

• DON’T do what everybody else is doing: “All my colleagues applied there, so I will too.” The likelihood of winning in an overcompetitive market is slim.
• DON’T end-up being overloaded with options: “I have no idea what I want to do, so, I’ll just pick any offer.” People that do so generally do not have clear ideas about their risk environment. They should at least consider the risks associated with each option to help discerning the best alternative.
• DON’T overlook the chances of success: “Aeronautic careers are easy to locate for civil engineer graduates.” Same as above.
• DON’T overrate strengths, skill-sets or education: “I was ‘summa cum laude’, so, I can find a work just about anywhere.” Very similar to “ we are too big to fail” (one of the 16 common traits.)
• DON’T enter the Status Quo: “I don’t really love this offer, but at least I’ll be employed. People that do so generally do not have clear ideas about their risks environment, and do not understand the upside risk of opportunities.

Job hunting is hard, but many people make it a lot more challenging by searching with inaccurate expectations and not evaluating the upside and downside risks.  This can cost them a potential career. Likewise, assumptions can end up being career change assassins. Just because an individual has a degree in Music does not imply that he or she can’t get a job as an executive in the industry. Athletes can turn into entrepreneurs, and accountants can work in law offices too.

Don’t ever assume, and regularly take a look at Plan B, Plan C, and Plan D in a positive manner, which minimizes the risk of not snagging interviews.

Is it time to reassess an employment search POA? It’s easy to get disappointed, particularly after folks have been in-and-out of interviews for a while. However, not gaining ground could indicate that a you may need to reflect on your job search plan of action. Have a look at a few of the “time-to-reassess” signals listed below to see if they strike a nerve:

• Recruiters never call back: redesign resumes and cover letters.
• Lots of job interviews, but no proposals: reassess job interview skill-sets.
• Concentrating on the occupation, and not on the firm: customize hunts to target unique businesses.
• Naïve to web behavior: HR recruiters do Google applicants, and they check out their Facebook pages.  Keep your Facebook page clear, rationale, and job oriented.
• Depression is kicking in: If you begin to feel disheartened, cheer up and volunteer to fill time and boost visibility.

Riskope thanks Henry Thompson for this contribution.