Picture this — you’re on site, the sun’s just come up, machinery warming up, the team getting their toolbox talks underway. Every job you’ve worked, every project you’ve been part of, has built your skills brick by brick. But when it comes to landing your next big role — whether that’s Supervisor, Leading Hand, Site Manager, or something with even better pay — your resume needs to work just as hard as you do.
The construction and mining industries are expected to grow by 10% in 2025, bringing more work and new projects across Australia. But with more jobs comes more competition, especially for the better-paying leadership and specialist roles. If you want to stand out from the crowd, your resume can’t just list the tools you’ve used — it needs to show why you’re the best person for the job.
Here’s how to build a strong resume that gets you noticed in construction, trades, mining and oil & gas.
Step 1: Show You’re More Than Just Another Worker on Site
If your resume just lists your job titles and basic duties, it’s like submitting a safety report with no details — it doesn’t tell the full story.
✅ Instead of this:
“Worked on residential and commercial projects.”
🔨 Try this:
“Worked as Leading Hand on a $25M mining infrastructure project, overseeing 15 trades, ensuring zero lost-time injuries and completing work 3 weeks ahead of schedule.”
This shows you know how to manage teams, keep projects moving, and put safety first — exactly what employers want in supervisors and higher-level roles.
Step 2: Tailor Your Resume Like You Tailor a Jobsite Plan
Would you use the same site plan for a new highway as you would for a residential build? Same goes for resumes. A one-size-fits-all resume doesn’t cut it.
Here’s how to customise your resume for every job:
🔹 Use the right language. If the job ad talks about “site safety leadership,” make sure your resume shows your experience running pre-start meetings, toolbox talks, and enforcing safe work practices.
🔹 Highlight relevant experience. Applying for a shutdown supervisor role? Emphasise your shutdowns, FIFO experience, and ability to manage rotating crews.
🔹 Address gaps upfront. If you took time off between projects, mention any training, upskilling, or short-term contracts you completed during that time.
Step 3: Add Heavy-Duty Certifications to Your Resume
In industries where safety and compliance are everything, certifications aren’t just a bonus — they’re essential. Whether you’re aiming for site leadership or a technical specialist role, these qualifications show you mean business:
📌 Must-have certifications for trades, construction and mining pros:
- White Card – Essential for all construction roles.
- High-Risk Work Licences – Cranes, dogging, rigging, scaffolding — list them all.
- Cert IV in Work Health & Safety – A big plus if you want a supervisory role.
- Supervisor S123 & G189 – Essential in mining for leadership positions.
- Confined Space & Working at Heights – Critical for shutdowns and high-risk sites.
- First Aid & CPR – Shows you’re safety-conscious.
- RII Competencies – Especially for machinery operators in civil and mining projects.
The more relevant tickets you have, the easier it is for employers to see you’re site-ready and qualified.
Step 4: Build a Reputation — Not Just a Resume
In mining, construction, and trades, your reputation travels faster than a site radio call. The best jobs often go to those who are known for doing quality work safely and efficiently.
Here’s how to boost your professional reputation — even when you’re off site:
🔗 Be active on LinkedIn. Share photos of completed projects, talk about safety wins, or post about training you’ve done. Recruiters love seeing proof of your work ethic.
🎤 Take on leadership roles onsite. Whether it’s mentoring apprentices, leading toolbox talks, or representing the team in pre-start meetings, step up whenever you can.
🛠️ Stay connected with past crews and supervisors. Many jobs come from word-of-mouth referrals — a strong network helps you hear about new roles first.
Industry Trends That Will Shape Hiring in 2025
💡 Experienced Leaders in High Demand – As older workers retire, there’s a shortage of experienced supervisors, foremen and safety leaders. If you’ve got leadership experience, you’re in demand.
♻️ Sustainability Skills Are Valuable – Companies are pushing for greener worksites and eco-friendly building materials. If you’ve worked on waste reduction, water recycling or energy-efficient builds, mention it.
🖥️ Tech Is Changing the Jobsite – From drone surveys to GPS-guided machinery, tech skills are becoming valuable in civil, mining and construction projects. Showing you can adapt to new tech is a plus.
🌍 FIFO & Remote Work Stay Strong – Major infrastructure and mining projects mean there’s plenty of work in regional and remote areas. If you’re ready to do FIFO or DIDO, make that clear on your resume.
FAQs: Answering Your Biggest Career Questions
💰 What are the top-paying roles in construction, mining & trades?
- Site Supervisors & Foremen: $110,000–$160,000 per year (depending on sector and project size)
- Safety Advisors: $100,000–$140,000 per year
- Specialist Trades (Welders, Electricians, Boilermakers): $90,000–$130,000 per year
- Shutdown Supervisors: $120,000+ for FIFO roles
🚀 How do I move from trades to supervisor?
- Take on leading hand duties on your current site.
- Complete a Cert IV in WHS or Frontline Management.
- Get your resume written by a professional who knows the construction and mining industries.
📍 Where are the biggest job opportunities?
- QLD: Major mining projects and infrastructure upgrades.
- WA: FIFO mining roles remain in high demand.
- NSW & VIC: Civil construction booming, especially in Sydney and Melbourne.
Your Next Move: Get Your Resume Site-Ready
The jobs are out there — but to land the best ones, your resume needs to show your skills, tickets, and experience in the right way.
Want to make sure your resume works as hard as you do?
Send your resume to info@resumewritingaustralia.com.au for a free review.
🔧 One strong resume can unlock your next high-paying role. Don’t leave it to chance.
