Common FIFO Resume Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

When it comes to securing a FIFO (Fly-in, Fly-out) role in industries like mining, oil and gas, construction, and even hospitality, your resume plays a pivotal role in determining whether or not you land an interview. FIFO (Fly-in, Fly-out) jobs are competitive, and employers look for candidates who not only possess the right skills and experience but who also demonstrate a readiness for the unique demands of FIFO life. While it’s essential to highlight your qualifications, many applicants fall into certain traps when crafting their resumes—traps that can easily be avoided.

In this blog, we’ll look at the common resume pitfalls that FIFO (Fly-in, Fly-out) job seekers often encounter and how to avoid them. If you’re looking to land a FIFO role, ensuring your resume is free of these errors can significantly improve your chances of getting noticed by recruiters.

Failing to Tailor Your Resume for FIFO Roles

One of the most common mistakes applicants make is submitting a generic resume. While this may be acceptable for some roles, FIFO jobs demand a higher level of specificity. The nature of FIFO work is unique, with long shifts, remote locations, and a strong emphasis on safety. Employers need to know that you are not only qualified for the job but also prepared for the lifestyle and challenges that come with FIFO work. A one-size-fits-all resume simply won’t cut it.

To avoid this pitfall, it’s essential to tailor your resume for each FIFO role you apply to. This means adjusting your professional summary, skills section, and work experience to reflect the specific demands of the job. If you're applying for a FIFO mining job, for example, highlight any mining-related experience, certifications, and safety training. If the role requires working in remote construction sites, demonstrate your familiarity with such environments and your ability to handle the physical demands of the job.

Tip: Carefully read through the job description and match your skills and experience with the qualifications the employer is seeking. This not only ensures your resume is relevant but also helps you stand out as a candidate who understands the unique aspects of FIFO work.

Overloading Your Resume with Irrelevant Information

Another common pitfall is overloading your resume with irrelevant information. While it’s important to highlight your skills and experience, it’s equally important to keep your resume concise and focused. Employers, especially in FIFO roles, don’t have time to sift through pages of information that aren’t directly related to the role.

For example, if you’ve worked in a retail or office job but are applying for a FIFO role in the mining industry, you don’t need to go into great detail about your retail management experience. Instead, focus on transferable skills like customer service, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are valuable in any work environment. Similarly, avoid including outdated or irrelevant qualifications that don’t add value to the position you're applying for.

Tip: Focus on the skills and experiences that are directly relevant to the FIFO role. If something doesn’t add to your candidacy for that specific job, leave it out. A resume that is short, sharp, and relevant will make a stronger impact.

Ignoring the Importance of Safety Certifications

Safety is a top priority in FIFO roles, particularly in sectors like mining, construction, and oil and gas. Yet, many job seekers fail to give sufficient attention to their safety training and certifications, which can be a major disadvantage. Employers in these industries are looking for candidates who not only have the technical skills for the role but also have the knowledge to work safely in potentially hazardous environments.

If you’ve completed any safety-related training, such as a White Card (for construction), First Aid and CPR, Working at Heights certification, or Confined Space Entry training, make sure these are clearly listed on your resume. Similarly, if you’ve taken any industry-specific safety courses or have experience working with hazardous materials, highlight these qualifications. Not doing so may leave employers with the impression that you’re not fully prepared for the safety challenges of FIFO work.

Tip: Create a dedicated section for certifications or include them in your skills summary. Make sure the certifications are up-to-date and listed in order of relevance to the role you’re applying for.

Overlooking the Unique FIFO Lifestyle

FIFO (Fly-in, Fly-out) work is not just about the job—it’s also about the lifestyle. Employers want to know that candidates are ready for the isolation, long shifts, and potential social challenges that come with working away from home. Many resumes fail to address this aspect of FIFO work, which can make a candidate seem unprepared or out of touch with the realities of the role.

If you have previous experience working in remote locations or have managed long stints away from home, be sure to mention it. Employers value candidates who are adaptable and resilient, able to work long hours in isolated conditions while maintaining a positive attitude and strong work ethic. Conversely, if you’ve never worked away from home before, it’s important to highlight your willingness to embrace the FIFO lifestyle, demonstrating that you're mentally and physically prepared for the challenges of remote work.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to mention your ability to adapt to the FIFO lifestyle in your resume or cover letter. Showing that you’re mentally prepared for long shifts, being away from family, and living in a remote camp can give you an edge over other candidates.

Failing to Quantify Achievements

A resume that simply lists job duties without quantifying achievements can make your experience seem flat or unremarkable. FIFO employers want to see not just what you’ve done, but how well you’ve done it. This is where adding numbers, percentages, and other measurable achievements can make your resume stand out.

For example, if you’ve worked in a team that completed a large project ahead of schedule, say something like, “Successfully completed a mining project 20% ahead of schedule, contributing to an overall increase in productivity.” Or, if you’ve worked on a project that improved safety measures, quantify the impact: “Implemented new safety protocols that reduced workplace accidents by 15%.” These figures provide a clear picture of the value you brought to your previous roles and demonstrate that you can deliver results.

Tip: Wherever possible, quantify your achievements. Numbers and measurable outcomes make your resume more impactful and give employers a clear understanding of the value you could bring to their team.

Making Your Resume Too Long or Too Short

Striking the right balance between brevity and detail is crucial when writing your FIFO resume. A resume that’s too short might not provide enough information for employers to evaluate your qualifications, while a resume that’s too long could overwhelm them and cause key information to get lost. A good FIFO resume should typically be between one and two pages, depending on your experience level.

Too often, candidates either write lengthy resumes that are full of irrelevant details or they cut down their resumes so much that they leave out key information, such as important certifications, past experiences, or transferable skills. The goal is to provide enough information to show you’re qualified, but without overwhelming the reader.

Tip: Keep your resume concise, clear, and focused on the most important aspects of your qualifications. If you’re unsure about length, it’s usually best to err on the side of slightly longer, but only if the content is valuable and relevant to the job.

Neglecting to Include Soft Skills

While technical skills and certifications are vital in FIFO work, soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving are equally important. Many FIFO jobs require individuals to work closely with teams, often in challenging environments where clear communication and collaboration are essential for safety and productivity. Failing to highlight these soft skills on your resume can be a missed opportunity.

For example, if you've worked in roles that required you to communicate with different departments, handle conflict, or maintain morale in difficult situations, these experiences should be highlighted. Employers want to know that you can contribute to a positive team dynamic, particularly in a remote, high-pressure work environment.

Tip: In addition to your technical expertise, make sure your resume reflects your soft skills. Use specific examples of how you’ve used these skills to solve problems or improve team performance in previous roles.

Not Proofreading Your Resume

Finally, one of the most avoidable pitfalls is neglecting to proofread your resume. Spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, or inconsistent formatting can give employers the impression that you’re careless or inattentive to detail. In industries like FIFO, where safety and precision are key, attention to detail matters.

Before submitting your resume, take the time to carefully review it for any errors or inconsistencies. Consider asking a trusted friend or colleague to look over it as well, as a fresh pair of eyes may catch mistakes you missed.

Tip: Always proofread your resume before submitting it. If possible, use tools like grammar checkers or have someone else review it to ensure that it’s error-free and professional.

Conclusion

Creating a standout FIFO resume and cover letter requires more than just listing your qualifications. To truly impress potential employers, you need to show that you’re not only qualified for the role but also ready for the unique challenges that come with FIFO work. By avoiding common pitfalls—such as submitting a generic resume, neglecting safety certifications, or failing to highlight relevant experience—you can ensure that your resume stands out for all the right reasons. With careful attention to detail and a clear focus on the skills and attributes that make you suited for FIFO work, you’ll increase your chances of landing that next big opportunity.

If you need assistance creating an impactful FIFO resume and cover letter, contact Adrienna, your Perth Resume Writing Specialist, at 0423 686 904 or email hello@adriennasresumes.com