Get FIFO-Ready: Resume Tips for First-Time Applicants

The FIFO (Fly-in, Fly-out)  lifestyle offers a unique and often lucrative career opportunity for many people, particularly in the Australian mining, construction, and oil and gas industries. For those considering FIFO jobs for the first time, it can feel like a big leap. The long shifts, remote locations, and unique working conditions make the transition from a standard 9-to-5 job to FIFO employment a significant change. But before you even think about packing your bags, there’s one key element to securing a FIFO role: your resume.

Crafting a resume that stands out from the competition is critical, especially for first-time FIFO applicants. The good news is that you don’t have to have years of FIFO experience to land a job in this field. With the right resume, your transferable skills, work ethic, and enthusiasm for the FIFO lifestyle can shine through. This blog will guide you through the essential tips to create a FIFO-ready resume that will help you get noticed by recruiters and employers in this unique sector.

Understand the FIFO Job Market

Before diving into the resume tips, it’s important to understand what FIFO jobs entail. FIFO workers are typically employed on large-scale projects in remote locations, where they work for extended periods (often two weeks on, one week off) and then return home. The industries that commonly offer FIFO roles include mining, construction, oil and gas, and some roles in agriculture and hospitality.

Employers looking for FIFO workers prioritise certain traits and skills, such as:

• Reliability: FIFO workers need to be dependable, especially given the nature of remote work.
• Physical Fitness: Many roles are physically demanding, so employers appreciate candidates who are in good health and ready to handle the rigours of FIFO life.
• Safety Awareness: Safety is paramount in FIFO industries, particularly in mining and construction.
• Adaptability and Resilience: FIFO workers need to adjust to living in remote locations, often with limited amenities.
• Teamwork: Due to the isolated nature of FIFO work, being a team player is a crucial trait.

With these traits in mind, you can tailor your resume to highlight your readiness for the challenges and rewards of FIFO work.

Tailor Your Resume to the FIFO Industry

A generic resume won’t cut it for FIFO jobs. You need to specifically tailor your resume to the roles you’re applying for, ensuring that your skills and experiences align with the employer's requirements. Here's how to approach this:

1. Highlight Transferable Skills

Even if you don’t have prior FIFO experience, you likely have skills from previous roles that are highly relevant to FIFO positions. For example, if you’ve worked in a physically demanding job or in a remote environment, these experiences can be highly valued. Think about skills such as:

• Physical stamina and strength
• Problem-solving skills
• Experience with machinery or heavy equipment
• Communication skills in high-pressure environments
• Previous experience in safety protocols

You might not have worked in a FIFO job yet, but your experience working in a similar environment (e.g., construction, logistics, agriculture) can show that you're equipped for the challenges of FIFO work.

2. Emphasise Safety Awareness and Compliance

Safety is a non-negotiable in the FIFO sector. Many employers require candidates to hold certifications in safety-related courses such as Work Health and Safety (WHS), First Aid, or specific industry certifications like Working at Heights or Confined Space Entry. If you have any of these certifications, ensure they are front and centre on your resume.

Even if you don’t have formal safety training, you can still demonstrate your understanding of workplace safety through examples. Perhaps you’ve worked in roles where you followed strict safety protocols, or you’re known for being the go-to person when it comes to identifying potential hazards on the job. These small details can go a long way in making you an appealing candidate for FIFO positions.

3. Show Your Ability to Work in Remote and Challenging Conditions

FIFO roles often require workers to stay in remote locations for weeks at a time, with limited access to creature comforts and little social interaction. Being able to demonstrate that you’re adaptable, resilient, and able to thrive in such conditions can make a huge difference in your resume’s appeal.

To showcase this on your resume, consider including:

• Previous remote work experience (e.g., working in isolated areas or travelling for work)
• Personal anecdotes that highlight your resilience, such as your ability to stay productive during long shifts or handle long periods away from home
• Your readiness to embrace the FIFO lifestyle, showing that you understand the demands and challenges that come with it

It’s important that your potential employer knows that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you’re specifically prepared for the FIFO way of life.

4. Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills

Working in remote FIFO locations means working closely with a team, sometimes in challenging conditions. Being a strong team player is essential in this type of work environment. Ensure your resume clearly highlights your ability to collaborate, communicate, and work effectively with others.

Examples of skills to highlight include:

• Conflict resolution skills
• Ability to work well in a multicultural team
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Previous experience working in shift teams

Showing that you’re an effective communicator and team member in your past roles will be seen as an asset to prospective FIFO employers.

5. Be Clear About Your Availability and Flexibility

FIFO jobs require employees to be available for extended periods of time, often on short notice. Make sure to mention your availability upfront. Employers will appreciate your willingness to work flexible hours and understand the requirements of FIFO roles. If you’re comfortable with the idea of spending weeks away from home, make that clear in your resume.

You can include a brief section that outlines your work availability, such as:

• Willingness to work in remote locations
• Availability for 2:1 or 3:1 rosters
• Flexible to start as soon as possible

6. Keep It Clean, Concise, and Professional

The FIFO industry is known for its no-nonsense approach, so your resume should reflect that. Avoid unnecessary fluff and make sure your resume is clear, concise, and professional. Keep it to the point—hiring managers may only spend a few seconds scanning your resume, so you want to make sure they can quickly see why you’re the right candidate for the job.

Use bullet points to highlight your skills and experiences, but don’t overcomplicate things. Your resume should be easy to read, with a clear structure and relevant information that speaks to the FIFO role you're applying for.

Conclusion

Applying for a FIFO job for the first time can feel daunting, but with a tailored, well-crafted resume, you can position yourself as a strong candidate, even without prior FIFO experience. Focus on highlighting your transferable skills, safety awareness, adaptability, and teamwork abilities, all of which are highly valued by FIFO employers.

Remember, employers in the FIFO industry are looking for candidates who are ready to meet the challenges of remote work and long shifts. By showcasing your commitment to the FIFO lifestyle and the relevant skills that make you a great fit, you can significantly improve your chances of securing your first FIFO role. Stay confident, be patient, and get FIFO-ready with a resume that reflects your ability to thrive in this exciting and rewarding career path.

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