Australia welcomes new migrants with valuable skills and qualifications, however, searching for employment can be a challenge. It is important to be realistic and understand that you may not be able to find your ‘dream job’ straight away but here are some Do’s and Don’ts in the interim.
It isn’t easy searching for a job from overseas. Here is a summary of the do’s and don’ts for overseas jobseekers in the Australian employment market place.
Do
Do visit the various Australian job websites, some listed below, BEFORE deciding to emigrate to familiarise yourself with the job opportunities in your field.
- www.seek.com.au
- www.careerone.com.au
- www.jobs.com.au
- www.careerjet.com.au
- www.mycareer.com.au
- www.jobisjob.com.au
- www.adzuna.com.au/
- www.gumtreeforbusiness.com.au/jobs/
- au.indeed.com/hire
- jobsearch.gov.au/employers/job
Do check eligibility and, where possible, apply for your permanent residence visas first is very important. That is why we suggest you attend our SkillSelect Visa Assessment Seminars. Prospective employers will ask about your immigration status and having your residence visas (or at least being knowledgeable about the application process) is a “prerequisite” for many Australian job vacancies.
Do research the kinds of networks available in the area you plan to live.
Do start applying for advertised job vacancies from OVERSEAS, but only 1 to 12 weeks before a possible start date or a visit to Australia.
Do send an Australian Style covering letter of application and Australian Style C.V. or Resume to EVERY potential employer and recruitment agent in the region of Australia you intend settling in to let them know that you are available. RESPALL (Migration) Australia (myRMA) covers these points during their seminars in the Philippines. Use www.yellowpages.com.au to locate employer details as well.
Do prepare and write a Resume or C.V. in an Australian style and write a short but clear covering letter indicating your visa status ahead.
Do provide an Australian postal address and Australian mobile/email address in your C.V. or Resume where possible.
Do prepare your testimonials and referees in advance. If possible, include Australian referees.
Tell employers you are available for face-to-face interviews and make sure you have a good internet connection at the interview time.
Do make a positive impression in the interview, be flexible and have copies of your residence visas and references available for employers to sight.
Don’t
Don’t apply for job vacancies OR visit Australia for job interviews more than 1 – 12 weeks away from a possible start date. Employers may not be interested.
Don’t expect everything to work like the Philippines. Be flexible and willing to fit in with local ways and customs of doing things.
Don’t expect a job at the same level or higher than you had overseas. You may lack Australian local knowledge and may need to take a step back in order to advance later, perhaps a year once you have eased yourself into the organisation.
Don’t expect the same salary or more than you had overseas. The cost of living and income tax rates are lower in Australia than some other western developed nations, so look at your NET INCOME not the gross amount paid to you.
Don’t expect a job offer in the first week. On average, it can take local resident Australians 1 – 8 weeks or longer to locate a new job.
Don’t “over negotiate” the contract with your first employer. Be flexible and understand that employment laws and contract terms may be different in Australian states and territories and depending on the awards of your industry.
