Finding a Job in Australia
Help with Finding a Job in Australia:
Now that you have made the decision to move, you are in a position to start the search for a job in Australia in earnest as Australian employers will take you much more seriously once you have been granted your visa. It is still not easy as thousands of prospective migrants bombard companies in Australia for jobs and employer sponsorship and many times employers have gone through the process of vetting a candidate from overseas, holding a position for them and then for some reason they decide not to move to Australia…
If you happen to find a position online that matches your skills and experience whilst you are outside Australia, then it would make sense to convince the prospective employer that you are definitely moving down under, you have a visa and have booked your flights. Give them proof in a covering letter, with scanned copies of your visa, flight details and as much proof that you are serious about the move as possible.
So don’t start the Australian job search too early. Positions advertised generally mean an employer needs someone to start as soon as possible (typically within a month).
It is always easier to secure a position when you are already in Australia for some of the reasons given above, it also means you can meet with employers and agencies face-to-face and showcase your skills and experience in person.
If you don’t find anything before you leave for Aussie, you can still take the time to make sure your CV or Resumè are up to Australian standards:
- Keep it short, 3-5 pages and no more.
- Provide your name, mobile number and email address at the beginning.
- Important that you provide your visa work status (e.g. Australian permanent residence visa holder).
- Start with a one – two paragraph executive summary that stands out and summarises your professional experience, achievements and what you are looking for and can offer an employer. Keep it short and to the point.
- Avoid mission statements as well as hobbies and interests unless they are asked for.
- Last 10 years employment history in reverse chronological order (list most recent job first).
- List company, with short description if not well known, your position, duration of employment.
- Achievements should be quantifiable and listed as 3-5 bullet points per position.
- List education and Australian equivalent qualifications last.
- Not necessary to provide references as these are assumed and generally checked as part of an employment condition.
- Don’t include colours, graphics or images unless they are integral to the industry – avoid clutter.
- Be very wary of websites and people online offering to write your CV as these are often scams.
