Australian Job Search strategies

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How to find a job…the Australian way !

Most migrants we come across have no idea how to look for employment. It is very important to understand how to look for work in the most effective way.

Yes it is possible to find an employer to sponsor you if you are committed and determined to do all required to find work!

If you are seeking employment with an Australian company, you will need to learn how to find a job the Australian way! Keep in mind all communication with employers needs to be about what you can do for them not what they can do for you.

Here’s some more tips.

 

Apply online

Search the ‘careers’ section of employer or industry websites to find vacancies. Many of these websites will allow you to apply online. Some popular job search websites include:

  • seek.com.au
  • careerone.com.au
  • adzuna.com.au
  • mycareer.com
  • gumtree.com.au – for some casual positions
  • Airtasker.com – for casual positions

*Don’t just rely on vacancies advertised, many jobs are hired internally or among other networks. Keep in mind that some companies list vacancies for different reasons eg formality, to build a recruitment DB or show expenses for tax etc.

Start off small..small can lead to big!

  • Apply for an internship yes even if it’s unpaid – this will give you the opportunity to obtain ‘local work experience’ and impress your employer – you will need to convince your employer that you have excellent skills and that you are full of energy and commitment to work for the company
  • Consider setting up an ABN to accept contract work as a freelancer – ABN info
  • Accept Casual work

Networking and social connections

  • Be social!
  • Australians are social people, get involved and integrate by joining different groups/events
  • Participate in local community events and build social connections eg local sports club or a local public speaking club such as toastmasters
  • Participate in professional activities arranged by professional bodies to meet other professionals eg seminars, workshops or meetups eg ACS, CPA, Engineers Australia and other organisations
  • Join our multicultural community International Friends Australia. We run regular social events including an English conversation club where you can practice your english and meet new people 😉

Apply in person

  • Many casual or part-time jobs in smaller hospitality or retail outlets won’t always be advertised online
  • Present yourself professionally and knowledgeable for the work you wish to do
  • Walk into the business and ask to talk to the manager
  • Find out the name of the hiring manager + contact details
  • Have your CV ready + a cover letter – Read more about how to create an Australian style CV and cover letter
  • Pick the right time: Avoid turning up during busy hours eg restaurants are busy at meal times and retailers can get hectic at lunch-time on weekdays and late-night shopping nights
  • Always show your confidence and strong motivation: If no work is available, ask if you can leave your contact details in case something comes up and ask if they know of other businesses that may be looking for work. You never know your luck!
  • Apart from larger companies, approach smaller businesses and companies – many are quite open to hiring those just starting out or international students such eg a local computer shop or local tax agent in your suburb and don’t forget often smaller companies give you more opportunity to learn and grow!
  • Add the manager’s contact details to your database/mailing list and follow up – followup not just once but several times in different ways!
  • Contact local community centres and let them know you are available for certain hours to contribute your skills – yes even if it means unpaid community service, this way you can get ‘local experience’

Consider a Student visa with work rights

The great thing about student visas is that you have the opportunity to acquire more skills via study and the Student visa also gives you the perfect opportunity to seek work and build relationships and work experience with employers. This can then lead to longer term visas such as employer sponsored visas or other skilled visas. Read more about Student visas

Contact recruitment agencies

There are thousands of recruitment agencies in Australia. Here’s an example of recruitment agencies related to the IT sector in Australia

  • CITI Recruitment
  • Michael Page
  • Greythorn
  • Finite IT
  • Hays
  • Hudson

Use Social media

  • Research companies and vacancies on linked-in and facebook groups, connect with Hiring Managers directly

Look for graduate opportunities

Example of graduate agencies in Australia

  • GradAustralia
  • Graduate Opportunities (GO)
  • GradConnection

Build a database/mailing list of companies

  • Research and record email addresses and the first name of HR manager – look on company websites or call the company directly for info
  • You can use mailchimp  (see mailchimp free plan) to create a campaign. Personalise your email and monitor activity eg who opens your email
  • Send emails to hiring managers not just once but several times over a period of time – not too many times!
  • Create a spreadsheet to record all employer details including follow-up info etc
  • Refer to this sample Job Search spreadsheet

Create an email script that works for job search

  • Add a catchy subject line eg ‘Experienced/Qualified IT Technician seeks work’
  • If you are sending to a list of companies, add your email address in the To section and copy all company email addresses to BCC so that others cannot see everyone’s email address
  • If you are sending to an individual, one person only, make sure you indicate the person’s name if you know it otherwise ‘Dear Manager’
  • Email to the same companies (your database/mailing list) every 3 weeks as some may not look at your email the first time you send it or the hiring manager may not need someone to work the 1st or 2nd time you send the email
  • the Body of the email should include your cover letter if it is not too long otherwise add just a few lines to the body of the email including key points eg and refer to the attached CV

Example Job Search Email

Dear Manager,

I am an experienced IT Technician seeking part-time work. I have 4 years of experience in network security and PC support. I am available 20 hours per week including weekends.

For more detailed info, please refer to my cover letter and resume attached.

I would be happy to meet with you to discuss. You can call me on 0402 123 456.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,

Tom Shelby

IT Technician

Interview tips

  • make sure you are on time – this means arrive to the appointment early, that is before the scheduled appointment time, never arrive late, this is Australia, people must be punctual!
  • dress professionally
  • speak confidently and clearly
  • tell the hiring manager you would be happy to do a few days or hours trial period so they can confirm whether you have the skills
  • make sure you have researched info about the company before the interview
  • be ready to ask questions about the position
  • don’t turn up with a coffee or food in your hand!
  • be ready to greet the hiring manager by their name and shake their hand

Have you found a job yet?

Never give up. If you never give up and if you practice patience, persistence and perseverance, you’ll be successful!
Don’t forget – once you find an employer who is willing to sponsor you, contact our Registered Immigration Specialists and provide your employer’s contact details so we can assess the company for sponsorship eligibility and provide all info re employer sponsored visa options!

Still more useful job search info…

  • What if they ask you for ‘local work experience’? Find ways to create your own work experience! Eg. volunteer work or create work for yourself
  • Send a personal letter directly to the hiring manager!
  • Advertise yourself as a freelancer if you have a skill (such as website design or computer maintenance)
  • Create business cards, website or business name
  • For skilled permanent residency visas you may be able to obtain extra points if you have 1 year of local experience instead of doing a professional year course
  • Once you obtain a job, build a good relationship with your employer – consider their point of view and business needs
  • A simple, casual job can lead to a super senior job as well as sponsorship and permanent residency!
  • Read more about how to create an Australian style CV and cover letter
  • Remember…this is Australia! Australia = land of opportunities for those who are motivated
  • When you find a job, if you require an employer sponsored visa, call us to arrange an assessment by an Australian Immigration Specialist. Read more about what a migration assessment involves.