SydneyMiles

I'm currently looking for a job in Sydney. Struggling a bit. I'm from Scotland. I've been living here for two and a half years. I'm started to worry that my accent is counting against me. I have an obviously Scottish accent but it isn't unintelligible. When I go back to Scotland people often comment that I don't sound local! I'm in my mid thirties and have lived in different places round the world for most of my adult life (England, Europe, USA, Canada). I've never even considered it could be a problem before. I have done a lot public speaking (giving training sessions, speaking at conferences) internationally over the past decade or so and I've never had any feedback that my accent was hard to understand. Maybe a couple of offhand comments in the US but that's it. HOWEVER now I'm in a full on job search in Australia I'm finding it a bit hard. I'm going for a lot of jobs that require presentation skills, as it's something I am strong on and enjoy, and I have been turned down for several jobs that I thought I was very well qualified for. I've also twice had interviewers openly make comments. One guy said "So how about your communication skills? How would people deal with your strong pommie accent?". In another interview an older business owner repeatedly said he didn't understand me as I spoke. Other people in the interview commented, during the meeting and after, to assure me there was no problem and that I was very clear and that they "didn't know what he was on about". So... I'm feeling a little bit down. I'm wondering if I should change tack and move away from jobs with a lot of presentations, etc. I've done a huge amount of international work in my career and it really never occurred to me that my accent could hold me back. Has anyone had issues with accents in Australia?

It is not considered de facto. You either have to wait the full 12 months or register the relationship if your state allows it. I had been living with my partner for seven months and had to register in NSW. It's easy to do but not all states allow it. It does have a 28 day cool off period though so not immediate. http://www.bdm.nsw.gov.au/Relationships.htm

House prices are high back in the UK as well. I think the Sydney market is a bit cheaper than London... but they are both crazy.

Gather as much proof of the genuine, exclusive and committed nature of the relationship as possible. Phone logs, emails, tickets from visits, family reasons for being apart. it's not ideal but start gathering evidence now.

The 457 is easy to get but you're tied to the employer. Moving job is always going to involve risks but with a 457 you're moving job and you face the risk of staying in a job you don't like or having to leave the country if you lose work. I came over on a 457 at first and I changed employer after a year. It was huge hassle getting a new employer though and a lot just wouldn't look at you.

You're the perfect age for a working holiday visa. Apply for one, make sure you've got enough savings to get over and stay for a month and you'll be fine picking up casual work. It's very expensive here but the minimum wage is high. There have been reports of more unemployment recently but everyone I know seems to be fine.