The IT field Thread

[mancmike]

Hi All, first post here so please be gentle :)

Recently received my 190 NSW visa under 261313 software engineer with a first entry date of 16/10/2018 - woop!

My background is 9 years software development/technical consultancy (java,.Net, oracle, etc) within financial services.  I will be looking for a similar technical team lead type role from October....

Is there is a big contractor market in Sydney like London? Or are perm roles more common?? Reading the thread it also seems recruiters/networking when arriving onshore is the best bet?? 

Any experiences and advice in the job hunt space very much appreciated....

Best wishes 

 

[itegoa]

On 01/06/2018 at 05:40, mancmike said:

Hi All, first post here so please be gentle :)

Recently received my 190 NSW visa under 261313 software engineer with a first entry date of 16/10/2018 - woop!

My background is 9 years software development/technical consultancy (java,.Net, oracle, etc) within financial services.  I will be looking for a similar technical team lead type role from October....

Is there is a big contractor market in Sydney like London? Or are perm roles more common?? Reading the thread it also seems recruiters/networking when arriving onshore is the best bet?? 

Any experiences and advice in the job hunt space very much appreciated....

Best wishes 

dsds

Congrats!

It all depends on your skill set. I'm living in Brisbane, but did a 6 monther in Sydney last year because I couldn't find anything in Brisbane at the time.

Your best bet is to get the daily emails from seek.com.au and see what's about there. I would not recommend coming here in December to find work though, as it can be quite hard over the xmas/new year period.

Agents are quite good over here, meaning most of them will actually stay in touch and even phone you back to say you didn't get a gig or job. Where as in the UK you'd get dropped like a rock and no phone calls returned.

It's worth connecting with agents via Linked In right now, and maybe call them to let them know you're in the market soon. I found a few agents are British expats anyway, so they understand what you're going through.

Good luck!

[mancmike]

1 hour ago, itegoa said:

Congrats!

It all depends on your skill set. I'm living in Brisbane, but did a 6 monther in Sydney last year because I couldn't find anything in Brisbane at the time.

Your best bet is to get the daily emails from seek.com.au and see what's about there. I would not recommend coming here in December to find work though, as it can be quite hard over the xmas/new year period.

Agents are quite good over here, meaning most of them will actually stay in touch and even phone you back to say you didn't get a gig or job. Where as in the UK you'd get dropped like a rock and no phone calls returned.

It's worth connecting with agents via Linked In right now, and maybe call them to let them know you're in the market soon. I found a few agents are British expats anyway, so they understand what you're going through.

Good luck!

Thanks so much for the reply - really helpful to hear the experiences of others

Will invest time in connecting with recruiters on LinkedIn...my impression is that nobody will bite until onshore however will try my luck!

if anyone has experience of the contact vs perm demand that would also be really helpful??

thanks again + best wishes!!!

[Renebo]

On 02/08/2017 at 07:46, Topender said:

I run an IT Services company in the North of Australia.   We have sponsored several IT Engineers and Technicians with great success over the last 10 years.

Most people make the mistake of thinking they have to go to Sydney or Melbourne to get IT work, the opposite is true, as unless you have very specialist skills (and they are in demand at the time) you will find it very difficult to get IT work there as there are many many other people also seeking those same jobs, and who probably don't need sponsorship which is an expensive, time consuming and difficult process.

Feel free to PM me your Resume/CV and a covering email detailing more about yourself if you would like to be considered.

 

Hi Topender

I am in Melbourne been here since May and applied for so many Test Analyst jobs to no avail. They seem to want to have Ausie experience and no one wants to give me the opportunity. I worked as a Lead Test Analyst for the NHS from 2015-2018 in Wales and before that 6 years in the Banking industry in South Africa.... Can you please advise? Or recommend someone here in Melbourne as we have Vic SS. Thanks Rene

[Jondar]

Hello there,

I arrived in Melbourne at the beginning of this year, and I'm an analyst developer. I'm certain you would stand a good chance in Melbourne, as your skills are relevant (Java, .NET) and you have a decent amount of experience. I can't speak for Sydney though.

I willing to share my experience, but I don't have as much experience as you do and not with the same tech stack. I used to work for a big bank back home, and at the start had some troubles catching up. Back home companies adopted technologies slowly, while here they have moved to modern methodologies and technologies (think CI/CD, onion/ hexagonal architecture). After arriving here, I applied for at least 5 positions per week and didn't hear back a lot. This was tough, but I persevered and whenever I noticed a technology I didn't yet understand I spent my free time learning up. People expect customized cover letters to the position, but I don't know if it actually makes a difference. Also think about making your resume a bit more Australian (add an Australian address if you have one, format your phone number correctly, watch out with pictures, don't assume they know the companies).

After an arduous interview process, I ended up with a nice position with a technology forward company, although it was a step down it allows me to gain that 'local experience' and to master the new tech.

I had no luck applying for jobs from over-seas, which makes sense as things are a lot more face-to-face here and there is a lot of competition. If you get the opportunity, go to a MeetUp (.NET user group or Java community). There are always people around looking for employees, or willing to suggest you to their firm. Otherwise it's an excellent opportunity to network. Because we have to, not because we want to. ;-)

 

[itegoa]

On 04/06/2018 at 20:38, Jondar said:

Hello there,

I arrived in Melbourne at the beginning of this year, and I'm an analyst developer. I'm certain you would stand a good chance in Melbourne, as your skills are relevant (Java, .NET) and you have a decent amount of experience. I can't speak for Sydney though.

I willing to share my experience, but I don't have as much experience as you do and not with the same tech stack. I used to work for a big bank back home, and at the start had some troubles catching up. Back home companies adopted technologies slowly, while here they have moved to modern methodologies and technologies (think CI/CD, onion/ hexagonal architecture). After arriving here, I applied for at least 5 positions per week and didn't hear back a lot. This was tough, but I persevered and whenever I noticed a technology I didn't yet understand I spent my free time learning up. People expect customized cover letters to the position, but I don't know if it actually makes a difference. Also think about making your resume a bit more Australian (add an Australian address if you have one, format your phone number correctly, watch out with pictures, don't assume they know the companies).

After an arduous interview process, I ended up with a nice position with a technology forward company, although it was a step down it allows me to gain that 'local experience' and to master the new tech.

I had no luck applying for jobs from over-seas, which makes sense as things are a lot more face-to-face here and there is a lot of competition. If you get the opportunity, go to a MeetUp (.NET user group or Java community). There are always people around looking for employees, or willing to suggest you to their firm. Otherwise it's an excellent opportunity to network. Because we have to, not because we want to. ;-)

 

 

I applied from UK, had a Skype interview and got the job. It all depends on your skill set I suppose. My 2nd contract I got having a phone call. 3rd contract the same - just a phone call.

It's worth considering contracting. I'd been contracting in the UK and my first job here in Oz was perm. It didn't go well and I left after 12 months. It reminded me how crap permie work is.

One thing that helped me when applying from the UK - put in capital letters at the top of your CV, "PERMANENT RESIDENT VISA" or similar. Also make it clear that you're ready to fly out to start a job at a couple of days notice, you can pay your own air fare and accomodation (if this is possible). The employer/client does not want baggage. Worked for me.

[JetBlast]

When I applied for a job when I was in Australia on my working holiday visa I appended a pre-written reference to the bottom my CV. I got the job! They said at the time it was a great help as it is a pain getting any references from abroad. You never know - if you can do that it might just tip things your way.

[WayneM]

So how are things getting on with creating PommieTechie.au?

[MetalToby]

If you get the chance to work for a consultancy then take it.

My first job on Oz has been a consuiltancy. With that I've worked in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. This has been useful in making new contacts and seeing more of Australia.

You may get crappy work but its worth it if you are new to Australia.

 

[Leighbee98]

Has anyone found that their RPL (Recognition of prior learning)  has helped secure a job in IT, or did you find an employer only considered formal qualifications?

 

Tar

Leigh

(18 years in IT Support, installations, IT Director and CIO)

[horsemad1976]

Has anyone found that their RPL (Recognition of prior learning)  has helped secure a job in IT, or did you find an employer only considered formal qualifications?
 
Tar
Leigh
(18 years in IT Support, installations, IT Director and CIO)

Australia does seem to favour formal qualifications which is real shame.

We’re still UK based with EOI’s submitted. 19yrs industry experience in senior management positions yet score low on points due to lack of degree [emoji17]

Have an option to gain AQF 6 Advanced Diploma from the UK so pondering this at the moment as it will give points a vital boost. It comes at a price and no guarantees of it paying off...

It’s a shame that low points aren’t considered on their own merit as if someone actually read CV they would see the skills are very transferable to the market in Australia. Most frustrating!!

[JetBlast]

1 hour ago, horsemad1976 said:

 

 

Australia does seem to favour formal qualifications which is real shame.

We’re still UK based with EOI’s submitted. 19yrs industry experience in senior management positions yet score low on points due to lack of degree

Have an option to gain AQF 6 Advanced Diploma from the UK so pondering this at the moment as it will give points a vital boost. It comes at a price and no guarantees of it paying off...

It’s a shame that low points aren’t considered on their own merit as if someone actually read CV they would see the skills are very transferable to the market in Australia. Most frustrating!!

 

 

 

 

I am an IT manager and when we recruit staff and 19 year old degree wouldn't really be taken into consideration due to them mostly irrelevant with modern technology. We favour vendor certifications that are renewed on a regular basis. That said my Cisco CCNP has been useful to get me extra points during the migration process so it isn't always about a degree.

[horsemad1976]

 
 
I am an IT manager and when we recruit staff and 19 year old degree wouldn't really be taken into consideration due to them mostly irrelevant with modern technology. We favour vendor certifications that are renewed on a regular basis. That said my Cisco CCNP has been useful to get me extra points during the migration process so it isn't always about a degree.

No degree hence the problem in terms of skills assessments. Have vendor qualifications but the ACS doesn’t acknowledge them (although they used to) thus minus a very needed 10 points. As confirmed by the ACS, THE only ‘qualification’ they accept for skills assessment relating to the ANZSCO code is of a tertiary one. Therefore our RPL gets us positive skills but doesn’t accredited us with points for education. Mmmm...

Incidentally, we are talking about a Senior Programme/Service Delivery Manager and not a junior position. However, in order to be selected from the pool in Skills Select we need high points. Seems daft a junior member with only a handful of years of skilled experience that has a degree will always get selected ahead of a Senior Manager with 19 yrs experience.

I can see it being a different kettle of fish once you hold a right to work visa but getting there seems those with a degree are at an advantage or those without one are discriminated against (however you chose to view it) Seems unfair but it’s the way it is - we just have to suck it up and keep everything crossed for a bit of luck! [emoji854]

[JetBlast]

No degree hence the problem in terms of skills assessments. Have vendor qualifications but the ACS doesn’t acknowledge them (although they used to) thus minus a very needed 10 points. As confirmed by the ACS, THE only ‘qualification’ they accept for skills assessment relating to the ANZSCO code is of a tertiary one. Therefore our RPL gets us positive skills but doesn’t accredited us with points for education. Mmmm...

Incidentally, we are talking about a Senior Programme/Service Delivery Manager and not a junior position. However, in order to be selected from the pool in Skills Select we need high points. Seems daft a junior member with only a handful of years of skilled experience that has a degree will always get selected ahead of a Senior Manager with 19 yrs experience.

I can see it being a different kettle of fish once you hold a right to work visa but getting there seems those with a degree are at an advantage or those without one are discriminated against (however you chose to view it) Seems unfair but it’s the way it is - we just have to suck it up and keep everything crossed for a bit of luck! [emoji854]

I don't have a degree but I have vendor certifications and didn't have any issues with the ACS. On the assesment they started what I have is equivalent to a degree.

I supposed it depends what area you specialise in. I went down the networking route.

[itegoa]

Software dev here, and i've been in Oz for almost 3 years.

I have no degree or vendor qualifications, but around 18 years experience. I had a permie job before I got here (which I got via Skype interview before arriving), and now i'm on my 2nd contract. I have seen job ads asking for degrees, but a lot that don't ask for that. So, at least for me, degrees do not matter.

Back in the UK i'd seen jobs (contract) asking for a degree as well, I applied for one and got it.

[itegoa]

On 08/09/2018 at 19:56, JetBlast said:

 

 

I am an IT manager and when we recruit staff and 19 year old degree wouldn't really be taken into consideration due to them mostly irrelevant with modern technology. We favour vendor certifications that are renewed on a regular basis. That said my Cisco CCNP has been useful to get me extra points during the migration process so it isn't always about a degree.

That's a very good point re: old degree. The IT industry is moving pretty fast. Pretty much all of the contracts i've been in (both UK and Oz) i've been hired mainly for my past experience yes, but mostly i've had to learn a lot of new stuff.

[horsemad1976]

4 minutes ago, itegoa said:

Software dev here, and i've been in Oz for almost 3 years.

I have no degree or vendor qualifications, but around 18 years experience. I had a permie job before I got here (which I got via Skype interview before arriving), and now i'm on my 2nd contract. I have seen job ads asking for degrees, but a lot that don't ask for that. So, at least for me, degrees do not matter.

Back in the UK i'd seen jobs (contract) asking for a degree as well, I applied for one and got it.

Yeah for us it'll be actually getting a visa that enables us work rather than the issue of getting a job when in the country!  

[Sean Gambles]

Hi,

My company is looking for anyone with pentesting experience (senior level) and/or Risk Compliance skills to work in Melbourne or Sydney. They will provide sponsorship for the right person.

Certs required would be:

OSCP / CREST certifications for pentester

CISSP / CISM for the risk assessor 

Thanks

 

 

[Jupiter]

On 10/09/2018 at 08:23, Sean Gambles said:

Hi,

My company is looking for anyone with pentesting experience (senior level) and/or Risk Compliance skills to work in Melbourne or Sydney. They will provide sponsorship for the right person.

Certs required would be:

OSCP / CREST certifications for pentester

CISSP / CISM for the risk assessor 

Thanks

 

 

Although I don't have certs, I have practical experience with pentesting.

[Sean Gambles]

On 13/09/2018 at 23:45, Jupiter said:

Although I don't have certs, I have practical experience with pentesting.

Thanks, you would need to have at least 3 years experience at a senior level if you don't have certs.

Hope this helps

[supercow]

Hey guys n gals

Bunch of jobs opening in the company I work for, for those already in AU. Publicly available adverts, but message me directly with your job role interested, and I'll get it to the right people

Like to take your career further and be closer to the beach - The Sunny coast is the best place to live in the entire Australia, fact
 
https://www.seek.com.au/job/37226180?type=standout

.NET Developer Job in Sunshine Coast - SEEK

https://www.seek.com.au/job/37208447?type=standout

Universe Developer Job in Sunshine Coast - SEEK
https://www.seek.com.au/job/37207992?type=standout

Web Developer Job in Sunshine Coast - SEEK

https://www.seek.com.au/job/37208679?type=standout
Quality Assurance Analyst / Test Analyst Job in Sunshine Coast - SEEK

https://www.seek.com.au/job/37190798?type=standout
Cloud Developer Job in Sunshine Coast - SEEK
 

Edited September 17, 2018 by supercow

[WayneM]

I am interested to hear if people have comparitive experience of the contract and perm work in Australia compared with the UK. I'm from a .net development background C#, SQL, Web and Desktop and have worked both purely technical contract roles, and team leadership perm positions over here and trying to work out which model would be better to aim for once visa gets sorted. 

I figure pay and competition for positions are relevant factors, as would be the impact of availability of finance i.e. mortgages if following a contracting model.

Any feedback, advice or experiences anybody wants to share?

[Marcelo]

On 02/08/2017 at 07:46, Topender said:

I run an IT Services company in the North of Australia.   We have sponsored several IT Engineers and Technicians with great success over the last 10 years.

Most people make the mistake of thinking they have to go to Sydney or Melbourne to get IT work, the opposite is true, as unless you have very specialist skills (and they are in demand at the time) you will find it very difficult to get IT work there as there are many many other people also seeking those same jobs, and who probably don't need sponsorship which is an expensive, time consuming and difficult process.

Feel free to PM me your Resume/CV and a covering email detailing more about yourself if you would like to be considered.

 

can i get your any contact information please?

[Smr]

Hi Everyone,

Which Australian companies sponsor visa to software engineers for 186 direct entry visa? 

Thanks in advance

[hookturn]

Hi all, can anyone advise in current IT situation  in Melbourne? How is the job market demand doing?