Job applications and interviews - any big diferences?

[kaoticturtle]

I'm just starting to look at applying for jobs in Oz as we arrive next week and I was wondering if there are any differences in the application processes or interviews when compared to the UK that I might need to be aware off? I'll be applying for professional roles in financial services, probably in Sydney, and I have rewritten my CV into a more Australian format.

 

The sort of thing I'm thinking of are whether there are different things that tend to be asked at interviews, different hoops to jump though or in benefits packages etc. I remember reading somewhere that there is less impact from discrimination laws on interview questions so you can be asked some pretty intrusive personal questions -particularly if you're a late 20s, married woman without any children...yet... I have no idea if it was a joke or not so thought an open ended question just to see what useful gems I get from everyone here might be an idea!

 

Thank you! :yes:

[wolvesaussie]

Hi, I think you are more likely to have to sit one of those silly tests in Australia, personality assessment type things. Also I hate how they never seem to put the salary on the job advert. Really annoys me that

[finnijo]

I'm just starting to look at applying for jobs in Oz as we arrive next week and I was wondering if there are any differences in the application processes or interviews when compared to the UK that I might need to be aware off? I'll be applying for professional roles in financial services, probably in Sydney, and I have rewritten my CV into a more Australian format.

 

The sort of thing I'm thinking of are whether there are different things that tend to be asked at interviews, different hoops to jump though or in benefits packages etc. I remember reading somewhere that there is less impact from discrimination laws on interview questions so you can be asked some pretty intrusive personal questions -particularly if you're a late 20s, married woman without any children...yet... I have no idea if it was a joke or not so thought an open ended question just to see what useful gems I get from everyone here might be an idea!

 

Thank you! :yes:

 

Hi,

 

Could you please tell me where you found the Australian CV format? I'm currently writing mine

[kaoticturtle]

Hi, I think you are more likely to have to sit one of those silly tests in Australia, personality assessment type things. Also I hate how they never seem to put the salary on the job advert. Really annoys me that

 

Joy... I did some of those test things as a graduate but haven't seen them used above that. I can't say I'm a big fan...

 

 

Hi,

 

Could you please tell me where you found the Australian CV format? I'm currently writing mine

 

I just googled "australian cv" and came up with several websites giving information on what employers are looking for plus I had a chat to some recruiters. The main things seemed to be that the length is much longer (2-4 pages is acceptable) and they generally look for more detail on what you were doing in a job. For my line of work it was also suggested that employers want to see information on what skills you have developed in each role (so what you have learned and how you taken advantage of each opportunity) as well as what you have achieved.

[Rupert]

I did not find anything particularly different, although I did have to do some tests. I am not sure if they just give the tests to people moving from overseas as I don't recall anyone I subsequently recruited doing tests (unless HR did them without my knowledge). My CV was *exactly* the same as my UK CV other than I mentioned that I was an Australian Permanent Resident. I think this "Australian-ising" the CV is a load of codswallop.

[ali]

I'm in health (WA) and the big difference for me is that there is a selection criteria which also needs to be addressed in addition to your CV.

[MARYROSE02]

I'm just starting to look at applying for jobs in Oz as we arrive next week and I was wondering if there are any differences in the application processes or interviews when compared to the UK that I might need to be aware off? I'll be applying for professional roles in financial services, probably in Sydney, and I have rewritten my CV into a more Australian format.

 

The sort of thing I'm thinking of are whether there are different things that tend to be asked at interviews, different hoops to jump though or in benefits packages etc. I remember reading somewhere that there is less impact from discrimination laws on interview questions so you can be asked some pretty intrusive personal questions -particularly if you're a late 20s, married woman without any children...yet... I have no idea if it was a joke or not so thought an open ended question just to see what useful gems I get from everyone here might be an idea!

 

Thank you! :yes:

 

I suspect someone has been playing up to 'all the usual suspects' about Aussie stereotypes - the blokes are all like Crocodile Dundee and the Sheilas are far worse! 'Not a Pommy poofter are you?'

 

Most of the recruiters I come across ARE Pommies and they often seem to be recruited on 457 visas, so the chances are you will be interviewed by a fellow countryman/woman.

 

Australia's anti-discrimination laws are probably more stringent than Britain, if anything. The cynic in me assumes that whenever I DO get a job, it's not because they really want me but they just need someone over 50 (and as he comes from Surry Hills, probably gay) to fit in with their recruitment quotas.

 

If I wanted to play up to the stereotypes, I'd say 'remember that Sydney is an anything goes city so don't come across as a "Wowser***" and be prepared to party after work!'

 

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[TD=class: word]wowserShare on twitterShare on facebookShare on more

 

 

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[TD=class: text, colspan: 3]In Australia, it is a derogatory word denoting a person who saps all the fun out of any given situation. Derived from the temperance movement in Australia and New Zealand at the turn of the C20th, when it was hurled as an accusation towards conservative teetotallers who were too prim and proper to relax and socialise, it has become a more generic term that can be assigned to any straight bore lacking a sense of humour, especially petty bureaucrats and Aussies politicians.

Cool chick: Coming to the party?

Nerd: No, I have to write an essay for uni.

Cool chick: C'mon, ya wowser! Forget the essay and let's party, mate.

Nerd, slowly de-nerdifying: Y'know, you're right. Let me at that party. Verily.

 

Come to think of it, there are a few people on PIO one could call 'wowsers' without telling 'Porkies!'

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[Bromney]

Nothing really that different, same kind of questions and nothing that will seem to be discriminating i.e. are you planning to start a family?

 

I have to agree with Rupert, a UK formatted CV works perfectly well and I don't really get having to retro fit your CV for the Australian market. I did this originally but then reverted back to my old format, it was my old format that ended up getting me 3 jobs.

[MARYROSE02]

Nothing really that different, same kind of questions and nothing that will seem to be discriminating i.e. are you planning to start a family?

 

I have to agree with Rupert, a UK formatted CV works perfectly well and I don't really get having to retro fit your CV for the Australian market. I did this originally but then reverted back to my old format, it was my old format that ended up getting me 3 jobs.

 

I NEED that format!!!!!!!!