Guest Nelson Posted November 23, 2006 Share Posted November 23, 2006 Just thought it would be worth a post to mention that job hunting is a long and arduous process here and, with high unemployment, it is not unusual to have 600 applicants for an advertised job. I don't want this to sound like a negative post because on the other hand there are wonderful opportunities to be had but I wish we had been better informed about the process. The use of recruitment companies is standard and, far from being the laid back bunch that I imagined, the Aussies are very thorough and meticulous indeed. They want a certificate for everything and anything and, of course, it needs to meet Australian criteria, not U.K. or otherwise. Of course, if you have very specific skills, you may just walk into a job but my husband and I have been staggered at the number of hoops we have had to jump through.. a brief overview follows.. 1. See job ad 2. Fill in application form 3. At end of closing date (maybe 2 weeks later) telephone interview 4. Invitation to take literacy, numeracy and psychometric testing 5. Group interview 6. Individual interview 7. Reference checks 8. Medical and drugs testing 9. Job offer (if you are the chosen one!!!) You can reasonably expect this process to take anything up to 5 or 6 weeks and you need the patience of Job! We foolishly believed that being highly qualified would be enough to sail into a job. Not so.. The market is VERY competetive. If we were doing it again, we would have asked many more questions an prepared ourselves better. I hope some of you can benefit from this small insight! Still loving Melbourne though.. it's FANTASTIC!!! Krista Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Dunteaching Posted November 23, 2006 Share Posted November 23, 2006 Being nosey here - what jobs have you been applying for. I am hoping to stay in the education sector but, as my username suggests, not necessarily in teaching! The thought of battling it out amongst 600 others is very intimidating! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pj Posted December 9, 2006 Share Posted December 9, 2006 Sorry, but I totally disagree with the last posting. Victoria's unemployment is less than 5%. There is a general skills-shortage and like the UK, lots of migrants where English is not their first language. Get yourself registered with some decent recruitment agencies or even better, get some temp work as it's a lot easier to get a good job once you've got some Australian experience behind you. Globally, there is a lot of new legislation to protect identity, hence the forms and certificates you're being requested for. No different to any reputable agency in the UK. (I've worked as a recruiter in the UK and Australia). http://www.seek.com.au is the most popular site to use and The Age has 1million readers each week. Melbourne is a friendly city where people like to get to know you before they do you a favour so the easiest way to get a job is make friends with people in your profession, neighbours, agencies etc. I'd ring before sending an application to an advert so the reader remembers you and your initiative at introducing yourself. If there are that many applicants, make sure your resume if clear, concise and to the point. I've been a recruiter here for 12 months and we simply can't find enough good people to fill the spaces we have so please don't be put off my one person's experience, especially if their circumstances are different to yours. Pj Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Nelson Posted December 9, 2006 Share Posted December 9, 2006 Do you disagree with my posting in its entirety, or do we just disagree about the unemployment figure? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest fatpom Posted December 10, 2006 Share Posted December 10, 2006 Krista's posting is good info for new migrants generally I believe. My last three jobs were obtained via job agencies - they do most of the skilled recruiting (it seems?). Job agencies work on the W2IFM basis (what's in it for me). They're a business & they work for the paying customer (naturally enough) so the applicants perspective is rarely a positive one. Pj in my opinion is using statistics to paint an unrealistic perception of job searching - I've never heard my colleagues praise the process as I can recall. You simply have to play the game to their rules. Recent skills shortages haven't made any difference in this respect as far as I can see? In fairness from the agencies perspective any new migrant comes with additional risks over local applicants. For example no experience with Australian practices, legis, compliance, no local networks, no idea about Australian cultural practices which all carries a higher potential to embarrass the recruitment agency. The qualifications issue is very relevent. UK quals (& to a lesser extent work experience) counts for little here in Aus. Most UK companies would also view foreign quals with caution. I recommend you get your quals recognised asap with the state edu depts or with NOOSR. My CV clearly states the Australian equivalent together with the approving authority. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Fraser Posted December 11, 2006 Share Posted December 11, 2006 Just thought it would be worth a post to mention that job hunting is a long and arduous process here and, with high unemployment, it is not unusual to have 600 applicants for an advertised job. Krista I can't agree with Krista either. My firm has been seeking quality design engineers and related professionals, and just can't get enought quality staff.... and that is all over Australia...not just Melbourne and Geelong Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest spray21 Posted December 11, 2006 Share Posted December 11, 2006 Obviously it depends what area/sector/job you're interested in - some can't recruit for love nor money, others have so many applications per job that they don't know who to interview. I think all migrants have to be prepared for at least a few months with no income, then if no desirable job is forthcoming you've got to be ready to roll up your sleeves and do whatever is available. I know of some people who think that because they have passed a skills assessment they will walk in to a job, then have struggled to deal with it when they cannot find the job they want. (Personally I'm totally flexible - I'll do anything that's easy and pays loads of money - any ideas?!) (it has to be legal!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest choobs Posted December 12, 2006 Share Posted December 12, 2006 Obviously it depends what area/sector/job you're interested in - some can't recruit for love nor money, others have so many applications per job that they don't know who to interview. I think all migrants have to be prepared for at least a few months with no income, then if no desirable job is forthcoming you've got to be ready to roll up your sleeves and do whatever is available. I know of some people who think that because they have passed a skills assessment they will walk in to a job, then have struggled to deal with it when they cannot find the job they want. (Personally I'm totally flexible - I'll do anything that's easy and pays loads of money - any ideas?!) (it has to be legal!) Well, I've been here for 6 weeks, applied for 43 jobs, had one interview and that was for a junior position. Having said that, I'm trying to get work in Newcastle because I'd have stayed in the UK rather than going to Sydney. I've been assured that the quiet market is down to the run up to christmas, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't shitting myself ;-) Of course, this moan could be another outlet for my crushing homesickness! Daisy is getting along fine, but I'm finding it very difficult here. Choobs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ali Posted December 12, 2006 Share Posted December 12, 2006 Cheer up choobs - not like you to be down. I'm sure something will turn up soon for you - Enjoy Christmas, Love to Daisy & co. Ali Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Nelson Posted December 12, 2006 Share Posted December 12, 2006 I offer my posts as a matter of opinion, not fact. I'm sorry and sad that this seems to be a 'pick on Krista' subject. I speak as I find and know many people have benefitted from some of my posts, as I have from others. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest fatpom Posted December 12, 2006 Share Posted December 12, 2006 Don't worry Krista you're now speaking from some experience & don't worry if it's not appreciated. It seems Choobs is experiencing a similar predicament. I aim to tell it like it is or as I see it. The best advice you give prospective immigrants will not often be appreciated but I believe it's better than 'feel good mush' in the long run. I came here before the internet & it was very difficult to get good impartial advice. Tell it like it is I say. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
restfamily Posted December 12, 2006 Share Posted December 12, 2006 Keep posting your experiences this is the whole point of the site. My husband has been trying to find work from the UK because he is in a specialised line of work and our experience is that the process is very slow. Many applications are not even acknowledged and it can take up to 3 months to hear if you have been short-listed. Once short-listed for a role it took over 2 months to get a telephone interview. Fingers crossed something will turn up for us and everyone soon… Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest spray21 Posted December 12, 2006 Share Posted December 12, 2006 Chin up Krista, I'm sure most people are glad to hear of your experiences - they, and your opinions, are just as valid as anyone else's. Choobs - Very sorry to hear you are struggling, for you and for me too as I will be looking for work in the Newcastle area next year! Am quite prepared to muck in and do whatever is available, but it will be demoralising if there is nothing around. One thing I have heard is that it sometimes takes a long time for employers to respond to applications - fingers crossed perhaps there is someone who is just about to get back to you. On the plus side, the weather back here in Blighty is bloody miserable, so no need to feel homesick on that count! All the best with the job-hunting, keep smiling, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Nelson Posted December 13, 2006 Share Posted December 13, 2006 Thanks for some positive feedback! I have been lucky enough to find a job well outside my usual line of work having used our move to Australia to make a few life changes at the same time. I was lucky enough to be selected for employment with a highly regarded company with endless benefits, excellent pension blah, blah, blah. The Aussies I meet are shocked that I have got the job having been here such a short time as many of them applied five or six times before being accepted. My husband, on the other hand, received yet another rejection after being strung along for 6 weeks. That is soul destroying but, thankfully, it is not critical that we are employed or not. With Christmas round the corner, the jobs market seems somewhat flatter than it was a month ago and so it seems unlikely that he will bother now before the new year. Whilst the sun continues to shine and the golf course beckons, he is just enjoying a far less stressful life and we all benefit from that. We have just returned from a lovely family evening at the Crown Casino Complex having spent the day being tourists in the City. Days like today give us strong affirmation that we definitely did the right thing in moving, employed or not! Good luck to all those job searching... Krista Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest fatpom Posted December 14, 2006 Share Posted December 14, 2006 At the risk of stating the obvious migrants should be aware of the following rules of thumb when looking for work on arrival. I've worked in two state capitals & two country towns over the last ten years & this is my opinion of the relative job markets 1) The job market flattens December to February (holiday season) - plan you're arrival date around this if possible. 2) State capitals are a much better bet than country towns for finding work. It is hard for country locals to find jobs sometimes, new arrivals will be at the back of the queue & will often stay there. 3) Securing jobs in the country generally increases in difficulty the further from the the capitals (redneck factor). 4) Don't expect to land that plum job anywhere - expect to do the hard yards first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest forshac Posted December 14, 2006 Share Posted December 14, 2006 Hi Krista, Forshac here... I totally agree with your posting! The job hunting experience was exactly the same for me. I've worked in Corporate banking for the past 5years and thought I was experienced enough... :? Thank goodness I prepared myself to a point...But in hindsight it was still not enough. Now that I am in a 'good' job that pays well etc etc I can take a sigh of relief, but at the time I too was shitting myself! You have to realise, although you want lifestyle change and perhaps a slower pace of life you really need to be realistic in that you need to earn money. I was a little naive in that I thought I would get a job easy...Not so, it's bloody hard work if I am being really honest... My husband on the other hand, was offered many jobs due to his trade... Getting that CV prepared to a standard that is exceptional is an absolute must and taking the time to refresh your interview skills, bear min...It can also be really easy to undersell yourself here if you are not careful. What I mean by that is, thinking you have to start at the bottom of the ladder... I like Krista do not want to sound negative, I am just being totally honest. The hard work does start on this side of the pond not applying for the visa and I really know that now...But there is so much good stuff on offer and it does make it all worthwhile I promise... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest the laings Posted January 16, 2007 Share Posted January 16, 2007 Can anyone help as am getting dis illusioned may never get to oz. We are in early stages with emigrating, have looked on sites for jobs for hubby but keep coming up blank. hes a ceiling fixer and partitioner with certificates and we want to go to perth. are there any jobs for him. hes hard working and at mo leaves 5am home 730 pm. There must be more to life than this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DEAN Posted January 18, 2007 Share Posted January 18, 2007 [quote="pj" Hi Pj My name is Dean and myself, partner & baby son are going through the process to emigrate at the moment. As you have been a recruiter may be you could give me some advise. Im a Technical Gas Engineer for British Gas can you tell me what the job prospects are for this type of work & how hard is it to get a job. Obviously I would need to prove my skills but how would i go about doing this. I have also been an engineer in the forces (Navy)for thirteen years would this be a better trade to go for. Many thanks Dean Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
connaust Posted January 23, 2007 Share Posted January 23, 2007 Reading this thread is interesting...we assist mostly Central Europeans who often do not have the English and/or resources to apply directly for PR. What they do is use the study system (there are affordable courses) on temporary student visa with work rights. Education agents do not charge any up front fees but are paid by institutions. This allows working, travelling and living like an Australian, but importantly you can decide if you like Australia and what options you have, on the ground as opposed to guessing from a distance and selling your house etc. Many of our candidates, if required for points, change over to SOL or MODL study pathways. For info see http://www.aiec.biz There are many commubnity based migration agents who do not charge much and now many universities etc. have free access for their international studnets, good marketing I am shocked at the number of Brit applicants who apply offshore, sell their house etc. on the hope that they will choose the right location and like Australia, bit risky :shock: Cheers Andrew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Nelson Posted April 24, 2007 Share Posted April 24, 2007 Just thought I would update this thread.. Last Saturday a job was advertised in the paper. Before Tuesday it had yielded over 3000 applicants. My experience is that it is still difficult to get a good job that pays decent money. I have met hourly paid workers who end up with more money than their bosses because they qualify for penalty rates etc whilst the salaried people pay more tax and do not get paid for the vast amounts of overtime they are expected to work. As you can see from my profile, I live in Sanctuary Lakes which is a place where a lot of construction is going on all the time. I have met several tradesman who have still yet to find permanent jobs. Many of them have settled for casual jobs paying $15 per hour. It is also interesting to see that whilst many people have reported queues for rental properties, there is a DEFINITE downturn in the Point Cook/Sanctuary Lakes area. Included in the most recent rental list were several properties with an asking price of $50-$100 LESS than six months ago.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calNgary Posted April 25, 2007 Share Posted April 25, 2007 Hiya Krista dont be offended by the guys that disagree as obviously depending on area and trade it will be different for everyone.I have spoken to guys i met here who really struggled to find work ,however both myself and hubby ended up with a choice of which job to take.Around this area jobs seem readily availble at the mo but who knows in a few week what the situation will be like.This forum is for giving our personal views and thats the way we want to keep it ,your always going to get people disagreeing as you are agreeing ,keep up with the good work girl and dont let anyone get ya down!!!! Cal x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Nelson Posted April 25, 2007 Share Posted April 25, 2007 Not in the slightest bit offended! I just tell it how it is.. We, too, have been very fortunate and both have really good, well-paid jobs - particularly lucky as my husband is not a native English speaker but I just don't want people to have the rosy lenses on for too long! :daydreaming: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest dwaldron Posted April 25, 2007 Share Posted April 25, 2007 Having lived in three countries I have found that it is almost always a case of getting something that puts food on the table, invariably unsuitable for too long but then you can take your time having a look around. I am pleased to hear however that rental prices have come down as I have been worried about getting a rental property when I am unemployed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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