IT Jobs in Australia (Perth)

[Guest melodicminor]

Hey Everyone, great to be here with fellow poms...

 

Having scoured the forums now, its becoming increasingly clear to me that I am not alone in really struggling to get my foot on the job ladder here in Australia, in that great industry sector they call IT.

 

Like others, my skills have always seen me land most of the jobs I've applied for in the UK, but here in Australia its a very different story. I've de-pommed my CV, which got me more interviews, but this so far has just seen me waste my time attending more interviews, only to find that as I'm not Australian, I've not got anything worthwhile to give to a "proudly Australian owned" company.

 

One interview, which did clarify this was with a Brit who was setting up an Australian arm to his international business - I unfortunately, didn't possess enough experience in his speciality to join his specialist organisation - but he told me that its simply a case of "Its not what you know, its who you know over here".

 

Now, its probably wise at this point to tell you all the following. I'm a 12 year Wintel veteran with experience at all levels of an IT department - from 1st Line Helpdesk, right through to IT Management (Being employed in the UK by Thales Defence amongst others in the top end roles) and I've applied for currently 150+ jobs in 2009 in SA (Adelaide) where we first tried to settle as a family, and currently 45 jobs in Perth since 7th March. I've had 0 Interviews in Adelaide in 2009, and 3 interviews here in Perth in March 2010 - an improvement, but not what I should be getting - and some of these jobs are 1st level support (IT Starter jobs requiring no previous experience) so its not like I'm trying to simply do the same level as I did in the UK straight off.

 

So, this post is a warning to those with family members working in IT thinking of settling in Australia, but also an enquiry to others who may be in the same situation.

 

Lets get the warning out of the way first. If your coming here, especially as a family and you are an IT professional and the main income earner in your household, think very hard. My experience is by no means unique - as these forums will show you. There is a reasonable chance, that you like I will end up unemployed in this 'great country' with only your hard earned cash you brought with you to keep you alive - and it doesnt go far. When its gone, don't expect sympathy, or any help. Your probably not entitled to any government benefits or housing, and when the money goes, you'll have to work at Red Rooster, Hungry Jacks or McDonalds. Its no joke, no fun, and no quality of life..

 

Now, the enquiry. I'd love to hear from anyone in Perth, in the IT sector who is unable to secure work, to start discussions of starting a business ourselves. Programmers, managers, helpdesk - whatever you do, get in touch. I'm sure there is something we can do together that will start to pay the bills, keep us in the industry we know and love, and stop us all turning into whinging depressed poms working at Hungry Jacks. Lets be the ones bucking the trend who are running a successful IT company thats "Proudly British Owned".

 

Power to the people!

 

Melodic

[Guest sarahbunny]

Hey there,

 

Sorry you havent had much luck on the job market. Australia is definly the kind of place where its " its who you know and not what you know ".

 

Australia is definly not a racist country, its not because your from UK. When you write cover letters with your resume, do you put any infomation about yourself? Stating that you have come from the UK? so maybe when you do get short listed and to interview stages they already know this infomation - so it wouldnt be a susprise.

 

I can't speak for the perth area, I'm from Queensland and my partner like you is a IT tech ( from united states ). He has only applied for 5 posistions in the area we are living in ( which is a small town ) and he has had 3 interviews. Have you tried the SmartJobs - SmartJobs website and searched for IT& telecommunications posistions? They are government based and go by experience and not that "who you know and not what you know" state of mind. I'm not sure if there are any listed in the area your looking for but maybe its a new avenue you can seek.

 

Also have you already gotten your UK qualifications reconised to Australian standard? we have found that employers ( especially the government based ones ) request this infomation. It can take up to 12 weeks to get this processed. Maybe another thing you can look into if you havent already. You can find it here

ACS (Australian Computer Society) - Membership, Professionalism and Leadership for ICT Professionals and the ICT Community

 

Have you even thought about doing your own buisness? Get a ABN and do mobile computer repairs? hopefully this can help you out some, good luck.

[Guest BritInOz]

Hi,

Sorry to hear you are having trouble finding work. Have you tried getting your CV looked at by a resume company?

Check out Career Origin | Home > Professional Resume : Curriculum Vitae : Graphic Design of Resumes : Graphic Design you can send them your CV and they can look over it for you and give you a quote. Maybe it needs an aussie to look over it and de-pom it some more!

 

With the demand for jobs being so high a lot of people are turning to professionals to write their CV's.

Not all employers think we're whinging poms, most think we're hard working!

 

Good luck, hope you find work soon.

[Guest melodicminor]

Thanks for your responses!

 

When you write cover letters with your resume, do you put any infomation about yourself? Stating that you have come from the UK? so maybe when you do get short listed and to interview stages they already know this infomation - so it wouldnt be a susprise.

 

Yes, thats what I initially thought - however, having this information in the highly specific cover letter addressing all the key responsibilities advertised on the first 20 applications brought no interviews and not even a single response. I dropped it, and immediately I got a call...

 

Also have you already gotten your UK qualifications reconised to Australian standard? we have found that employers ( especially the government based ones ) request this infomation. It can take up to 12 weeks to get this processed.

 

The 'joy' of the Microsoft and Cisco certifications are that they are international, with no aussie variation

 

Have you even thought about doing your own buisness? Get a ABN and do mobile computer repairs? hopefully this can help you out some, good luck.

 

Yes, and hence my enquiry to others on the board to see if anyone else was in the same boat, and fancied setting up shop together. Strength in numbers - I found in the UK that people like companies, not individuals. While I could set up a mobile PC clinic service, this would be likely to progress faster with more than just one person involved.

 

I got a call today for a position I applied to Yesterday for an IT Officer role (junior) - The agents words "My client likes your CV but is worried that your over-qualified for the role and therefore will jump ship when a better offer comes along" Not an unfair assumption, but I'd be glad of ANY offer, I'm not in a position to be picky!

 

How do you break the catch 22. Over qualified for the junior roles, and no Australian experience for the more senior ones.

 

Australia is definly not a racist country, its not because your from UK.

 

 

I quote Comment 62 on this news story....

 

Offshore electricians are Australia's best paid tradies - unions | News.com.au

 

"We need a similar structure for Australian IT to keep outside competition out of our jobs"

 

Now, I'm sure many of you may say "well, thats just the thoughts of an individual, and a very misguided one at that" but I put it to you that this attitude is not uncommon in the IT industry.

 

I remember a couple of years ago watching an episode of "Wanted down under" on the beeb where the company that were featured were 'genuinely surprised' that the pom in question even knew how to turn a computer on, let alone contribute anything helpful to their software development - thank god he showed them all up by mentioning "have you considered using MySQL instead of the more expensive microsoft offering"

 

I do thank you for your comments which have been helpfull. I'm fairly happy that its not my CV thats letting me down - but I'm streamlining it in accordance with the resume tips on one of the other threads - not that I'm having to make many changes!

 

Ooo - its looking stormy out there, we might be in for some rain tonight! Twill be just like the UK!

 

Melodic.

[davlap]

Hi melodicminor

 

Have just spilled my guts in another thread on here due to similar problems - although am struggling to even get interviews.

http://www.pomsinoz.com/forum/jobs-careers/82060-retraining-new-country-new-career.html

so I completely sympathise with you.

 

I am working in Coles supermarket, which is OK and earns a few dollars.

 

Kind of stuck on how to progress further.

[windswept]

My other half used to work for a contracting mob called Trilogy (maybe Trilogy Resources) - if you haven't tried getting in touch with them yet, give it a go.

 

Good luck!

[Guest BritInOz]

Thanks for your responses!

 

I got a call today for a position I applied to Yesterday for an IT Officer role (junior) - The agents words "My client likes your CV but is worried that your over-qualified for the role and therefore will jump ship when a better offer comes along" Not an unfair assumption, but I'd be glad of ANY offer, I'm not in a position to be picky!

 

How do you break the catch 22. Over qualified for the junior roles, and no Australian experience for the more senior ones.

 

Melodic.

 

Have you ever thought about having a different CV for the jobs that you are applying for where you may be overqualified? You could dumb it down for the junior type roles just to try and get your foot in the door.

[Guest melodicminor]

Hi melodicminor

 

Have just spilled my guts in another thread on here due to similar problems - although am struggling to even get interviews.

 

I am working in Coles supermarket, which is OK and earns a few dollars.

 

Kind of stuck on how to progress further.

 

Well, I cant say I'm surprised based on what I've been experiencing.

 

However - today I have had good meetings with two job agents who both are positive about some current roles they have on their books, and I got a call from an interview I attended last week which although I didn't get the job, thought I was perfect for the organisation and stressed that I should apply for other positions with them, so thats positive.

 

I guess I'll just keep going, and at some point, I just might get lucky!

 

Melodic

[gpo1971]

I had the same story as you mate, 70-odd jobs applied for, 2 interviews, one of which I got luckily. The lack of Aus experience is a real turn-off for prospective employers. Also, regardless of what the skills demand list says, there aren't many IT jobs to go round in Perth full stop. All the larger companies are based out East. Keep plugging away mate, it'll work out. Hopefully both of us will then see that the first one was the hard one and go straight to the top!

[Guest melodicminor]

I had the same story as you mate, 70-odd jobs applied for, 2 interviews, one of which I got luckily. The lack of Aus experience is a real turn-off for prospective employers. Also, regardless of what the skills demand list says, there aren't many IT jobs to go round in Perth full stop. All the larger companies are based out East. Keep plugging away mate, it'll work out. Hopefully both of us will then see that the first one was the hard one and go straight to the top!

 

There is hope!!! My word! Just out of interest, how long ago were you going through all this? Was it recently? How long did you end up searching for?

 

Thanks GPO, I needed to hear that it IS possible!

 

Melodic

[Bibbs]

Hey Guys, looks like I'll be doing similar towards the end of the year.

 

I might be at a slight advantage though, as I was born in Perth.

 

What do you feel the limitations are? No jobs? Being British? Not matching job spec?

[gpo1971]

There is hope!!! My word! Just out of interest, how long ago were you going through all this? Was it recently? How long did you end up searching for?

 

Thanks GPO, I needed to hear that it IS possible!

 

Melodic

 

We arrived in Aug 08, prior to our PR being granted. The jobs market was very buoyant and I expected to walk a job with a good salary. By the time our PR was granted, and I was able to look for a job, it was Apr 09 and the market was flat. I probably wouldn't have took the job I got if I was still in the UK. The salary was well below what I expected but, needs must. That said, I am still in it now and quite enjoy it. So, in answer to your question, about 12 months ago.

I think it is defintely the lack of Australian experience or a more local reference that's the biggest hurdle. The UK has veered towards HR style references that are very matter of fact and tell you nothing about a prospective employee, for fear of giving a bad reference. Over here, they want to know what you're actually like at your job.

It also depends what you do. Someone might be desperate for your skills. I'm a BA and there are millions here. It was on the Skillis in Demand list when I applied to come here, I don't think it is now. And I know why.

Keep plugging away, you'll get there. All the best.

[Guest melodicminor]

What do you feel the limitations are? No jobs? Being British? Not matching job spec?

 

I think for sure, the market is over-saturated with people with general IT admin/support/helpdesk experience and those with previous Aussie experience naturally get selected over those with only foreign experience.

 

Secondly, there is a prejudice against foreigners in IT. No doubt about that.

 

Melodic

[Guest Mango1402]

I think for sure, the market is over-saturated with people with general IT admin/support/helpdesk experience and those with previous Aussie experience naturally get selected over those with only foreign experience.

 

Secondly, there is a prejudice against foreigners in IT. No doubt about that.

 

Melodic

I really feel for you guys, I've been very lucky finding a company that is willing to sponsor me. Hope things pickup soon.

 

Andy

[Guest melodicminor]

Success!

 

To others trying, don't give up! Took 52 Applications!

 

Melodic

[Bibbs]

Congrats Melodic, hope it's what you were after!

[Guest sarahbunny]

Success!

 

To others trying, don't give up! Took 52 Applications!

 

Melodic

 

But i thought you said Australia was against foriengers like yourself? If your not right for the job ( resume, personality, experience ) you wont get it. Blame yourself, not Australia/ Australian's. It can take a Australian born 1000+ applications before they get a position. The market is feirce and very competitive.

 

Saying that well done on your job success.

[Guest melodicminor]

But i thought you said Australia was against foriengers like yourself? .

 

No, I said that Australian IT managers are in general prejudice against foreigners. I still stick by this. It was confirmed by two agencies, and an interview I attended with a Brit.

 

If your not right for the job ( resume, personality, experience ) you wont get it. Blame yourself, not Australia/ Australian's. It can take a Australian born 1000+ applications before they get a position. The market is feirce and very competitive.

 

Why blame anyone? I dont think I was blaming anyone for not managing to get a job, just asking for comments (which I got) to give me the best chance possible. Lets not forget that IT is now the biggest over-subscribed market sector in the world.... Lets also not forget that Australia has a very different approach to job applications and references than the UK. My ex UK boss was surprised to be giving a 30 minute telephone reference, which to him felt more like an interview....

 

Melodic

[fish.01]

No, I said that Australian IT managers are in general prejudice against foreigners. I still stick by this. It was confirmed by two agencies, and an interview I attended with a Brit.

 

Why blame anyone? I dont think I was blaming anyone for not managing to get a job, just asking for comments (which I got) to give me the best chance possible. Lets not forget that IT is now the biggest over-subscribed market sector in the world.... Lets also not forget that Australia has a very different approach to job applications and references than the UK. My ex UK boss was surprised to be giving a 30 minute telephone reference, which to him felt more like an interview....

 

Melodic

 

I would agree that if you have a non western name you might get less interviews given concern that your communication or other skills will not be up to scratch?

 

For western sounding names I have not noticed this prejudice from the inside. I agree they might not want to stuff around with people who don't have residency but we all work with lots of immigrants. On our team we have 2 chinese, 2 south africans, 1 english (and many more in the company)....employed a south african by skype recently.

[davlap]

Hi melodicminor

 

Have just spilled my guts in another thread on here due to similar problems - although am struggling to even get interviews.

http://www.pomsinoz.com/forum/jobs-careers/82060-retraining-new-country-new-career.html

so I completely sympathise with you.

 

I am working in Coles supermarket, which is OK and earns a few dollars.

 

Kind of stuck on how to progress further.

 

After 18 months just had my second interview and got the job. In IT support rather than development, but thats ok as it is in the same area of work I used to do - enterprise level data. So as with melodicminor I guess it is a case of keeping at it.

[Guest Alucard]

Yeah, it's all based on who you know in Perth - someone said that 70% of IT jobs are filled before even being advertised. It was really hard for me to land a job - took me 2.5 months.

[Guest ggrundy]

There is hope!!! My word! Just out of interest, how long ago were you going through all this? Was it recently? How long did you end up searching for?

 

Thanks GPO, I needed to hear that it IS possible!

 

Melodic

How goes the job hunt? Are you any closer?

[Lopezjose7]

That sounds really worrying, as I'm looking to move over and work in IT and don't have half the experience of skills you posses! I really wish you luck and hope you get something you deserve.

[Guest Alucard]

That sounds really worrying, as I'm looking to move over and work in IT and don't have half the experience of skills you posses! I really wish you luck and hope you get something you deserve.

 

Don't despair people - the market is getting better. Got 3 jobs offers last month.

[Paul1Perth]

Success!

 

To others trying, don't give up! Took 52 Applications!

 

Melodic

 

I notice in one of your earlier posts you mentioned working for Thales in the UK. Have you tried applying to Thales in Perth? They get a lot of turnover and are usually on the lookout for software developers but if you send in your resume you might be pleasantly surprised. There was one guy in testing who got an internal transfer from Thales UK and has now transferred to Thales in Melbourne.

 

You might be settled in a job now as it's been a long time since you got one.

 

We came to Perth in 92 when the job market was dire here and in the UK. I had been made redundant from a job in the UK (luckily after getting our visas) and felt really down. Luckily it only took a month to get another job, but that was because I knew people, a lot like here on that score.

 

It took me 5 months to land my first job, my wife was working after 2 weeks though as she is a nurse and had no problem. My first position was filling in for someone who was on long service leave so I knew that was only for a few weeks. Luckily once I was in a job you meet people who know someone in the sector and things got better from there. I have been with this company for 15 years now and have a lot of long service leave accrued. Can't beat having plenty of time off with the great weather and lifestyle here. Never regretted the move once. Wouldn't go back for a gold pig and ten younguns.

 

I know what you mean about getting lots of responses like "we would love to employ you but feel you are over qualified and would leave at the first opportunity", yep had a few of them but I never felt that it was because I was English. More to do with not having had the first job in Aus. Once I had that and knew a few people it's been great.

Another thing that helped was I got my degree ratified at UWA. The certificate I got from them looks much more impressive than the one I got from Birmingham Uni. Once I started showing that at a few interviews things really looked up.

 

All the best, hope you are still enjoying Perth.