Ike Posted August 31, 2011 Share Posted August 31, 2011 Yeah, never seen such a bunch of naysayers as that other forum! I will keep up my pestering. Hubby says he's fine with me volunteering while I look, would love to do something for RSPCA! May even fit in some PT paid casual graft. Another thing - how do folk on WHV manage to get work if it's apparently so hard on a less restricted 4 year visa?! It's an absolute bloody nightmare. We arrived in March, I have found work but my better half is still looking. I'm a welder, and there are loads of jobs available, but until I got my skills assessed by TRA I didn't get a look in. Now I'm working and my employer wants to sponsor me (fingers crossed) We was hoping being on a 457, my Fiancee would stand a better chance of finding work, but from reading this it seems not. :mad: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest36187 Posted August 31, 2011 Share Posted August 31, 2011 Are u all looking for "jobs in your field" or are you looking for anything??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paisleylass Posted August 31, 2011 Share Posted August 31, 2011 For now am looking to get work in my current field, and do have contacts, but am mindful nothing may come of it. Second choice is admin pref in health/government, then pretty much anything - except sales and call centres! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marta Posted August 31, 2011 Share Posted August 31, 2011 Same here. Anything except call-centres. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3FatCats Posted September 15, 2011 Share Posted September 15, 2011 Hi guys, just wondering how you are all getting on? I too am the spouse on a 457 and so far no luck in the employment sector. I have an Hons degree and 15 years experience in my field but even when applying for positions I am over qualified for I am receiving the standard "no thanks" email back. Must keep plugging away, I am curious though as to what the real reason is and if the 457 influences the decision or not... Am now looking to do some voluntary work just to get out of the house a bit! We can get by on my husband's wage but of course we didn't come out here to be in a worse position than in the UK. It is so frustrating as I found a job within 3 weeks when we moved from Italy to UK in 2009. If anyone has any more words of wisdom or know of any specialised agencies please let me know! Many thanks and good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paisleylass Posted September 15, 2011 Share Posted September 15, 2011 Not good news 3fatCats ( sorry to hear that. Well, firstly all reference to the 457 visa is coming off my CV. I'll either substitute it for 'Has the right to live and work in Australia' (while UK address is on it) or not refer to visa status while resident. See where that gets me. My own networking with a multitude of Aussie contacts has gone... OK. Could be in with a decent chance if we were off to WA or Tassie, but Brisneyland is looking a wee bit dry for relevant work. Still, 2 people asked me to get in touch with my CV and they'll pass it on to QLD folk who may be able to help. I think overqualification can be a problem as I found it to be after graduating and applying for non-graduate jobs in the UK. I did have feedback that employers thought I'd run off as soon as something better came up. However if applying for temp/casual work it really shouldn't be an issue. Then again pretty much all the QLD Health admin/analyst positions I've looked at don't have specific qualification requirements. I could do half these jobs standing on my head! Maybe we should share our skills sets. I'm currently a data analyst specialising in medical record linkage, with past experience (some analytical, mainly admin) in education, health and safety/nuclear, prison, retail and income tax sectors totalling nearly 20 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Hoobs Posted September 15, 2011 Share Posted September 15, 2011 I posted originally on the 457 problems I was having after 3 years of trying to find work here and after much badgering, pestering and begging for help from agencies I finally got some help and potential answers as to why this visa is a bit of a white elephant..... Firstly a large amount of employers here do not or haven't actually looked into what a 457 visa is, most are under the misapprehension that it is similar to the working holiday visa and has restricted work conditions (i.e. you can only work for 6 months and only 3 months for any one employer) which is incorrect as you can work full time without restriction. Secondly the perception of some of the employers that do know what a 457 visa is that you will join them, get trained up, gain experience then leave to go back to the UK and their time and investment will be in vain so are very apprehensive about taking 457 people on. Finally, Australia has a standard resume format which is 3 pages, with a brief description of each role and the key competancies of the role bullet pointed (mine needed some adjustment to fit into this template). In addition, this might only apply to my resume as it stood was that I had my High School GCSE results for each subject which included a couple of D's (bad I know lol) and agencies here were comparing that to the Australian grading system in which a C is a pass, D is a fail... so you can see how that may of caused a problem. I have a registration meeting tomorrow in Brisbane with a new agency and I start a 4 week temp role in the CBD on Monday so hopefully this might mark a turning point in getting work... still being cautious on that though ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paisleylass Posted September 15, 2011 Share Posted September 15, 2011 An illuminating post indeed Hoobs, and extremely helpful. All the best with your assignment, I'm really chuffed for you, hope it does lead to better things! Can I ask what agency you are now using? Can PM if you don't want to post here. Would be very useful as I'm Bris-bound :oD Edit - meant to add that this perception on the employers' part of 457 holders packing up to go home at a moment's notice really winds me up - people on PR go home all the time, even Aus-born folk may emigrate or just move town - or get another job! Grr. In the UK I've worked many places where I've seen new starts get trained up and simply leave because they don't like the job! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Hoobs Posted September 15, 2011 Share Posted September 15, 2011 Excellent, Brisbane bound, it's a lovely city and a really nice place, you'll love it, we live just halfway between there and Ipswich it's great ) No problem here's a few in Brisbane CBD to try, I'm in office admin so these all offer admin work but they cover various white and blue collar work: 1. Geoffrey Nathan - register with these first at they vet you and pass your CV round to various Brisbane agencies and in most cases you will be put forward for work without having to attend a registration interview. 2. O'Loughlin Group (GN will pass your CV to this agency) 3. Hays 4. AccountAbility (GN will pass your CV to this agency) 5. Recruitment Central (GN will pass your CV to this agency) 6. Davison Group (GN will pass your CV to this agency) 7. Sarina Russo 8. Hudson Recruitment There are loads more but these where at the top of my head lol. Also for websites check: Byron Employment (you get a daily jobmail with positions on) Seek CareerOne SmartJobs (QLD Gov website) ApplyDirect (QLD Gov website) JobsJobsJobs Hope this helps as a start ) Many thanks for you thanks and if you need anymore help or advice please do not hesitate to contact me ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3FatCats Posted September 15, 2011 Share Posted September 15, 2011 I have no mention of the 457 on my CV, it just explains I have full rights to work in Australia! Have also formatted the CV to Oz standards. Let's hope something comes up soon.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marta Posted September 15, 2011 Share Posted September 15, 2011 Thanks guys for your posts, it's good to hear from other people in the same situation. It's really sad, a couple of years ago I even found a job in London while I was still in Germany. I don't know what kind of problems employers seem to have down here. Yes, I do have a super fancy bullet point blabla resumé (not a CV though!), and yes I have taken the nationality and visa info out, and yes I have registered with some of the agencies - but no, nobody seems to care. Same story again, either no replies or rejections. I am so frustrated. Also, there's something fishy here. For example, I recently applied for a customer service officer position which literally involved the same work which I have done in my previous job London (in the wholesale book market). But I only got one of these insubstantial rejections, no interview. I really don't see why I should not be able to do the job, especially as I have done the same type of work before. And I can even learn new skills!!! Sorry that makes me really feel bitter... In the last week I sent out a couple of applications for volunteering too but even with this I am not sure if someone gets back to me. The thing I hate most about not doing anything is - not doing anything! Anyway. Let's hope our situations changes soon. Maybe there is still hope??! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paisleylass Posted September 15, 2011 Share Posted September 15, 2011 Wow, thanks Hoobs for the hugely helpful and detailed reply! Between that and the rare Paisley sunshine this morning it's a great start to the day! Glad to hear you are enjoying Brisbane, really looking forward to moving there :0) The first 4 weeks will be dedicated to settling in, especially finding a rental, but will also use time to get registered with agencies. Good to know GN does so much legwork for you so will start there! I'm a public servant by nature so hope to get gov work but need cash so not that picky, public transport access is a bigger priority being a pedestrian! Thanks again, very encouraging and hope others have success too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3FatCats Posted September 15, 2011 Share Posted September 15, 2011 Chin up Marta!!! I am hoping to volunteer at the local wildlife park... I too hate staying in the house feeling useless and bored, very depressing. Come on guys, let's see who the first will be to get an interview! :wink: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoandJon Posted September 15, 2011 Share Posted September 15, 2011 I've done a lot of recruiting over the years, if I can help in any way let me know. The most important thing is to tailor your application to the specification they're looking for. If there's any element you're not sure how well you meet or it might not be clear, explain how you DO meet it in the cover letter. And call up the places you're applying for before you apply to ask a couple of questions about the job - it will help them remember you when they see your app'n with any luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Hoobs Posted September 15, 2011 Share Posted September 15, 2011 No probs Paisley Lass, hopefully everything will go well for you and at least you'll be better prepared than I was lol. Just as a bit of background on GN, they are a British company who dealt with payroll and as their overseas business developed they moved into recruitment. One of the great benefits of getting temp work through them is that you get a LFMA (Living from home allowance) as you are payrolled through them for any temp work you do for any of the agencies they put you through who ultimately get you work. This allowance is effectively a tax break and you pay a minimal amount of tax. Once you get permanent residency you have to stop claiming it but in terms of extra money when you need it most when you are trying to get set up its a massive bonus ). They have offices in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne if anyone outside of South East QLD is interested in contacting them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paisleylass Posted September 15, 2011 Share Posted September 15, 2011 3FatCats, that's the spirit. PIO job club! If youse haven't got work by the time I get there, there'll be trouble :wink: JoandJon, great tips. I did ring the NHS before I applied back in 2006, as I wasn't sure I'd meet the requirements. It was a bit nerve-wracking but well worth it - it does get you remembered. Hoobs, it just gets better! Hopefully husband will be getting LAFHA anyway, so if I can also get a tax break that would be fantastic! I fully appreciate if we go for PR that tax breaks would be lost, but yes when you're setting up extra cash comes in handy, could even set it aside so we don't get too used to it, maybe pay off a car or something. I will make it a priority to get in with this agency as soon as we arrive! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoandJon Posted September 15, 2011 Share Posted September 15, 2011 Not good news 3fatCats ( sorry to hear that. Well, firstly all reference to the 457 visa is coming off my CV. I'll either substitute it for 'Has the right to live and work in Australia' (while UK address is on it) or not refer to visa status while resident. See where that gets me. My own networking with a multitude of Aussie contacts has gone... OK. Could be in with a decent chance if we were off to WA or Tassie, but Brisneyland is looking a wee bit dry for relevant work. Still, 2 people asked me to get in touch with my CV and they'll pass it on to QLD folk who may be able to help. I think overqualification can be a problem as I found it to be after graduating and applying for non-graduate jobs in the UK. I did have feedback that employers thought I'd run off as soon as something better came up. However if applying for temp/casual work it really shouldn't be an issue. Then again pretty much all the QLD Health admin/analyst positions I've looked at don't have specific qualification requirements. I could do half these jobs standing on my head! Maybe we should share our skills sets. I'm currently a data analyst specialising in medical record linkage, with past experience (some analytical, mainly admin) in education, health and safety/nuclear, prison, retail and income tax sectors totalling nearly 20 years. If you're worried about being over qualified remember that you don't have to mention all your qualifications in your application / CV, don't lie by any means, just don't mention it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoandJon Posted September 15, 2011 Share Posted September 15, 2011 Chin up Marta!!! I am hoping to volunteer at the local wildlife park... I too hate staying in the house feeling useless and bored, very depressing. Come on guys, let's see who the first will be to get an interview! :wink: Volunteer work always looks good on your CV - and shows your working to fit into your community Plus it sounds like brilliant fun!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoandJon Posted September 15, 2011 Share Posted September 15, 2011 I have no mention of the 457 on my CV, it just explains I have full rights to work in Australia! Have also formatted the CV to Oz standards. Let's hope something comes up soon.... It can be useful to make sure your CV says you have 'unrestricted or unlimited' rights to work - a minor variation, but is less prone to misinterpretation by someone shortlisting applications Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paisleylass Posted September 15, 2011 Share Posted September 15, 2011 If you're worried about being over qualified remember that you don't have to mention all your qualifications in your application / CV, don't lie by any means, just don't mention it! Hmm, I just have my highest qualification (hons degree) listed - nothing else. I would feel I was lying a bit if I changed this to GCSEs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Hoobs Posted September 15, 2011 Share Posted September 15, 2011 One last tip or thing you can try which although it's not got me employment has got me enquiries from agencies and local employers is to post a "Jobs Wanted" ad on Gumtree ), it's free and you can target the audience to your local area or city and they also have similar ads from local employers wanting people, maybe not always for your line of work but it can be a good "foot in the door" ). There's a blog called bobinoz.com which is a useful insight into life in Australia, for those of you about to embark on your Antipodean adventure and it has lots of useful information on it, I'd recommend it. If anyone does want any help/advice or just to pick my brains on my experiences here feel free. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PeteC Posted September 15, 2011 Share Posted September 15, 2011 Pete's wife here; I am spouse dependant on Pete's 457 visa, we have been here a month so far and I was offered one permanent job within a week of arriving (I turned it down) and have just been asked for references for a job interviewed this week. Yes this role is a step down from my previous uk role, but i stated that as i was in a new country (and new industry in this case) I felt that I would need a learning curve to get back up to the same level. Goverment agencies wont touch temp visa holders with a barge pole for permanent posts - have to be a permanent resident or citizen, they may consider you for temp contracts - I have been told this by a number of people who have been here as both temp and permanent residents as well as agencies. Guessing this may apply to healthcare as well. All i have on my cv is that I am here as a spouse dependant on my husbands employer sponsored visa for his permanent post and I have full work rights. This is right at the end of the cv, after my contact details so hopefully have got them hooked - it seems to have worked so far. I have only been seriously job hunting the last two weeks and have spent most of this week ill so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paisleylass Posted September 15, 2011 Share Posted September 15, 2011 Cheers Hoobs, never thought of Gumtree! I read bobinoz regularly, found his blog before PIO, and he posts lots about Brisbane specifically which is great for us, plus the more generic info is hugely useful. Hi Pete's wife! You have done well so quickly, fantastic, even though you've been unwell! Inspiring stuff! Where are you based? I'm also more than willing to step down a little, and appreciate gov jobs generally need to be temp. People in my role have been sponsored on a 457 in their own right in other states though (unis rather than government) - guess you just need to be in the right place at the right time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoandJon Posted September 15, 2011 Share Posted September 15, 2011 Hmm, I just have my highest qualification (hons degree) listed - nothing else. I would feel I was lying a bit if I changed this to GCSEs! Lol, A degree is fine - I was thinking more of if you have MBA's or PhD etc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marta Posted September 15, 2011 Share Posted September 15, 2011 Thanks you guys are the best! Hoobs as luck has it I sent my resumé to GN just yesterday. And I hope to find some volunteering work in a hospital or a place where I can do something for people in need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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