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Looking for work in Australia

Looking for work in another country requires more than just the obvious CV translation. You will be confronted with issues that probably didn't even cross your mind when you decided to go for an international career, but don't underestimate the big impact they can have on the outcome of your adventure! Think for example about the different rules and habits regarding immigration, job application procedures, the selection procedures and the management culture.

Expertise in Labour Mobility has prepared practical fact sheets to support you in your job hunting abroad. A thorough preparation will give you a head start in the country of your choice. Here is some info on Australia:

Work permits in Australia

•     Make sure your visa fulfils the necessary requirements allowing you to work in Australia.
•     There are various categories of entry visa, relating to a different point system each.
•     Before they will be considered, applicants need to accumulate a certain number of points in order to obtain a work-as well as a residence permit
•     Points are awarded on the basis of the candidate's employability, age and language skills.

The application procedure in Australia

•     Questions are usually very direct. An example: 'What makes you the best candidate for this job?'
•     Panel interviews with approximately three people are very common in the Australian application procedure.
•     Concentrate on your future rather than on past achievement.

Writing a CV in Australia

•     The Australian CV is more commonly known as a resume.
•     The key focus of your resume should be to persuade the employer to invite you to an interview.  You should therefore use your resume like a marketing tool, and adapt it according to the market you intend to use it in.
•     The resume should be typed-written and not more than two to three pages (A4).
•     Photographs are generally not required as part of an Australian application.

The application letter in Australia

•     Key words in writing your Australian application letter are 'accurate', 'precise', 'positive' and 'honest'.
•     Try to capture the employers' interest immediately with the first sentence of your letter.
•     Explain why you consider yourself te right candidate for the job.
•     Illustrate your skills with examples.
•     Foreigners should try to depict how they in particular can add value to the work place.

Do's

•     Mind your appearance!  It should be rather formal.
•     Look interested - ask questions.
•     Provide examples to prove your achievements.
•     Ask for clarification if you don't understand the question.
•     Negotiate your salary.

Don'ts

•     Be surprised when receiving an entrance test before the interview.
•     Criticise Australia.
•     Be showy and pushy when answering the interviewer's questions.
•     Sit until invited in an interview.
•     Criticise former employers.
•     Go over the top - stay calm and stick to the facts.

Management culture in Australia

• "    Australian organisations have a flat structure characterised by terms such as 'common sense' or 'equality'.
•    Before reaching a decision, usually different specialists' opinions are heard.
•     Australians are extremely positive people.  Negativity in any form whatsoever is not accepted during negotiations.
•     Most meetings in Australia start with a little bit of small talk.
•     Australians take punctuality seriously.
• "In business life, personal relations are very important.

This information is based on the Looking for work in Australia guide (ISBN 978-90-5896-060-3,) written by Expertise in Labour Mobility, and has been used with their kind permission.

For more information please visit www.labourmobility.com

Expertise in Labour Mobility are a company who specialize in advice and guidance regarding international labour mobility.  Expertise in Labour Mobility assists organizations in their communication with their expatriate population, ranging from cultural management advice and job hunting information to writing complete expat policies and preparing expat tool kits for a wide range of clients.

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