Are you looking for a job in Australia? If yes, you have come to the right place.
Applying for a job in Australia can be exciting and challenging, especially if you are a student or any other job seeker. Knowing the Australian job market and how you can optimise your chances of landing your dream position is essential.
This post will reveal the best tips and tricks to get a job in Australia.
1. Understand Your Rights and Responsibilities
To work in Australia, you must understand your rights and responsibilities. As an employee in Australia, you are entitled to leaves, minimum pay, and workplace health and safety. You can visit the Fair Work website to get additional information about your work rights.
Additionally, when you want to work in Australia, you must apply for a TFN (Tax File Number). It is a specific identification number used in the Australian tax systems. Without a TFN, 45% of the tax will get deducted from your income.
If you are on a student visa, you can work 20 hours per week (40 hours per fortnight) while your classes are in session. You can work unlimited hours when there are no ongoing classes.
2. Do Your Research and Create a Job Search Plan
Before applying for a job, it is vital to conduct thorough research via the best job search sites in Australia and take out the maximum time for your job search.
Try to gather as much information as possible about the Australian recruitment process, and search your prospective employers, target industry, and the local job market. This will enable you to make smarter decisions and prove that you are fully aware of the job requirements, company, and values.
Furthermore, set goals for yourself, take guidance from professionals already working in the industry and reflect on the values essential to you in an organisation.
3. Networking Is The Key
Even in today's digital age, many jobs are not advertised in Australia online or through the media. So it is essential to build your network and reach out to contacts you have made in Australia.
For instance, if you have established a connection inside an organisation, inform that person when submitting your job application.
This will help you get your resume to the top of the stack. Also, joining university activities like clubs, societies, and career centres can help you expand your network.
Building contacts is crucial in finding and securing a job position, whether it is someone you interact with inside the university or outside.
4. Find Your Strengths
Evaluate the strengths and skills that you can offer an employer and consider other unique selling points that will make you stand out from other applicants.
If you are from overseas, consider all those attributes, including knowledge of foreign markets, language skills, ability to adjust to different environments, cultural awareness, international exposure, and more.
All these unique skills will help you make the best of the opportunities and find the career of your choice.
5. Build Your Skill Set
In addition to your studies in Australia, try looking for opportunities to build skills that your future job requires. You can get volunteer experience, join some casual work, or be a part of society & clubs at your university.
Always remember employers in Australia strongly value extracurricular participation as it demonstrates your potential to work with a team. Additionally, it improves interpersonal skills you may not learn in the classroom.
6. Take The Time To Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter
Resumes and cover letters play an essential role in your job application process. So make sure to take out sufficient time and effort to make them stand out. When it comes to your Resume, make sure it is to the point and relevant to the position you are applying for.
Try to change the layout of your Resume to make it more professional and unique so that it looks different from other resumes.
On the other hand, when writing a cover letter, focus on the detail of why you would like to work with the employer and how your skills align with the application requirement. All in all, write a concise, clear, and easy-to-read cover letter and try to keep it shorter than one page.
7. Follow Up
If you have yet to receive a confirmation after submitting your application, do not worry. There is a possibility that the hiring team is going through an abundance of applications, which might take some time.
You can follow up within a couple of weeks and contact the human resources department. Making a polite enquiry is not considered inappropriate and is a common practice in Australia. It shows that you are determined to get the job and have taken the initiative to be proactive.
Employers appreciate applicants who are enthusiastic and driven.
8. Prepare For Your Interview
Once your application gets approved, it is time for you to prepare for the interview. You may come across various interview styles, including phone or video call interviews, group interviews, or casual lunches.
No matter what form of interview you go through, the most important thing is to be confident, be prepared, be yourself, and always stay positive.
Make sure to know your strengths and capabilities and be prepared to speak about your experience, relevant skills, and professional interests.
Also, consider preparing for the most common interview questions that can be asked, depending on your job description. Practising such questions will help you to boost your confidence and shake off all your nervousness.
9. Try To Attend Onsite Interviews
Try to attend a face-to-face interview when they ask you. Only some companies will recruit applicants without meeting them in person. However, you can request a video call interview if you cannot be physically available.
Remember to send or carry along copies of your work visa and other references for employers to review.
As far as interviews are concerned, Australian employers admire your optimism, ability to state facts to explain a point, and above all, your punctuality. So always be on time for the interview, remain confident, and show them why you are fit for the company.
10. Do Not Wait For The Opportunity
Instead of waiting for an ideal job opportunity to open up, try looking for jobs through job sites in Australia. Furthermore, start applying and submitting your job applications for positions in organisations that you are interested in, describing your experience and qualifications.
You can send your application through the organisation's website or email it directly to the recruitment team or the department manager. If they like your application, you will be the first to consider when something suitable comes up.
Many people enter the Australian workforce every year with little or no trouble at all. If you are a student, try to make a job plan before you complete your graduation. It will help you be more prepared to find the best career opportunity in your field of study.
11. Understand Visa Rules
Before looking for a job in Australia, know the visa rules. Make sure you have the right visa to work legally.
Monitor any changes in these rules to avoid problems during your job search. Visit official government websites or consult with your university's international student services for updated information on visa regulations.
12. Use University Career Services
Your university can help you find a job. They offer useful stuff like workshops and advice on making your resume better.
Get tips on preparing for interviews and finding chances to meet employers. Attend career fairs organised by your university to connect with potential employers and learn about job opportunities.
13. Think About Internships
Doing internships is like trying out a job before getting one. It makes your resume look good and helps you get a job.
Look for internships that match what you want to do so you learn and make useful connections. Check with your university's career services for assistance in finding relevant internships.
14. Know What's Happening in Your Job Area
Find out the latest news on the job you want. Knowing what's going on makes you look smart to employers.
Read about it online, join webinars, or talk to people who work in the same field. Consider joining professional associations related to your industry to stay informed about industry trends and networking opportunities.
15. Learn More to Improve Yourself
Keep getting better at what you do. Take part in workshops or online classes.
This shows employers you're serious about your job and keeps you ahead of others looking for work. Explore platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, or industry-specific training programs to enhance your skills and demonstrate continuous learning on your resume.
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