I heard it's not easy to find a job in Adelaide?
To be honest, jobs are not easy to come by but it doesn't mean there is no jobs available. We need to recognise that employers usually would like to look for someone not only with the capabilities to perform the task for the roles they are hiring, but often the case also desired local experiences. So, it will be good to ensure that you prepare sufficient funds to last you for 6 months minimum, so as to reduce the pressure of finding work after landing.
Try not to be too choosy on the first job and it definitely helps to lower one's expectations when it comes to jobs. Being new to the country, you may have to start in a lower position than what you may be holding back in Singapore. And don't be too fast to reject something that may be out of your existing role. Have an open mind, be it a part time job, or casual... it's a good exposure for you to gain local experience, make a living, and move on to a job that you may be looking for.
What is local experience that most employers are looking for?
Local experience in Australia shows:
- You are versed in Australian workplace culture
- You understand specific processes and procedures unique to Australia
- You have the right work visa
- You possess the right communication skills
Unfortunately, this can feel unfair as it does not meet a real representation of who you are and what you’re capable of. I.e. if you’ve developed software overseas, constructed bridges overseas, or even have over 10 years’ experience overseas you could struggle landing a job in Australia.
What should I do since I do not have local experience?
Don’t worry, though, because there are ways to convince recruiters and hiring managers that you are “the right candidate” for the job – even if you don’t have local experience in Australia.
The key to finding a job in Australia and overcoming having no local work experience is: Proving Yourself.
- Your resume and cover letter need to convince the reader that you have the skills, experience and ability to do the job they want.
- Recruiters need to believe that you are better than the competition (who have local experience).
- You need to prove you are “the right candidate” for the job, by building relationships (networking) with recruiters and key decision makers in the companies you want to work with.
If you can prove yourself in this way, you will overcome having no local work experience. And it would be advisable to get some help in looking into your resume and have it re-written; the Australian way.
What to look out for when applying for a job?
First, you need to show how your current experience is relevant and equivalent to what the job asks for from candidates. You can do this by re-creating an outstanding resume and tailoring your cover letter for each job. This is important!
You cannot give recruiters any reason to dismiss you. A terrible job application, which includes a poor resume, generic cover letter and a lacklustre LinkedIn profile, will make or break you.
Furthermore, employers will turn away from you if:
- You have poor verbal communication skills
- You can’t write well (poor cover letter and resume)
- You have no PR or lack an explanation as to when you’re getting it
- You do not understand the local culture or Australian workplace etiquette
So make sure you have a clear grasp on Australian workplace culture and language – which you could show in your resume.
How can I get to know about the workplace culture in Australia?
The culture of Australian is not just about working hard and getting things done. Refer to the link and use it as a guide.
On top of that, there are a good number of new migrants who settled for contracts, part time or casual jobs for a start to gain local experiences as they are usually less demanding. In most cases, these contract, part time or casual jobs could eventually lead into a permanent position or continuous renewal, and they provide the local experience required for new comers to look for other positions.
How much in remuneration can I ask for?
Again, it is very subjective based on the industry, role, position and many other factors. Most job postings does indicate a remuneration range for the open position, and there are data available online for the different industry and position as a reference. Having said that, Australia does have its minimum wage under the Fair Work Act.
You will be able to find details of the minimum wage, and other entitlements here. A guide on the pay scale for the different positions can be found here, but do note that it is a guide as reference and not to be quoted strictly upon.