Moving to Australia for work: Job hunting tips

Attention New Zealanders: Want to work in Australia? Great news! Recent changes in citizenship laws now make it easier for you to become an Australian citizen. Read on for tips on navigating the job market.

Applying before you leave or after you arrive?

When it comes to applying for jobs in Australia, there are pros and cons to submitting your application before you leave New Zealand. On the one hand, applying for jobs in advance can give you a head start in the job market and potentially speed up the hiring process. It can also help you secure interviews and potential job offers before you arrive, leading to greater peace of mind and lower stress levels.

On the other hand, applying for jobs before you leave can be challenging if you don’t have an Australian address or phone number, as some employers may prefer local candidates. If they offer you a job before you arrive, you may need to negotiate the terms of your contract and salary remotely, which can be difficult. Finally, you may miss out on networking opportunities and potential job leads that you could have pursued in person.

Job hunting tips

Finding a job in Australia can be challenging, especially if you’re new to the country. Here are some job hunting tips to help you get started:

• Research the job market: Before you start applying for jobs, it’s important to research the job market and the industries that are in demand in Australia. This will help you identify the best opportunities and ensure that you are targeting your job search effectively.
• Network: Building professional connections is key to finding work in Australia. Attend industry events, join professional groups and connect with potential employers and recruiters on LinkedIn.
• Be proactive: Don’t wait for job opportunities to come to you. Reach out to potential employers, submit unsolicited applications and consider working with a recruitment agency.
• Get your qualifications recognised: If you have qualifications from New Zealand, you may need to have them recognised in Australia. You can do this via the Australian Government’s Department of Employment and Workplace Relations: https://www.dewr.gov.au/.

Resume tips

A well-crafted resume is essential for job hunting in Australia. Here are some resume tips to help you make a great first impression:

• Format your resume properly: An Australian resume should be around two pages long and in reverse chronological order, with your most recent work experience listed first. Use a clear and legible font and ensure that your headings are bold and easy to read.
• Tailor your resume to the job: When applying for a job, make sure you tailor your resume to the specific job requirements. Highlight the skills and experiences that are relevant to the job, and make sure your resume demonstrates how you meet the key selection criteria.
• Provide quantifiable results: Employers want to see tangible results that showcase your achievements in previous roles. Be sure to include specific examples of how you have contributed to your previous workplaces and the positive outcomes you achieved.
• Keep it concise: Your resume should be concise and easy to read. Avoid using long paragraphs or overly complicated language, and make sure your resume is free of grammatical errors.

Selection criteria

Selection criteria are a common part of the job application process in Australia, particularly for government and public sector roles. Here’s what you need to know:

• Understand the selection criteria: Selection criteria are a list of specific skills, knowledge, abilities and personal attributes that an employer is looking for in a candidate. They are typically listed in the job advertisement or job description.
• Provide specific examples: When responding to selection criteria, it’s important to use specific examples from your previous work or life experience to show how you meet each criterion. This can include examples of tasks or projects you have worked on, specific achievements or outcomes, and the skills and abilities you used to achieve these outcomes.
• In many cases, if a candidate does not provide a response to the selection criteria, their application will not be considered. Therefore, it is important to take selection criteria seriously with responses are detailed and specific, and demonstrate how you meet each criterion.

Conclusion:

Now that you have these tips, take action and start your job search today! With perseverance and preparation, you’ll be on your way to a successful career in Australia.