While it’s easy to assume that I’ve found a job in Australia right away, it was actually the opposite. I didn’t have this list (Kidding!). Seriously though, I didn’t have a good resource as to what is expected and what I should’ve done before even leaving the Philippines. Though I had support from kind and generous colleagues, they can only extend so much help. You still need do all the work and well, I didn’t exactly know what kind of work had to be done. And so, here are a few things I would tell my younger self to do in order to find a job in Australia before classes start — and FAST!
1. Research the Job You Want to Apply For
Qualifications in your country may be different with the qualifications in Australia. If you’re a writer, they may have requirements that you have never heard of before. If you’re a designer, they might have a few skills they want on top of the ones you already have. Ultimately, you need to find out what they are looking for and find a way to address these requirements before you leave. If you have the time, take a quick course online or start watching YouTube to grow your knowledge every day. The more you grow your skills, the more you have a chance at landing that job.
2. Find a Credible Reference
I cannot emphasise enough the importance of a good reference. As someone who is stepping into a foreign country with possibly a limited to no connections at all, having a credible reference who will back you up no matter what will always come in handy. I’d like to think that the reason why I landed my first proper job as a Christmas Casual at Fossil was that of my amazing boss, colleague, friend and biggest supporter, Katharina Schmidt. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have had the experience I needed to help me find the job I have now. So if you’re reading this Katha, thank you!
3. Revamp Your Resume
Once you have your reference sorted, it’s time to learn the resume format accepted in Australia. It doesn’t necessarily vary from the one you can find online, but using proper indention and removing unnecessary fillers can really help you get ahead. If you’re looking for some reference, I used Youth Central as my general guide in revamping my resume. These days, you can find limitless resources like articles from Seek and CareerOne.
4. Print Out Your Resume Before Leaving
You’d be surprised how expensive printing can get in Australia and the standard paper quality is not that great either. While you may be tempted to do the printing here, I strongly suggest otherwise. Transport is expensive until you get your concession so save those extra bucks on your transportation rather than shedding it on your resume. Be smart and print a couple of copies before leaving. By a couple, I mean about 50 to 100 copies because you will never really know how many you need. Stash it in a folder with the rest of your documents so you’re certain that it won’t get marks or wrinkles. These resume copies will serve as your backup plan so don’t ever leave it out.
5. Look Up Jobs in Australia
While you’re still in your country, I highly suggest making the time to look up jobs in Australia. It could be a profession within your abilities or something different that may still be relevant. The idea is to find the ones that you think will get you hired fast. Securing a job in Australia can be hard so you need to be patient. It’s all about finding the job that is within your skills, experience and qualifications. Oh, and don’t forget to bookmark them!
6. Send In Your Applications Online
Now that you have ideally more than a hundred bookmarked job openings in Australia, it’s time to get to work. Take your time in writing your cover letter and sending in your applications. Apply to jobs as much as you can and let them know when your availability will be and what your status will be when you arrive in Australia. If you end up finishing all your applications, apply some more. It doesn’t hurt to send in as many applications as you can. We have a saying in the Philippines that goes like this: “Try and try until you die!” While it doesn’t literally mean death, it serves as a good reminder never to give up. So, keep going until you hear from a few employers! Don’t stop.
7. Be Honest
Now, this is the part where it gets tricky. Most international students in Australia work in hospitality, customer service, aged-care, babysitting or the likes. Rarely will you find international students who work in an office due to the fact that class schedules conflict with office hours. If you get lucky and land the job you wanted, be honest and tell your employer about your situation. Don’t beat around the bush! If there’s something you need to learn about Australia, sweet-talking is just as good as bullshit. You don’t say it unless you mean it. Being genuine is held up to a high standard so be truthful. There’s nothing wrong with a little honesty.
8. Gain Experience Outside Your Specialty
When I say outside your specialty, I mean working in a job that is completely out of your comfort zone and probably a bit degrading in your point of view (considering that you finished a Bachelor’s Degree and didn’t spend all those years only to work at McDonald’s). The thing is, if I were to compare my past self with someone who has had years of experience in hospitality or customer service, I’m willing to bet that the latter (the person with the hospitality experience — even McDonald’s) will have a much better chance at landing that job than I will. So, suck it up and just do it!
Once you’re in Australia, here are a few things I suggest you get to if you still haven’t heard from the companies you’ve applied for online.
9. Set Up Your Network
I’m talking about going inside that store right away and buying your sim card to keep you connected in Australia at all times. You might be wondering why this is necessary. Well first, there’s not much WiFi going on around the area to keep you online (or guide you when you’re lost). Second, you need a contact number for that last-minute eleventh-hour enquiry from a potential employer asking if you can come in for a trial or an interview. This is the best means to contact you. As for the emails and applications you’ve sent online before landing in this beautiful country, simply inform them of your new contact number and don’t forget to include your address if possible. Finally, you’re down to your last and crucial step!
10. Hand In Your Resume Personally
Remember those resumes I told you to print before leaving your country? Well, it’s time to put them to work. If you still haven’t heard from the companies you’ve applied to, then it’s time to get your happy face on and walk up to every store you see. When I mean every store, I mean that retail store right across the street and the café shop right next to it. I’m not joking. This is literally how I found my job (and I’ve been here for almost two years now). Sometimes, companies don’t advertise their openings online and sometimes, you can catch a good time with a manager who’s willing to talk and give you a go even though you’re speaking possibly at 9000 horsepower gibberish. My point is, if you still don’t have a job by the time you land in Australia, you have to do this the very next day! I couldn’t emphasise this enough because this was my biggest mistake and I don’t want you to be committing that same mistake.
Do know that it can get disheartening after being rejected a couple of times, but surprisingly, it gets easier after a while. Eventually, you’ll realise that this experience only made you stronger in the end (no matter how cliché that might sound).
Now that we have sorted out how to find a job in Australia fast, I suggest you get started on the first step right away. If you have any questions, feel free to ask down below. I’d be happy to help you out as much as I can. So, get going and do your thing! There’s no time to waste.
