G’day mate and welcome to the land down under!
Whether you’ve recently relocated to Australia or are contemplating a move, we’re here to lend a hand and assist finding a job as a recent migrant.
Let’s face it, navigating the Australian job market can be a bit of a challenge, even for those with impressive overseas qualifications and work experience. But fear not, we’ve got some top-notch tips to help you boost your chances of landing your dream job.
As a team with diverse backgrounds, more than two-thirds of us at Resume Lookup speak a first language other than English. So, rest assured, you’re in good hands as we share our valuable experiences and insights.
Debunking common misconceptions about finding a job as a recent migrant
Let’s bust some job search myths, shall we? It’s time to kick negative beliefs to the curb and focus on the opportunities in front of you.
Negative Belief #1: “I don’t have any local work experience, so I won’t be considered.”
Sure, this might be the case in some industries, but don’t let that assumption hold you back. It’s essential to keep an open mind and gather information from credible sources before drawing any conclusions.
In fact, our team member faced this very situation, but with persistence and the right approach, they landed a role in Australia. Every company, role, and interviewer is unique, so it’s best not to generalize. Even if your overseas qualifications aren’t directly transferrable, they still give you valuable experience that you can leverage in your job search.
How to overcome this
If you receive a rejection, don’t let it knock your confidence. Instead, request feedback and focus on improving your skills. Remember, each experience is an opportunity to learn and grow. Keep your chin up and keep pushing forward for finding job in Australia as a recent migrant.
Negative Belief #2: “Local work experience is a must-have, and I don’t have it.”
When it comes to finding employment in Australia, one fear that many new immigrants have is that their English skills may not be up to par. However, we’ve discovered that often individuals underestimate their English ability while overestimating job requirements.
The reality is, if you are comfortable communicating in English, it shouldn’t hold you back in searching a job as a recent migrant. In fact, immersing yourself in a working environment is one of the best ways to improve your language skills, and with a bit of effort, you can quickly enhance your English proficiency.
If language still feels like a significant obstacle, you might want to consider taking an English proficiency course to help you feel more confident.
How to overcome this?
It’s important to remember not to limit yourself before even starting. Rather than viewing your native language as a liability, consider it an asset. There are proven records of job seeker landing in roles, thanks to their foreign language skills and overseas experience, highlighting how valuable multilingualism can be in the workplace.
In fact, using your language proficiency as a “keyword” when searching for job opportunities as a recent migrant could be a smart move. For instance, some job listings in Australia specifically seeking mandarin, French or Hindi speakers.
Negative Belief #3: “My name reveals that I come from a different country.”
It’s a common misconception that your name can hinder your chances of landing on a interview as a recent migrant. However, it’s standard for an employer to focus on an applicant’s skills and experience, and not discriminate based on their name especially a labour-shortage market. In fact, over a quarter of Australians were born overseas, making Australia one of the most culturally diverse and tolerant countries in the world.
How to overcome this?
To overcome any potential bias, you can experiment with different ways of writing your name on yourResume.
- Simplifying the spelling of your name
- Shortening your name
- Using initials instead of your full name
- Using an Australian version of your name:
- Using a nickname that you go by
- Using an Australian version of your name
- Adopting a commonly used Australian name
There are many instances where a person removed the accent from their middle name and received a call for an interview from employer. Similarly, there are more instances where job seeker received a call from an employer after using their nickname instead of their real name.
However, it’s important not to let any perceived biases consume you. Keep an open mind, roll with it, and if you’re not successful, seek feedback and strive to improve. Remember, your skills and experience are what truly matter in when it comes to landing on a job as a recent migrant.
Essential tips for newcomeres who are searching job as a recent migrant
Feeling more focused and motivated? Great, let’s jump right back into job hunting or in your case finding a job as a recent migrant! If you’ve recently arrived in Australia and are looking for work, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed. But don’t worry – we’re here to help. Here are some tips to get you started on your job search and help you navigate the Australian job market.
Tip#1 > Prioritize your search
To increase your chances of finding a job as a recent migrant, it’s important to focus your job search efforts. Don’t spread yourself too thin by applying to every open position at a company. Instead, target job positions that match your skills and experience. This approach is more effective in landing an interview and ultimately getting the job. Recruiting experts advises job seekers to customise their resumes and cover letters for each position they apply for, instead of using a generic one-size-fits-all approach. If you’re looking to switch industries or job types, check out our article on how to tailor your resume to make the most of your transferable skills.
Tip#2 > Search in the right place
There are multiple job search platform in Australia who post directly or collects job openings from various sources to assist job seekers in finding roles that fit their skills and experience. Job seekers in Australia are not required to pay recruiters, and there are different types of recruiters available. Networking is a critical component of the process to find a job as a recent migrant, and it is recommended to participate in online expat meet-up groups and career and business-related events to expand one’s network.
Online
You can find plenty of job opportunities on popular job search sites, including listings from job boards, company websites, and industry-specific job portals. Consider exploring these platforms to find a job that matches your skills and experience.
Recruiters
Recruitment agencies in Australia differ from those in many of your home country, but job seekers don’t have to pay recruiters in Australia. Choose a recruiter that understands your experience and qualifications from your home country.
Networking
Networking is important in Australia to finding a job as a recent migrant. Join online meet-up groups for expats and participate in career and business-related groups to build your network and gain insights into the job market.
Tip#3 > Be strategic and kind to yourself
Patience is key when it comes to job searching especially for immigrants. Keep in mind that it’s a journey and requires planning, research, and careful consideration. Some job types and industries may have specific recruitment cycles, so it’s important to be aware of these and plan accordingly. With a solid plan and patience, you’ll be better equipped to enter and succeed in the Australian job market.
Applying and finding a job in Australia
To improve your chances of success in Australia, it’s recommended that you remove personal details from your resume such as
- age
- marital status
- photo
- salary expectations
These details are not expected by Australian recruiters, and including them may even work against you. While including these details may be standard practice in your home country, recruitment processes in Australia are different. If you’re planning to migrate to Australia through your occupation, it’s worth checking if you qualify for a skilled visa as the Australian government is keen to help skilled workers enter the job market.
Is adding a photo in my resume a good idea?
Including a profile photo in your resume is not a common practice in Australia. Doing so may cause your application to stand out for the wrong reasons. Instead, professional job seekers in Australia have a Seek profile or LinkedIn profile that includes a profile image, which employers often check during the recruitment process. Therefore, make sure that your profile is up-to-date for ongoing search with any job as a recent migrant.
Should I include my age in my resume?
In Australia, it is illegal to ask questions about a job seeker’s age or marital status during the recruiting process to prevent discrimination. However, it is essential to ensure that your contact details are updated and professional, and avoid using an email address with irrelevant or unprofessional words.
Proofread your resume before submitting it
It is important to have your resume proofread by a native English speaker with good language skills. This is particularly important for overseas professionals, as poorly written resumes may lead employers to doubt their communication abilities may proven a great barrier to your first job as a recent migrant.
Employers place greater value on experience than qualifications
Study indicates, local candidates in Australia emphasize their experience, achievements, and success, while overseas job seekers tend to focus more on their qualifications, which is a cultural difference in many instances. In many parts around the world, qualifications are highly valued and are often mentioned in resumes and cover letters, even for entry-level positions. However, in Australia, while qualifications are still important, experience is equally or even more valuable. Therefore, it is recommended to prioritize highlighting your relevant experience when applying for a job as a recent migrant. For tips on how to write a resume, check out our free resume template.
Jobs that require specific qualifications
To make your application stand out, it’s important to emphasize your achievements in the relevant field, even if the job description mentions a degree. Here are some examples:
- If you’re applying for a marketing position, highlight your successful campaigns and their impact on sales.
- For a project management role, showcase your experience leading teams and delivering projects on time and within budget.
- If you’re seeking a software engineering position, describe your contributions to complex projects and any innovative solutions you developed.
Remember to use numbered outcomes whenever possible to provide a clear picture of your accomplishments, like:
- Led the development of a new mobile app that received 4.5 stars on both the App Store and Google Play, with over 500,000 downloads to date.
- Managed a team of 10 sales representatives and exceeded quarterly revenue targets by an average of 20%.
- Implemented a new inventory management system that reduced waste by 30% and saved the company over $100,000 annually.
Applying for jobs emphasizing experience over qualifications
If you apply for a job like a cleaner or barista that doesn’t require a specific degree, mentioning your degree can make you seem overqualified and unsuitable for the position. In this case, it’s best to remove the information about your degree, as it’s not relevant.
However, some certificates, like RSA or culinary school certificates, may be required for full-service restaurants.
While a degree is not required for jobs in the hospitality industry, certain certifications such as the RSA (Responsible Servicing of Alcohol) or culinary certificates from institutions like William Angliss may be necessary for roles in full-service restaurants that serve alcohol. On the other hand, having a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree may make a candidate appear overqualified for these types of positions.
How many job applications at once?
Job seekers often apply for various roles in the same company, hoping to increase their chances of finding a job. But recruiters can easily see all the positions an applicant has applied for in their ATS, raising doubts about the applicant’s career goals and direction. It can result in a lack of credibility and hurt their chances of being hired.
While many job seekers have a diverse skill set, it’s crucial to focus on roles that align with your passion and expertise. By highlighting your relevant skills and experience in those areas, you can demonstrate a clear sense of direction in your career path and stand out as a compelling candidate to recruiters.
Why cultural fit matters more than you think
To prepare for job interviews in Australia, consider Hierarchy and Independence, which are important cultural dimensions.
- In Australia, companies have a flat hierarchy compared to Asian or African countries.
- In Australia, children are taught to express themselves early on, so it’s common to be asked about your hobbies during interviews as a way to learn what you enjoy doing outside of work.
We can assist you if you are a new immigrant looking for a job in Australia. Our professional resume writing and cover letter service can help you stand out in the competitive job market. Let us showcase your skills and experience to potential employers. Contact us today to get started and take the first step towards finding job as migrant in Australia!
