Looking for a job in Australia can seem daunting, especially if you are new to the country. However, with some preparation and persistence, you can find employment opportunities that match your skills and interests. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to effectively look for a job in Australia.
Research the Australian job market
Before you start applying for jobs, it is important to research the Australian employment landscape. This will help you understand what kinds of jobs are in demand, average salaries for different roles, and where job opportunities are concentrated geographically. Some key things to research include:
- Employment rate – What is the current unemployment and underemployment rate?
- Industry growth – Which industries and occupations are growing the fastest?
- Location – Where are jobs concentrated? Major cities vs regional areas.
- Skills shortages – Which occupations are in shortage and demand for workers?
- Useful sites for research: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Seek, Indeed, LinkedIn.
Understanding the job market will help you tailor your search and align your skills with in-demand roles.
Update your resume
With fresh insight into the Australian job market, update your resume to appeal to local employers. Consider the following:
- Format your resume in reverse chronological order, which is preferred in Australia.
- Use common Australian resume terms like “curriculum vitae” and “tertiary education”.
- Focus on accomplishments and responsibilities rather than just duties.
- Tailor your resume keywords to match jobs you are applying for.
- Check that your resume is 2 pages max and easy to scan.
- Include an Australian phone number and address (or say “currently overseas but planning to relocate to Australia”)
Having a tailored, Australian-style resume will give you an advantage when applying for local positions.
Craft an engaging cover letter
A cover letter is your opportunity to introduce yourself and show interest in the company. When writing cover letters for Australian jobs:
- Research the company and role to speak directly to their needs.
- Highlight your most relevant qualifications and motivation for the role.
- Keep it concise – 3 paragraphs and under 350 words.
- Use business letter format with your name and address at the top.
- Address the hiring manager directly by name and title.
Investing time in customized cover letters can give your application an edge over other candidates.
Search for jobs online
The majority of job vacancies in Australia are posted online. Excellent sites to search include:
- Seek – Australia’s biggest job site with over 200,000 listings across all industries.
- Indeed – Global job aggregator that is very popular in Australia.
- LinkedIn – Great for professional and networking-based roles.
- Government portals – Jobs.gov.au lists public sector roles.
- Industry associations – Many post jobs on their websites.
- Company career pages – Check websites of companies you want to work for.
You can search for suitable vacancies on these sites by keyword, location and job type. Setting up job alerts can also help new opportunities come straight to your inbox.
Leverage your network
Networking is an effective way to uncover “hidden” job opportunities that are not advertised publicly. Ways to tap into the Australian job market through networking include:
- Letting friends, family and professional contacts know you are looking.
- Joining industry associations and attending events.
- Connecting with recruiters and hiring managers on LinkedIn.
- Participating in alumni networks from Australian universities.
- Speaking with past coworkers who have worked in Australia.
With over 80% of jobs in Australia filled via networking, leveraging your connections can help you find unadvertised roles.
Use recruitment agencies
Recruitment agencies (also called “recruiters”) can match you with job vacancies relevant to your skills and experience. Reasons to engage recruiters in your job search include:
- They have insider knowledge of the local job market.
- They have existing relationships with employers looking to hire.
- They can put you forward for suitable roles even if not advertised.
- Using multiple agencies widens your job search reach.
When engaging recruiters, be selective of which agencies you approach and provide them with your updated resume.
Consider temporary/contract roles
Taking on temporary or contract work can be a good way to get your foot in the door with Australian employers. Benefits include:
- Gaining local experience which can help your permanent job search.
- Trying out different companies and roles to see what suits you.
- Building up professional networks and references.
- Income while looking for permanent employment.
Search for temporary and contract roles on Seek, Indeed and LinkedIn to find opportunities.
Expand your search nationwide
If your job search is limited to just one city or region, expanding it nationwide could significantly increase your chances of finding the right role. Things to keep in mind include:
- Some industries cluster in different states e.g. mining in Western Australia.
- Job markets vary across different Australian cities and regional areas.
- Research where demand is high for your occupation.
- Weigh up cost of living and relocation if moving states.
Casting your net wider across Australia could connect you with many more suitable vacancies.
Consider career events and fairs
Attend industry conferences, university career fairs, networking meetups and recruitment events. Advantages include:
- Meeting employers face-to-face.
- Learning about new job openings and career paths.
- Gaining advice on your resume and job search.
- Expanding your professional network.
Speaking directly with recruiters and employers can make you stand out from the crowd.
Apply for internships and graduate programs
Entry-level roles like internships and graduate programs are a good option for those new to the workforce. Benefits include:
- Positions designed specifically for new graduates.
- Receive training and gain experience.
- Potential for employment after successful completion.
- Develop professional networks and mentors.
Look for graduate job openings and apply well in advance of completion dates for these programs.
Be persistent and patient
Persistence and patience is key when job searching. Important to remember:
- Applying for multiple roles – spray and pray approach.
- Following up on applications after 2-3 weeks.
- Not getting discouraged by rejection – persist!
- Securing employment can take time – be patient.
Maintain motivation and consistency in your search for the best chance of success.
Conclusion
By researching the job market, tapping into networks, crafting quality applications and casting a wide net with your search, perseverance will eventually pay off and you will land a great job. Don’t get discouraged by early setbacks and seek feedback to continually improve your approach. With the right preparation and mindset, you can take control of your job search and launch an exciting and rewarding career in Australia.