Do You Know How to Find a Proper Job in Australia?

Most migrants I have met struggle to find decent, skilled jobs. People who hold master's degrees cannot even secure interviews, while regular Australians with lower education work high-paying jobs.

I was in the same situation for some time until I finally secured a permanent position in a large global company. It all became obvious what I was doing wrong.

As a migration agent and a migrant, I am writing this post hoping to offer guidance on this topic.

In my experience with job interviews in Australia, I've noticed a difference in the approach of employers compared to other parts of the world. In Australia, employers don't wait until the end of the job advertisement period to start reviewing applications. Instead, they begin reviewing and contacting candidates within the same week the job is advertised. If they like a candidate after a phone interview, they will invite them for an in-person interview. They will begin the hiring process if they are impressed with the in-person interview. It's that simple. So my first advice is, if you see a job advertisement with a date past two weeks, do not apply because somebody is already in the hiring stage. Hiring happens quickly; always apply to recently posted jobs.

The second common problem I have observed concerns resumes. Many migrants are taught to write their education and work experience in a standard Western resume format and submit this CV to every job opportunity they can find on the internet. While this method might lead to some job opportunities, the likelihood of success is very low. Hiring personnel, such as recruiters or company HR, seek individuals who meet the business's specific needs. If they see that your resume doesn't align with the job description, they will likely dismiss it in a matter of seconds.

I advise you to take the time to submit a proper application instead of sending the same resume to every job advertisement. Firstly, find a job that matches your skills and experience. Then, visit the company's website and try to understand the business. After that, carefully read the job descriptions and requirements and ensure that your resume reflects the same or similar skills. If the hiring staff doesn't see what they are looking for in your resume, they will not contact you. I am not advising you to lie; instead, I am advising you to present yourself in an attractive way to the hirers. When they see your resume, they should perceive you as the perfect fit for the role.

When it comes to the cover letter, based on my experience, the cover letter is not very significant if the advertised salary is below 100k per year. Your cover letter should be concise and focused on the job description.

In summary, if you want to find a decent job, apply to recent opportunities only and adjust your resume to address the job advertisement specifically.

There is a psychological aspect to this topic. People with partner visas often feel hesitant to apply for well-paying jobs. This is because they may doubt their capability to work in Australia or lack confidence in their English skills. To partner visa holders: I want to encourage you with the following information. It's important to remember that many people in Australia are the children of migrants and that Australia is a relatively young country. Employers are aware of language barriers, and simply being able to communicate is often sufficient for them to hire you.

Moreover, people in Australian workplaces are generally accepting and inclusive. Once you receive your partner visa, you can live as an individual in Australia. Be confident, pursue job opportunities, and enjoy the income you earn.

Unfortunately, most companies are looking for people with full work rights and people holding permanent visas. There is no way around this barrier; if you want to establish a life in Australia, your priority is getting your permanent visa. Reach out to me to discuss your options.

Ilgin Azazi

Registered Migration Agent - MARN 2318123