HR Director/Manager looking for work

[Guest Baconi]

Hi, I have just arrived in Adelaide and im looking for a job. I have 10+ years experience at HR Director / Manager level, CIPD qualified.

Please let me know if you hear of anything or have any potential leads,

many thanks,

David

[Ranger]

You'll need to join the AHRI

[jim and adel]

You'll need to join the AHRI

 

While it won't do any harm to join AHRI, I'm not sure it's a need; there's been plenty written over the last couple of years in articles and on various HR discussion boards about the lack of credibility and clout that AHRI has, particularly when it comes to senior representation. For networking purposes, though, I'd agree that it would be good to join and participate; Adelaide is a small place in HR terms and AHRI is a good way of getting some exposure, just don't expect too much from it.

 

Jim

[Ranger]

Exactly, Adelaide is a relatively small place and the majority of HR people know each other so networking is essential to break into the loop

[Jessica Berry]

Hi, I have just arrived in Adelaide and im looking for a job. I have 10+ years experience at HR Director / Manager level, CIPD qualified.

Please let me know if you hear of anything or have any potential leads,

many thanks,

David

 

Hi

 

Just wondering how you are getting on in your quest for HR work.

 

I was previously a HR Officer in the UK and when I came here 2.5 years ago I found it difficult to secure HR work and have moved more into Project/Exam Administration. I am currently studying my Diploma in Human Resources Management and have nearly completed my Cert IV in Training and Assessment and I hope this will help me get back into a HR/Training environment.

 

In my experience, when I was interviewed by people with the title 'HR Manager' I had more knowledge in HR in a lot of the areas than they did, but I do think it is important to have an understanding of Australian employment legislation and the way they do things over here which is why I am studying my Diploma in HRM.

 

I find some companies attitude to HR over here is about 20 years behind the UK and they just seem to think HR are there to get rid of people and they don't need people with specialist recruitment and selection (and employment law!) experience because they just hire their mates or someone they have met in a pub!

[Ranger]

Wholeheartedly agree, my background was in HR but found it to be a closed shop in Adelaide, jobs went to a small circle of people who knew each other

[Guest the umphs]

Hi David,

I'm moving out to Adelaide next year potentially and have just returned having done a reccy. I also am from a HR background, within Leadership & Talent Development. As a qualified coach and experience with 3 blue chips I'm very concerned that I may not find the right role. This thread has been useful.

 

Have you registered with any useful agencies? Have you met with any potential employers?

 

Really keen to hear how you're progressing, may be once you're placed and I can come and work for you?!?!?!

 

Regards,

Dan

[Guest the umphs]

Jessica, could I ask, where are you working now??

[jim and adel]

Not sure if it's of any use to anyone, but I was sent a link to a current HR vacancy earlier today so I've posted it in the job advert section.

 

Jim

[Guest Andrew Family]

Interesting link for me too. I am at the end of my Postgraduate Diploma is HRM at Oxford Brookes in the UK and have about 7 years experience in HR & Medical Staffing so I am hoping to work in a hospital as my background is NHS. Does anyone know what the job situation is like in that area? Or even what the pay is like? I am currently working at Senior Advisor Level but am prepared to step back if required, although may find it a little frustrating!!

 

If it is so tight over there may be we should build our own network and then who ever gets a job first can put the feelers out for the others??

[Guest Baconi]

Hi David,

I'm moving out to Adelaide next year potentially and have just returned having done a reccy. I also am from a HR background, within Leadership & Talent Development. As a qualified coach and experience with 3 blue chips I'm very concerned that I may not find the right role. This thread has been useful.

 

Have you registered with any useful agencies? Have you met with any potential employers?

 

Really keen to hear how you're progressing, may be once you're placed and I can come and work for you?!?!?!

 

Regards,

Dan

 

Hi Dan

I have registered with about 7 agencies. I found the best ones to be Hender Consulting, Locher, Talent 2, James Gall and Hudson.

I tried and tried to get in and see Hays but keep hitting a brick wall.

 

I have been shortlisted for three roles but the market is tough at the moment and there is a great deal of talk of things picking up in the new year.

 

I have seen some negative comments on this site, but despite a tough market, I am posative and determind to make it work out here. For sure its not easy for newcomers without experience in Oz but my outlook is very upbeat and its the only way to go!

 

I am very flexible about what I do in HR and what level I work at. I would suggest you do the same but I have seen dedicated roles in Development.

 

I applied for lots of jobs before I got here, but that was a complete waste of time I found.

 

All the best

[Guest Baconi]

Interesting link for me too. I am at the end of my Postgraduate Diploma is HRM at Oxford Brookes in the UK and have about 7 years experience in HR & Medical Staffing so I am hoping to work in a hospital as my background is NHS. Does anyone know what the job situation is like in that area? Or even what the pay is like? I am currently working at Senior Advisor Level but am prepared to step back if required, although may find it a little frustrating!!

 

If it is so tight over there may be we should build our own network and then who ever gets a job first can put the feelers out for the others??

 

Hi

I've been in Adelaide for about 7 weeks looking for an HRM role. During this time I have seen two roles in the health sector. I have seen about 3/4 jobs in the Government sector which makes up 20% of the workforce here.

HRM salaries are about $100 - $120k PA

Check out Seek over a period of time and that will give you a good feel for the salary situ.

Like you, I am flex about the level of the job, I just want to get in somewhere and prove myself.

 

Cheers

[Guest Andrew Family]

Thanks for the reply. That makes me feel really positive. Like most people I am willing to be flexible and work my way back to where I am now if that is what it takes as a fully appreciate that the employment law is probably a little different. I only have 4 months left of my DHRM before finding out the final results and then I am planning to apply asap.

 

Has anyone worked in HR for medicare? I am interested to know if they are similar to the NHS, I have been told that they are but would like others views. I have experience in medical staffing although would prefer generalist but am willing to take on a ms role if that is what it takes for me to get out there and working.

[Flutterby]

Andrew Family,

 

Interesting that you did your DHRM at Brookes as so did I, about 4 years ago!

 

I have 8 years experience in HR and was an HR manager in the UK for a national charity, although I have stepped back here in terms of responsibility and now specialise in recruitment, my salary is actually the same (if not slightly more) than I was on in the UK.

 

I had no success with agencies (and don't talk to me about Hays!), I must've applied for 30 jobs and heard nothing, I then decided just to target a specific sector and apply directly and was lucky enough to get this role. There is another Brit who came over in December who is also working in my department (60 people) in more of a generalist/consulting role and has a lot of public sector exp in the UK - I don't think he posts on here though.

 

I don't agree with Adelaide being a closed shop in terms of HR, as I said, the two most recent recruits into my department have been two Brits. Not much doing at the moment due to budget cuts but will let you all know if anything comes up.

 

Am happy to give more info via PM or perhaps a networking meetup?

[jim and adel]

I don't agree with Adelaide being a closed shop in terms of HR, as I said, the two most recent recruits into my department have been two Brits.

 

No, I wouldn't say it's a closed shop eiither. We came out here at the end of '07, I lined up two interviews after the Christmas break (through two different agents, so my experience of them is better than what some others have had), got offered both roles and started work at the beginning of Feb '08. No network, no membership of Aus professional bodies, just my charm and wit .... and they still gave me the job!

 

Like any other walk of life, it does help to be connected; the lack of a network, though, doesn't mean getting a job is impossible.

 

Jim

[Guest ceejay]

Hi Baconi - I'm Karen, Chris's partner. I am 43 years of age. We have been exploring the 190 Skilled visa using me as the main applicant as ANZSCO 223111 HR Advisor (my current occupation in the UK) appears on the CSOL list for South Australia. I appear to get 70 points when I do the self assessment points test.

 

Already we are confused!

An imigration agent has advised me that VETASSESS will probably say I NEED A DEGREE for this occupation. I do not have an official degree from university but have taken the CIPD route (Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development - the governing HR body in the UK) gaining a level 7 Post Graduate Diploma in Personnel & Development. This was completed part-time over 3 years and included 4 national examinations. I also have 12 years work experience in HR and am currently an HR Advisor working for a Police Force in the UK (last 10 years).

 

My query is: What qualifications have been accepted by other HR professionals who HAVE been granted visas to Australia? I feel that I may fall at the first hurdle if VETASSESS will ONLY accept a degree!

 

Any guidance/ advice would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks, Karen

[Guest Baconi]

Hi Baconi - I'm Karen, Chris's partner. I am 43 years of age. We have been exploring the 190 Skilled visa using me as the main applicant as ANZSCO 223111 HR Advisor (my current occupation in the UK) appears on the CSOL list for South Australia. I appear to get 70 points when I do the self assessment points test.

 

Already we are confused!

An imigration agent has advised me that VETASSESS will probably say I NEED A DEGREE for this occupation. I do not have an official degree from university but have taken the CIPD route (Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development - the governing HR body in the UK) gaining a level 7 Post Graduate Diploma in Personnel & Development. This was completed part-time over 3 years and included 4 national examinations. I also have 12 years work experience in HR and am currently an HR Advisor working for a Police Force in the UK (last 10 years).

 

My query is: What qualifications have been accepted by other HR professionals who HAVE been granted visas to Australia? I feel that I may fall at the first hurdle if VETASSESS will ONLY accept a degree!

 

Any guidance/ advice would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks, Karen

 

Hi Karen

I don’t have a degree, but like you I do have the CIPD qualification. Therefore, I think that this will be acceptable to VETASSESS.

We came in on a 475 skilled Regional visa (3 years) and then after 2 years were eligible to apply for PR which we achieved.

I don’t know what might have changed since we got our 475 (3.5 years ago) or what is exactly needed for the 190 but I would certainly challenge your immigration advisor to look again at your qualifications, particularly as the CIPD is widely known to be a degree equivalent qualification.

Have you considered the 475 visa?

 

Don’t give up, I know it’s an absolute minefield but well worth all the grief! When I first started looking at all the requirements, I thought that I would not get in but, bit by bit and over 20 months later, we did make it.

Cheers

David

[Guest ceejay]

Hi David

Thank you for taking the time to help us. Currently, HR Advisor is ONLY on the CSOL list for South Australia and the relevant visa is a 190. When I searched todays equivalent of the 475 you mention, it says that it is currently unavailable. Please can I ask:

- Did you obtain your Visa with an HR Occupation?

- Did you pass VETASSESS skills assessment with full CIPD as your highest qualification i.e no degree or other qualification? I'm not sure if VETASSESS was around when you emigrated.

- Were you the main applicant?

 

I'm trying to establish/find someone in similar circumstances to me.....who has emigrated with CIPD but no degree.

Once again, thank you for your time,

Karen & Chris