Why is job hunting so difficult

[Guest mtorchard]

Hi

 

Its been a while since I last posted on here, we left the UK in Feb this year and its been an absolute whirlwind getting kids in school, getting property to rent etc. My husband has settled into his Job that bought us out here on a 457, however I'm finding it an absolute nightmare to even get as far as an interview.

 

I left a Finance Managers job back in the UK but would settle for any admin or finance Job here. I've applied for loads of jobs now in the last few weeks but had knock backs each time, is it because I'm on a spouse sponsorship visa?

 

Any advise would be appreciated as feel unwanted :-(

 

Regards

 

Tracey

[jim and adel]

I've applied for loads of jobs now in the last few weeks but had knock backs each time, is it because I'm on a spouse sponsorship visa?

 

That's only likely to be an issue if you're drawing attention to it. Apart from certain roles where you need to be a citizen or have PR, in most cases when it comes to visas employers are only concerned that you've got the right to live and work here - many don't know the first thing about visas. Start complicating things by trying to explain the ins and outs of a spouse sponsorship linked to a 457 and they'll likely run a mile!

 

Job hunting can be tough, especially in the current climate and when you've no Australian experience. I'd suggest that rather than applying for loads of jobs (nice that there are loads in your profession!) target those that are the best fit, contact employers with your details and form contacts with a few agents who specialise in your area. If you go for everything you're less likely to look credible when the right role comes along.

[Bala]

That's good comment Jim.. pls throw light on how is the economy, does it shows signs of improvement in the near future? Any big projects on cards or increase government spending, policy changes etc to reinstate the positive outlook? How is the job market for tradies n professional? Who is facing tough time.

[NicF]

Hi

 

Its been a while since I last posted on here, we left the UK in Feb this year and its been an absolute whirlwind getting kids in school, getting property to rent etc. My husband has settled into his Job that bought us out here on a 457, however I'm finding it an absolute nightmare to even get as far as an interview.

 

I left a Finance Managers job back in the UK but would settle for any admin or finance Job here. I've applied for loads of jobs now in the last few weeks but had knock backs each time, is it because I'm on a spouse sponsorship visa?

 

Any advise would be appreciated as feel unwanted :-(

 

Regards

 

Tracey

 

Are you CIMA or ACCA qualified? If so have you looked at becoming a member of CA or CPA? Most of the finance manager type jobs I've seen are asking for CPA or CA qualified people so it might be if you don't have one of these then you are discounted immediately.

 

When you apply for a job make sure you tailor your application to the job. This doesn't just mean changing the name on the covering letter but actually amending your CV and covering letter to ensure it is the best fit for the job you are applying for. And if the job has selection criteria you need to ensure you address them, in a separate document if they advert asks for it. You need to really sell yourself in a job application and point out the obvious. Don't think that they will know you have, for example, good communication skills because your letter is well written, you need to give them examples of when you have used your good communication skills to good effect.

 

Make sure you only apply for jobs you are qualified for and don't apply for jobs that are way beneath your capabilities. Well, you can apply for these kind of jobs but don't expect anything much back. If you are not qualified for a job your application will be rejected immediately and if you apply for a position too much lower than what you were doing you will be rejected on the basis that you will be too expensive and/or not serious about the job.

 

I'm not sure if you are having any problems finding jobs to apply for, but as well as seek check out career one, the SA government vacancy website and the Universities own websites. Not all government and Uni jobs get on seek or career one.

 

Good luck, and hang in there.

[soo_the_panda]

I agree with don't draw attention to the residency. Under 'additional info' or whatever on your resume I'd put something along the lines of 'Permanently migrated to Adelaide in (date) with suitable work visa for permanent employment' or similar just to show you aren't only here for 6 months on a working holiday or whatever.

 

I'd also suggest getting on LinkedIn if you're not already, joining industry groups and networking. Add a few people whose jobs sound great, ask them if you can take them for a coffee and pick their brain. I've a couple of friends who secured work this way and made new contacts that led to jobs doing this. Adelaide is very 'who you know' I have found.

 

I also find here I need to make details more explicit on my job applications - without wishing to offend, I 'dumbed down' my resume a little when I arrived. I also found applications were less informal - eg my brother moved here recently and was using language such as 'Dear sir or madam' in a cover letter, which I just can't imagine many Aussies finding normal.

 

So in brief, network network network, make sure your resume is Aussie-ified and just keep plugging. You'll get there in the end

[jim and adel]

That's good comment Jim.. pls throw light on how is the economy, does it shows signs of improvement in the near future? Any big projects on cards or increase government spending, policy changes etc to reinstate the positive outlook? How is the job market for tradies n professional? Who is facing tough time.

 

Thanks for asking me! Rather than getting an answer from one person (which is bound to be lop-sided regardless of which side of the argument they side with), why not start a thread on this? I'll be happy to chuck my thoughts in but at least the overall results will be more balanced.

 

However, my short answers to your questions are no, no, dodgy and most.

 

Jim

[Jessica Berry]

Why is job hunting so difficult.......it can be for some and not for others. There are many factors, but a general overall picture in my opinion includes the following....

 

The job market is tough at the moment and has been for quite some time. It is the hardest I have seen it in the 6 years I have been here.

 

Lots of competition for jobs, admin/finance roles are particularly competitive often getting 300-400 applications per job. This means you have to be offering something to make you stand out from the other hundreds that are applying.

 

People are scared, so they are not leaving their jobs so less jobs are becoming available, people are not retiring (where I am working they are holding off recruiting because they have a surplus of people of 'retirement age' and the people are showing no signs of retiring) , the economy is struggling so less new jobs are being created.

 

Having said that people are still finding work. Some find work easily, others don't. It is still a case of supply and demand for certain industries. If you pitch at the right jobs with the right resume, understand how things work and how to 'play the game' and add in a splash of good luck you will be on the right track.

 

In terms of your visa, as has been mentioned, there is no reason to even mention this. Do not put obstacles in the way of your application, or it will end up in the 'too hard' basket!

[Guest mtorchard]

Hi All

 

Thank you for the very useful information and I will take on the advise given me. I'll carry on applying but will be more selective.

 

Thanks Again, by the way we love Adelaide and determined to stay ...