Working in Australia
PDF GuideExpats working in Australia may not have sky-high salaries to boast of, but for the most part, they seem to be happy with their job, their work environment and their work-life balance; a statement that arguably stands as the most underestimated advantage of moving to and living in Oz.
Furthermore, those that do decide to relocate to Australia will find themselves within a national economy that’s strong and stable; the Oceanic island remains one of the only developed nations, other than Germany, to see an improvement in labour markets even in the face of the world’s financial crisis. Though 17 years of growth was curtailed by the recession, the country quickly recovered, and has since reinstated a remarkably low unemployment rate (less than 5 percent) and a rising GDP.
While it’s true that certain well-thought out fiscal policies were partially responsible for salvaging progress, it’s also clear that Australia’s close associations with China and India, nations in the throes of rapid growth and industrialisation, have proved incredibly advantageous.
The three countries have become close trade partners, and resource-rich Australia has become a primary supplier for the growing populations of the emerging Asian superpowers.
It follows then that expats interested in working in Australia would do well to explore opportunities in mining and construction – both booming industries that the nation finds itself without the proper manpower to service. As a result, individual companies and even regional and national government have started going out of their way to secure foreign labour that can satisfy skills shortages, and keep their projects afloat.
Simply put, though Australia’s labour force (approximately 10 million people) is highly trained and well-educated, it just isn’t large enough to feed Asia’s hunger for resources; West Australia in particular is an El Dorado for expats looking to find work in relevant spheres. By some government estimates, over 70,000 new workers will need to be employed in the mining and resource industries in the next five years (2011).
Otherwise, KPMG, a global consultancy firm, has released statistics that conclude that those expats with skills in engineering, accounting, IT and finance are in high demand in Oz.
All things considered though, while Australia may be one of the only places on the planet looking to usher in migrant workers at the moment, expats should note that salary levels in the nation are not nearly as desirable as in Middle Eastern countries or in Asian powers. According to the 2011 HSBC Expat Explorer Survey, Australia ranked an unimpressive 22 out of 31 nations evaluated in terms of average income earned by expats.
Still, if you can stomach the reality of a little less cash in the bank, you can start appreciating the other obvious benefits of living and working in Australia. In line with an earlier point, the 2011 HSBC Expat Explorer Survey also showed that 59 percent of expats working in Australia said their conditions had improved since relocating, and similarly, 55 percent said their work-life balance had improved.
Finding a Job in Australia
With the exception of the incredibly talented, beautiful or politically connected, most expats will need to find and secure a job prior to entering and working in Australia. The government’s immigration department is as strict as it is efficient, and those employed without a work permit will be promptly deported if word gets out.
Most expats come to work in Australia on a 457-visa, a document that can only be obtained with the help of an employer sponsor. The hiring company must prove that a position exists for you, and that no local candidate is qualified to assume the responsibilities required by the position (something that actually can prove quite difficult given that nearly half of Australia’s workforce has a tertiary qualification, and that many senior managers and technical staff have international experience).
As a result, though skills shortages have produced a crucial need for certain kinds of labour, the stringent permit eligibility rules often hamper attempts to import foreigners from abroad.
Regardless, this point should only be a concern once you’ve secured a job and negotiated a contract.
Expats on the job hunt should start by joining industry associations and by perusing the career centres maintained by regional governments. Additionally, national newspapers, like The Australian or the Sydney Morning Herald, also regularly publish job listings and advertisements in segmented employment sections.
Similarly, if you’ve narrowed down the area within Australia that you wish to work, local and community newspapers can also be good resources. Do note that it’s easier to find jobs in rural Australia than it is to find jobs in urban Australia.
Online job portals are also convenient and easily accessible.
Online Job Portals in Australia
Lastly, it’s never a bad idea to register with recruitment agencies that cater to your industry.
Applying for work in Australia
Once you’ve pinpointed your employment path to Oz, you can apply in accord with the standard Australian protocol – includes submitting a cover letter and CV (or resume) specifically tailored to the job you’re applying for.
Cover Letter
- Keep it within one page
- State where you saw the job advertised and why you’re interested in the job/company
- Expand on how you’re qualified for the job, why your skills are unique and why your experience makes you a viable candidate
CV/Resume
- Generally, two to four pages long
- Include your contact details
- List your work experience, from the most recent to the least recent
- Include your skills and duties within your list of positions (should align with those mentioned in the job listing)
- Mention references (people who can provide a professional recommendation for you)
