Job Search Australia

As an international student, job hunting can be much harder as employers are unaware of cultural difference and visa requirements. It is your job to provide this information to employers and to learn about the Australian job market as it is probably vastly different from your home country.

Before you begin job hunting, it is best to know your visa requirements and restrictions.

Skilled Immigration Programme
The Australian Government skilled migration programme targets young people who have skills, an education and outstanding abilities that will contribute to the Australian economy. International students with Australian qualifications account for about half the people assessed under the skilled migrant programme. Applicants must pass a points test and satisfy some basic requirements. These include a maximum age limit of 45, English language proficiency, post-secondary school qualifications or work experience relevant to your nominated occupation. Points are awarded to applicants with Australian qualifications.

If you would like to learn more about this program, please visit:
http://www.dima.gov.au/allforms/skill.htm

Job Hunting Rules
As with all job hunting, there are golden rules you should always follow:

1. Research the employer thoroughly, either via their website or calling their offices to get some more information sent out to you. Do searches online to see if you can find any articles or other information about the company online. The more you research the company, the better chance you will have at an interview.
2. Understand your personal qualities such as your strengths and weaknesses. If you can make a list of these, you will be able to draw on them in an interview.
3. Wherever possible, mail your resume to the company unless it specifically asks for you to submit it via email. This shows you have put in more effort and allows you to be more creative in terms of presentation.
4. Always follow-up with companies when you have sent in your resume for a job. After 1 or 2 weeks, call them to make sure they have received your resume.
5. When you get to an interview, always practice as much as possible. There are many good websites where you can practice mock questions. This along with your research of the company should give you a good chance.
6. If not given, always ask for a written job description and company prospectus or profile.
7. At the interview, always wear a business suit, keep your general appearance neat and tidy and remain confident with eye contact and strong, firm answers.

Hopefully, these tips will help you in your hunt for work.