How to Get a Job in Your Field in Australia

admin — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 06:32:36 +0000

How to Get a Job in Your Field in Australia

Moving to Australia is exciting, but finding work in your profession can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to navigate the process:

1. Understand the Australian job market

Key industries hiring migrants: Healthcare, IT, engineering, construction, and education are in high demand.
Hidden job market: 70% of jobs are never advertised online. Networking is critical to uncovering these opportunities. Get out there and meet people who could introduce you to others who may be hiring.

2. Adapt your qualifications

Compare your credentials: Use the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) to see how your local qualifications align with Australian standards. For example, a Malaysian Diploma may equate to an Australian Certificate IV.
Get skills assessed: For regulated professions (e.g., nursing, engineering, accountants), contact assessing bodies like Engineers Australia or ANMAC.
Consider certifications: Short courses from TAFE or online platforms (e.g., Coursera) can bridge skill gaps.

3. Focus on achievements, not duties

Resume: Keep it 2 to 3 pages max, focusing on tangible achievements, not a listing of your duties. Example: “Increased sales by 30% through client relationship management” instead of “Handled client accounts”.
Cover letter: Address it to a specific person. Explain why you’re a cultural fit for Australian workplaces. Be grammatically correct. Use AI tools to help you draft your initial cover letter for further editing.

4. Use job portals effectively

a. General job portals

SEEK – www.seek.com.au
- Focus: General job listings across all industries.
Indeed Australia – www.indeed.com.au
- Focus: Aggregates job listings from multiple sources.
Jora – au.jora.com
- Focus: Job search engine with listings from various sources.
CareerOne – www.careerone.com.au
- Focus: General job listings with career resources.
Adzuna – www.adzuna.com.au
- Focus: Job search engine aggregating listings from multiple sources.
Glassdoor – www.glassdoor.com.au
- Focus: Job listings with company reviews and salary insights.
LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com
- Focus: Professional networking with job listings.
Gumtree – www.gumtree.com.au
- Focus: Classified ads including job listings.
Workforce Australia – https://www.workforceaustralia.gov.au
- Focus: Government–backed job search platform.

b. Industry–specific job portals

Ethical Jobs – www.ethicaljobs.com.au
- Focus: Not–for–profit, charity, and community sector jobs.
APS Jobs – www.apsjobs.gov.au
- Focus: Australian Public Service jobs.
Defence Jobs – www.defencejobs.gov.au
- Focus: Military and defence roles.
ArtsHub – www.artshub.com.au
- Focus: Arts and creative industry jobs.
GradConnection – au.gradconnection.com
- Focus: Jobs for recent graduates.
Kinder Careers – www.kindercareers.com.au
- Focus: Early Childhood Education jobs.
Health Care Australia – www.healthcareaustralia.com.au
- Focus: Healthcare industry jobs.
Sports People – www.sportspeople.com.au
- Focus: Sports, fitness, and aquatic jobs.
Backpacker Job Board – www.backpackerjobboard.com.au
- Focus: Jobs for backpackers.
MedicalJobsAustralia.com – www.medicaljobsaustralia.com
- Focus: Healthcare and medical jobs.
eFinancialCareers – www.efinancialcareers.com.au
- Focus: Banking, finance, compliance, and fintech jobs.
FlexCareers – www.flexcareers.com.au
- Focus: Flexible and remote work opportunities.
NRM Jobs – www.nrmjobs.com.au
- Focus: Natural resource management jobs.
The Creative Store – www.thecreativestore.com.au
- Focus: Creative industry jobs.
Rachel’s List – www.rachelslist.com.au
- Focus: Creative and media jobs (requires membership).
Teaching Jobs – www.teachingjobs.com.au
- Focus: Teaching positions.

5. Work with Australian recruitment agencies

Avoid agencies that charge fees – legit ones are paid by employers.
Many jobs are transacted through recruitment agencies. Reach out to the consultant and have coffee with them.

a. General agencies

Working In – www.workingin.com.au
- Focus: Specialises in international recruitment across sectors like construction, IT, hospitality, mining, and health.
Australian Skilled Migration – www.australianskilledmigration.com.au
- Focus: International recruitment for various industries.
The Migration Agency & Global Talent Agency – www.themigrationagency.com.au
- Focus: Offers end-to-end recruitment and immigration solutions.
Nucleus International Recruitment – nucleus.net.au
- Focus: Specialises in hospitality, healthcare, and skilled mechanics.
Global Talent Agency – www.globaltalentagency.com.au
- Focus: Connects Australian businesses with highly skilled international talent, particularly in sectors like healthcare, construction, IT, and professional services.

b. Tech job recruitment agencies

Launch Recruitment – www.launchrecruitment.com.au
- Focus: IT recruitment across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Robert Half – www.roberthalf.com/au/en/tech-it
- Focus: Specialises in IT and technology recruitment across various specialisations like cybersecurity, data science, and software development.
Michael Page – www.michaelpage.com.au/recruitment-expertise/technology
- Focus: Leading IT recruitment agency sourcing talent across all IT disciplines, including software development, cybersecurity, and data science.
Hays – www.hays.com.au/it/it-recruitment
- Focus: IT recruitment agency with access to a large tech talent community across Australia.
Hudson – au.hudson.com/employers/recruitment/technology-it
- Focus: Specialises in technology and IT recruitment, connecting skilled tech talent with businesses across Australia.
Sirius Technology – www.sirius.com.au/sydney-it-recruitment
- Focus: Specialist IT recruitment agency in Sydney and Melbourne, focusing on technical skill set requirements.
Robert Walters – www.robertwalters.com.au/expertise/tech-and-transformation.html
- Focus: Connects tech professionals with businesses at various growth stages.

6. Networking made simple

a. For introverts

Join LinkedIn groups and engage in discussions.
Attend free online webinars through Meetup or Eventbrite before trying in-person events.

b. For extroverts

Attend industry meetups.
Volunteer through sites like Seek Volunteer to build local connections.

7. Overcome the problem with “no Australian experience”

Overcoming the challenge of lacking Australian work experience is a common hurdle for many migrants. Here are some practical strategies to help you build local experience and increase your chances of securing employment:

a. Gain local experience through volunteering or internships

Volunteer: Websites like Volunteering Australia and Seek Volunteer offer opportunities to gain experience while networking. Volunteering not only adds to your resume but also helps you build local connections.
Internships: Apply for internships in your field to gain hands-on experience. Many organisations offer internships to help migrants transition into the Australian job market.

b. Take short courses or certifications

Upskill: Enrol in short courses or certifications through institutions like Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions or Open Colleges. This helps bridge skill gaps and demonstrates your commitment to adapting to the Australian job market. TAFE is a system of vocational education and training in Australia, focusing on practical skills and knowledge for specific industries. Open Colleges and TAFE offer vocational education and training (VET) but differ in their delivery method. Open Colleges primarily offers online, flexible courses, while TAFE typically provides classroom-based, structured courses.
Industry-specific certifications: Obtain certifications relevant to your profession. For example, if you’re in IT, consider certifications like CompTIA or AWS.

c. Leverage networking

Attend industry events: Use platforms like Eventbrite and Meetup to find industry events. Networking can lead to job opportunities that aren’t advertised publicly.
Join professional groups: Engage with industry groups on LinkedIn to stay updated on job trends and network with professionals in your field.

d. Highlight transferable skills

Emphasise relevant skills: Even if you lack Australian experience, universally valuable highlight skills, such as communication, teamwork, or problem-solving.
Tailor your resume: Ensure your resume is tailored to each job application, emphasising achievements rather than responsibilities.

e. Consider entry-level or part-time roles

Entry-level positions: These roles can provide a stepping stone into your desired field.
Part-time work: Part-time jobs can help you build local experience while you continue to job hunt.

f. Seek support from migrant services

Migrant support organisations: Organisations like AMES Australia offer resources and guidance for migrants navigating the Australian job market.

8. Ace the interview

When interviewing migrant applicants, Australian employers often ask a mix of behavioural, situational, and values-based questions. Here are some common interview questions that migrant applicants might encounter:

“Tell me about yourself.”
- Tip: Provide a concise overview of your professional background, focusing on relevant skills and experiences. Write out a script and deliver it naturally by memorising it in front of a friend.
“Why do you want to work here?”
- Tip: Highlight specific aspects of the company, such as its values or projects, and explain how they align with your career goals.
“Describe a time when you faced a challenge at work.”
- Tip: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to discuss how you handled a difficult situation and what you learned from it.
“What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
- Tip: Be honest about your weaknesses but also mention steps you’re taking to improve them.
“Can you tell me about your background and what led you to migrate for work?”
- Tip: Share your professional journey and reasons for moving to Australia, highlighting any relevant skills or experiences.
“How do you think your international experience will benefit our company?”
- Tip: Emphasise the unique perspectives and transferable skills you bring from your international background. Skills are the new currency for employment.
“Have you had any experience in Australia?”
- Tip: If you have local experience, highlight it. If not, discuss how you plan to adapt to the Australian work environment and culture.
“What skills do you bring to this job?”
- Tip: Focus on the skills listed in the job description and provide examples of how you’ve applied them in previous roles. Focus on the key selection criteria section in writing your cover letter and tailoring your resume.
“Why do you think you would be good at this job?”
- Tip: Align your transferable skills and experiences with the job requirements and express your enthusiasm for the role.
“Are you prepared to commit to this role long-term?”
- Tip: Show your commitment by discussing your long-term career goals and how this role fits into them.

These questions help employers assess your fit for the role, your adaptability to the Australian work environment and culture, and your potential to contribute to the company (i.e. value add).

9. Navigate the cultural, language, and behavioural differences

Some tips to help migrants overcome cultural, language, and behavioural differences in Australia:

a. Cultural integration tips

Embrace multiculturalism: Australia is a multicultural society, so respect and celebrate different cultures while integrating into the community.
Understand Australian values: Familiarise yourself with values like fairness, equality, and respect for individual rights.
Engage with local communities: Attend community events and join social clubs to learn about Australian culture and make friends. Proactively start meet-up groups to help your network.
Respect indigenous culture: Learn about and respect the history and traditions of Indigenous Australians.
Embrace informal culture: Australian workplaces are known for their friendly and laid-back atmosphere. Use first names and engage in casual conversations to build strong relationships with colleagues.
Understand direct communication: Australians value direct and transparent communication. Be clear and concise in your interactions, and feel free to contribute to discussions.
Respect work-life balance: Prioritise maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life, as Australians highly value their leisure time.
Engage in teamwork: Collaboration is key in Australian workplaces. Actively participate in team projects and appreciate diverse perspectives.

b. Language barriers

Seek language support: Utilise language classes or online resources to improve your English proficiency.
Improve English skills: Enhance your English proficiency to better communicate and integrate into the workplace. Utilise language classes or online resources.

c. Behavioural adaptations

Direct communication: Australians value direct and open communication; be clear and straightforward in your interactions.
Work-life balance: Prioritise maintaining a healthy work-life balance, as Australians cherish their time.
Teamwork and collaboration: Engage in teamwork and be accountable for your role in the workplace.
Avoid negative comparisons: Refrain from making unfavourable comparisons with your home country to avoid appearing critical.
Be open-minded: Be prepared to adapt to different cultural norms and behaviours in the workplace.
Use humour appropriately: Humour is integral to Australian communication. Engage in light-hearted banter when appropriate to build friendships.
Address cultural differences: If you encounter cultural misunderstandings, address them openly and respectfully. Consider seeking support from a mentor or HR.
Network actively: Attend industry events and connect with professionals in your field to build a strong professional network.

d. Social interactions

Be open-minded and friendly: Engage in small talk and show genuine interest in others to build relationships.
Participate in social activities: Join sports teams or clubs to connect with locals and enhance your social network.
Seek support when needed: Reach out to cultural organisations or community groups for assistance with settlement and integration.

e. Workplace tips

Seek mentorship: Arrange a mentor or buddy to provide ongoing support in resolving practical and cultural issues.
Regular feedback: Engage in regular supervision to address any cultural or work-related challenges early on.
Understand Workplace Hierarchies: While leadership is often approachable, respect the existing hierarchies and communicate effectively with managers and supervisors.

Useful links

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/finding-jobs-australia-comprehensive-guide-migrants-rasheed-backer-ieclc/
https://migrationcentreofaustralia.com.au/how-to-find-a-job-in-australia/
https://www.migrationexpert.com.au/blog/how-to-build-a-strong-professional-network-in-australia-as-a-new-migrant/
https://www.1template.io/blog/professional-certifications-valued-in-australia

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How to Get a Job in Your Field in Australia