Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 4: Getting a work visa
• Part 2 of 4: Exploring other visa options
• Part 3 of 4: Finding jobs and preparing for applications
• Part 4 of 4: Apply and get hired
• Tips

With its strong job market, high standard of living and beautiful surroundings, it is no surprise that Australia is a major travel destination for job seekers from all over the world. Applying for a job Down Under is an intensive and exciting process: you have to work hard to get a visa, find vacancies and create an "Aussie-friendly" resume. With a healthy dose of patience and a positive attitude, you'll be "G'day, mate!" say.

To step

Part 1 of 4: Getting a work visa

1. Look for an employer-sponsored work visa. If you want to find a job before going through the entire visa application process, this is the visa for you! Your future employer supports your application because of your relevant skills.
   • This is one of the two main types of work visas in Australia.
2. Consider a points-based visa. To get this visa you have to take a number of tests to determine your skills and to see how good you are as a candidate. This is the second of the two categories of visas for qualified employment in Australia.
   • The thought of having to test for a visa may be stressful, so be prepared by learning the requirements and interview techniques. During the interview, stay calm and be friendly. Show them what you can bring for Australia!
   • There are a few unique requirements here and for every other work visa category and subcategory, but all visas for qualified work require, among other things, that you are under the age of 50 and speak good English. Try to learn some English before applying for a visa, for example by taking a lesson near you or by studying online. You are going to live in a country where English is the main language, so this is a skill you need!
3. Enter an "Expression of Interest" (EOI) via SkillSelect. An EOI is not a visa application, but rather a way to put yourself in the sight of Australian employers and government, who may want to support your visa application. If you have the right mix of appealing skills and qualities, an employer or government agency can nominate you for the right work visa.
   • You need a completed EOI to apply for a points visa.
   • A completed EOI is not required, but is available, for employer-sponsored visa applicants.
   • For more information, visit SkillSelect at http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Work/Skil#.
4. Meet the health and language requirements for a work visa. Before you can complete an application for a work visa, you must visit the doctor so that you can provide the documents of a completed medical examination. You must also show that you speak reasonable English by scoring well on one of the available, recognized exams.
   • Search for English lessons near you. Find a good doctor for your health check. Let your teachers and the doctor know that you are preparing for an Australia visa application and they will be happy to help!
   • For more information on health screening requirements, visit http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa/Heal/meeting-the-health-requirement.
   • For more on accepted language tests and scores, visit http://www.border.gov.au/Lega/Lega/Form/Immi-FAQs/aelt.
5. Verify that your qualifications are valid in Australia. Check the Australian Skills Recognition Information website to find out if your qualifications need to be confirmed by a relevant professional body. Depending on your profession and study place, it may be necessary to do a bridging course or additional study. Don't see this as an extra test, but rather as a way to demonstrate that your skills are useful not only in your home country, but also in Australia!
   • Being able to name your qualifications in the Australian equivalent is a big boost when applying for jobs.
6. Maximize your chances of getting a visa. It can be more difficult to get a visa if you are not classified as a qualified migrant, so focus on making yourself the most attractive applicant possible. Get a professional qualification or gain some work experience before applying. If your English is not fluent, you might consider taking language lessons with a recognized provider.
   • Some types of work visas are regionally oriented, so ask if you can apply for a visa in a region with less job competition or more demand for certain jobs.
   • Don't be afraid if the visa process seems complicated or intimidating to you; many people have that feeling! Take the time to familiarize yourself with the complexities of the procedure by researching online or asking questions at the Australian embassy or consulate. Check the Australian government website for a wealth of information on immigration.
7. Submit your visa application. If you need a visa to work in Australia, this is your number one priority! Potential employers will ask for your immigration status and having a visa (or at least started the application process) is a requirement for most job openings.
   • You can apply online at http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa/Appl.
   • Remember, visas give priority to those with qualifications and experience in shortage jobs, so brush up on your resume and broaden yourself!

Part 2 of 4: Exploring other visa options

1. Look at a "Temporary Graduate Visa". If you're a foreigner who has just graduated from an Australian college, you're in luck: you could qualify for a special visa that allows you to stay and work in the country. You must be under 50, have a valid visa (e.g., a student visa), meet the language and education requirements, and have skills that are relevant and in demand.
   • There are two "streams" of such graduate visas available, based on factors such as your skills and the nature of your training experience in Australia.
   • For more information and application forms for the "Temporary Graduate Visa", visit http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa-1/485-.
2. Consider a working vacation. Maybe you are under 30 and you want to travel around Australia and earn a little money to cover the costs along the way. In that case, you may qualify for a "Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462)" or a "Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417)". These visas allow you to reside and work in the country for up to a year.
   • You must travel without underage children, have enough money (about AU $ 5,000) to cover your costs and have a return ticket home. For more details on the application and requirements, please visit http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visi/Visi-1.
3. Watch out for scammers. Unfortunately, there are many visa scammers out there, so beware if someone offers to get you an Australian work visa. The Australian government maintains a list of common and current scams at http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa/migration-fraud-and-scams. For example, don't fall for the fake phone calls asking for immediate payment for a visa extension, and beware of promises (with a deposit) on job boards about an Australian visa and job. Use your common sense and stick to the official government sites; the URL ends in .gov.au!
   • It is illegal for third parties (employers, etc.) to gain financial gain by nominating or sponsoring someone for a visa. In other words, an Australian employer cannot ask you for a financial contribution for the sponsorship, or withhold it from your wages afterwards. However, you may be charged a legal fee for professional services, and that's OK too. Ask an employee at your Australian embassy or consulate if you want to make sure a payment is legitimate.

Part 3 of 4: Finding jobs and preparing for applications

1. Choose an industry or economic sector. If you have not yet decided which industry you would like to work in, choose carefully! The main industries in Australia are agriculture, mining, tourism and manufacturing. Mining, Financial Services, Tourism and Telecommunications have experienced the greatest growth in recent years, meaning there are many opportunities and a lot of job security!
   • Keep an eye out for Skills Australia Needs meetings or the information booths at conferences about qualified work anywhere in the world.
2. Search for vacancies methodically and persistently. Millions of vacancies are posted online. You can use the regular job boards or the government sponsored sites. If the multitude of information and opportunities seems difficult to plow through, stay focused on the industry, job, or region you would most like to work in and focus your quests on those preferences. Possible jobs will come up immediately!
   • Check out the ads in Australian newspapers for jobs that are not online. Check out major newspapers such as The Age (Melbourne), Sydney Morning Herald (Sydney), The Courier-Mail (Brisbane) and The West Australian (Perth).
   • To find out more about vacancies in a particular organization, please contact the human resources department or visit the website.
3. "Aussie-viseer" your resume. It is important that your resume (also called résumé in Australia) is set up in the Australian style. That's not very different from a resume from somewhere else, but there are a few important differences. Australian resumes, for example, are a lot longer than American ones. More space to showcase your amazing experiences and skills!
   • Although they are usually quite long, Australian resumes have the essential information on the first page. Use categories such as "Career Summary", "Key Skills", "Key Qualifications" and sometimes "Key Training" and / or "Key Affiliations".
   • Search online for examples or templates of Aussie-style resumes and cover letters. Don't copy exactly what someone else has done, but use it as a source of inspiration to give your resume an Aussie look, while keeping your own unique excellence in the picture.
4. Take the time to write a tailor-made cover letter. Generic 13-in-a-dozen letters are as bad in Australia as they are anywhere else, so invest some energy and make every letter shine. Make sure to emphasize that you already have permission to work in Australia or that the application process is in progress. If possible, include an Australian mailing address and phone number in your resume.

Part 4 of 4: Apply and get hired

1. Use your contacts. Even now, many jobs are not advertised via the media or online, so your own personal contacts are very important! Grab networking opportunities and expand your networks by joining professional associations. If you've met someone at a company, let them know that you're going to apply. You can work your resume to the top of the pile with it.
   • Whether it's someone you've worked with as an intern or someone you've met on the beach, network connections are a crucial element in job search and finding.
2. Send your resume and cover letter. Focus on every potential employer and recruitment agency in the region where you want to establish yourself. Open applications are very common in Australia, so take a gamble and apply even if there is no vacancy, especially if you've connected with someone in your network.
   • When in doubt, apply. Remember that your goal now is to be invited to interviews. You have nothing to lose!
3. Follow on. If you do not receive confirmation of your application, please contact the human resources department. Also, don't hesitate to call the company if you haven't heard anything after a few weeks.
   • This is common practice in Australia and is not considered inappropriate. Actually it shows how enthusiastic you are and how determined to get this job.
4. Try to attend a job interview in person. Try to be in Australia when you are called up for an interview. Very few employers will work with a candidate they have never met, although you could suggest a video call (eg Skype) if you cannot attend in person. Remember to bring (or send) copies of your work visas and references for employers to review.
   • When it comes to job interviews, Australian employers value punctuality, optimism and the ability to illustrate your point with examples. So, be on time, cheerful, and ready to provide examples!
   • They also want to get a sense of your personality by asking about your hobbies, strengths and weaknesses, etc. Be yourself and show them how well you fit into their business.

Tips

• Read about the cost of living and make a financial plan before talking about salary. (And don't forget to include taxes in your calculations, too.)
• Be patient and start your job search early. It takes an average of eight weeks to find a job, so start as soon as possible! But don't apply for more than 12 weeks before you can start a job. This way you can tell the employer that you can start within a few months.