Can expatriates still find a job in Australia?

The International Monetary Fund forecasts Australia’s unemployment rate to remain low at 5.2% in both 2012 and 2013. Australian economy profile 2012 says that the country’s abundant and diverse resources attract foreign investors, that includes extensive reserves of coal, iron ore, copper, gold, natural gas, uranium and renewable energy sources. Does this make it easier for expats to find a job in Australia?

The research shows that in the past it was quite easy to find a job in Australia for expats via the 457 visa. Employers had a shortage of candidates, so they did not hesitate to fill vacancies with overseas workers. In recent times, employers are giving more importance to locals as they are easily available and with the required skills. This also saves employers the trouble of sponsoring a 457 visa.

Any way in for expats?

Australia welcomes new migrants with valuable skills and qualifications, however searching for employment will be a challenge. It is important to be realistic and understand that you may not be able to find your “dream job” straight away. If you are looking at emigrating to Australia, then the skills that will get you into the country are those that are most needed at the moment.

Although these skills may qualify you for the visa, there are no guarantee of actual employment.

According to the latest research, nurses, doctors and engineers are desperately needed, especially in rural areas. There are better chances of getting a job if you are a native English speaker or a permanent resident of the country. However a report by the Australian Human Resource Institute (AHRI) on skill shortage in Australia found that seven out of ten Australian employers are still experiencing a skills shortage and more than 85% believe skilled migration is necessary to the success of their organisations. Even though the economy has taken a turn for the worse in recent times, there are still reports of skill shortage that will need to be filled from offshore in order to ensure strong and well performing industries.

Some Dos and Don’ts for finding work in Australia

Do-

• Do visit the various Australian job websites before deciding to emigrate to familiarise yourself with the job opportunities in your field.

• Do apply for your permanent residence visa. This is very important. Prospective employers will ask about your immigration status and having your residence visas (or at least being in the application process) is a “prerequisite” for most Australian job vacancies.

• Do start applying for job vacancies from overseas, but only 1 or 12 weeks before a possible start date or a visit to Australia.

• Do send an unsolicited letter of application and CV to every potential employer and recruitment agent in the region of Australia you intend settling in to let them know that you are available. Use www.yellowpages.com.au to locate details.

• Do provide an Australian postal address and Australian mobile number or email address on your CV where possible.

• Do visit Australia or arrive permanently (once your visa have been approved) to attend job interviews, as very few employers will engage candidates on a “sight unseen” basis.

Don’t-

• Don’t apply for job vacancies or visit Australia for job interviews more than 12 weeks away from a possible start date. Employers will not be interested.

• Don’t expect everything to work like home. Be flexible and willing to fit in with the local way of doing things.

• Don’t expect a job at the same level or higher than you had overseas. You may lack Australian local knowledge and may need to take a step back in order to advance later.

• Don’t expect the same salary or more than you had overseas. The cost of living and income tax rates are lower in Australia than many other western developed nations, so look at your net income not the gross amount.

• Don’t expect a job offer in the first week. On average, it can take native Australian 1-8 weeks to find a new job.

• Don’t over negotiate the contract with your first employer. Be flexible and understand that employment law and contract terms may be different to what you’re used to.