Alfresco

There don't seem to be many threads or posts anymore, compared to a year ago, about new arrivals not finding work quickly or easily.

As we're planning to be there in September (Brisbane - start work in October), I was wondering if most people have found work now or are still struggling to find a job?

Rossi

Arrive September.... Work by October ?
I have to say that is highly optimistic unless you have something lined up already OR you are in a highly sought after field of employment.

Most companies in Australia have rigorous employment processes and it seems the larger the company, the more the process drags on , as an example where I work (Global Company)

All positions are advertised internally for about 2 weeks (to allow for "promotion within the ranks") before being advertised externally - always through an agency - who will in general advertise for 1 month and then sift through the applicants before forwarding to us.
We will generally then take 2 to 3 weeks (depending on workload) to create a shortlist, who we will then offer interviews over the following 2 weeks.
Following a succesful interview, the candidate will be required to undergo psychometric testing ( about a week to arrange & then usually 2 weeks turnaround time for the results), if there is a satisfactory result and the position involves driving (in any way) there is then the "driver assessment" to undertake (run by a third party driving examiner) and only if a pass result from them is received is the position offered.

To sum up - most roles seem to take 3 months from deciding we need someone to them actually starting work.

Alfresco

Available from October is what I meant. I realise it can take a while so I have a plan to use that time wisely.

Ok so after three months, most should be able to find something.

Was just wondering about the general availability of jobs now compared to last year.

xzibit

I'm planning on arriving in September, and working in September.

BUT... the difference is, as I'm young and [will be] single, I will work anywhere to begin with. Subway, Hungry Jacks, Vinyard, litter picking - anything will do me.

Rossi

not saying it's not possible, but for "good" jobs there is usually a waiting period between application and starting the job.
I'm trying to say be a bit more prepared for a period of unemployment than I was
It actually took me 6 months from the day I landed (Feb 2004) to get employed.......... I almost gave in & was seriously considering returning to the UK due to the frustration of not being able to get a job

Rossi

On a negative side - people are still predicting doom & gloom

On a positive side - I work predominantly in the manufacturing supply side of things and have noticed an upturn in quotes turning in to jobs --from one man operations thru to the major corporations deciding to invest in infrastructure

I guess it boils down to what area of employment you are looking for ??

xzibit

Everyone my age that has landed in Australia has found work within a week or two, so I'm confident.

But, I think it would take me a good 3-6 months to get a job in my field, as that would be narrowing it down to a specialist area.

I think if you go with an attitude to get any job to get a bit of money coming in to begin with, whilst looking for your ideal job, you'll be much happier.

Bermudashorts

I spoke to recruitment agents about a year ago when I first lodged for the visa and then again just before we went out to validate and I thought they were much more optimistic about the market in general this year than last.

I contacted the agents a couple of weeks before we were due to arrive on validation trip and I applied for one job on seek.com a couple of weeks before we were due to go. I reckon if you do that you can have some irons in the fire before you go.

And I am 40 so it is not just young things like xzibit that can secure employment quickly.

Alfresco

I wish I was young and free to be able to do the same sort of.

Still a spring chicken then and could have done Mcdonalds at a push.

Bermudashorts

Just grateful for anything really.

xzibit

I didn't mean that because I'm younger (I'm not that young, I'm 27) it was any easier for me, but I meant I don't have a family to support, so don't need a huge paying stable job immediatly.

Sure you don't want to come with me to Adelaide Bermuda??

BadgeIsBack

Yes. No tests in my area of employment. I got my last role within a few days after stumbling on to it on Seek. Interview the next day.

quoll

If you are young it will certainly be easier than if you are over 50, if you dont mind what you do then it will be easier than if you have a particular career stream in mind. If you have particularly in demand skills it will be easier than if you are in a generic type of employment. From what I can see (recent vacancies in our organization) there are still well over the number of applicants for positions than there were 2 years ago (or even a year ago).

A friend who quit her job in February - very skilled, very experienced, very good at what she does and very ambitious - still hasnt found a full time permanent position and someone on here who returned about 12 weeks ago has just found a new job after looking hard all that time (and with Australian experience). So if you dont mind making Subways or flipping burgers at Hungry Jacks you should be fine - for anything else it might be a struggle.

jad n rich

Flippin burgers aint that easy either!

My 16 year old is still looking for part time work, ( at school ) as are most of his mates, the bloody manger at hungry jacks asked him if he could take time off school to do the morning shift!!!! I was bloody furious if thats what they are asking kids.

Manger at woolworths, was nicer, I know the process to get into a supermarket is 2 interviews and testing etc, but he at least explained they were not hiring except for new stores at the mo.

As for the age thing, ( you said friend over 50 ) I am amazed they can still ask age, in canada USA that is a big no no, UK?? anyone know? . Mind you when I worked for an employer was asked my marital status, how many kids I had what I planned to do with them? Not amused their father was never asked the same question!!

Buzzy--Bee

This is the key. It may take 3 months to get a job but you can start the three months off before you reach Australia.

I rang several agents and companies from the UK and had 3 interviews set up for the week after I arrived. Landed July 3, interviews July 10-12, Job offer July 14, started work July 30 (delay at my request).

BB