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Finding work in Australia - Let's hear your experiences

Finding work in Australia - Let's hear your experiences

Old Jul 12th 2006, 7:55 am
  #1  
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Default Finding work in Australia - Let's hear your experiences

Love to hear your experiences on this subject be they good or bad, or even experiences you have had whilst employed.

Rejoice or moan like a good 'un.


On a previous thread another member had asked:

Are "a lot" of people finding it difficult to find work?

If so what line of work are they finding it difficult in?

How long have they been looking/out of work?

What level of income are they hoping for/expecting?

What area/state/city?



Whose first up then?
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Old Jul 12th 2006, 8:14 am
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Default Re: Finding work in Australia - Let's hear your experiences

Originally Posted by rossifumi
Love to hear your experiences on this subject be they good or bad, or even experiences you have had whilst employed.

Rejoice or moan like a good 'un.


On a previous thread another member had asked:

Are "a lot" of people finding it difficult to find work?

If so what line of work are they finding it difficult in?

How long have they been looking/out of work?

What level of income are they hoping for/expecting?

What area/state/city?



Whose first up then?
OK well hubby got the job before we got here as we came across on a 457 visa. However we had been looking for ages before hand with no luck. One of the few companies that bothered to reply said that he was apparently too specialised (the job was for "specialist technical consultants" in exactly Ian's area of work), turned out that the real reason was that they had lost a contract. We couldn't have come across here without a job organised as Ian's area of work is so specialised that we knew that getting a job couldn't be guaranteed and with 4 kids it was too much of a risk.
I really do feel for all those struggling out there as we have had a small taste of this with our 17 year old who can't get a job doing anything as even working in McDonalds requires a coffee machine use certificate :scared: .
Good luck.
Nicky
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Old Jul 12th 2006, 8:17 am
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Default Re: Finding work in Australia - Let's hear your experiences

(*whoops wrong copy*)

Arrived on Monday. Started work that afternoon. The joys of bringing your own business with you.
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Old Jul 12th 2006, 8:24 am
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Default Re: Finding work in Australia - Let's hear your experiences

'.'

Last edited by ozzieeagle; Jul 12th 2006 at 8:28 am.
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Old Jul 12th 2006, 8:28 am
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Default Re: Finding work in Australia - Let's hear your experiences

I've only had two main jobs, in my 26 years here. When I first arrived, I looked up some business contacts from my employers in London. Only to be dismayed to find that they were 1 man bands in comparison to the 150 employees we had at Galbraith Wrightson in London. I then spread my net wider, applying for everything that crossed my path. I temporarily (about 3 weeks) sold Insurance door to door, Probably managed about 3 policies in that time. Then bingo, a small advertisement, in the Herald sun, Stated meter readers required. I thought oh well that will do temporarily, Went for the job, got offered it much to my embarrasement. From "back up in a shipbroking office" to a Gas meter reader in one easy Migration. Thing was, it paid just about the average wage, for a 3-4 hour day. I kid you not, not only that we worked from home, never saw a work colleague, the work got delivered to us. I had stumbled on one of the most sort after jobs outside of the docks in Melbourne at that time. There were days, when I just had to sign a book of completed work, having done two days working, taking about 5 hours the previous day.

16 years that job lasted. Got a Redundancy pay out. I did run a small business whilst doing the meter reading. "be fit hire" which really pushed us along.

After taking the Package in 96, at age of 40, I found a very lax job market. Luckily for me one of my on the road contacts, that I encountered during my meter reading, A postie, had suggested putting my name down at his office in Glenroy. 5 months I was unemployed for, It was the worst period of my working life. Very very frightening. However one day out of the blue, got a phone call from the Postal office saying they wanted someone to start immediately, within next 30 mins they meant. So off I went and delivered parcels for a very short staffed office, luckily right in my old area meter reading area. consequently I did the deliveries in about 2/3rds of the time of a experienced postie driver from outside of the area. The Parcels have gone private in that time. Got offered the contract, but the rates of pay at 90 cents per parcel x 250 per day max (which would take close to nine hours) Without sickpay or holiday pay and supplying ones own van, were just a joke. Luckily Apost wont make anyone redundant without offering 3 other jobs. Now I sit in the easiest job, Night sorting, (but boring i will admit) on the worst hours I've ever worked. Still it pays the average wage, it's a laugh. Plus I would probably have to kill to get the sack.

Serendipity is the name of the game for most Migrants I reckon.
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Old Jul 12th 2006, 8:32 am
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Default Re: Finding work in Australia - Let's hear your experiences

Originally Posted by ozzieeagle
I've only had two main jobs, in my 26 years here. When I first arrived, I looked up some business contacts from my employers in London. Only to be dismayed to find that they were 1 man bands in comparison to the 150 employees we had at Galbraith Wrightson in London. I then spread my net wider, applying for everything that crossed my path. I temporarily (about 3 weeks) sold Insurance door to door, Probably managed about 3 policies in that time. Then bingo, a small advertisement, in the Herald sun, Stated meter readers required. I thought oh well that will do temporarily, Went for the job, got offered it much to my embarrasement. From "back up in a shipbroking office" to a Gas meter reader in one easy Migration. Thing was, it paid just about the average wage, for a 3-4 hour day. I kid you not, not only that we worked from home, never saw a work colleague, the work got delivered to us. I had stumbled on one of the most sort after jobs outside of the docks in Melbourne at that time. There were days, when I just had to sign a book of completed work, having done two days working, taking about 5 hours the previous day.

16 years that job lasted. Got a Redundancy pay out. I did run a small business whilst doing the meter reading. "be fit hire" which really pushed us along.

After taking the Package in 96, at age of 40, I found a very lax job market. Luckily for me one of my on the road contacts, that I encountered during my meter reading, A postie, had suggested putting my name down at his office in Glenroy. 5 months I was unemployed for, It was the worst period of my working life. Very very frightening. However one day out of the blue, got a phone call from the Postal office saying they wanted someone to start immediately, within next 30 mins they meant. So off I went and delivered parcels for a very short staffed office, luckily right in my old area meter reading area. consequently I did the deliveries in about 2/3rds of the time of a experienced postie driver from outside of the area. The Parcels have gone private in that time. Got offered the contract, but the rates of pay at 90 cents per parcel x 250 per day max (which would take close to nine hours) Without sickpay or holiday pay and supplying ones own van, were just a joke. Luckily Apost wont make anyone redundant without offering 3 other jobs. Now I sit in the easiest job, Night sorting, (but boring i will admit) on the worst hours I've ever worked. Still it pays the average wage, it's a laugh. Plus I would probably have to kill to get the sack.

Serendipity is the name of the game for most Migrants I reckon.
I worked nights for about 8 months, some of the most enjoyable times throughout my working life to date.
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Old Jul 12th 2006, 8:41 am
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Default Re: Finding work in Australia - Let's hear your experiences

Originally Posted by rossifumi
I worked nights for about 8 months, some of the most enjoyable times throughout my working life to date.
There seems to be a real camaraderie amongst night shift workers. The other bonus, is about 65pct of my Co workers are 35 year old females.

My two female Italian co workers, and the best co workers I've ever had the joy to work with. (when they are in a good mood that is, luckily thats most of the time)
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Old Jul 12th 2006, 8:44 am
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Default Re: Finding work in Australia - Let's hear your experiences

Consider the other thread deleted - apologies for not being around when you needed me but I was working out how much tax I owe this rotten country!
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Old Jul 12th 2006, 8:46 am
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Default Re: Finding work in Australia - Let's hear your experiences

Originally Posted by Pollyana
Consider the other thread deleted - apologies for not being around when you needed me but I was working out how much tax I owe this rotten country!
Apology accepted, don't let it happen again.
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Old Jul 12th 2006, 8:46 am
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Default Re: Finding work in Australia - Let's hear your experiences

And on the subject of finding work - no problem in finding temporary jobs, its the permanent one that evades me still

Feedback from a recent interview included the statement that the job had gone to a young lady 24 weeks pregnant, with the explanation that if it had been private enterprise, they could have told her to come back when no longer pregnant. Because it was the government it was considered too risky not to employ her.......
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Old Jul 12th 2006, 9:02 am
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Default Re: Finding work in Australia - Let's hear your experiences

I wanted to apply for a new position recently advertised with a large aerospace company, as I already had an application in for another role with the same company, I just wanted to double check, a bit of etiquette if you like, if it would be frowned upon to have two applications in at the same time.
The first application was submitted on the 4/5/06.

The past two weeks I have been e-mailing and leaving messages with the HR department just to clarify this but with no successfull response. I had e-mailed the HR manager for a position description, no such luck so I just thought **** it, nothing to lose so I'll just crack on with the application.

Finally I get a phone call yesterday, this I believe was due to the fact a friend of a friend knew someone there and internally e-mailed the HR department on my behalf for an answer (too late as I'd already submitted).
The HR assistant explains she has been away for a month and what would I like to know?

"Yes we have your latest application received"

"How far along is the selection process for the application I submitted on the 4/5/06"? I asked.

"Erm...erm..."

"Has this position been finalised"? I suggested.

"I'll just have to double check that and I'll get right back to you"

She confirmed today it's been filled.

Thanks for **** all and for letting me know, after all, that would take a short e-mail or call wouldn't it!

The HR Manager must have been there in her absence, too much I suppose to ask him to do his job and actually manage.

This particular aerospace company hasn't won the 'the most inept HR chimps
award' though, this is reserved for a bigger group of HR cluster-****s that I have dealt with which Tigger does a lot of (boing boing boing).
They are without doubt in the Premiership when it comes to ****-wits, they have the tag 'employer of choice' well sorted.

Beats me why I waste my time perfecting my resume etc.. which can take me anything from 2+ hours to ensure the whole application is right. I'm getting well practised though.

Deep breaths... is it time for a drink yet?
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Old Jul 12th 2006, 9:53 am
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Default Re: Finding work in Australia - Let's hear your experiences

I've been very lucky. Arrived Friday night, 2 interviews Monday, 1 interview Tuesday. Offered all 3 jobs there and then, took the one that paid the most. One year on, still in that job and happy there, great people to work with, good terms and conditions. Heck, they even pay me to go on holiday - holiday loading and long service leave!
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Old Jul 12th 2006, 9:57 am
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Default Re: Finding work in Australia - Let's hear your experiences

Originally Posted by rossifumi
I wanted to apply for a new position recently advertised with a large aerospace company, as I already had an application in for another role with the same company, I just wanted to double check, a bit of etiquette if you like, if it would be frowned upon to have two applications in at the same time.
The first application was submitted on the 4/5/06.

The past two weeks I have been e-mailing and leaving messages with the HR department just to clarify this but with no successfull response. I had e-mailed the HR manager for a position description, no such luck so I just thought **** it, nothing to lose so I'll just crack on with the application.

Finally I get a phone call yesterday, this I believe was due to the fact a friend of a friend knew someone there and internally e-mailed the HR department on my behalf for an answer (too late as I'd already submitted).
The HR assistant explains she has been away for a month and what would I like to know?

"Yes we have your latest application received"

"How far along is the selection process for the application I submitted on the 4/5/06"? I asked.

"Erm...erm..."

"Has this position been finalised"? I suggested.

"I'll just have to double check that and I'll get right back to you"

She confirmed today it's been filled.

Thanks for **** all and for letting me know, after all, that would take a short e-mail or call wouldn't it!

The HR Manager must have been there in her absence, too much I suppose to ask him to do his job and actually manage.

This particular aerospace company hasn't won the 'the most inept HR chimps
award' though, this is reserved for a bigger group of HR cluster-****s that I have dealt with which Tigger does a lot of (boing boing boing).
They are without doubt in the Premiership when it comes to ****-wits, they have the tag 'employer of choice' well sorted.

Beats me why I waste my time perfecting my resume etc.. which can take me anything from 2+ hours to ensure the whole application is right. I'm getting well practised though.

Deep breaths... is it time for a drink yet?

In may, I applied for a short contract job at a local health organisation, they stated a start date of mid june, so i figured there wouldnt be much competition, and i was well qualified for the job anyhow, so how long do you think it took to let me know i didnt get the job... well, last week i recieved a letter from them saying that there was an error in the advert and that it was for internal competition only... thats 2 months to tell me that i shouldnt have even wasted my time applying, eight weeks to work out that i didnt already work for them, and in the meantime... silence, didnt even reply to my enquiry as to wtf was going on.
what can you do eh?
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Old Jul 12th 2006, 10:19 am
  #14  
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Default Re: Finding work in Australia - Let's hear your experiences

When we first got here, I applied for a couple of jobs at the same place, different departments and got offered both. I was ecstatic. One job was permanent and the other was 6 month contract with the possibility of extension. As OH hadn't got a job, I took the permanent one and knew I hated it within the first few weeks. It then took me about 9 months of applying for everything and anything to get another job and I haven't looked back since. Love the work that I do, even if some of the people leave a lot to be desired.
OH will probably post his experiences later but just to say that he's had a bugger of a time getting work
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Old Jul 12th 2006, 10:19 am
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Default Re: Finding work in Australia - Let's hear your experiences

I am in Mobile Telco field. Damn it !! Its difficult to get a job which pays $100K. I was lucky I got the job from UK, but I am stuck at my current employer as there arn't any other jobs within Austr. UK and Europe you could easily move arround and even demand in comparison to Ausi.

My advice would be to get a job before arriving here. (Mind you it took me 1 yr to get a job from UK as most employer do reject your CV when they see an overseas address.

Do your CV with an Australian address for better chance.
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