Thanks for the timings mate, that would be a bit too much I think - eats in to VB time if it takes too long to get home of an evening...

Hi guys,

Well, we got our visa a couple of weeks ago! We are planning on arriving between Xmas and New Year and my plan is to look for work asap in the new year. I've heard this is a really slow time for recruitment due to summer hols. Does anyone have any experience of this, any tips you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Colin

Oooh, I wonder were you had all been hiding...

*cough* There is a quicker way of getting to that place now, remember... Stick a .org on the end of the two words stuck together and your away.

Yes.... erm, I like Melbourne too. I like the smell of fake cream on Acland St and the great beer shop down the end (thanks again Fraser ). I'm not as fanatical as Mr Bee but I do agree that it's a nice place here and very friendly.

For the record Gill comes from Hong Kong and she didn't find London particularly slow paced, or here in Melbourne for that matter. Then I did tie her up in our house on the cliffs in Cornwall for several years, so Melbourne might seem like an Acid House party to her

Yeah, but you drive it at rush hour. I get to drive it during the day when there are no cyclists on the road

Al

yay! everyone seems to love melbourne!

my fella and i are hoping to visit in january for a month to find our bearings etc.! and we cant wait! then if we like it, im gonna apply for my visa and start our new exciting journey!

i cant wait to get out of this hell hole of a country! lol!!!! x

Hey there,
Can't believe I'm actually posting to the Melbourne thread FROM Melbourne! Absolutely LOVE it here!
Irish Gal

Beautiful day out today at St. Andrew's market up North East of Melbourne. The market is quite a hippy affair and pretty friendly. Good food stalls and lots of gifty type stalls in leafy suroundings.

http://www.standrewsmarket.com.au/

Then a short drive back towards Melbourne is Warrandyte, which has a nice riverside walk and an interesting history, as they found gold there about 150 years ago. Plenty of arty stuff there as artists have settled there over the years.

All in all a good day out away from the city and we'll definitely be going back again some time soon

Hey Irish Gal/Ozzie Sal,
Good to see you are enjoying Melbourne & living the dream!
Assume you are renting at the mo,where abouts did you settle,I think we discussed Berwick area previously.
Is it living up to all your expectations? I bet it feels so good to be near your sis !
Take care & keep us posted
Sarah x

Hi Sarah,
Berwick was too far out for us as my OH got a job based in Port Melbourne. I can honestly say its living up to my expectations and more.... The kids are settled in a great school and have been welcomed by all the students and teachers. I was even invited to a trivia night with some of the mums after only 4 days - really, really friendly. We live about 8 mins from my sister and she is going round with a permanent smile on her face. She's been taking us on a whirlwind trip around Melbourne, trying to cram everything in - and I have to keep reminding her that there's no rush - we're STAYING here ha!

Any news for ye yet?
Sally x

Ya near Glen Iris then?

Is OH near Lorimar street?

Advice needed please...

We have just received our PR visa and are planning on arriving in Melbourne between Xmas and New Year. We will be settling in the Doreen / Diamond Creek area and I expect to be working in the CBD or there abouts.

The advice I'm after is relating to finding a job. I've heard from a few sources that January is an "extremely" difficult time to find a job due to the Xmas / Summer Holiday period. Is this slow down across the board or job / industry specific?

I'm a Marketing Manager with, IMHO, a very good resume and hope to not have too much trouble finding a good job. My only worry is, will I stand a chance of securing a job during January or will I have to wait until it gets going again in February.

Also, I've begun applying for jobs online already but I would love to hear from anyone who has managed to secure a job prior to arriving. Any tips on how to best go about this would be great.

Thanks in advance for any advice you're able to offer.

Colin

Yes, about 8 mins away from my sister. Did you manage to get that land that time?

OH is based in Lorimar Street. My brother in law was lucky enough to get some tickets for the Hawks and Cats match the other night. OH was amazed at the grounds and atmosphere. Bet you had a good night

Colin wait until Feb, as they say plan for the worst and hope for the best.

Its across the country Jan is slow.

What field/industry are you most familar with?

Hi,

No real specific industry, I have worked in the Automotive industry and the public sector - business to business services.

Can't wait until Feb, have to validate in Jan

Hi Colin

Congratulations on the visa. Diamond Creek's a nice spot and reasonable value.

Personally in your position I'd come out as late as possible so you can enjoy your last English Christmas, then come out here during January and spend that time finding accommodation, cars, and doing all your paperwork - enjoy the time as a holiday checking out the journey into the City etc.

It really is quiet for jobs during December/January (and everything else) - so much so that if by the end of October you don't have any applications under consideration I think it's unlikely you'll get another application in before February.

There are some companies like Hays which work in both countries and they actually found my husband his job while looking for one for my sister (who at that time was intending to emigrate).

All the best with your planning and applications.

Carolyn

Your advice here is bang on Colin. As long as you are prepared in advance for this recruiting 'shutdown' over Dec/Jan, then it will not be such a shock.

It all fires up again very quickly in February though, so don't be disheartened if you find the process very slow in January.

Good luck with the move.