So, you want to move to Australia, hey? We don’t blame you, this country is pretty awesome! Getting sponsored is one of the best ways to find a job in Australia, and of course it can potentially lead to immigration and citizenship.
So how do you do it? We’re not going to lie, it can be a challenge, as Australia is a really popular place to live and work. But thousands of people do it each year, so don’t be disheartened. With the right attitude and skillset (and a good dose of determination), it is worth trying.
Here are our top 6 insider tips on how to increase your chances of getting sponsorship in Australia.
- Do your research
Your first step is this link.
http://www.border.gov.au/Lega/Lega/Form/Immi-FAQs/how-can-i-get-sponsored-to-work-in-australia
This is the official Australian Government web page on how you get sponsored to work in Australia. This link will take you straight to the Frequently Asked Questions page. From here, you can access all of the official information and advice. You can also put in an expression of interest via a program called SkillSelect. This allows Australian employers to see your employment history and qualifications. They can then contact you if they are interested in offering you a position. There are over 30 frequently asked questions on that list, so it should keep you busy for a while.
If you don’t want to go through the process yourself, you can contact an Accredited Migration Agent in Australia to assist you through the entire process. Here is a link to the official Australian Government Border website, that goes into detail about using an an Accredited Migration Agent. You will find lots of useful information on here.
https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa/Usin
Once you have researched all of your options and considered your personal situation, you’re ready for the next step…
More research! Yes, that’s right, if you have checked out all of your options and you want to move forward, then you need to learn about your desired industry in Australia to understand what qualifications and experience you need and what kind of salary you can expect to earn.
Now, onto some more specific tips for finding sponsorship in Australia.
- Tap into the sponsorship job market
A lot of people are not aware that only a portion of employers in Australia are willing or able to sponsor people. Just understanding this is important. So, you’ll need to find out which employers are open to sponsoring. You can find more information on that covered in the links above. But, there’s another great way – tap into the hidden job market. This means jobs that are not advertised through normal means. It refers to jobs that go to people who have connections with that company somehow. So how do you do this? The best way is to build an online presence for yourself and start networking with people in Australia. See the next point.
- Your online presence
By online presence, we mean your social media accounts, LinkedIn, and any blogs you write, plus any work you can display online. You should start using these online tools to connect with people in your desired industry in Australia. For example, you could use Twitter to start engaging with some of the leaders in the industry (or people who work for companies you have researched). Make sure you give an accurate description of your skills and experience. Showcase any work you can. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date and polished. You can learn how to do that here. ADD LINK. Start building connections with people in Australia and in your preferred industry. If you can build a network of contacts you are more likely to hear about sponsorship opportunities directly through them.
- Be in Australia, or make it very easy for potential employers to interview you
If you are in Australia you are already a step ahead, as most employers will like to interview you in person. If you’re overseas, you’ll need to try harder. On your cover letter you should clearly explain that you are available for a Skype call or something similar. Make it as easy as possible for them to contact you. This might mean being extra flexible with your time considering different time zones. But if a 3am Skype call helps you land a job, we don’t think you’ll mind.
- You need to appear like you are the best applicant, ever
Imagine you’re an employer with a stack of 50 resumes on your desk and other deadlines to meet. To read them all properly would take at least a full day. You’re not going to take the time to read through each one in detail. In fact, you might even look for reasons to throw some of them straight in the bin. Some of these reasons could be:
- The resume is too long
- It has an overseas address
- It doesn’t look professional
- It doesn’t fit the Australian standards
You don’t want yours in that bin! We can’t overestimate how important it is to have an excellent cover letter and resume. Recruitment consultants and employers are busy people, so you need your resume to stand out and be the best it can be. Research online about best practices for Australian cover letters and resumes. Or hire someone in Australia to write them for you. We also have posts on those topics, so check them out! Explain your visa options clearly at the beginning of your cover letter. Tailor each cover letter and resume to the specific company and role – do your research!
- Practice for interviews
Whether it’s over the phone, Skype, or in person, familiarise yourself with common interview questions in Australia. They can be different to interviews in other countries. For example, Australian employers may be more interested in your personality, your strengths and weaknesses and your hobbies. Research common interview questions in Australia online and practice, practice, practice! We have posts on how to prepare for interviews as well – check them out!
Lastly, apply for jobs that are actually suitable for you. Go for quality over quantity. Spend your time on putting together the best, personalised applications you can. It is also appropriate to follow up with employers after any contact with a thank you note. Good luck on your search!
