5 Great Tips For Getting Your First Job in Australia

Hey Latinos, welcome to Emma’s Community Tips. Today I am excited to share with you 5 tips that helped me A LOT when finding my first job in Australia.

I arrived in Australia 3 years ago, and I noticed people still making these mistakes when they are looking for a job so read on to discover things that helped me.

Tip 1: Update your resume.

First thing you need to understand is Australia has a different format regarding resumes. Once you arrive you reach out and ask for help to build your new Aussie resume. First of all, your resume shouldn’t have your photo on it. Also, your resume should be updated to be very specific for the job that you are applying for.

For example: if you want to apply to be a waitress, don’t put previous experience as a lawyer because that doesn’t make a lot of sense and might make you look overqualified to an Australia employer. For that reason, many people create different kinds of resumes depending on the industry that they are applying for.

Tip 2: Deliver your resume in person.

This is kind of scary because it will stretch your comfort zone. If you are applying for restaurant work for example, print your resumes (you can go to Officeworks to do that) and then visit every restaurant around your area. Ask for the manager and then give him or her your resume in person.

Make sure you have a good attitude and a friendly smile on your face as you do this. By handing your resume to the manager personally, it shows them that you are motivated to work, willing to learn and gives a great first impression. Many times, they will contact you to do a trial where you can show them you have the skills necessary to do the job. Trust me, it is easier that it sounds

Tip 3: Networking Events.

My favourite tip is going to networking events and believe me, it is a life changer! Many networking events are free, and you can find them on social media through business or local area groups. Many companies will have stands at the event and you can visit them and often find pretty good opportunities by speaking with the staff or business owners at the stand.

In addition to meeting businesses, you can also meet other people who are attending who might have an opportunity available that you might be able to fill, that is what happened to me!

Tip 4: Word of mouth.

Let everybody in your circle know that you are looking for a job in a specific industry. Tell it to your friends, people in your school, your roommates, EVERYBODY. You will now be the first person someone thinks of when they hear about a job. Who knows if that person may already know about an opportunity that is perfect for your or maybe if they can help you or can give you a hand to find that job.

Tip 5: Short Courses.

Last but not least, you might like to do some short courses to gain specific qualifications or certificates that will allow you to apply for more jobs in the area you’re looking for. For example, you might like to do a First Aid Course (available through https://refugeeconnect.org.au/first-aid-courses), Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA), Infection Control, Food Handling.

These courses are usually really short and affordable even if you have a tight budget. Once you have a certificate from an Australian institute you will definitely have more chances and more options when applying to different jobs.

Conclusion

I recommend you stay open minded in terms of jobs. You will probably be arriving in Australia with limited experience or with qualifications that need to be updated to Australian regulations but if you’re willing to work hard, there are many opportunities for you and you can gain experience as you go.

I hope these tips will help you to make the job hunting a little easier.

Share your comments below about a tip have you tried and what has worked for you.

Hasta lueguito!

Emma Gomez

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The Latin Directory Profile: Latino Entrepreneur Mentor/Content Creator Strategist