Navigating the Australian job market

Moving to a new country is an exciting adventure, but when it comes to entering the job market it can feel a little overwhelming. Understanding work rights, different industries, getting to grips with cultural differences and interview processes as well as the best job seeking strategies - well, it’s a lot.

To make the transition into the Aussie workforce feel a little lighter we’ve put together our top tips to navigating the Australian job market.

Keep reading to learn more about:

• Understanding work rights and visas
• Familiarising yourself with the Aussie job market
• Job market trends in Australia
• Job search strategies
• Interview prep
• Aussie work culture
• Job sites and resources

Understanding work rights and visas

Understanding your eligibility to work in Australia is a critical first step when looking for work or planning your move to the country.

There are a number of work visas available including:

• Skilled Independent Visa: For skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer.

• Employer-Sponsored Visas: For those with a job offer from an Australian employer.

Check the Department of Home Affairs for the latest information on visas, work rights, and eligibility requirements.

Familiarising yourself with the Aussie job market

Before taking a deep dive into every application that is listed on seek it’s important to understand the types of industries and roles that are currently in high demand, the type of remuneration on offer, and the regions with the most opportunity.

Resources to help you better understand the Australian job market

• Fair Work offers info on pay rates and entitlements.

• Job Outlook provides detailed information on hundreds of different roles, including salary expectations.

• MyFuture provides resources to explore career pathways and tools to develop self-knowledge to help with career decision-making.

• Find reports on industry trends, employment statistics, and economic indicators at the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

• LinkedIn Talent Insights provides data and analytics on roles, industry demand and potential salaries.

• Deloitte Access Economics provides detailed economic and job market analyses.

Job market trends in Australia

• Remote work: The pandemic has played a big role in the acceleration of remote and flexible work arrangements providing more options for job seekers in Australia. This means that in many instances, you can look at jobs outside of your geographical location.

• Industries desperate for workers: There are currently a number of sectors experiencing skills shortages including construction, healthcare, retail and trade workers.

This trend means there are increased opportunities for skilled workers and expats with high-demand skills.

How to find a job in Australia

Online Job Boards

Utilise popular Australian job boards, including:

• Seek One of Australia’s largest job search websites, featuring a wide range of listings across industries.

• LinkedIn A professional network loaded with opportunities in every location and industry.

• Indeed A comprehensive job search engine that aggregates listings from various sources.

• Jora A job search platform that helps connect job seekers with potential employers.

• Glassdoor Offers job listings along with company reviews and salary information.

• Australian JobSearch A government-run site that lists job vacancies across the country.

• EthicalJobs Focuses on jobs in the non-profit and social sectors, ideal for those seeking meaningful work.

Networking

While networking events can feel a little uncomfortable at first, there’s no doubt they can be powerful connectors when you are looking for work.

• Tip 1: Join industry-specific organisations.

• Tip 2: Attend local meetups, workshops, and industry events to build connections with professionals in your field.

• Tip 3: Reach out to individuals working in your desired field for insights and advice about the job market and potential opportunities.

Recruitment agencies

Consider partnering with recruitment agencies specialising in your industry. They can provide insights into the job market, assist with resume preparation, and connect you with potential employers.

Some large recruitment agencies in Australia include:

Hays Recruitment Specialises in various industries and offers personalised recruitment services.

Robert Walters A global recruitment agency with a strong presence in Australia, focusing on professional roles.

Michael Page Offers recruitment services across a wide range of sectors, including finance, IT, and engineering.

Hudson Recruitment Focuses on roles in accounting, IT, and engineering.

Manpower Specialises in temporary and permanent staffing solutions across various sectors.

Interview prep

Do a little digging

In Australia, it’s expected that once you get to the interview stage with a company or organisation, you have a basic understanding of their culture, values and recent developments.

To maximise your chances of progressing through the interview process, it’s best practice to do a little interview prep and company research.

This shows you have a genuine interest in the job, the company and its wider goals and values.

Websites and social media pages are good starting places to get an understanding of the company you are applying to as well as their ethos, brand and broader positioning.

Common interview questions

Nowadays in Australia interview questioning covers much more than your previous work experience and qualifications. You can expect behavioural, value, and technical questions to come up.

Here are just a couple of examples to help with your prep.

• Can you describe a time when you worked effectively as part of a team?

• Can you tell us about a time when you had to solve a problem (related to your field) or demonstrate your ability to adapt?

• What is your biggest strength?

• What is your biggest weakness?

Aussie work culture

Australians tend to like to say it how it is, and this approach to communication often spreads into the workplace. Directness, honesty and transparency will be highly valued - albeit with a mindful and respectful tone.

There is also a huge value placed on work/life balance so expect a culture that encourages breaks, vacays and taking personal time when needed.

Finally, diversity and inclusion sits at the heart of almost all Australian businesses. As an expat this means your unique background and experience will likely support you in building strong working relationships, providing there is a mutual respect for alternate perspectives.

Additional job sites and resources

• Websites like www.Expat.com and Internations often have job boards and resources specific to expats.

• Skill Shortage Occupation Lists are helpful for expats to identify in-demand jobs that might facilitate visa applications.

• Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) Provides resources and networking opportunities for businesses and professionals.

You find the job, we’ll get you there

Finding a new job in a new country can take a lot of energy and feel like a full-time job in itself. That’s why at Upmove we want to make relocating as smooth and stress-free as possible.

We help you book reliable, affordable removalists who will help get you set up in your new home - that’s one less thing to worry about.