8 tips to get your first job in Australia

Gringo Media talked with specialists for help you to find a good employment opportunity

You have arrived in Australia and you are completely lost about how to get your first job.  Probably, you have talked to some friends and they have said: “it’s very difficult to get the work experience here!” Do not panic! It is common with everybody. But if you are well prepared, you can achieve your goal.

We spoke with two International student agents about recommendations to get the first job in Australia. Gustavo Cominese, from Hello Australia, and André Barbosa, from Dom Education, gave us some advice:

1 – Prepare your resume

Ask for help in your agency or school. You can also talk with friends and see some CV examples. Avoid lying about your job experience. Even if you haven not had some experience in “sub jobs”, as a cleaner, kitchen hand or waiter, for example, try to find transferable skills between your real job in your country and this category of jobs. Gustavo Cominese warns: “the most important is not your experience time, but your skills. You should be ready to demonstrate to the manager that you can do the job”.

2 – Research about the role

Take all knowledge of their particularities. “If you are looking for a waiter role, try to watch videos teaching you how to carry plates”, advises Gustavo. He also claims that is important to take some courses, specially the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA), for those who want work in hospitality. The Barista course is also recommended for people who have availability to work during the day.

3 – Looking for jobs opportunities

Follow employment websites and try to visit places where some opportunities are advertised, like student agencies and schools. Send e-mails and also visit the places to drop your resume.

4 – Talk with friends

If you have a good networking, you can receive some information from a friend. “In Australia, all job positions for foreigners are rotating, because people arrive and go. So, a good way to get a job is take the place of someone who is going back to their country or changing their job. Because of that, it is very important you tell your friends that you are looking for a job”, emphasizes Gustavo.

5 – Don’t get stuck in the CBD

Try to visit distant zones and suburbs drop your resumes. Andre Barbosa advises: “leave your comfort zone and go to different places, as far as you can”. He explains that places that are not too visited could give you have more chances to get the job, “try to make a map with places you should go to drop your resume. Visit one or two each day”.

6 – Be ready for the training

Preparation can be a key for you to get the job. If you are looking for a position in restaurants, for example, go there with your resume and appropriate clothes. “If they have a job opportunity, they may invite you to a trial at that moment” claims Andre. To be safe, go in black clothes and shoes. Also, regarding training, Gustavo adds: “be available to work one or two days as a trainee, even if they do not pay you. They normally do trials or training to see if you have the skills for the job”.

7 – Make sure you are ready for the interview

Read your resume as many times as you can. You need to know what is in there, because the manager will ask you about your experiences and qualities. Furthermore, try to polish your English, especially what you want to say during the interview. If you look nervous, you can lose points.

8 –Secure the opportunity

If you receive an invitation for work as a trainee, do your best to impress your manager. The sisters Mery Noches and Dana Noches, both managers in Muffin Break shops in Brisbane, advise: “it is indispensable be punctual, responsible, proactive and fast learner”. They believe if the candidate shows those qualities during the training, they can get the job.

By Tatiana Vieira