Navigating the Australian Job Market as a Migrant or International Student

BLOG WRITTEN BY Narissa Diwan (she/her)

Australia is an attractive destination for students and new migrants alike. While Australia offers abundant opportunities, stepping into the Australian job market can be a challenging journey, especially for international students and migrants from culturally and racially marginalised (CARM) backgrounds.?

When I moved to Australia, despite being in the middle of my career, I heard a lot about how I didn’t have ‘Australian work experience’ or even heard it at the state level? - ‘you don’t have enough Queensland based experience’. It can be so difficult to hear and navigate the bias that comes with the job application process. Results from a Monash University study show that despite identical resumes, ethnic minorities received 57.4 per cent fewer callbacks than applicants with English names for leadership positions. For non-leadership positions, ethnic minorities received 45.3 percent fewer callbacks (Adamovic, 2023). Unfortunately, it is an additional barrier you have to face. But by following the below steps, it can hopefully make things easier.?

Before diving into the job search, it's crucial to understand the Australian job market's dynamics. Which industries are booming, and identify the sectors that align with your qualifications, skills, and interests.

So let’s brush off the cobwebs, and I’ll share my best tips for navigating Australia’s Job Market:

Polish Your Resume and Cover Letter

It is always important to localise your resume, In Australia, generally 2-3 page resumes are standard, you should not be going beyond that. Tailor your resume to emphasise your skills, relevant experience, and achievements. Highlight any local work experience, internships, or volunteer work. A well-crafted cover letter should convey your enthusiasm and explain why you're a perfect fit for the role. It is really important to customise your CV & cover letter for the role you are applying to. If you are a permanent resident or citizen or have valid work rights, make sure to note that on your resume!?

Leverage LinkedIn & Networking

LinkedIn is a great way to build connections and reach out for work opportunities. Follow individuals who work in companies you are interested in, reach out for informational interviews or coffee chats to get to know them better. Create a comprehensive profile, and ensure your skills are up to date. Use LinkedIn to find out about any industry or job specific related events, workshops or conferences, and if possible try to join these for maximum exposure.??

Stay Informed About Visa Regulations

For international students, Visa regulations change yearly in Australia, make sure you utilise your university career centres to keep up to date with visa changes. Especially around work limitations and post-study work rights.

Part-Time Jobs, Volunteer & Internships

If you are a student, part-time jobs and internships can be stepping stones to your career. They not only provide you with valuable work experience but also help you build local contacts and references. Universities often have career services to assist students in finding part-time work. Volunteering is also a great way to engage with the local community and is a more organic way of networking. It can result in meeting key individuals and also help you gain more local experience.?

The job search process can be really challenging, especially while also navigating being in a new country. Each application and interview is a learning opportunity that brings you one step closer to securing employment.

If you need one to one coaching on your CV or with understanding your career pathway, you can reach out to Resume Renovator here