Looking for work (Part 2)

As discussed in the post "Looking for work" there are many ways to research jobs. If you do not receive the response that you are looking for you need to think of the second option.

This option is more complicated and more expensive because it involves travelling to Australia. It is perhaps also the better option. When you have identified the different recruitment consultants and/or companies that will be able to help you, set up appointments to see them. It does not have to be for a specific job. It is always more productive to see somebody during an interview than selling yourself over the phone or internet. Would you employ someone without meeting them, especially if they are from another country. (Remember they sometimes do not perceive South Africa the way South Africans do.)

Setup your interviews allowing time to research and setup more interviews while you are in Australia. Incidentally that is how we obtained our visa. You can be in the position that one or two companies are keen to see you. The make time to see as many as you can while you are in Australia. It will also give you the opportunity to experience your surroundings.

If you have been in contact with a few prospective recruiters, let them know that you will be in the area and ask them if you can see them, or perhaps if they can setup interviews with prospective employers. Remember that they will most likely not offer you on the spot, but keep you in mind when a job comes up. They also appreciate your effort.

It is important to take note that you have to proof to them that they will not find your degree of employee in Australia and that they will want to fork out money to get you in Australia.

A note on recruiters. It is not there job to find you work. it is easier for them to find people locally. What their main objective is, is to fill their current open positions. If they believe in you, and find your resume marketable, they will put your resume up for positions more. If you have the right degree of qualifications and will to do the job it will make it easier to market you. Remember the time difference. A lot of recruiters have mentioned to me that candidates do not understand the time difference. If you send a resume to them, it is more then likely in the middle of the night in Australia. Be prepared to be interviewed in the early morning. Three o'clock in the afternoon in Melbourne is 07:00 am in South Africa.