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06 Feb, 2020

How to find a job in Australia

A-Z guide for students

Whether you’re an international student thinking of studying and working in Australia or a recent graduate looking for your first role in the industry, trying to find a job can sometimes feel like a job in itself.

In fact, according to SEEK, 60% of Australians feel that looking for a new job is a huge task. For those coming here from overseas, it can seem even more daunting.

“International students can face multiple barriers to establishing careers, including unfamiliar job search processes and a whole new workplace culture in Australia,” says Will James, National Careers Manager at Kaplan Business School.

E-book guide

To help, we’ve created an A-Z e-book guide for students, with advice on a range of job-search topics and insider tips from our experienced KBS career advisors. From do’s and don’ts for the Australian job market to writing a killer cover letter…we’ve got you covered!

To access the full version of the free e-book, you can click here.

Or, read on for a little sneak peek of the ABC tips included in the guide:

Accelerate your English

Having a strong level of both verbal and written English as an international student is a sure-fire way to impress prospective employers.

You can accelerate your learning through:

  • Reading English newspapers
  • Volunteering in your community
  • Finding an English learning app
  • Making use of academic support resources at your educational institution
  • Enrolling in elective subjects such as Skills for Effective Communication that focus on advanced levels of English vocabulary and grammar

It’s also helpful to be aware of some of the most common slang that is used in the Australian workplace, ahead of your interview (and later in your day-to-day role).

COMMON AUSSIE SAYINGS

>  ‘Arvo’ = afternoon

>  ‘COB’ = Close of business

>  ‘No-brainer’ = something obvious or requiring little or no thought

>  ‘‘Think outside the box’ = bringing new perspective to a problem or situation

>  ‘Touch base’ = briefly make contact with someone

>  ‘What do you reckon’ = what do you think?

>  ‘Win-win situation’ = when both parties come out of a conflict/situation favourably

Build your confidence

Applying for any job, whether it’s a part-time or graduate role, can be daunting. It’s important you don’t let this affect your confidence.

Here are a few tips to help you feel better prepared for landing your next job in Australia:

  • Attend career workshops
    Workshops can be a great opportunity to learn from experienced professionals about how to effectively navigate the employment market. For example, KBS hosts over 70 career workshops a year across four campuses in Australia on a range of career-related topics.
     
  • Read job descriptions carefully
    It’s important that you are responding to the selection criteria in a way that matches your skills to the job description. Taking this tailored approach will increase your chances of getting the first interview, and naturally, boost your confidence!
     
  • Promote your unique strengths
    As an international student, you may have valuable skillsets that can help you stand out from the crowd, such as being fluent in a second language or overseas experience. Make sure you are capitalising on these assets in your CV, cover letter and during the interview process.
     
  • Do your research
    Going into an interview with an informed understanding of the company (their challenges, strengths, needs) will give you the confidence to discuss how you fit into the picture and what you can offer as a candidate.

Careers office

The first go-to resource for any student should be your school or institute’s career hub or service.

For example, at Kaplan Business School, Careers Central provides valuable career services including:

  • Connecting you with employers to complete an Academic Internship that will count towards your degree
  • Inviting you to exclusive careers workshops, fairs and industry events where you can network with employers and develop your employability skills
  • Preparing you for the workforce with one-on-one career coaching
  • Promoting various graduate roles with businesses spanning start-ups, local SMEs, not-for-profits and ASX-listed companies.
     
Interested in more tips? Download the full version of our how to find a job eBook or read our business career guide

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