Hello everyone,
I would just like to share my job hunting story and I hope I could shed some inspiration and hope to anyone who finds more challenge to land a job, specially getting the profession-related job.
My 5-month pregnant wife and I came to Melbourne on September last year, via visa 189. I am an Electronics Engineer with previous 5 year experience in telecoms project implementations.
I applied for positions relating to my previous role since day 1 but I kept on receiving rejection emails. Got few calls and 2 actual interviews within first 3 months but I still was not able to get a job. I was even trying my chance to get into retails but then I got my first shot at Toll People as a pick packer.
From Nov. up to present I am employed for the pick packing role. Mabigat sa katawan yung trabaho pero tyaga lang para sa pamilya, sa hirap napatagalog ako sa pagkkwento hehe! Kidding aside, I still kept on trying to get a job in my field. It was on February 2016 when I saw an entry level position at Telstra. It is a technical associate role, project delivery ang primary focus pero kasama sa program nila ang on the job training and actual involvement sa projects.
The whole hiring process took almost four months but I am very thankful to God because I finally got the position. It was like a battery of tests but I kept on drawing inspiration and confidence by thinking of my family, and most importantly prayers.
My tips for everyone on a similar situation would be the following:
1) For everyone with PR and has been in the state for less than 2 years, get your qualifications assessed thru OQU. Site : http://www.liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au/employing-overseas-talent/settle-and-retain-new-workers/the-overseas-qualifications-unit#.WUTS52h97IU
- I would say that this boosted my CV, you can attach or include it on your CV.
- If you were assessed by your professional body, wherein I am assessed by Engineer Aus
as Professional Engineer, I would suggest to include the letter to your CV or application.
This is what I did on my application with Telstra.
2) Be positive and endure. Keep on working on any job to sustain your expenses, but try to maximize your time on applying for your preferred job.
3) Try to expand your network, specially with the locals, you'll learn more from them.
4) Read a lot on how employers here do their hiring processes. It will help you prepare for interviews as well as on preparing your CV.
5) Last and most importantly, keep praying and have faith.
Hope this post could help. Kaya natin to mga kababayan!