Bartman
XPdite Sponsor
After having read Devanya's story I must say that there is an element of truth in all this.
I have been in Oz for nearly 2 years now, and have worked in a couple of jobs which were all different to my work experience in the Netherlands. My background as a Mechanical Engineer is in Precision Mechanics in Healtcare equipment and Semiconductor industry.
I had a well paid job in Darwin as a Project Engineer, but the climate was driving me nuts and so was the "laid back" (read indifferent) attitude there. I quit my job on the first of November last year, worked round the clock on my vintage Mercedes to take it down south, and spent until after Newyear with (ozzie) friends in Perth. My old Merc had been shipped to Adelaide and I drove her along the great ocean road to Melbourne. I chose M based on research on seek and similar websites, showing me most jobs in mechanical R&D were there.
When I arrived i took domicile in a small hostel in St. Kilda, where i set up my office in a single room.
I made contact with all the relevant recruiters, and they all loved my resume. But most of them told me that none of the relevant companies were recruiting at the moment. I spent more than 8 weeks now looking for work, and was starting to loose faith. Fortunately I visited a seminar with Engineers Australie (become a member!!!!) where they suggested me to buy the set "project australia". You can buy it on www.tribuslingua.com.au and it is of utmost importance to find a job as a Migrant Engineer who is just exploring Oz. (Get your copy before you get here, it is not cheap but certainly worth it.)
About "australian experience": this is a bit confusing. I have the idea that most employers do not worry too much about this, it is more the recruiters who do. They charge employers 10 to 20% of an annual salary, so they tend to "overask" for a vacancy. If you approach companies directly (cold calling: ask for the name of the H&R person, send your resume and cover letter, and call 2 days afterwards) Also change your resume and cover letter for each job. Do your research on the company and try to find out what their specific demands are. If a company is not recruiting, then ask whether they know another company that is.
In the meantime the tide has turned for me. All of a sudden I received a phonecall from Perth with a question whether I was still available. I jumped to the occasion, had 2 interviews over the phone, and I will fly there to sign up early next week.
It is true what devanya said; They never ever return your call. It is sad to say, but a Dutch second hand car-salesperson is more reliable than an Australian recruiter.
I got the job in Perth because somebody knew me from an earlier project and liked my attitude and skills. More than anywhere else, you need to build a network. More than anywhere else, it is not what you know but who you know.
I will have to move my furniture from Melbourne to Perth, after having spent money for it to be moved here from Darwin. But that is just one of the small sacrifices you have to make to get the right job in the right place.
And furthermore, I also had very deep lows. The job in Darwin affected my mood that much that I actually sought professional counselling. I, who was superstable in a Dutch work environment, became very insecure about my own skills and personality. But i came out stronger and more determined to make it a success. I know better where my strengths and weaknesses are. But despite the blows, I do not see myself returning to the Netherlands in the near future.
And Robbert000, I do not want to discourage you, but your approach is similar to millions of backpackers and other migrants. You might be lucky, but with the current job market it is unlikely they will sponsor you. Most of the vacancies I see have a line at the bottom "must have residency". Have all your skills recognized before you come here. Be ready to sacrifice salary compared to your Dutch situation. Do not think they are waiting for you. My job is on the MODL too, but that does not say employers will get on their knees for you... Do your homework on the Ozzie labour market!!!
Good Luck!!! Bart
I have been in Oz for nearly 2 years now, and have worked in a couple of jobs which were all different to my work experience in the Netherlands. My background as a Mechanical Engineer is in Precision Mechanics in Healtcare equipment and Semiconductor industry.
I had a well paid job in Darwin as a Project Engineer, but the climate was driving me nuts and so was the "laid back" (read indifferent) attitude there. I quit my job on the first of November last year, worked round the clock on my vintage Mercedes to take it down south, and spent until after Newyear with (ozzie) friends in Perth. My old Merc had been shipped to Adelaide and I drove her along the great ocean road to Melbourne. I chose M based on research on seek and similar websites, showing me most jobs in mechanical R&D were there.
When I arrived i took domicile in a small hostel in St. Kilda, where i set up my office in a single room.
I made contact with all the relevant recruiters, and they all loved my resume. But most of them told me that none of the relevant companies were recruiting at the moment. I spent more than 8 weeks now looking for work, and was starting to loose faith. Fortunately I visited a seminar with Engineers Australie (become a member!!!!) where they suggested me to buy the set "project australia". You can buy it on www.tribuslingua.com.au and it is of utmost importance to find a job as a Migrant Engineer who is just exploring Oz. (Get your copy before you get here, it is not cheap but certainly worth it.)
About "australian experience": this is a bit confusing. I have the idea that most employers do not worry too much about this, it is more the recruiters who do. They charge employers 10 to 20% of an annual salary, so they tend to "overask" for a vacancy. If you approach companies directly (cold calling: ask for the name of the H&R person, send your resume and cover letter, and call 2 days afterwards) Also change your resume and cover letter for each job. Do your research on the company and try to find out what their specific demands are. If a company is not recruiting, then ask whether they know another company that is.
In the meantime the tide has turned for me. All of a sudden I received a phonecall from Perth with a question whether I was still available. I jumped to the occasion, had 2 interviews over the phone, and I will fly there to sign up early next week.
It is true what devanya said; They never ever return your call. It is sad to say, but a Dutch second hand car-salesperson is more reliable than an Australian recruiter.
I got the job in Perth because somebody knew me from an earlier project and liked my attitude and skills. More than anywhere else, you need to build a network. More than anywhere else, it is not what you know but who you know.
I will have to move my furniture from Melbourne to Perth, after having spent money for it to be moved here from Darwin. But that is just one of the small sacrifices you have to make to get the right job in the right place.
And furthermore, I also had very deep lows. The job in Darwin affected my mood that much that I actually sought professional counselling. I, who was superstable in a Dutch work environment, became very insecure about my own skills and personality. But i came out stronger and more determined to make it a success. I know better where my strengths and weaknesses are. But despite the blows, I do not see myself returning to the Netherlands in the near future.
And Robbert000, I do not want to discourage you, but your approach is similar to millions of backpackers and other migrants. You might be lucky, but with the current job market it is unlikely they will sponsor you. Most of the vacancies I see have a line at the bottom "must have residency". Have all your skills recognized before you come here. Be ready to sacrifice salary compared to your Dutch situation. Do not think they are waiting for you. My job is on the MODL too, but that does not say employers will get on their knees for you... Do your homework on the Ozzie labour market!!!
Good Luck!!! Bart
