How to Land Your First Job in Australia: Top Tips From My Job Hunt

Securing your first job in Australia as an immigrant is no small feat. The Aus job market is quite saturated these days, specially in the IT industry. With no local experience, the journey can be pretty daunting.

After 103 days of an exhausting job search and over 400 submitted job applications, I finally secured my first job in my field of work, as a Test Analyst.

During those 103 days I experienced a rollercoaster of emotions - hope, frustration and determination. Each rejection felt like a setback, but I kept pushing forward.

The thing is, even though the rejections stung, they also served as catalysts for innovation, prompting me to experiment with different strategies and find what helped me stand out from the sea of applicants. If you're a job seeker in Australia, here are my tried and true top tips to navigate your job search with successful outcomes.

Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter for the Job

When applying for a job, avoid the one-size-fits-all approach. Customize your resume and cover letter for each application. Highlight the skills and experiences that match the job requirements, and bring them to the top of your resume.

Customizing your resume and cover letter is crucial for several reasons. First, it ensures relevance. Employers receive countless applications, so standing out is essential. By aligning your qualifications with the specific job requirements, you demonstrate that you’ve done your homework.

Second, consider keyword optimization. Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter resumes. Tailoring your content to match the job description increases the chances of your application passing through the ATS. By this I don't mean you lie in your resume. Be honest but strategic in showcasing your qualifications.

Lastly, personalization shows effort. Hiring managers appreciate candidates who take the time to understand their needs. Highlight the skills and experiences that directly relate to the role without exaggerating or misrepresenting yourself.

Keep Your LinkedIn Profile Up To Date

Your LinkedIn profile serves as your professional online presence. Make sure it reflects your current skills, experiences, and achievements. Recruiters often check LinkedIn when reviewing your application. A well-maintained profile can make a positive impression. An updated profile reinforces your image as a serious job seeker.

Pro Tip: Leverage the "Featured" section on your LinkedIn profile to showcase your key projects and important recommendations.

Invest in a LinkedIn Premium Account

Consider getting a LinkedIn Premium subscription during your job search. The advantages include more space for connection request notes, InMail credits, and insights into top job opportunities. Take advantage of free trials and discounts to maximise the benefits.

Premium users can directly message other professionals, including recruiters and hiring managers. This personalized approach can lead to meaningful connections.

Premium accounts reveal which jobs you’re a top applicant for. Knowing where you stand helps you focus your efforts effectively.

With more connection requests available, you can reach out to industry experts and expand your network.

Treat Your Job Search as a Full Time Job

Job searching can be incredibly stressful, and if you’re not careful, it can lead to severe burnout. Spending hours glued to your chair, lost in a sea of job applications, can quickly leave you feeling stressed and frustrated.

To avoid this, treat your job search as if it were a full-time job. Set specific hours - say, from 8 AM to 5 PM - dedicated solely to your job hunt. Afterward, sign out for the day and give yourself a break.

Consider blocking out time on your calendar for different tasks related to your job search. Allocate slots for reaching out to recruiters, submitting applications, taking online courses, attending webinars, and even enjoying some downtime (like watching movies or exercising). Although I know and understand that not everyone can afford to do so, but if you’ve planned your financial runway, you can focus on the job hunt without worrying about money.

Remember, consistency and balance are key. Treat your job search with the same dedication and structure you would a regular workday, and you’ll increase your chances of success!

Connect With Recruiters Who Specialise in Your Industry

While applying to job ads, proactively connect with recruiters who specialise in your industry. Craft personalized connection requests and include a brief note explaining your background. If you have a LinkedIn Premium account, use InMail to introduce yourself.

Building relationships with recruiters pays off in the long run. Recruiters focus on specific industries. Connecting with them ensures that your profile reaches relevant job openings. Recruiters often have insights into unadvertised positions. They can provide valuable tips and guidance.

Craft personalized connection requests with a brief note explaining your background. Show genuine interest in their expertise.

Keep a Tracker of Your Job Applications

Create a Google Sheet or Excel tracker to monitor your job applications. Record details like application dates, communication with hiring managers, and answers to any questionnaires. It may seem like extra work, but it helps when you receive callbacks.

Tracking applications prevents duplication and helps you follow up. You’ll know which companies you’ve applied to and when.

When you receive a callback, refer to your tracker. You’ll have details about the specific job and your responses to any questionnaires.

Network, Network, Network.

Networking is essential. LinkedIn allows you to connect with industry professionals, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions. Active engagement increases your visibility to potential employers.

Attend workshops, webinars, and industry meet-ups. Join relevant Slack groups, LinkedIn communities, and Facebook groups. Meet your connections over a coffee chat. Workshops, webinars, and meet-ups expose you to industry trends and best practices. Engage actively and learn from others. Participate in discussions, share your insights, and connect with like-minded professionals.

Building connections with professionals in your field can lead to valuable opportunities. Sometimes job openings are shared informally within networks before being publicly advertised. Be part of those conversations.

Maintain Good Relationships with Former Colleagues

Your professional network extends beyond your current workplace. It is essential to maintain good relationships with your former colleagues

Your former bosses, mentors, and colleagues can refer you to job openings. Their endorsement carries weight with hiring managers. Recommendations from trusted contacts provide social proof of your abilities. As you progress in your career, these relationships become even more valuable. Stay connected and nurture those bonds.

Always Be Polite and Respectful

Professionalism matters. Whether interacting with recruiters, colleagues, or potential employers, maintain a respectful tone. Even if you face rejection, respond graciously. You never know when a positive impression will lead to future opportunities.

Don't Give Up

Job hunting can be tough, but persistence pays off. You’ll encounter many rejections, but remember that you only need one “Yes.” Keep applying, networking, and refining your approach. Stay motivated and maintain a growth mindset. Each rejection brings you closer to that “Yes.” Your breakthrough is on its way!

Love,

Yasho