Embarking on a journey studying in Australia is always challenging for international students. As a life-defining experience, international study is richly rewarding but also expensive. It is only natural that you will want to stay on and maximise your studies by getting work experience before you return home.
In this guide for international students, we’ll examine essential tips and insights to help you get a job in Australia after completing your studies.
Understanding the Australian Job Market
Before you start job hunting, there are a few things to check first. Find out what the visa rules and restrictions are and how long you can stay. Most international students are permitted to undertake some work while studying. After completing your course, you may need to apply for a new visa that allows you to stay and work in Australia. For example, the Temporary Graduate Visa is for students who have completed their studies and enables them to work for up to two years. Another option is to apply for permanent residency as a skilled migrant via the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189).
Undertaking a job search for international students is similar to when you are looking at universities and courses to study. Research is essential. Learn about Australian culture and embrace local customs to help you understand and navigate work life in Australia.
Tailoring Your Resume and Cover Letter
Your resume and cover letter are critical to any job search for international students. Looking good on paper and tailoring your application for each job is how to get a job as a graduate or an international student.
Your resume should include the following key elements:
- Name and contact information
- Resume summary or objective
- Relevant employment history
- Education history
- Relevant skills, tools and certifications
- Relevant accomplishments and volunteer work
When writing your resume and cover letter, highlight the keywords in the job advertisement. Use the keywords in your application to stand out. Avoid using photos in your resume, as these can’t be read by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
If you don’t know the hiring manager's full name, use “Dear Sir or Madam” to begin your cover letter. Ensure your full name and contact details are included in the letter and the organisation’s name and address. Your letter should be four paragraphs, with an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion. Answer the who, what, where, when, and why questions to explain why you are applying for the job.
Networking and Building Connections
Networking is crucial when job hunting as it helps you access opportunities that may not be publicly advertised. Building connections with professionals in your field allows you to gain valuable insights, advice, and referrals, which can significantly improve your chances of landing a job. Personal recommendations from trusted contacts often carry more weight with employers. Networking also helps you learn about industry trends and company cultures, making you better prepared for interviews.
Leverage your university alum networks and attend professional events such as job fairs and industry events for international students. Create a LinkedIn profile and use it to network with people in the industry you are interested in. A good way to widen your network is to join an organisation and volunteer to get experience and meet potential mentors and contacts. Fostering relationships with peers, mentors and industry leaders can lead to long-term career growth and open doors for future opportunities beyond your immediate job search.
Applying for Jobs Online
Knowing how to get a job as an international student will help you after graduation, too. Online job boards and company websites are common places to find job opportunities. Seek and Indeed are two job boards in Australia that offer a broad range of jobs and industries where you can find and apply for jobs online. Stint Community is a popular job board for international students and graduates seeking jobs that don’t require permanent residency.
Preparing for Job Interviews in Australia
Preparation is key for job interviews in Australia. Familiarise yourself with Australian workplace norms and what to expect when working in an organisation. Research the company and its values, mission and industry trends. Prepare for typical behavioural and technical questions and practice answering them. Prepare examples of your past work experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to explain your experiences. Prepare some questions to ask to demonstrate genuine interest in the role.
Graduate Programs and Internships
Graduate programs and internships provide great stepping stones for you to get hands-on work experience and kickstart your career. There are a wide range of graduate programs and internships available Australia-wide. Discovering the right program or internship for your career goals can be challenging. Finding the best one for your needs is important though if you want to maximise the benefits of either one. Some good places to look for graduate programs and internships include:
- Career websites e.g. Seek, Indeed and Jora often have them
- University job boards
- University social media groups
- University partnerships
- Career open days and job fairs
- University student help desks for international students
Being Resilient: Dealing with Rejection
Resilience for job seekers is essential when dealing with job rejection. The job market can be competitive, and rejection is often part of the process. Resilience helps you stay focused and maintain confidence despite setbacks. Learn from each rejection and improve your applications. Maintain a positive attitude and keep applying for programs or internships that suit you. The resilience you build during the application process will also help you adapt to work environments and overcome additional challenges, such as cultural differences.
Stay Persistent and Let OSHC Australia Support Your Journey
Embarking on a job search in a foreign country is challenging. It doesn’t have to be. Prepare well, network extensively, stay persistent and remain adaptable so you can react to changes and opportunities. As an international student you already have resilience and many unique strengths from coming to study in Australia.
