Civil Engineer work possibilities in Perth

[Jorje]

Hello Everybody,

 

 

Well, after so many years of trying to get a visa for Australia - we have it. Now it is a time to move to the next step - how to find a job? In my case - work for Civil Engineer (Road and Pavement) in Perth or WA. What I have read in the forum and in other places - this process seems to be very difficult. I am trying now to make something like a plan - how to proceed? And of course - this is the best place where to ask for such advices.

 

 

I have started already with sending my Resume to some big Employers in Perth. I have only couple of rejections so far. Most of the Employers even do not answer. I do not know - may be this is normal for them. I have presented myself to all construction companies in WA which I can see in SEEK and other job sites.

 

 

I have scheduled to travel to Perth somewhere at the end of August - beginning of September. My idea is at least to have some interviews while I am there. It will be really frustrating if I waste couple of months and if I do not have even an interview.

 

 

What you will recomend?

 

 

Thank you in advance.

 

 

Regards,

Jorje

[verystormy]

A lot of Oz employers will not consider a person until they are in the country. Hence why most people make the move without a job lined up.

[Deb]

My oh is a Civil Engineer and he had the same problem, has VS said you need to be in the country. We have had to bite the bullet and book flight and go for it its scary giving a job up but that the way it is.

 

 

Deb

Hello Everybody,

 

 

Well, after so many years of trying to get a visa for Australia - we have it. Now it is a time to move to the next step - how to find a job? In my case - work for Civil Engineer (Road and Pavement) in Perth or WA. What I have read in the forum and in other places - this process seems to be very difficult. I am trying now to make something like a plan - how to proceed? And of course - this is the best place where to ask for such advices.

 

 

I have started already with sending my Resume to some big Employers in Perth. I have only couple of rejections so far. Most of the Employers even do not answer. I do not know - may be this is normal for them. I have presented myself to all construction companies in WA which I can see in SEEK and other job sites.

 

 

I have scheduled to travel to Perth somewhere at the end of August - beginning of September. My idea is at least to have some interviews while I am there. It will be really frustrating if I waste couple of months and if I do not have even an interview.

 

 

What you will recomend?

 

 

Thank you in advance.

 

 

Regards,

Jorje

[sunflower]

Our neighbours moved to Perth last september. They kept complaining that they couldnt find a job in 6+ months, now they say their Money is finished. But now they admit their mistake, they should have done things a little differently to avoid waiting so long. They insisted finding a job only in his occupation. To look for a job, anything, like casual jobs, short term contracted even fifo jobs, maybe better. As long as you have some income, you will not finish your savings. Also you will meet new people, get used to the culture, and keep looking for jobs in your own area.

 

Another thing I heard was even if you find a job in your own area, you may have to start with a lower position. Local experience is very important, so whatever you can get, just to enter the local market, you should grab the opportunity.

 

Good luck

[Jorje]

Thank you for the answers.

 

@verystormy -I know that in most cases the Employers will not consider my application before they see me. But in case that I have visa and my trip is planned - this should convince the potencial Employers that I am serious in my intentions.

 

@Deb - I am in the same opinion. Due to the fact that we are four in our family - I will be the first who will travel to there. Hopefully, I will find a job in 3-4 months.

 

@sunflower - I am prepared to start even lower position but not to be out of my profession. If I go out - later will be more difficult to convince any Employer in Australia. Of course, I might be wrong - but I love my profession and I will try to proceed Down Under with it. I still try to understand - why they insist so much for "Local Experience"? What should be so different between construction site in Australia and any other country, for example? But you are right - it is very important the strategy. That is why I am asking here for advices.

 

Good luck to you also. I cross my fingers that you sunflower get your visa very soon.

 

So, it is time to send again some Resumes to potential Employers in Autsralia so they have it before breakfast there :-)

 

Jorje

[Tom]

Hi Jorge,

 

Im a civil engineer in Perth and unfortunately it did take me a while to secure a job when I first got here. Like the others mentioned, its better to be in Perth whilst you look for work as opposed to being in the UK. I think Perth is one of the fastest growing cities in the world and with the majority of their work being in construction it attracts engineers, tradies, drafters etc so competition is quite high. Companies look for local residential addresses and phone numbers on CVs as its easier for them to contact you and arrange interviews. The biggest problem you will find with moving to WA is for some bizarre reason, it doesn't matter if you have 10 years experience in engineering, they want to see 'local WA experience', but that's something that's out of your control until you get the opportunity to work. The easiest way to get into the job market is to take a short term ~3 month engineering job. These jobs usually require someone to start asap which means your not competing with as many people and they need someone so will over look the magic WA experience. These jobs are usually extended too which means you may get 6 months work. After that, you will have the experience and just looking to move jobs because your contract just finished. Looks good on the old CV.

Also, depending what kind of engineering work you do, consulting or construction, you may need to look at getting your white card which is like the CSCS card. Its cheap, only about $90 or so, maybe cheaper, and you can do it online, just takes a few hours. Common sense.

[verystormy]

The reality is though, a lot of employers will want to see you are actually living in Oz - Perth address and phone number.

 

It will also take some time. I always recomend people budget for it to take a minimum of 3 months to find work and ideally budget for 6.

 

I think Tom's suggestions are excellent. In most industries there is this thing about needing local experience - very bizzare and i dont know why, but that is the way it is. Even in my own game it applies and i am a geologist, rocks are rocks. But they often insist on local experience.

[Jorje]

Hello Tom,

 

I appreciate your advices. I think that they will help all of us here, who are reading this forum with information from first hand.

 

To be honest - I have sent my documents only for long term contracts or permanent positions, so far. Reading your explanation - I think that I have to change this. Obviously, this will be the way to get WA experience - short term contract. But as you said - most of the time companies need immediate start, which in my case will be not possible. I will need about 2-3 weeks to land in Perth.

 

About white card - it is done. I have it already. They were absolutely correct from Australia. I passed my tests online, then phone interview ( some questions) and then after a week I have my white card. At least I used the good Internet connection here and one problem less for there.

 

Another question - let us assume that after 3-4 months ( this is the period of time, which I give to myself for sending CV from overseas) I do not have any answer from construction company. Then I will fly to Perth - to activate my visa and to try to find a work on place. What do you think it will be the right way - to proceed to send application from Perth, but with a local telephone number and address or to visit offices of the companies there?

 

Shall I prepare a bunch of copies of my CV and some other supporting documents and to visit HR departments of the companies, or this is not a good idea?

 

I am just wondering how this action will be accepted by the locals. I mean - here may be is OK and normal, but there may be not.

 

Any advices will be welcome.

 

Thank you all for the provided information.

 

Have a lovely day.

 

Jorje

[SJT]

We were here 7 months before my hubby, a project construction manager found a job, he applied for hundreds, and most of the time he did not receive an acknowledgement. Agencies would ring him, say he was 110% suitable but lacked WA experience and he has over 20 years experience and a very secure and good job back in the UK. He is very fortunate to have found a job and not much lower on the career ladder, but his wage is no where near the 2.5 x English salary that people advise you would have the same standard of living as back on the UK, it was simply a case of taking the first job offered, so (one) he could get WA experience and (two) we did not use up all savings. Unfortunately it really is who you know here, not what you know. As long as mentally and financially prepared you should do fine just be prepared that it may take a while

.

[verystormy]

No, companies, particularly bigger ones will not let you get past reception to speak to anyone from HR.

 

My advice is to simply do the move and then hit the ground hard as soon as you get here permanently. If you need to come for a validation trip, you can give the companies a try and you might get lucky. Some do, but i would not get eaten up if it doesnt happen. You need to be in the country 3-6 months job hunting

[Tom]

Yeah I'm afraid I don't think you will get far by applying for positions overseas. There is too much competition here now so it's easier for companies to recruit people who are already in Perth than talking to someone oversea because the way they sit it - you might bail last min. Plus with time difference and things it's just easier for them. Remember your dealing predominately with Aussies - they like it the easy way.

By all means though - apply from home before you come as you never know but don't be disheartened if you don't get a reply or phone interview.

With regards to going round knocking on doors, it's not the same as it is in the UK, you can't just 'nip in for a chat'. Like verystormy said, you won't get past reception. Also, when your hear I'd put more of your energy in apply to companies direct as opposed to going through recruitment agencies. Unfortunately, they are the same all over the place - full of false advertisements and lies trying to get your cv on file in order to meet in house quotas.

 

There is the gateway project running at the moment which is new road infrastructure. Have a look online at that and maybe target those companies who are involved. It's a highway scheme so could be up your alley.

[Jorje]

Thank you for the provided information Tom.

 

I believe that it is very useful for all of us here in the forum. I think you are absolutely right about the recruiters since most of the huge contractors put in their advertises a sentences that they will not accept proposals from recruiters.

 

I will check for the contractors in Getaway project. It looks that it is a really huge project.

 

Thank you.

 

Jorje

[Deb]

Hi Tom

 

MY OH is an engineering surveyor and has tried the agency route. Jobs advertised on Seek as far and few between. Do you know of any other avenues to explore? Is it worth calling in on construction sites and asking there? do you no of any.

 

Deb

 

Yeah I'm afraid I don't think you will get far by applying for positions overseas. There is too much competition here now so it's easier for companies to recruit people who are already in Perth than talking to someone oversea because the way they sit it - you might bail last min. Plus with time difference and things it's just easier for them. Remember your dealing predominately with Aussies - they like it the easy way.

By all means though - apply from home before you come as you never know but don't be disheartened if you don't get a reply or phone interview.

With regards to going round knocking on doors, it's not the same as it is in the UK, you can't just 'nip in for a chat'. Like verystormy said, you won't get past reception. Also, when your hear I'd put more of your energy in apply to companies direct as opposed to going through recruitment agencies. Unfortunately, they are the same all over the place - full of false advertisements and lies trying to get your cv on file in order to meet in house quotas.

 

There is the gateway project running at the moment which is new road infrastructure. Have a look online at that and maybe target those companies who are involved. It's a highway scheme so could be up your alley.

[Tom]

I agree with verystormy - do the move and hit the ground hard once you apply.

 

Have the same attitude as you would in the UK, change each CV and cover letter to suit the position you are applying for, Seek.com.au is probably the best and only job website to use. Check the big companies own websites for job advertisements. Don't trust or believe recruitment agents - they lie and just want your CV on their system so they meet their own quotas. Unless you cant find anything else to apply for I wouldn't really bother too much applying through an agency.

There are some 3 month contracts out there and this is a good way to get past the 'you need WA experience' as they want people in fast who don't need to work 4 weeks notice before they can start. You then get an extension of your contract or have the WA experience.

 

Unfortunately Forge has recently gone bust so there are more people looking for work at the moment. Never nice being made redundant. However, there are some mining projects that are due to kick off so fingers crossed this will produce lots of new positions.

 

With regards to salary, don't expect to be paid millions of dollars and live like a king. Perth is one of the fastest growing cities in world and there are hundreds of people coming in every day, therefore companies know that even though WA pay better that the eastern states, the wages don't need to be as high as they were some 3 years ago because there is more people than jobs, unlike 3 years ago where everyone would bite you hand off for your skills. BUT the money is still good and you can still have a very very good quality of life (especially compared to the UK). You will really enjoy life here. Just please don't get stuck in Joondalup or another lego land northern suburb, explore what the Perth area has to offer, haha

 

Also, as verystormy points out - you wont get past reception or HR so best not rock up with CV in hand as you will be asked to just leave it with reception or email it through to HR.

 

Im not going to lie to anyone - we all need to know the reality. But if your prepared to work hard, and you know you wont be handed a job when you step foot off the plane, then once you put in the time and land a job, it will be happy days and you can start to really enjoy WA - and you will!

[ROBYNT84]

Hi Jorge,

Have you contacted Main Roads WA? They often do employment drives looking for skills in the UK and Ireland. My husband was recruited in one of these drives and is now a Highways Engineering manager with them. I'd be happy to pass your C.V. onto him if you'd like to email it to me; just drop me a PM and I'll send you my email address.

Also, many of the larger construction companies will use dedicated employment agencies and specialist to search to overseas market. Have you tried contacting such agencies?

I'll get the name of the company that my husband was head-hunted by and pass that onto you as well.

All the best with your move and search

Robyn.

[Deb]

Thanks will keep plodding on.

 

Deb

 

I agree with verystormy - do the move and hit the ground hard once you apply.

 

Have the same attitude as you would in the UK, change each CV and cover letter to suit the position you are applying for, Seek.com.au is probably the best and only job website to use. Check the big companies own websites for job advertisements. Don't trust or believe recruitment agents - they lie and just want your CV on their system so they meet their own quotas. Unless you cant find anything else to apply for I wouldn't really bother too much applying through an agency.

There are some 3 month contracts out there and this is a good way to get past the 'you need WA experience' as they want people in fast who don't need to work 4 weeks notice before they can start. You then get an extension of your contract or have the WA experience.

 

Unfortunately Forge has recently gone bust so there are more people looking for work at the moment. Never nice being made redundant. However, there are some mining projects that are due to kick off so fingers crossed this will produce lots of new positions.

 

With regards to salary, don't expect to be paid millions of dollars and live like a king. Perth is one of the fastest growing cities in world and there are hundreds of people coming in every day, therefore companies know that even though WA pay better that the eastern states, the wages don't need to be as high as they were some 3 years ago because there is more people than jobs, unlike 3 years ago where everyone would bite you hand off for your skills. BUT the money is still good and you can still have a very very good quality of life (especially compared to the UK). You will really enjoy life here. Just please don't get stuck in Joondalup or another lego land northern suburb, explore what the Perth area has to offer, haha

 

Also, as verystormy points out - you wont get past reception or HR so best not rock up with CV in hand as you will be asked to just leave it with reception or email it through to HR.

 

Im not going to lie to anyone - we all need to know the reality. But if your prepared to work hard, and you know you wont be handed a job when you step foot off the plane, then once you put in the time and land a job, it will be happy days and you can start to really enjoy WA - and you will!

[Jorje]

Hello ROBYNT84,

 

 

Thank you for the advices. Yes, I have already contacted Main Roads, but still no answer. Of course, I will proceed to present myself to the potential Employers, and hopefully someone will answer.

 

 

Meanwhile we have decided to fly to Perth at the end of August and to activate our visas. I really hope that until this time I will have some appointments for interview.

 

 

Any other advices are highly appreciated.

 

 

Thank you.

 

 

Jorje

[Deb]

Good luck with the move make sure you have plenty of savings to live on and you be ok.Meat and a lot of things are no more expentive than Uk.My Oh still looking been here 8 weeks.Send us a PM when you get here and if Oh working migh be able to help out with contacts.

[Lou8670]

Hello ROBYNT84,

 

 

Thank you for the advices. Yes, I have already contacted Main Roads, but still no answer. Of course, I will proceed to present myself to the potential Employers, and hopefully someone will answer.

 

 

Meanwhile we have decided to fly to Perth at the end of August and to activate our visas. I really hope that until this time I will have some appointments for interview.

 

 

Any other advices are highly appreciated.

 

 

Thank you.

 

 

Jorje

 

It can be a bit slow here and they may not be interested until you are permanently in Oz...good luck though! If you can secure work before the big move it'll be a big weight off your mind. But as deb says make sure you bring lots of savings with you as back up

[Jorje]

Hi Deb,

 

 

Well - plenty of savings is a good idea ... if you have where to take them from :-) In all case the worst scenario will be to waste money and waiting too long for a job proposal. But that is the place for the luck.

 

 

Before we take the plane for Perth I will send you a PM for possible contacts.

 

 

Thank you for your support.

 

 

Jorje

[Jorje]

Hi Lou8670,

 

I know that it will be tough. If I have a chance to start working there - then I can arrange to stay permanently. Actually, this is our idea and the only reason now to come back is that none of us still have a secured job. Something, which is very important for four members family.

 

Still hoping :-)

 

Jorje

[Jorje]

Hello Everybody again,

 

 

In such a beautiful summer day I am still under pressure. There are less then 20 days to our depart to Perth and I still do not have even a confirmation for an interview. The strange thing is that the number of job offers ( in seek for example) is increasing, but still silence from Down under.

 

 

I know that the best will be when I am there, but is it really true that the civil engineer market is so down? It is hard to believe it.

 

 

Any advices will be highly appreciated.

 

 

We will be in Perth on 24/08/2014 for about 3 weeks.

 

 

Thank you in advance and have a great day.

 

 

Jorje

[sunflower]

Hi Jorje,

 

It's my second week in Perth. My husband is flying on 2nd September. My landlord is a private builder, he says that he receives so many job applications from abroad, and he says most employers don't prefer someone who isn't in the country. I personally applied to many jobs related my field (aviation), and didnt get any reply. Then in the last 2 applications I wrote "my arrival date is 2nd of september, but I can fly in before this date if required" Anyway after this, I was called for an interview and I changed my flight and came here. It was crazy to pack and say goodbyes in 4 days. Still waiting for a reply from the interview.

Also my husband (mechanical engineer) does not get any replies from applications. Hopefully this will change when he is here. There is another thing though, all friends here say the same thing: find a job that will help you get by and keep applying for the things that you want to do, which is related to your main occupation/qualifications. By doing so, you will learn the culture, society etc. They also say it may take some time until you find something you like. Of course you may be lucky and have a totally different experience.

 

Good luck

[Tom]

Hi Jorje,

 

I wouldn't beat yourself up about it too much. As Sunflower points out - people just don't want to employ people from overseas and would rather employ people who are already on the ground. It just makes better business sense. I know you have your flights etc booked but from a companies perspective, its a waste of money and resource chasing people, who, as far as they are concerned, will bail at the last minute.

You are however correct with your observation with seek, in the last month or so there has been an increase in engineering jobs advertised, so I wish you all success when you make the trip over as its better now than it was 6 - 12 months ago. However its still not like it used to be and there are alot of people out there looking for employment. Please dont beat yourself up if your here for 6 months and still no job - it does take a while here and unfortunately, you could have 10 years experience however no WA experience and thats what people look for (I don't know why).

Personally I do think things are on the up so you will find something, just maybe not as soon as you step foot off that plane.

Also be VERY wary of recruitment consultants - they are the devil! They lie about jobs, about availability, about future roles, about pay, and half the time the jobs they advertise are not real vacancies as they just want your CV on their file so they meet their targets. My advice (for what its worth) is not to send CVs willy-nilly to recruitment devils by clicking 'apply now' on seek. Call them and speak to them about the role. Half the time they dont know what they are recruiting for and after talking to them you get a feel for the position.

 

What visa have you got? a 189 perm res? Sponsorship is hard to come by these days, if your asking for sponsorship it may make it a little trickier for you.

 

Best of luck Jorje, you will be fine and you will love it over here - its a cool 21 degrees today - its warming up for spring!

[Jorje]

Hello Sunflower,

 

 

Thank you for your reply. Well - I did the same thing. I put in my Resume that my arrival date is 24/08/2014. I put also a local address in Perth. It is interesting that so far I got 1 (one) phone call :-) to the local telephone. But nothing was promised - just phone call from a potential Employer.

 

 

In all cases we will travel to Perth and I hope that I will have a chance there to meet some people. I guess you are right that it is good to have a job, at least to cover your general needs. But sometimes is really frustrated - I have 13 years experience in construction and one of the reason not to be able to find a similar job is missing WA experience :-) Funny.

 

 

I will continue to search for possibilities until our flight and then on place. I cross my fingers

 

 

Best of luck to you and your husband, when he is with you.

 

 

I will share my experience here.

 

 

Jorje