Job availability Perth

[JaneyV]

Hi All

My husband and I (and 2 young kids) are in the process of doing a 189 he is a Mechanical Engineer as well as a First Class Metal Machinist and I am an HR Advisor. I have been reading some of the forums and I am now starting to worry about whether we will be able to get jobs. We are both currently in good jobs in the UK and have never had any issues with getting jobs. Could anyone advise on the job market for the above job types? We are happy to live anywhere in Perth. Any advice is appreciated as I would hate to uplift our whole lives to not get jobs! 

[ali]

The best place to look for jobs would be seek.com - it will give you an idea on what's available.  It's more attractive to employers to have your visa in hand.

[JaneyV]

Thanks Ali, I do check Seek regularly but what worries me is that people seem to say you have to know someone there who can help you out or have to have Australia experience (that makes sense for me regarding Employment law) but surely not for engineering if the company uses the same machines software etc. Its just very worrying to move your entire life and not know what is available and if you will be treated fairly. I think the problem is how the Australian dream is sold and then you look further Into it and find out lots of people just can't make it and yes this is also probably cold feet (which is probably natural) obviously I know we will have to try our hardest and it won't just happen but would like to know that there is at least opportunities that's all

[ali]

I think a lot of people make the move anticipating that they won't find work right away.  Sometimes, it's knocking on doors with your CV too.  From my experience in nursing, a lot of UK applicants don't get past the shortlisting as they don't address the selection criteria well enough.  Migrating is such a massive step to undertake and really does need a great deal of thought.  I'm not sure about the 'aussie dream' .. I don't think we were influenced by anything other than having a holiday here and my hubby saying "I think I could live in Australia" and 18 months later - we were here lol.  I do

I think it's natural to have cold feet (or is it just being realistic?),  - it wasn't until we got our visa that I actually thought that it was going to happen and sat on the plane I remember thinking "oh my god, this is it - we're leaving'.  I think you have to think of the what if's and how you'll cope with that.  

[Karl]

I've decided that we'll be moving jobless. Currently in Singapore but I've been applying for 4 months with only 2 phone interviews in that time. I work in the offshore industry. We're moving in 3 months. I think being outside of the country rules you out automatically for a lot of positions. Just have to make sure you have some savings to tide you over. 

[Rossmoyne]

It is very hard to get a job in Australia when you are out of the country.  It isn't impossible, but very rare.

At the moment, WA has a high unemployment rate and we are currently in an economic downturn.   Some economists say there are signs of this changing, but I don't see anything showing that right now in general. 

Before I retired I worked in   the HR field, and my recommendation has always been to literally door knock places you want to work and leave your CV, chat to whoever is employing etc.  Often a job can be specialised and they will require Australian experience, but often, knowledge and skills transfer well too.  Offering to do work experience can often be a way of getting your foot in the door too.  I think you have to be prepared to take a step backwards if it means you get your foot on the ladder, and not expect to get your dream job straight away.  Even going so far as to take any job at all just to keep your head above water.

Also make sure you have some savings to tide you over for up to 6 months, just in case.