Firstly let me say some do. Unfortunately there are hidden barriers to hiring jobseekers from overseas for many employers, and these barriers mean that a very unpromising candidate on the ground locally will always win over any outstanding candidate from overseas. So what are these invisible barriers all overseas applicants face in seeking to find work in Australia? Once you know these, if you are from overseas, then you can address them.

1. You are not local
Unfortunately for many employers we struggle convincing them to consider people in other Australian states for an interview far less overseas! Many are put off by the possibility that relocation will create too much hardship and homesickness. Some do not want the inferred responsibility for having been responsible for you moving from overseas to take up a role that has a probation attached to it. Start dates may also be effected as you relocate and acclimatize to the culture.

2. We don't know how clear spoken and fluent you are in conversational and technical English.
Most of our applications arrive by email. Many overseas resumes have grammatical mistakes. Evidence of Indian or Asian-English is a common hidden stop with employers who are seeking fluency.

3. You are not Australian accredited.
Many degrees can be accredited to similar degrees here. This takes time. Many employers do not want to go through the waiting game whilst you gain your accreditation in the chance that it may not come through and you will need further studies.

4. You are not demonstrably familiar with Australian codes, practices, regulations, trade practices, building materials etc
This local standards are of course available in reference manuals, but it is considered by many employers that an experienced person would be know the vital codes and be faster in making decisions or designs.

5. No Australian residency visa.
There is time, money and responsibility involved to attain this. Many employers do not understand the process and would rather to keep it simple and hire someone with the correct visas in place.

6. No Australian track record of previous employment.
No one wants to be your first employer and have the costs and pains of your learning phase. Learning can be as subtle as adjusting to the culture and traveling to work. The first employment in a new country is usually quite stressful for a new migrant still learning about their new home. References from local employers are given more credence by employers than those from overseas – not that there should be any difference!

So those are the hidden barriers. Are they closed doors? NO definitely not! Now that you know what they are, and which ones apply to you if are from overseas, you can address them.

By Daryl Keeley, Macro Recruitment

Source: www.macrorecruitment.com.au