JOB SEEKING FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

     So you left your home country over three years ago and will be returning at the end of your studies? You may not know what has changed economically and politically in your country while you’ve been away and you are probably unaware of what employers there are currently looking for. You may not have yet thought about resumés, interviews or places to look for jobs. What should you do?

     Careers & Employment (C&E) is here to help! We have a Careers Resource Centre (CRC) full of information on job seeking strategies and employment. Careers Counselling is also available (including with our International Career Consultant), a Resumé Review service, international employment opportunities available on Careers Online - and much more!

     Below are some suggestions for things you can do while you are still studying in Australia to plan for your return home, and also ideas on how to look for a job in your home country.

     Planning for your return home During your penultimate year you should consider doing some of the following things:
          • Vacation work in your home country to gain some industry experience and knowledge. Have a look at the vacancies on Careers Online via the C&E website, or come into the CRC to view it on the noticeboard in the red International Employment section.
          • Research the labour market to help you evaluate different career options and decide on your own criteria for differentiating between employment opportunities. How do they meet your goals? Take a look at yourself the way an employer would - ie. do you have a clear career direction? Check out the labour market information flyers in the CRC. Use the Internet Kiosk to research the labour market and peruse the career exploration packages found on the PCs.
          • Maximise your time spent at University! Excellent grades are one thing, but extra- curricular activities and industry experience can be just as important when seeking graduate employment. Can you demonstrate the kind of attributes employers seek through work experience or involvement in University life? Consider becoming actively involved in University-based clubs/societies or sign up to do a voluntary work experience project as part of our Student Workplace Projects program (see the mauve Industry Experience section of the CRC for further information).

     During your final year you will need to give serious attention to your job search. Here are some suggestions:
          • Identify employers that you want to work for and find out essential information about them, such who they’re seeking, their application processes and closing dates. Do this early! Information is available on Careers Online.
          • Prepare your resumé early. To assist you in this, C&E has a new online facility Resumé Express which will take you through the construction of your resumé, step by step. In addition there are books, DVDs and other resources available in the CRC. Attend our Preparing for Work seminars on “How to Write to Selection Criteria” and “Cover Letters”. Make an appointment to see a Resumé Reviewer ($7.50 inc. GST - book at the Enquiries Desk).
          • Read up on interview techniques and testing. C&E presents seminars every semester on interview skills (this includes special sessions for international students), and the CRC has a great range of videos, books and flyers on this topic.
          • Use the Internet to explore the graduate labour market. You will find a comprehensive list of links on the C&E website which will get you started, but don’t be limited. Keep searching out new links and save the useful ones so that you build an understanding of the employment market in areas that interest you.

     Returning home to look for a job If you have decided not begin your job search until you return home, you may need to do some of the following beforehand:
          • Check to see if the University of Melbourne has an alumni group back in your home country. If so, make sure that you join, as the people that you meet may be helpful contacts in your job search.
          • Become mobile. It may be that the best start to your graduate career is not in the CBD of the capital city but with an employer in the suburbs or outer regions.
          • Remember that just because you have studied in Australia it does not automatically make you a better candidate than someone who has a degree from the home country. Employers look for applicants with the right attitude and personal skills - workplace communication skills, teamwork and initiative, among others.
          • Be prepared. Have drafts of your resumé, cover letters, selection criteria etc prepared and ready to use. Have certified copies of your degree and transcript ready for your applications. Why not put all this information onto your USB memory stick so it is handy.
          • Finally… don’t give up! The labour market is very competitive. If at first you don’t succeed, keep trying.

     In summary, it’s useful to remember the following golden rules: prepare, network, be knowledgeable and use resources available to you.

     Preparation: Your preparation for finding work must include: Self-assessment and the identification of what you have to offer... This can be explored by looking at the resources in the CRC, using the computer aided career exploration packages and by making an appointment to see a Careers Consultant. Finding out what employers want... It is important to read the information available to you on the employers you are hoping to work for. This means checking out their websites, looking at information in the CRC and attending employer information sessions and career fairs. Preparing an effective resumé... By using the resources available in the CRC, attending appropriate Preparing for Work seminars and making a Resumé Review appointment. Developing interview skills...

     By using the resources available in the CRC, attending appropriate Preparing for Work seminars, practising with friends and participating in mock interviews (run by C&E from time to time).

     Networking:
          • Attend seminars
          • Attend forums
          • Become an active member of an organisation or professional association
          • Collect business cards
          • Contact business councils, Chambers of Commerce etc.
          • Engage in voluntary work

     Knowledge:
          • Try to gain work experience or vacation work
          • Conduct informational interviews with people in positions and industries of interest
          • Shadow someone within an organisation
          • Are you looking for full time, part time or contract work?
          • What type of work is available within the industry you are interested in? Is there a shift towards sessional or contract work?
          • Are you interested in self- employment?

     Resources:
          • People
          • Places
          • Publications
          • Events
          • Careers & Employment
          • job advertisements
          • Employment agencies
          • World wide web
          • Cold calling employers
          • Advertising your availability
          • Further education and training