Job Hunting Tips for OZ

[neddy]

Sorry, can't help much. But, I think you really need to get your Aus citizenship first. Otherwise, it is possible that your employer may fast-track your citizenship in order to take up the job.

Even then, there are some Defense projects which even Aus citizens borned overseas (certain countries) cannot take up. I believe this stipulation come from US govt.

But I do know that at one point, South Australia was looking for people to fill the roles after they got a major Defense contract from Canberra - even though WA was well placed to do the job. SA managed to get recruit some retrenched Motorola staff from within the state to do the job.

So, the opportunities are always there, look at The Australian newspaper.

Can I ask, how would someone like me start looking for jobs in this niche market? I'm pretty inexperienced, I know there is a lot of stuff in it that I need to learn and work hard on. I won't mind working in a junior role as long as the pay is reasonable. I'm still single, so I can still move around.

 

[fishbuff]

As mentioned before, I'm not surprised this cluster of ex-Singaporean had their tertiary education outside of Singapore. The education system in Singapore is very different, compared to overseas, Singapore university still lacks how to make its student "self-sufficient", to learn how to learn so to speak. I still remember the shock I had when I only have to do 5 maths problems for a tutorial. In Singapore, you have to finish one whole book of repeated questions. Less is MORE!

i remembered during my time in the sec school when i was really keen on computers and was very eagered to join the computer club in my sec school, but the teacher in charge rejected me citing that that club is for SCIENCE streams and will not accept any students from TECHNICAL nor ARTS streams!
im not as wealthy as my other fellow singaporeans so overseas tertiary educations was beyond my reach. i did my advanced diploma, degree and masters on part-time basis in SG, btw all while working full time. it was a hard and enduring 10 year period that consumed my best years and my mind!
looking back at the past now, it does send a shiver down my spine.

as to the contractor versus permie argument, there was this famour quote from a 50s handsome actor who was caught visiting a prostitute and in response to a reporter that ask him why he want to pay for prostitute when he have any women in the world for free. He said; "i dont pay for sex, i pay them to go away."

once the objective/project is done, u can let them go.

 

[scroobal]

The inquiring mind is the not the dominant mind of a singaporean. The path must be lit by beacons and runways lights. Deviation is not an option because the search for knowledge has not been turned on.

You can spot a Singaporean by the clothes he wears 10 years after leaving the Island. The good and redeeming part is that he left the island. That must count for something.

We are so used to Singapore education where everything is in black or white that we failed to explore relativity and form our opinions based on our interpretation of the evidence we found before us.

 

[scroobal]

As you had not acquired citizenship, suggest you send your CV to the companies directly. Tenix is a start as they are looking for a lot of software engineers.

Once you obtain citizenship, the eligible pool drops dramatically and you will pretty much be in it. Don't give up your Sydney home. You likely be relocated. The single part is very attractive to employers. Here is the link
http://www.apsjobs.gov.au/

Once in, your colleagues will bring you up to speed on the perks.

Note: if you are young and only a few years in the industry, your Uni grades are very important.

Can I ask, how would someone like me start looking for jobs in this niche market? I'm pretty inexperienced, I know there is a lot of stuff in it that I need to learn and work hard on. I won't mind working in a junior role as long as the pay is reasonable. I'm still single, so I can still move around.

 

[Ash007]

Indeed Indeed. Since we are trading Singapore education "war" stories now.

I still remember I got a "black" mark for queuing at the wrong class. My class is notorious for being the "Pai kia" class. We always got detained after school for being too noisy, too loud in class etc. The whole class gets detention after the flag lowering ceremony frequently to get some big BS speech from the principle. One day, I went over and queued at my friends class. Pretending to be from his class, turns out that day my class got detained again. I just pretended nothing happen, then went off, leaving my class behind. The next day got called into the principle office. Telling me I cannot simply queue with other class. How this is a very very bad thing to do. That I have no discipline etc. Then they started all this speech about I'll be getting a "black" mark in my records, how in future when I start to work employers will refer to it and won't hire me etc etc. I was only in sec 1 back then. Nah beh already try to scare me like this. Till this day, I'm still waiting for my employers to refer to that "black mark". WHHAHAHHA Hope they don't look up my secondary school record during security checks.

As for getting trouble in the Singapore system. Think of it this way, Singapore the island is like the Matrix. Everything is nice and clean and green. Everyone seem to be "contented" as long as you follow the rules. Sinkies are plugged into it to their PHole, their pods. Most people in Singapore do not realised this. There will always be a few, non-conformist, that do know that something is not right but just can't put a finger to it.

hahaha ...

A NON-COMFORMIST struggling in a COMFORMIST society.

daydream when studying for O levels.
not sure how I managed to passed.
family objection of poly - so end up in jc
having trouble with skirts/birds/girls during 'A' levels.
g/f left me, cannot study, repeat 'A' levels

wondering why studies do dry and uninteresting.

during sec 2, i already ask ceacher why must we remember dates/events for the history subject - why not present it like comics or the HK drama serials
i was ahead of my time about revolutioning history subject teching methods.
--- but i copped it from the ceacher, kena marked until I make the history subject ... history

Attended red-brick university in the Old Country, it is the old system in place where we study 3 or 4 subjects per academic session rather than the modern modular units. On one subject, one lecturer totally contradict the other lecturer - got worried. How to answer exam question. THIS IS THE EYE-OPENER, MATE!!!

We are so used to Singapore education where everything is in black or white that we failed to explore relativity and form our opinions based on our interpretation of the evidence we found before us.

I always get into trouble with the Singapore system (from caning in Primary school to brushes with the law during transit in Chingapore not too long ago), because it is unable to accommodate me.

seems like a loooong time ago

 

[Ash007]

IWC2006, any suggestion on how a guy like me can get into the banking, finance industry? Since I got some replies for the niche, NASA, Defence, IT, might as well look at banking/finance as well?

By the way, you own a IWC? I'm thinking of spending some money on a Rolex. Submariner SS 116610. A guy needs a good watch.

Actually is more then number crunching, you have to understand how business data can be structured in a database for commercial use down to the business unit level. There's cases where different clients want different things. In certain cases, the algorithm of translating securities data for certain financial instruments, such as derivatives - can be highly complex and require a lot of analysis and logic programming. One of my architect spent months just to develop a algorithm just to help the business automate the report generation process for a big client. The source code are thousand of lines and don't know how many brain cells have been killed (he's half bald already). Thus, u can never call IT development in the financial industry as 'low-end' as we are dealing with billion of dollars exchanges and settlement every day across borders. Seriously one need not be in the high-tech industry to consider as 'high end' or niche because by itself banking & finance has so many complex ever changing products thus only those work in this industry understand the complexity. Thus, when it comes to recruitment and selection, those with the financial industry often viewed highly and they can branch into any industry but those who don't will experience difficulties competing with those already in this industry.

 

[IWC2006]

IWC2006, any suggestion on how a guy like me can get into the banking, finance industry? Since I got some replies for the niche, NASA, Defence, IT, might as well look at banking/finance as well?

Well why would you want to get into banking & finance in the first place when you are already in the niche, high tech industry -banking is rewarding but its all about long hours, stressful, political, client and deadline-driven.

By the way, you own a IWC? I'm thinking of spending some money on a Rolex. Submariner SS 116610. A guy needs a good watch.

I have both, Rolex has become too common and you can easily get a fake one looks similiar to the real. There's many niche / unique timepieces which only manufacture a few hundred pieces a year for the high-end customers. (eg. Parmigiani).
IWC has also becoming mainstream these days.

 

[Ash007]

I have both, Rolex has become too common and you can easily get a fake one looks similiar to the real. There's many niche / unique timepieces which only manufacture a few hundred pieces a year for the high-end customers. (eg. Parmigiani).
IWC has also becoming mainstream these days.

Bah, not really into horology. Just wanted something to last a long time so that I can hand it down. Rolex maybe common, but its still recognisable. Don't think I can afford anything more exclusive then that now. Maybe in a couple of years time. Need something to commemorate my plans for next year.

 

[IWC2006]

Bah, not really into horology. Just wanted something to last a long time so that I can hand it down. Rolex maybe common, but its still recognisable. Don't think I can afford anything more exclusive then that now. Maybe in a couple of years time. Need something to commemorate my plans for next year.

Ok, its probably worthy to buy this from Sg or HK then Oz. Watches in Oz I presume is more expensive. The only good thing u could get the 10% GST back if u travel outside the country within a month from the purchase. In Sg, u can't do then unless u are a foreigner/tourist.

 

[axe168]

Indeed Indeed. Since we are trading Singapore education "war" stories now.

I still remember I got a "black" mark for queuing at the wrong class. My class is notorious for being the "Pai kia" class. We always got detained after school for being too noisy, too loud in class etc. The whole class gets detention after the flag lowering ceremony frequently to get some big BS speech from the principle. One day, I went over and queued at my friends class. Pretending to be from his class, turns out that day my class got detained again. I just pretended nothing happen, then went off, leaving my class behind. The next day got called into the principle office. Telling me I cannot simply queue with other class. How this is a very very bad thing to do. That I have no discipline etc. Then they started all this speech about I'll be getting a "black" mark in my records, how in future when I start to work employers will refer to it and won't hire me etc etc. I was only in sec 1 back then. Nah beh already try to scare me like this. Till this day, I'm still waiting for my employers to refer to that "black mark". WHHAHAHHA Hope they don't look up my secondary school record during security checks.

As for getting trouble in the Singapore system. Think of it this way, Singapore the island is like the Matrix. Everything is nice and clean and green. Everyone seem to be "contented" as long as you follow the rules. Sinkies are plugged into it to their PHole, their pods. Most people in Singapore do not realised this. There will always be a few, non-conformist, that do know that something is not right but just can't put a finger to it.

Well I thought being rebellious in a good way is not a bad thing at all..

When we disagree with what is happening.. we question the process.. finally, (we are so pissed with it), we decide to take some actions to CHANGE the system...

In SG, we have no other choice but to obey the system.. hey, but the strict system works too ! so which is good ? Well both are good, but I would not let my son to be part of the SG sys

 

[Ash007]

Well I thought being rebellious in a good way is not a bad thing at all..

When we disagree with what is happening.. we question the process.. finally, (we are so pissed with it), we decide to take some actions to CHANGE the system...

In SG, we have no other choice but to obey the system.. hey, but the strict system works too ! so which is good ? Well both are good, but I would not let my son to be part of the SG sys

i think it depends a lot on an individuals personality. Some people actually have to "depend" on the Singapore system to survive. Some thrives on it. Remember in the movie "The Matrix", people are not willing to be unplugged from the system, if they are unplugged from it they will die from the shock of the truth. Neither is good or bad as you say, it just depends on which is more suited for you.

 

[Ash007]

Ok, its probably worthy to buy this from Sg or HK then Oz. Watches in Oz I presume is more expensive. The only good thing u could get the 10% GST back if u travel outside the country within a month from the purchase. In Sg, u can't do then unless u are a foreigner/tourist.

Planning to get a new passport next year, thats what the watch is for. So being classified as a foreigner/tourist is not a problem. I've heard about SG or HK being cheaper as well. In fact, Malaysia is another country that has been suggested. Only problem there is a lot of fakes are in there as well. As for Oz, my friend has been telling me you can get about 8% off the watch, that seem to be the commission of the agent, minus the 10% GST when you travel, it could be as cheap. A lot of PRCs bought their watches in Aust due to this.

 

[axe168]

Planning to get a new passport next year, thats what the watch is for. So being classified as a foreigner/tourist is not a problem. I've heard about SG or HK being cheaper as well. In fact, Malaysia is another country that has been suggested. Only problem there is a lot of fakes are in there as well. As for Oz, my friend has been telling me you can get about 8% off the watch, that seem to be the commission of the agent, minus the 10% GST when you travel, it could be as cheap. A lot of PRCs bought their watches in Aust due to this.

Congrats ! Being a Oz citizen.. you'll get to visit SG Casino with no entrance fee !!! enjoy the FT privilege.. the 7 GST rebate.. and NO NS..

Yahooooo !

 

[Ash007]

Yes you get more benefits being a FT in Singapore then a citizen. The most important part is you don't burden your son with NS. Let them live free and make their own decision.

Congrats ! Being a Oz citizen.. you'll get to visit SG Casino with no entrance fee !!! enjoy the FT privilege.. the 7 GST rebate.. and NO NS..

Yahooooo !

 

[facadegeniality]

hi guys, i went through all the 8 pages..seems like most of u have been in oz for a while.

Im gonna grad from uni in singapore and intend to work there right after....seems like it is gonna be a tough ride for me. the only OZ experience i have is some volunteering experience which has nothing to do with my bachelors.

 

[scroobal]

If are sponsored by OZ employer not problem. If you don't have PR, you have little hope. OZ employees generally consider employment if you have a (1) PR and (2) actually residing in OZ.

If you narrow down your status, others might be able to provide some guidance.

hi guys, i went through all the 8 pages..seems like most of u have been in oz for a while.

Im gonna grad from uni in singapore and intend to work there right after....seems like it is gonna be a tough ride for me. the only OZ experience i have is some volunteering experience which has nothing to do with my bachelors.

 

[axe168]

hi guys, i went through all the 8 pages..seems like most of u have been in oz for a while.

Im gonna grad from uni in singapore and intend to work there right after....seems like it is gonna be a tough ride for me. the only OZ experience i have is some volunteering experience which has nothing to do with my bachelors.

Many employers in Australia accept volunteering experience.. esp in the area of non-proft organisation... local govt and state govt.

 

[facadegeniality]

If are sponsored by OZ employer not problem. If you don't have PR, you have little hope. OZ employees generally consider employment if you have a (1) PR and (2) actually residing in OZ.

If you narrow down your status, others might be able to provide some guidance.

Hihi, apologies for not making myself clear. i was typing my post late at night b4 heading to bed.

im a PR but still in sg and will be graduating in may. once i grad, i left 2 yrs more for the first five yr. was contemplating between gg there str8 after graduation or workin in sg and gg over til just b4 the 5 yrs is up.

advised by a friend to go there immediately bcoz
1) singapore job experience not really useful hence, better to have first job there since first job usually nt easy too. also because it might be demoralising if im promoted in sg and have to go there and start from scratch. (this feeling, my friend said, was apparent among alot of migrants)

2) parents still can support me as opposed to all gg there tgt and have to live on savings (yes, my whole family has PR status). i was thinking i go over and settle down first.

I guess i fit into both of the criterias u mention. i also know that the uni in OZ end their acad yr in dec. so im assuming most jobs are taken up as of today.

Many employers in Australia accept volunteering experience.. esp in the area of non-proft organisation... local govt and state govt.

i have done volunteering in NPO. wasn't able to find local/state govt when i was there during my uni break. im not sure how helpful it will be bcause i basically taught new migrants english and a lil ad-hoc stuff.

quite an experience because i got to mix with people from so many countries. thing is, it isn't really related to my degree (marketin) and i heard most marketing jobs will be given to locals as they know their own culture better.


hopefully these are enough information to shed light on my situation.

 

[scroobal]

Excellent. With PR, not much of an issue.

If you have a family in OZ or friends, use their address/contact phone number for all your job applications. OZ HR agencies and Employers generally do not respond to overseas candidates including PR unless they on home soil.

OZ economies is the only one that did not have a recession among 22 top economies during GFC. Its robust and purring along quite well. As a fresh grad, you have to be lot more dogged but it still out there. Get a letter or statement from the mob that you volunteering before you leave. Unlike Singapore, OZ has 3 major categories for unemployment
1) Permanent
2) Contract
3) Casual.
Many employers use the last 2 to assess candidates. Just grab whatever you can. Its important to get your foot thru the door into any OZ workplace. With that, employers are comfortable that you can fit in. Try and get hitched to one work agency that can place you in a casual employment. As they get a cut of from the employer every month, it more lucrative for them. It will also put you in good stead to make contacts, network, learn the ABCs to front an interview. Singaporeans generally do well in OZ as their command of the language is much better, they are a lot more confident and comfortable in the western environment.

Hihi, apologies for not making myself clear. i was typing my post late at night b4 heading to bed.

im a PR but still in sg and will be graduating in may.

 

[facadegeniality]

Excellent. With PR, not much of an issue.

If you have a family in OZ or friends, use their address/contact phone number for all your job applications. OZ HR agencies and Employers generally do not respond to overseas candidates including PR unless they on home soil.

OZ economies is the only one that did not have a recession among 22 top economies during GFC. Its robust and purring along quite well. As a fresh grad, you have to be lot more dogged but it still out there. Get a letter or statement from the mob that you volunteering before you leave. Unlike Singapore, OZ has 3 major categories for unemployment
1) Permanent
2) Contract
3) Casual.
Many employers use the last 2 to assess candidates. Just grab whatever you can. Its important to get your foot thru the door into any OZ workplace. With that, employers are comfortable that you can fit in. Try and get hitched to one work agency that can place you in a casual employment. As they get a cut of from the employer every month, it more lucrative for them. It will also put you in good stead to make contacts, network, learn the ABCs to front an interview. Singaporeans generally do well in OZ as their command of the language is much better, they are a lot more confident and comfortable in the western environment.

scroobal: do u mean '3 major categories for employment'? also, u mentioned that contract and casual experience is used to assess candidates, but i remembered someone earlier in the thread mentioned abt permanent experience being more important. does this only apply to IT industry as u all discussed?

a friend of mine also suggest to take some sort of OZ qualifications. I was thinking at some part time dip or mayb even tafe course. would that be feasible?

thanks for the quick reply so far.