Landing Your Dream Job in Australia: A Comprehensive Guide for Immigrants

          

Update your online presence: Create a professional LinkedIn profile and consider other job search platforms specially Seek.com.au

Tailor your resume and cover letter: According to Australian standards, highlighting relevant skills and Overseas experience.

When applying for a specific role at Seek or LinkedIn, it's very essential to tailor your CV to match the job description and requirements. This involves incorporating relevant keywords from the job ads to improve the chances of passing through the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) software used by most of recruiters.

To optimize your resume, always utilize tools like Jobscan to compare the job description (JD) against your CV. This analysis will provide a percentage score of keyword matching, helping you refine your CV to successfully pass ATS software and secure an interview opportunity. This strategic approach is particularly crucial for landing your first job in Australia.

Resume Screening Software

Many companies avail Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter and screen resumes before they reach a human recruiter. Other popular options for resume screening include:

Resume-io

HireVue

Taleo

Keyword Extraction and Matching Tools

For job applicants, tools like Jobscan analyze resumes and provide feedback on keyword optimization. Other software options for keyword extraction and matching include:

Resume Worded

Keyword Extractor

Resume Keyword Matcher

These software can help streamline the recruitment process and improve the chances of a resume passing through ATS.

Leverage AI Technology: Utilize ChatGPT for Comprehensive Job Search Preparation

In today's digital age, artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed the job search landscape. ChatGPT, a cutting-edge intelligence model, can significantly improve your preparation for interviews, CV writing, and cover letter composition.

Interview Preparation using ChatGPT: 

1. Practice responding to common interview questions: ChatGPT can provide you with typical interview questions and help you craft well-structured responses.

2. Improve your communication skills: Engage in conversations with ChatGPT to refine your verbal and written communication skills.

3. Research company-specific information: Use ChatGPT to gather insights about the company, its products/services, mission, values, and culture.

4. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer: ChatGPT can assist you in formulating relevant questions to ask during the interview.

CV & Cover letter Writing and Optimization using ChatGPT:

1. Get suggestions for relevant keywords: ChatGPT can analyze job descriptions and provide keywords to incorporate into your CV as well as into cover letter. ChatGPT can provide inspiration for your cover letter, including potential opening sentences and anecdotes.

2. Improve your CV structure and formatting: Receive guidance on organizing your CV, including section ordering, bullet points, and action verbs.

3. Enhance your professional summary/objective: ChatGPT can help you craft a compelling professional summary that highlights your strengths and experience. Engage with ChatGPT to develop a cover letter in professional tone and writing style that resonates with your target audience.

By harnessing the power of ChatGPT, you'll be well-prepared to tackle the challenges of job searching, increase your confidence, and enhance your chances of success.

Research the Australian job market: Familiarize yourself with in-demand skills, industries, and companies.

To navigate the job market effectively, it's essential to familiarize yourself with in-demand skills, thriving industries, and leading companies. Salary ranges for specific roles are largely determined by the dynamics of demand and supply.

In roles with an abundance of qualified applicants, salaries tend to be lower due to the surplus of suitable candidates. Conversely, positions with limited qualified applicants often command higher salaries, as companies compete to attract and retain top talent.

Gaining insights into the job market will empower you to:

1. Identify lucrative career opportunities

2. Develop in-demand skills to enhance your employability

3. Negotiate salaries more effectively

4. Make informed decisions about your career trajectory

Getting Master's Degree or doing Local Certifications and Training

1. Obtain Australian Master's Degree or local certifications like Cert II Cert III, Cert IV Diploma etc: In your field, to increase job prospects (e.g., Education Support, IT, healthcare, Security, Aviation or finance certifications).

2. Upskill or reskill: Invest in courses & learning new skills that bridge gaps between your international experience and Australian industry requirements.

Networking and Building Connections

1. Attend job fairs and industry events: Connect with potential employers, learn about job opportunities, and gain insights into the industry.

2. Join professional associations: Related to your field like Engineers Australia etc, to expand your network and stay updated on industry developments.

3. Connect with Australian professionals: On LinkedIn and ask for advice or referrals in their companies.

4. Participate in online forums and groups: Related to your industry or job search, to build connections and stay informed.

Volunteer Work and Internships

1. Volunteer for Australian organizations: To gain local experience, build networks, and demonstrate your commitment to the Australian job market. it may end up as a full-time paid job in most of cases.

2. Consider internships or work experience programs: To gain practical experience and make industry connections. applying for graduate engineer role can help as a entry point in big organizations.

Leveraging Your International Experience

1. Highlight transferable skills: Emphasize the skills you've developed in Pakistan or in middle east or anywhere in overseas that are relevant to the Australian job market.

2. Showcase your cultural adaptability: Demonstrate your ability to adapt to new cultures and work environments.

Job Search Strategies

1. Utilize job search platforms: Such as Seek, Indeed, or LinkedIn Jobs.

2. Leverage social media: Use Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or other platforms to connect with potential employers or industry leaders.

3. Network with recruitment agencies: Specializing in your industry or job function. Call them in the morning time to introduce and ask for job opportunities as well.

4. Prepare for common Australian job interview questions: Research and practice responding to behavioral and technical questions. use ChatGPT for this purpose.

Reference Check

In Australia, employers typically require two professional references as part of the hiring process, usually after an interview and before extending a job offer. Ideally, references should be from Australian-based colleagues, peers, or supervisors who can attest to your work performance and skills. Overseas references are generally not preferred, as employers prioritize local references familiar with the Australian work environment.

Additional Tips

1. Accept part time and casual job offers initially even if its not a high payrate later on with more connection you will eventually land a fulltime job as well.

2. Be patient and persistent: Job hunting can take time, so stay positive and focused.

3. Seek support from migrant resource centers: Organizations like the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs or migrant resource centers can provide valuable guidance and resources.

4. Stay open-minded and flexible: Be willing to consider different job opportunities, industries, or re-locations.

Mastering Personal Finance: A Guide to Managing Your Finances and Building Wealth

Personal finance refers to the management of an individual's or family's financial resources, including managing Personal Finance could be short term as well as long term. It includes calculating one's net worth, Income, Expenses, Savings, Debt, Investments and managing financial goals such as buying a home, funding education, or retiring comfortably.

Effective personal finance involves:

1. Budgeting: Creating a plan for managing income and expenses. Budgeting is keeping track of your income and expenses, so you know where your money is going every month

2. Saving: Building an emergency fund and saving for long-term goals.

3. Investing: Growing wealth through informed investment decisions.

4. Debt management: Paying off debt timely and managing credit responsibly.

5. Financial planning: Creating a comprehensive plan for achieving financial goals.

Certain fundamental principles of personal finance are essential to grasp. For instance, it's advisable to refrain from purchasing expensive vehicles and curb excessive spending on luxuries. Additionally, it's crucial to recognize that one's primary residence is not typically considered an asset. Entrepreneurship is a viable pathway to achieving financial success, including becoming a dollar millionaire. 

By managing personal finances effectively, individuals can:

1. Achieve financial stability and security

2. Build wealth over time

3. Reduce financial stress and anxiety

4. Make informed financial decisions

5. Enjoy a better quality of life

I suggest everyone must have their own personal finance excel sheet ready on their computers and it should be updated every month i follow the same for myself in Australia. Creating a personal finance Excel sheet is an excellent way to track and manage your finances. Here are some additional items you can consider tracking:

Make a list of your Monthly Income on Excel Sheet how much money is coming in it may include as below.

1. Salary/Wages: Regular income from employment

2. Investment Income: Dividends, interest, Inheritance and capital gains

3. Freelance/Consulting: Income from freelance or consulting work

4. Rental Income: Income from rental properties

5. Other Income or Cashflows: Any other regular income sources or cashflows

Make a list of your Monthly Expenses on Excel Sheet how much money is going out and try to reduce it.

Keep actual expenses receipts or track expenses from bank statement compute an average and enter details into excel sheet, Expenses may include as below. you will get to know total monthly expenses by summing up all below expenses. it can be multiplied by 12 to get annual Expenses.

1. Housing: Rent/Mortgage, utilities, maintenance

2. Transportation: Car loan/lease, gas, insurance, maintenance

3. Food: Groceries, dining out

4. Insurance: Health, life, disability, other

5. Debt Repayment: Credit cards, loans, mortgages

6. Entertainment: Hobbies, movies, concerts, travel

7. Clothing: Clothing, accessories, dry cleaning

8. Healthcare: Medical expenses, prescriptions, wellness

9. Taxes: Federal, state, local taxes

10. Miscellaneous: Gifts, subscriptions, unexpected expenses

Make a list of your Monthly Savings on Excel Sheet

Normally Monthly saving is calculated by subtracting monthly income and monthly expenses on excel sheet. it can be multiplied by 12 to get annual Savings.

Calculate your Total Net Worth on Excel Sheet

By simply adding all bank accounts balance worth of assets and subtracting liabilities NetWorth can be calculated

1. Assets Cash, investments, retirement accounts, property

2. Liabilities: Debts, loans, credit card balances

Make a list of all Investments and try increasing income on Excel Sheet

1. Stocks: Individual stocks, mutual funds, ETFs

2. Bonds: Government and corporate bonds

3. Real Estate: Rental properties, real estate investment trusts (REITs)

4. Other Investments: Cryptocurrencies, commodities, etc.

Make a list of all Charity/ 2.5% Zakat you do on Excel Sheet

1. Donations: Cash donations to charitable organizations

2. Volunteer Time: Time spent volunteering for charitable causes

3. Gold and jewelries Calculate total gold you have on excel sheet it helps in calculating actual gain in value of gold and in calculating contribution of charity and zakat.

Additional Items to Track on Excel Sheet

1. Credit Score: Monitor your credit score , current assets distribution percentage and other reports

2. Debt-to-Income Ratio: Track your debt payments as a percentage of your income

3. Savings Rate: Monitor your savings rate as a percentage of your income

4. Investment Returns: Track the performance of your investments

5. Financial Goals: Set and track progress towards specific financial goals, like saving for a down payment on a house

6. Expense Ratios: Track your expenses as a percentage of your income, to identify areas for improvement

7. Cash Flow: Monitor your inflows and outflows of cash to ensure you're managing your finances effectively

8. Family ID Documents & Passports expiry date can be tracked for the purpose of timely renewals

Build a skill that generate freelance income, invest in assets that grow over time and launch a side hustle that aligns with your passion. I am sharing ideas for side hustle and specifically for passive income streams it will certainly help you to become a multi-millionaire one day.

                                                                   

The 50/30/20 Rule

Allocate your income into three categories using the 50/30/20 rule:

1. 50% for necessities: Rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and minimum debt payments.

2. 30% for discretionary spending: Entertainment, hobbies, travel, and lifestyle upgrades.

3. 20% for savings and debt repayment: Emergency fund, retirement savings, and debt repayment.

Sharing a screenshot from my Personal finance sheet for reference of readers

Regards 

Waqar

The Rightful Share: Understanding Islamic Inheritance Laws

   
                             

The Favorite Dish of Pakistani Men: Eating Away the Share of Sisters, Wives, Mothers, and Brothers

We live in a society where sisters are forced to give up their rightful share of inheritance to prove their love for their brothers. When a heir demands their share, it becomes obligatory to divide the inheritance and give them their due share. Delaying this without a valid reason is considered a sin, and the person is considered unjust, as stated in the Hadith.

Initial Steps for Distributing Inheritance

Before distributing inheritance among immediate family members, the following steps must be taken:

Settlement of Funeral Expenses: All burial service-related costs and other expenses, such as grave costs, should be deducted from the inheritance.
Repayment of Debts: If the deceased had taken a loan from someone, it must be repaid from the inheritance.
Consideration of the Deceased's Wishes: After settling debts and expenses, the deceased's wishes regarding the distribution of their inheritance will be considered. Up to one-third of the inheritance can be distributed according to their wishes.

Distribution of Inheritance

The remaining inheritance will be distributed among family members as follows:

Mother's Share: The mother will receive one-sixth of the inheritance. 
Father's Share: The father will receive one-sixth of the inheritance. 
Wife's Share: If there are multiple wives, each will receive one-eighth portion.
Children's Share: The remaining inheritance will be distributed among the children, with sons receiving two portions and daughters receiving one portion.
No Sons, One Daughter: If there are no sons and only one daughter, she will receive half of the inheritance, and the remaining half will go to the father.
No Sons, Two Daughters: If there are no sons and two daughters, they will receive two-thirds of the inheritance, and the remaining one portion will go to the father.

Special Cases

Wife's Death: If the wife dies, her husband will receive one-quarter of the inheritance if they have children. If they have no children, the father will receive one-half of the inheritance, and the remaining one-half will go to the parents.
Father's Death: If the father dies, the wife will receive one-quarter of the inheritance instead of one-eighth if there are no children.
Inheritance of Grandfather: If a person dies, their father will be eligible to receive inheritance. If the father is not alive, the grandfather will receive the inheritance. 

The Hadith also warns against depriving an heir of their rightful share, stating that such a person will be punished on the Day of Judgment. Another Hadith states that whoever usurps someone's property unjustly will have that property hung around their neck on the Day of Judgment.

Similarly, the Hadith emphasizes the importance of making amends for past wrongs, stating that whoever has wronged someone should seek forgiveness before it's too late. On the Day of Judgment, if the wrongdoer has no good deeds to their credit, they will be punished, and their sins will be transferred to the person who was wronged.

In another Hadith, the Prophet (PBUH) is reported to have said that the bankrupt person is not one who has no money or possessions, but rather one who comes on the Day of Judgment with prayers, fasting, and charity, but has also insulted someone, slandered someone, taken someone's property, shed someone's blood, or beaten someone. Their good deeds will be taken away and given to those who were wronged, and if their good deeds are exhausted before their wrongdoings are accounted for, the sins of those who were wronged will be transferred to the wrongdoer, and they will be thrown into the fire.

The Importance of Personal Growth and Financial Independence for Young Pakistanis

I've observed that many young men in Pakistan tend to prioritize staying in their family home and assisting with their father's small businesses or shops. While this setup provides a meager income, barely enough to make ends meet,many people face a difficult choice: paying their electricity bills often means they can no longer afford their grocery bills. I strongly disagree with this approach to depend on your father.

My concern is that these young individuals neglect to pursue higher education, establish their own careers, and acquire valuable skills that could potentially lead to better opportunities. Furthermore, they often overlook the possibility of immigrating to a first-world country, where they could enjoy a significantly improved lifestyle and earning potential – potentially 10 times more than their father's local business.

By focusing on personal growth, education, and career development, these young individuals could break the cycle of limited opportunities and create a brighter future for themselves and their families.

A Concerning Trend Among Young Pakistani Men Abroad

I've observed a concerning trend among young men working abroad in countries like Australia, the UK, and the Middle East. Despite having seemingly lucrative jobs, they often propose marriage to women from their home country, Pakistan. The women's parents, enticed by the prospect of a prosperous son-in-law, readily agree to the union.

Initially, the marriage appears successful, with the couple having two or three children within the first few years. However, things take a turn for the worse when the husband decides to relocate back to Pakistan. Unfortunately, this decision often leads to a significant decline in their standard of living, marked by financial hardship and stress.

I strongly advise against this approach, where individuals prioritize short-term gains over long-term stability and happiness for their families. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to determine the best way to provide for their loved ones. They should carefully consider their decisions before leaving a well-settled life overseas and for me its cheating with your partner and their parents as well.

The Importance of Self-Sufficiency and Independence

Ultimately, strive to be the pillar of support for your loved ones, providing for their well-being and basic needs. This includes not only your parents but also your partner, children, and even vulnerable siblings and their families.

I urge everyone to adopt a mindset of self-sufficiency and independence. Avoid relying on others for financial support, especially elderly parents who have worked hard their entire lives. Instead, focus on building a healthy and sustainable lifestyle that brings dignity and fulfillment to yourself and those around you.

For instance, many Australian youths begin their earning journey through part-time jobs at the tender age of 16 or 18, thereby self-funding their education while also contributing to their family's expenses.

Regards,

Waqar

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