Tips from Job Shop on how international students can get a job in Australia

Finding a job can feel like a challenging task for international students, but there is help at RMIT.

For many international students, the key to feeling secure and independent in a new country is to find a job. However, cultural differences and unfamiliar processes can stand in their way.

The good news is there are simple ways to make finding a job much easier.

RMIT’s Job Shop is an excellent place for international students to find guidance and support in their job-hunting journey. Job Shop offers services such as interview preparation, mock interviews, career planning appointments and internship advice.

Kartik Bist, an assistant at the RMIT Job Shop, said his role is to help students confidently prepare to enter the workforce. Like many of the staff at the RMIT Job Shop, Kartik is an international student at RMIT himself, and is studying the Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) (Honours).

Here, Kartik uses his own experiences and shares some smart tips and advice on helping international students find jobs in Australia.

international students sitting in front of table and talking

#1: Looking good on paper

It may seem obvious, but your résumé and cover letter need to be tailored to the job you’re applying for. Kartik, who is from Delhi, India, said the staff at RMIT’s Job Shop can help you make your résumé and cover letter shine.

“When preparing applications, we have an easy step-by-step program that helps students create a professional résumé tailored to the specific job they want to apply for.

“We also conduct professional résumé reviews if students want to get some feedback before clicking the “apply” button.

“In addition, we have workshops on interviews, LinkedIn, job search[ing], Australian work etiquettes [and more] to get international students up to speed on these topics and the way things are done in Australia.”

#2: Communicating your work experience

Australian employers are far more likely to employ job candidates with work experience, which includes study placements, internships or have a part-time job, make sure you let them know. The more relevant the work experience to your chosen field of work, the higher your chances of success. or have a part-time job, make sure you let them know. Obviously, the more relevant the work experience to your chosen field of work, the higher your chances of success. Voluntary work or part-time jobs. The more relevant the work experience to your chosen field of work, the higher your chances of success.

Consider asking the person you reported to at your work experience (for example, your manager) to provide a reference that positively attests to your attributes such as reliability, punctuality and teamwork skills.

For Kartik, work experience proved essential in finding work.

“All my experience and connections I built through previously volunteering and through other jobs aided me immensely in successfully securing a position at the Job Shop,” he said.

rmit international students volunteering at open day

#3: Networking to find work

The more people you connect with in your field of work, the more likely you are to hear about new opportunities and perhaps even meet your new employer or career mentor.

RMIT integrates industry experience into each of its courses, so it’s a good idea to start making connections with the people you worked with in any work-based placements or internships. A simple email to tell them you are looking for a job may result in new doors opening.

“Contacts or mentors can act as a catalyst in your job search […] by guiding you or simply through their connections, which takes a substantial amount of time [to do on your own] when you’re still trying to find your footing, getting acclimatised to a new country and have other commitments,” Kartik said.

“Job Shop organises industry events for international students [from] each discipline to offer students the opportunity to interact with employers, connect with them, ask questions, and see what programs they have on offer.”

#4: Building your online profile

More than 10 million Australians use LinkedIn with just over half regularly logging in every month, according to LinkedIn data¹. The online networking platform is a great way to connect with people you know in a professional capacity and to link into their connections.

Building a profile consists of listing your qualifications and experience, and posting a professional photo. Others can vouch for you by providing testimonials and you can also update your skills and write posts about your professional activities.

Job Shop offers LinkedIn advice, workshops and free Linkedin photo sessions to help students get the attention they deserve for their profiles. Students can find and register for events like this on RMIT Career Centre.

#5: Upskilling your English

International students who practise their English and expand their vocabulary have a great advantage when it comes to job-hunting. With proficient language skills they are easily able to communicate with potential employers and colleagues, and face less barriers to be understood.

RMIT’s Learning Lab offers free English classes and full English courses for students wanting to improve their language skills.

If you need extra help with English language or writing, RMIT also offers other support services, including personal support via Studiosity. On Studiosity, you can chat one-on-one with subject specialists on the platform anytime, 24/7, or submit your work for feedback.

#6: Having a positive outlook

It’s competitive out there, so you may not be selected for that job you really wanted. However, it helps to have a positive attitude.

“Be patient with the results,” Kartik said.

“At the Job Shop we have a ‘wall of success’ where we put up stories of students that [we’ve helped to] find jobs.

“One of the more recent additions to the wall is a student with a bachelor’s degree now working as a quality engineer at McConnell Dowell.”

Kartik said the student particularly benefited from mock interview sessions that they undertook with a career consultant from Job Shop.

“[The sessions] assisted them in not only sharpening those interview skills, but also in learning to believe in themselves.”

If you’re looking for guidance on how to find a job, visit the RMIT Job Shop.

Story: Kate Jones

¹ Tempest, Mel. “Social Media Statistics Australia – March 2021” Linkedin.12 May 2021

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