How to get a job in Australia from Nigeria

AUSTRALIA has several different visa types for all kinds of workers, which we discussed in the previous edition, including highly-skilled workers, specialized workers, entrepreneurs, and business owners. Each visa has its own set of unique requirements.  

To get a job in Australia from Nigeria, your best bet is to begin your search online. This is the easiest route, especially if you are still abroad and have not relocated yet. Job opportunities in Australia for foreigners could be in the education, healthcare, maintenance, or the public sector. Two popular job search websites to check out are SEEK and Australiajobs77.com. Once you have bookmarked a few positions that you are interested in, you will want to ensure you prepare two essential documents:

 - Australian-style CV

- Cover letter

When working on these two documents, note that it is essential for your material to be written in Australian English. Australian English varies from American spelling and is much closer to British spelling.

Australian-Style CV

In Australia, the words resume and CV are used interchangeably and refer to the same type of document (however, ‘resume’ is what you will hear most often). Unlike other countries, where resumes are kept short, it is normal for CVs to be up to three or four pages in Australia. However, if you are an entry-level or a recent graduate with little experience, two pages are acceptable.

Tips for Creating an Australian CV

• Australian resumes also do not require a professional headshot attached to them.
• Include personal contact information: email address, phone number, address, and name.
• Information, such as marital status and age are not necessary.
• When listing your work experience, use reverse-chronological order (your most recent or current job first) and accompany each entry with the dates of employment, description of responsibilities, and achievements.
• List your education in the same manner: reverse-chronological order and include dates, the name of the school, and your major/minor/specialization and degree/certificate.

Other sections to include if relevant are: significant achievements and awards, skills, volunteer experience, and references. Contact information for references is not required, but add a note stating they are available upon request (see below for more details on professional references).

Cover Letter Tips

Even if a cover letter is not required, it can better your chances with an employer if you include one with your application anyway. Some employers may not even consider a candidate’s resume if it is not accompanied by a cover letter.

Every cover letter, like your resume, should be tailored for the position and company you are applying for. However, unlike your resume, your cover letter should be brief and certainly not as long as your CV (no more than a page). It should highlight key accomplishments related to your career that have not already been mentioned in your CV.

Mention why you believe you would be a good fit within the organization and how your experience can help you fill the position. Your cover letter is also the opportunity to explain any exceptional circumstances such as significant employment gaps, career shifts or changes, etc.

Required References and Qualifications

Some companies and hiring managers may ask you for references as a part of the job application process. If you are asked for references, this could be a good indication that you are being given serious consideration as a potential candidate for the position. The company may want to check your references to confirm the information you have provided in your resume, CV, or interview.

It is important to provide credible references. This could be previous employers, or professors if you are a recent graduate. Try to stick to references who have worked with you within the last three years. Go further back only if it is very relevant to the position.

Finally, it is essential to advise your references that they may be contacted. Provide them with information regarding the employer and company, the person you interviewed with, and the position you are applying for.

Below are Australia’s most in-demand jobs and how much they pay on average annually:

Other jobs to check-out are:

We will look into the Self-employment option next week.