Hey Roelie,
It's good to see you are maintaining a positive attitude. Whatever you do don't just sit back and wait for the tide to turn. It's important that you get a
HR job sooner rather than later. Employers and recruiters tend to worry about people who have been out of work for a long time, not necessarily for any good reason.
I believe the custom cover letter is worthwhile, particularly if it is well crafted and is designed to subtly "sell" yourself to the reader. I wouldn't mention anything about equal opportunity or your experiences in Qld.
Do mention that you are enjoying living in Australia, embracing the culture etc etc, and all you need now is the right job!
Some employers have concerns that immigrants may not successfully settle in their new country. This is actually a valid concern.
BTW, you're an emmigrant
from South Africa and an immigrant
to Australia.
Just noticed this previous message;
Quote:
Originally Posted by Roelie
I noticed you have been in the recruitment game.........what are most of them looking for when recruiting for a role, and why do they decline you (more suitable candidates???) for a role if you are a perfect fit (knowledge, skills, experience, salary etc) for the role?
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Many, if not most recruiters, focus on the easiest route to "place" someone in a job with their "client" (the employer). That's what pays their wages. So if they have good local candidates with relevant experience their view may be "why bother (waste my time) with candidates who don't have any local experience".
Be aware also that they will have a six month guarantee clause, whereby they have to find a replacement free of charge if you "drop out" within 6 months, it may be even longer. So some might take the view that recent immigrants represent a higher risk.
Recruiters are often aware of a certain bias or preference that their client has, (discrimination is alive and well), which they are not going to tell you or publicise in an advert. Back in the 1990 recession I had a client who said to me "stop sending me Asian candidates, times are tough and I'd rather employ Aussies". We're 20 years on now and things have improved but there will always be
some discrimination in every country.
Sometimes the bias may be quite legitimate. They may believe they need someone with specific experience. Personally I believe the person fit is more important but as they say, "the client is always right". But this also may not be included in the ad, because recruiters often write an ad to draw candidates for more than one job, so they avoid "over qualifying" the ad.
I would also advise you to approach companies directly (lots!). Find out who the more/most senior
HR people are and write to them directly, then follow up with a phone call, just to make sure they received your letter
I hope this helps.
Moz
PS. Have you considered working in Melbourne or Sydney, where the vast majority of
HR jobs are actually located?
Looking for HR opportunities in Perth
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