Skilled Migrant Professionals October 2014 | Page 16

Career Gishan Liyanage advises on HOW TO Get your first job in Australia Ask any recent migrant to Australia about getting their first job here and almost all will say that it is a daunting and frustrating task. Some may have registered with recruitment agencies or applied for jobs online without any success. While others may have been offered a job interview but were unable to turn that opportunity into steady employment. As an experienced recruiter and Human Resources professional, I feel particularly qualified to help you get your first job in Australia. Steps to Success STEP 1: Writing an effective Covering Letter (CL) To get your curriculum vitae (CV) read, you first need to have an effective CL. If your covering letter falls flat, then it is highly likely your CV won’t even be read by a recruiter. Contents of an effective CL: •  ention three points that highlight your specific expertise relM evant to the job • Explain how you can add value to the company with your skills • Make sure that you include all your contact details • Focus on the company’s requirements rather than your own •  he opening paragraph should tell the employer who you are T and what you want •  he second paragraph outlines what you have to offer and emT phasises any relevant experience or skills • The third paragraph explains why you would be of value •  he final paragraph should clearly state when you are available T for an interview. DOs: • Always customise your CL to the job for which you are applying • Keep it concise! If you give too much detail, you lose the effect • Check grammar and spelling meticulously • Always write to a named individual. 16 www.smpmagazine.com.au | October 2014