Most candidates leave money on the table because they’re afraid to negotiate. After placing hundreds of candidates, I’ve seen the difference between those who negotiate and those who don’t. It’s often $10,000 to $20,000 per year β sometimes more. Here’s what actually works in the Australian job market. When to Negotiate The best time to […]
Salary NegotiationThis question can feel awkward. It’s basically asking you to sell yourself, which doesn’t come naturally to everyone. But it’s a common question, so you need a good answer ready. What They’re Really Asking They want to know: It’s your chance to summarise why you’re the right choice. The Formula Structure your answer: Keep it […]
Interview Preparation“Tell me about a time when⦔ If you’ve interviewed recently, you’ve heard this. Behavioural interviews are now standard in Australia β and most candidates prepare poorly. Here’s how to actually prepare. What Are Behavioural Questions? Behavioural questions ask for specific examples from your past. The theory: past behaviour predicts future behaviour. Examples: They want real […]
Interview PreparationPhone interviews are screening rounds. Their goal: decide if you’re worth a proper interview. Many candidates treat them casually. Don’t. Before the Call Test Your Setup Bad phone reception or background noise can tank an interview. Test your reception. Close windows. Put pets in another room. Make sure nobody will interrupt. If you’re using a […]
Interview PreparationDress codes vary wildly across Australian workplaces. A suit that’s perfect for a law firm will make you look ridiculous at a tech startup. Here’s how to get it right. The General Rule Dress one level above what you’d wear on the job. If the office is casual (jeans and t-shirts), wear smart casual to […]
Job Search StrategyYour LinkedIn profile is often the first thing employers see β sometimes before your resume. A weak profile can cost you opportunities. A strong one opens doors. Here’s how to get it right. Your Photo Matters More Than You Think Profiles with photos get 21x more views and 9x more connection requests. Your photo should […]
Salary NegotiationAsking for more money is uncomfortable. But if you don’t ask, you often don’t get. Here’s how to do it professionally. Timing Matters Good times to ask: Bad times: Do Your Research Know what people in your role earn: You need data, not just feelings, to support your request. Build Your Case Document your achievements: […]
Job Search StrategyYou’ve got a new job. Congratulations. Now you need to resign from your current one. Do it wrong and you burn bridges. Do it right and you leave with your reputation intact. Wait Until You Have a Written Offer Don’t resign until you have: Verbal offers fall through. Don’t quit your job on a promise. […]
Migrants & First JobGetting your first Australian job as a migrant is tough. I won’t pretend otherwise. You’re competing against candidates with local experience, local references, and local networks. But it’s absolutely possible β I’ve helped hundreds of migrants land their first role. Here’s what actually works. The Local Experience Catch-22 Every migrant hears this: “You need local […]
Interview PreparationYou walked out feeling great. Then got rejected. What went wrong? After sitting through thousands of interviews, here are the mistakes I see over and over. Arriving Late (or Way Too Early) Late is disrespectful. But showing up 30 minutes early is awkward too β now someone has to deal with you. Arrive 5-10 minutes […]
Salary NegotiationYou see three jobs at the same company that look interesting. Should you apply for all of them? The short answer: maybe. Here’s how to think about it. When It’s Okay Applying to 2-3 related roles is generally fine if: For example, if you’re a marketing manager applying for both “Marketing Manager” and “Digital Marketing […]
Job Search StrategyI’ve screened thousands of resumes over 15 years. Here’s what actually happens when your application lands in a recruiter’s inbox. The 6-Second Scan You’ve heard this before β recruiters spend about 6 seconds on initial review. It’s true. In those 6 seconds, we’re looking for: If nothing catches our eye, you’re in the “no” pile […]
Resume & Personal Branding“Keep it to one page” is outdated advice β but 10 pages is too many. Here’s the real answer for Australia. The General Rule 2-3 pages is standard for most professionals in Australia. These are guidelines, not laws. Quality matters more than length. When One Page Works One page is fine if: Don’t pad a […]
Confidence & MindsetYou nailed the interview. Now what? Following up is important, but there’s a fine line between keen and desperate. Here’s how to get it right. Send a Thank You Email (Within 24 Hours) Yes, really. Many candidates don’t bother, so this makes you stand out. Keep it short: “Hi [Name], Thank you for taking the […]
Salary NegotiationYou have an offer. But something feels off. Maybe the salary is lower than expected. Maybe the culture seemed weird. Maybe it’s just not what you imagined. Should you take it anyway? The Case for Taking It Sometimes you need to take an imperfect job: There’s no shame in being practical. The Case for Waiting […]
Career AdviceHaving multiple job offers is a good problem β but it’s still stressful. Make the wrong choice and you could end up job hunting again in 6 months. Here’s how to navigate it. Don’t Panic (or Gloat) Multiple offers put you in a strong position, but handle it professionally. Don’t play companies against each other […]
Salary NegotiationSpotting a bad employer before you start is better than discovering it after you’ve resigned from your current job. Here are the warning signs to watch for. During the Process Disorganised recruitment:Missed calls, confused interviewers, changing job descriptions, weeks of silence. If they can’t run a hiring process, imagine working there. Too fast:Offering the job […]
Interview PreparationIt’s usually the first question. And most candidates waste it. “Tell me about yourself” isn’t an invitation to recite your resume or share your life story. It’s your chance to set the tone and direct the interview where you want it to go. Here’s how to nail it. What They’re Really Asking When an interviewer […]
Resume & Personal BrandingThis question comes up constantly, especially from candidates with international backgrounds. The short answer for Australia: No. Why No Photo? In Australia, resumes typically don’t include photos because: Including a photo won’t usually disqualify you, but it marks you as unfamiliar with Australian standards. Exceptions There are some cases where a photo is acceptable or […]
Interview PreparationYou’re applying for jobs and hearing nothing. It’s frustrating and demoralising. After reviewing thousands of applications, here are the real reasons you’re not getting callbacks β and how to fix them. Your Resume Doesn’t Match the Job The biggest issue I see: generic resumes sent to every job. ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) scan for keywords […]
Resume & Personal BrandingYou need a job. You find one you could do in your sleep. But now they’re worried you’re overqualified. Here’s how to handle it. Why Employers Worry When they see overqualified candidates, employers think: Your job is to address these concerns without being asked. Be Upfront About Why In your cover letter or early in […]
Job Search StrategyThe question everyone dreads. And most people answer badly. Here’s how to handle it without sounding fake or sabotaging yourself. Why They Ask Interviewers want to see: It’s not a trick to eliminate you β unless you answer terribly. What NOT to Say The humble brag:“I’m a perfectionist” or “I work too hard” Interviewers have […]
Interview PreparationYou had a great interview. Now you’re staring at your phone, wondering when to follow up and what to say. Get it wrong and you look desperate. Stay silent and you might be forgotten. Here’s how to get it right. The Thank You Email (Non-Negotiable) Send a thank you email within 24 hours of your […]
Job Search StrategyJob hunting is exhausting. After weeks or months of applications and rejections, it’s easy to lose hope. Here’s how to stay motivated and effective. Acknowledge It’s Hard Job searching is emotionally draining. Rejection triggers real psychological pain β studies prove it. Don’t pretend it doesn’t affect you. Allow yourself to feel frustrated. Then get back […]
Interview PreparationCareer gaps happen. People get sick. Companies fold. Life happens. The good news: gaps matter less than they used to. The bad news: you still need to explain them well. Here’s how to handle resume gaps without killing your chances. Why Gaps Concern Employers Employers worry about: Your job is to address these concerns without […]
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