Rachel Barnetson, Senior Manager, Hays Globalink

Published on 2016-06-10 at 00:00 by Expat.com team

Rachel Barnetson was transferred to Australia a few years ago. She keeps a very good memory of her life in Melbourne. Back to the UK, she still works for Hays, the world's leading recruitment company. She gives us an overview of the off-shore recruitment market for Australia and New Zealand.

Have you lived in a foreign country as an expatriate?

I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to transfer internally with Hays a few years ago to Melbourne, Australia. The city of Melbourne is a fantastic, buzzing cosmopolitan place and has so much to offer. I spent just over two years in this beautiful city and have fond memories of the long summers and living in one of the world's most liveable cities. Australians are known for their friendliness and laid back approach to life, and I was always made to feel welcome by my new colleagues and friends - there is also a huge expat British community there. I am lucky enough to travel back to Australia nearly every year to see family, and every time I land back at Tullamarine Airport I feel excited to be back in this spectacular city

What sectors are the most dynamic in terms of off-shore recruitment in Oceania?

In terms of companies sponsoring people from outside the Australia and New Zealand region, we are experiencing huge demand in Sydney for construction professionals due to the current boom in residential and commercial construction there. Due to this high demand, our clients are willing to consider people from the UK, Europe or Ireland with the relevant skillsets and may conduct interviews remotely with candidates while they are still in their home country. Rail is another strong job market in Sydney and Perth with clients willing to sponsor relevant skilled candidates from the UK, Ireland and Europe. There are just not enough people locally with the specialist rail design and build experience. Engineering, IT and digital marketing sectors also experience local workforce shortages.

Is off-shore recruitment subject to local regulation?

To be considered for a 457 visa, which is the sponsored visa, a candidate must meet strict criteria for Australian/New Zealand immigration. If your profession is on the skills shortage list for Australia, or the Skills in Demand list for New Zealand, then it does mean that applying for a visa can be quicker.

What are the best practices to follow when searching for a job abroad?

Pick one country to focus your job-search on, and do your research into the cost of living, job market conditions, local economy and things like the tax system, education and simple things like how to open a bank account.

What services and solutions do Globalink offer to companies/people wishing to work abroad?

Hays Globalink has been established in the UK for ten years and is part of the highly successful Hays APAC business. Our specialist team of recruiters have all lived and worked in either Australia or New Zealand and can offer first hand advice on the local job-markets, labour trends and salary advice that is current in each city or state. We offer a free service to professionals relocating and aim to get your job search started prior to your arrival where possible.