Why Can’t I Get Job Interviews In Australia?
A wise man once said, “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” That man was Albert Einstein.
What Einstein said, applies to most things we do.
Here are two practical examples:
- If I keep driving at 65kph instead of 60kph I’m going to continue getting speeding fines.
I need to change my driving habits! - If I continue eating spicy food, I’m going to have an upset stomach.
I have to stop eating spicy food!
This theory applies to job searching in Australia. I have lost count at the number of clients who call or email saying “I’ve been applying for 10 jobs a week for the past three months and I haven’t had one interview”.
Let’s do the maths on this.
10 job applications a week X four weeks a month X three months.
The total number of applications sent out = 120 (yet not one interview.)
The minimum strike rate you should expect is at least one interview for every twenty applications sent.
This person should have attended six interviews after three months. Out of the six interviews, I would expect at least two job offers (one in three).
What this person is doing is insane – according to Einstein! They are sending the same resume and cover letter over and over again, expecting to get called for a job interview.
In effect, if you’re not getting a job interview in Australia, then there’s something wrong with your cover letter and resume.
Why can’t I get job interviews in Australia?
1. Your cover letter is weak. If your cover letter isn’t attention-grabbing, your resume won’t get read
2. Your resume doesn’t use enough keywords. If you don’t tell the hiring manager that you have exactly what they are looking for you won’t get called for an interview.
3. Information resumes Vs Marketing resumes. Your job application must be a sales brochure that sells your greatest skills and achievements related to the job being advertised.
4. Your writing (style, grammar and punctuation) is weak. The selection panel will assume that if you can’t write, you can’t speak…which means no interview.
Final point: If you keep getting rejected (or worse, they don’t even write back), then you need to pause. Take a moment to assess your cover letter and resume.There’s no point sending the same resume and cover letter out – you will get the same result. If you’re getting the same frustrating and disappointing result, get in touch with us so that we can help you break the cycle.
We’ve helped many clients get a job interview in Australia through our proven cover letter and resume templates. Our job is to help you get into as many interviews as possible so you increase your job offer ‘strike rate’. Good luck with your job search!
I have been looking for a job for a year now, i have sent just over 100 resumes to different companies and in this whole time period i have only had a total of 5 interviews.
Having a good resume and the right attitude is important but the main factor of finding a job is pure luck, either you get it you don’t. Luck of the draw.
Hi Callum, thanks for the post! I know a few people who have sent out 100, 150 and sometimes over 250 applications for 0 interviews. When this happens, it’s an indication that your resume and cover letter need more work. Five interviews for 100 applications isn’t horrible – but it’s not great. In my experience it’s 90% strategy and 10% luck. I would have expected at least one job offer from five of your interviews. It looks like there could be a few issues with your resume and cover letter. You may also need to refine your interview skills. Please send me a copy of your resume and cover letter to naren@acecis.com.au. I’m happy to take a look and come back with some feedback.
Hi Naren.
My name is Sayan Guha. I am an international student at the University of Queensland, pursuing Masters of Commerce and CPA. I hold work experience both in India as well as Australia as a Junior Accountant but I seem to have reached a standstill while applying for other jobs.
I have applied for over 100 jobs already and I don’t seem to breakthrough to the interviewing phase. I have the skills that are required to tackle the jobs I apply for, such as MYOB, Data Analysis and Excel. I still seem to struggle quite a lot. Is there anyway you can assist me with this? Thanks.
Regards,
Sayan Guha
Hi Sayan, thanks for the message. It sounds like you have good skills i.e. MYOB. Local experience is unlikely an issue either so I suspect it’s a combination of competition and the quality of your application.
Feel free to use the contact form to send us a copy of your resume so we can review and provide you with feedback.
I wish you well.
Cheers
Naren
Hi my name is Matthew
I have applied for well over 50 jobs i tailor my resume and cover letter to each position and highlight key attributes and skills related to the roles i apply for. I have not even had the curtesy of a simple email saying no we dont feel you qualify. The problem is so much more than just making your resume and cover letter look good. Australia is at a national average of 6.7% unemployment.(i doubt if that figure is even accurate but its what im told) the fact is 50 people and thats on the small scale apply for the same job i do that includes migrants people on 457 and 417 visas and aboriginal and torres straight islanders. IT IS ALOT TO DO WITH LUCK and alot to do with who you know. Im not illiterate and i know how to write a resume and cover letter. I am sick of people stateing that is the problem as its obviously not.
Hi Matthew, I agree, there is an element of luck involved. There are so many variables involved in getting a job. It’s timing, luck, who you know, competition, market conditions, quality of application etc. Feel free to send a copy of your application to enquiries@acecis.com.au and we’ll take a look and provide feedback.
The key thing is not to give up and settle for any job. If you’re qualified and experienced, there are ways to get through.
I look forward to seeing your resume and cover letter.
Cheers
Naren
I’ve been applying for jobs in my home state for 3months now after a year overseas and working interstate. I’ve got a Masters degree and worked for big named companies in the mining industry.
My qualifications are effectively null and void here. I am either too over qualified or not qualified enough in the roles I am applying for. I am willing to start at the beginning for a chance at a new career.
Unfortunately the job market here is dead. I spend hours a day looking for work. There is just nothing out there. They wonder why young people are leaving this state in droves!
Hi Daniella, thanks for the comment. Yes the mining sector has taken a hit with the slowdown in China. It’s not an ideal time because competition is high as there are more candidates in the market now – and less openings.
There are ways through though. For example, I’m sure your job application can be improved. Even though I’m a Career Coach and customise resumes and cover letters for a living, I know my own resume could do with a makeover. The other way is to identify key contacts within appropriate companies that need your expertise and build relationships with them.
I totally get what you’re saying…but don’t give up just yet!
If you’d like to send me a copy of your resume I can take a look to see if there are ways to make it better so you improve your prospects of getting an interview.
We need to see where you’re going wrong and a 5 minute scan of your resume will tell me the story.
My email is naren@acecis.com.au
All the best
Naren
Things are not looking better. With customised CV, following clear instructions, spent hours applying for one job a day, and typically on the following day, I will get a rejection letter. Atleast I’m getting something and wonder should I even be thankful?
I am from the O&G Industry, implemented a number of innovations, obtained so many achievements and on par with lead engineers of 15 – 20 years experience (and my experience is only 6-7 years at that time). Highly recommended by the client to handle projects and site works because I am given the opportunity to demonstrate. Initially it was very hostile due to my years of experience in the industry. All it takes is to let me handle one job.
The director asked me to take the role as Head of Department and support business development, I gave up on all of it, for the sake of migrating to Australia to be with my spouse.
Been here for some time now. My oil and gas experience only became a hindrance, even though I can definitely make equal or even more contributions in other industries. I have walked so many extra miles to be excellent for more than a decade, and who do you think will believe what I wrote above?
I agree, it got nothing to do with luck. Luck is just a word that everyone can put their blame on and expect everyone to understand / sympathise. I am just one of the victim that got caught up in the worse possible time. It is not that we are not willing to change career or demanding for insane salary. Almost everyday I hear complains about so many employees unable to perform their everyday task and these are the people who get to interviews and offered a job. These will be the very same people that will screw up the organisation. I wish the organisation, best of luck. So, yes… If nothing turns out, I will have no alternative but to return to my home country. Its just sad to hear about brain drains, not getting talents, and so on, when the issue is so obvious but can’t be implemented due to political reasons. I truly understand…
Hi Chin, sorry to hear about the situation. There are a number of issues you’ve outlined in your comment and the first thing I want to say is – don’t give up.
I know the market in your field is very tough right now. Many oil and gas engineers are feeling the pinch of the mining slow down. You mention a customised application. Is this one you did yourself? Please email me a copy.
You can’t control the job market and demand – but you can control the quality of your job application, your interview skill level and your ability to network with recruiters and companies direct.
You have made a major investment and sacrifice coming to Australia. My parents did 45 years ago and struggled. I have heard the stories. So don’t give up – you can make it here – but it takes time and a solid strategy.
Cheers
Naren
I’ve applied for 2107 positions only one brief job onterview. I live in Adelaide South Australia. Please take a look at my cv. What it is that i am doing wrong.
Hi Bala, thanks for the comment. Your interview strike rate is seriously low which tells me there are issues with your resume/cover letter and general strategy of going direct to companies and key decision makers.
Please complete the contact form and we will assess your resume and provide feedback.
Cheers
Naren
Hello,
I was hoping to get some advice on my CV. Perhaps I can send it through somewhere and get some feedback or arrange an appointment. Would love some help, as I really need some kind of work !
Thanks
Aaron
Hi Aaron thanks for the message. Yes please use the contact form on the ACECIS website and you can attach you resume. We’ll take a look and get back to you with our feedback
Cheers
Naren
In a way I have the opposite problem. In order to have a low resume strike rate, there must be appropriate jobs for me to send my resume to. Repeatedly, I find that jobs that suit my qualifications simply dont exist. On top of that, I also have a low strike rate anyway. I had been under the impression that the path to a job would be one of going to university, obtaining a qualification in a STEM field, and then simply applying. How wrong I was.
Hi Michael, STEM is particularly tough. Why? Because in some cases, there’s a dependency on research funding. If funding dries up – STEM professionals feel the effects.
Feel free to email us a copy of your resume so we can see if there are any specific issues holding you back.
enquiries@acecis.com.au
All the best
Naren
Hi Naren,
Though its just been a few days, but it is highly disappointing when the resume gets rejected even without a chance of an interview. I am a qualified HR professional worked with some great companies like GE in India. I had applied to a lot of interesting roles that would be a perfect fit for me, but my resume doesn’t get me through to the interview stage. Is there anyway I can get my resume assessed to see how Australian recruiters look at it?
Hi Jayita,
Thanks for the message. This seems to be a common occurrence for people applying for jobs in Australia who don’t have ‘local’ experience. HR is a tricky field as well. I find that recruiters and companies are more open to hiring people from overseas (no local experience) if it’s a technical role i.e. software testing or mechanical engineering. I can see you’ve sent us your resume so we’ll get back to you with our assessment.
I wish you well.
Cheers
Naren
Hi
Ive been looking for work since last year.
Im white as in skin white and i receive absolutely nothing in regards to interviews. It is literally the luck of a draw to get a job.
Its all luck and it comes down to people you know. Somebody who was exactly like me and didn’t have a job, she knew someone who got her a job as a waitress.
so unfair.
I have experience in hospitality, having worked at nandos and KFC. I also did work experience at pet city for a year.
Like i said its the luck of the draw. Pathetic.
Im so sick of this crap about resumes being wrong. You send a resume in, its not even guaranteed that the’ll look at it. They don’t check their emails everyday and when they do your application is probably mixed with the other hundred of emails they have, and so their not going to sift through all of them to find applications.
Hi Dan,
Yes, there is an element of luck and being in the right place at the right time. However, you also need to make your luck by implementing the right strategy to generate as many interviews as possible. If you’re not getting interviews there’s something not right with your strategy. I agree 100% that getting a job is significantly easier through referrals. So leverage these referrals where you can – or start generating your own. How? Well you may need to hit the pavement with an attractive resume and positive attitude and go into cafe’s and restaurants and ask to speak to the manager. Call them up after you drop off your resume – go back again etc. Show them that you’re keen.
Yes, sometimes resume go into a pile and get lost. However, if your resume is ‘wrong’ you won’t get through if they are legitimately looking at your resume as the single piece of information to assess your suitability. Feel free to send us a copy of your resume so we can see if there are errors and give you tips on how to make it better.
I’d strongly suggest networking and getting out and about to meet managers at places you’d like to work.
Cheers
Naren
Hi Naren,
I have been applying for jobs from 4 months. I know that the kind of work i did in India (Competitive pricing analysis), is not much in demand here. I did attend 6-7 interviews. I haven’t got the offer in most of them and waiting for 1-2 more to get back. I am not sure if it is to do with luck or referrals needed or if i need to shift my career.
Regards,
Ramya
Hi Ramya, referrals are fantastic if you have them. Getting referred to a vacancy or company is the most effective way to bypass SEEK and other laborious job portals (cut out the competition).
If you’re getting interviews, but not converting them – you’re doing something wrong in the interview. I can see you’ve sent us an enquiry so we’ll get back to you with our recommendation.
Good luck
Naren
Hi Naren,
After sending out 40 resumes over the course of 2 months, I have not recieved a single call back or email apart from just one who told me that I’ve been placed on a waitlist for when a position becomes available!
I honestly dont understand whats wrong with my cover letter or resume, nor why Im not being chosen for interviews…..I cant put it all down to just having networks!
I have a friend with no experience what so ever yet they got a job in a high retail place!!
I was wondering could you please take a look at my resume and cover letter and tell me what I am doing wrong?
Thank you!
Hi Ghada,
I’ve worked with job seekers who have sent out 300 applications for 5 months with 0 interviews!
It’s a combination of your application not being strong enough, limited networks/referrals and a bit of timing/luck.
Sure, feel free to send us your resume via the ACECIS contact form and we’ll provide you with our feedback and tips to improve it.
Cheers
Naren
Hi,
I am recently moved to Melbourne.
It has been 1.5 months here. Since mast 1 month I am applying for a job in IT field with having 5 years of experience in India. But here I am not getting any call.
I have used keywords that I m looking for but still no response so what should I do?
Thanks,
Mira
Hi Mira, thanks for the message. If you’re not getting interviews, it’s a sign your resume and cover letter need improving. There could be other factors at play too – for example, local experience, employment gaps or demand for the skills/experience you have. Feel free to send us a copy of your resume via the ACECIS contact form on the contact us page. We will do a thorough review and assessment on your profile and provide you with advice on where you need to improve. We look forward to seeing your resume and providing you with feedback.
Cheers,
Naren – Head Career Coach, ACECIS
Hello Naren
I recently moved here with my husband, on a 482 visa from South Africa
I have been to a few recruitment agencies and was personally told that chances of me finding work in administration, secretarial industry is unlikely as South Africas working industry is behind and therefore the work experience doesn’t count in Australia, i have a 2 year visa, my cv and cover letter has been checked by many people. I have asked plenty of questions and was told that the facts are, they will first consider local applications as to train up a South African who seems somewhat incompetent will cost the company money, its not true i worked for an international company who had international working standards and ethics, the second a company or recruitment agency sees Visa within 15min of applying i get a rejection letter. I honestly feel that being judged on your intelligence from where you come from is unethical. I am hard working and cannot just sit around. I have tried getting a retail job, casual. No one is interested in giving a chance to gain Australian work experience.
Hi Ally, thanks for the post.
Sorry to hear about this experience 🙁
Yes, a lot of recruiters/hiring managers will choose candidates who have Australian experience. However, if you can present yourself as equal to or better than the other candidates, it won’t matter. Companies want to hire the best and brightest people who can add value. The objective is to demonstrate your ability to do this. That’s how you win interviews and get a job offer.
Can you please visit https://www.acecis.com.au/contact-acecis/ and send us a copy of your resume? My team will also set up a time for us to have a chat about your situation.
Thanks and look forward to hearing from you soon.
Cheers
Naren
Hi Naren,
I landed in Sydney (Australia) say 1.5 weeks ago, after gaining a 6.5 years of professional experience in India. With a lot of hope carrying a dependent spouse visa in-hand I started searching for a job without knowing how arduous the task would be. After applying for some 20 jobs I got response from 10 of them stating “your profile is not a good match” or “at this time we are going with other eligible candidates” and so on. I got one positive response asking me to proceed for the second round but after taking up the assessment no response from them. So, if I am not wrong I think the employers need someone with PR and because my visa is temporary with full work rights may be the reason for rejections. Please clarify this as if that is the case why can’t these corporates simply say they need someone with PR. I feel these are all just eye wash.
Hi Manju, thanks for the post.
There are so many factors at play in your situation such as:
– your industry/type of experience
– location
– visa status
– time of year! It’s Xmas!
– competition
– quality of your resume and cover letter
I have heard of many cases of people on dependent visas who get offers in ‘hot demand’ areas like software eng, data science, teaching and in the trades i.e. electricians!
Perhaps send me a copy of your resume for an assessment so I can take a deeper look into the issue.
PS 1.5 weeks job searching to get 1 interview isn’t too bad so don’t get disheartened…
I look forward to hearing from you!
Cheers
Naren