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Australia - Frequently Asked Questions

What Salary Can I expect to Earn?

This is determined by the level of position that is offered. However, a base salary of A$ 50,000 - A$70,000 is a guide for a consultant, A$60,000 - A$80,000 for a senior consultant and A$80,000 and upwards for a Manager depending on the size of the organisation, bonus, profit share, etc.
Commission/bonus comes in many guises but an average of 30% - 33% still seems to be the yardstick.

Will I be able to obtain a similar role?

If you are currently a Manager you may have to take a step backwards to get to know the local market. As the population in Australia is approximately 20 million, there will be fewer consultancies and therefore fewer management opportunities. When you have just arrived from another country you are naturally at a disadvantage. Flexibility and the willingness to "cold-call" and business develop will make you a much more attractive proposition.

What are the fundamental differences between the Australian recruitment market and the London market, for example?

There is no real difference in working in the two countries. However, recruiters who have been working in the London market and then have moved to Sydney often feel that clients are more receptive and easier to approach. With the market much smaller than the UK it is important not to 'burn' clients but to build strong relationships for on-going business.

Can I get work in Australia while still in the UK?

Absolutely, most of our clients either have offices in the UK or will fly representatives over to the UK to interview. Where this is not possible, interviews will be done via video conference so that at least you can see your potential employers.

Will I require a visa to work in Australia/New Zealand?

In short, yes, unless you are Australian / New Zealand resident. If you are coming from a country outside Australia/ New Zealand you must be a resident in at least one of the following countries:
  • United Kingdom
  • Ireland
  • Netherlands
  • Germany
  • Canada
  • Japan
  • Malta
If this is satisfied then you maybe eligible to apply for a visa to work in Australia.

Many come to Australia initially on a working holiday visa (sub class 417) which permits you to work for a maximum period of 6 months for any one employer. The 417 visa's are valid for 12 months but in recent times have been revised to 24 months if certain conditions are met. For the recruitment consultant looking for work there are rarely opportunities for such a short period of time. Therefore many employers would look to "sponsor" a candidate on a business class visa (sub class 457) for a period of up to 4 years.

How do I get a business Visa?

With the increased number of overseas recruitment consultants working in Australia many agencies are applying to become "sponsors" themselves as this has become easier to apply for in recent years, giving them a competitive edge and allowing them to employ directly.

Alternatively there are also several independent companies that offer to be your visa "sponsor". There are several of them to choose from with slight differences in each so it is worthwhile looking around to see which one is right for you. Essentially all charge a management fee for looking after your sponsorship which is based on a percentage of your salary. With the current laws surrounding the business visa this charge can be offset by tax breaks under the Living Away from Home Allowance (LAHA) scheme which gives tax concessions to overseas employees working in Australia on a temporary basis.

What are the basic Visa requirements?

All applicants must meet the skill requirement for the visa:
Degree qualifies plus at least 12 months relevant full-time employment experience; OR
Five years relevant* full-time employment experience.

*Relevant experience to recruitment includes recruitment positions, high-level account management, commercial sales, human resources, business development etc.

Can Family Members and Partners come to Australia?

You may include the following family members in your visa application:
  • Children under 18 years
  • Dependent children 18 years or older – must be financially and emotionally dependent on you (proof must be supplied)
  • Spouse (opposite sex)
  • De-facto partner, including same-sex couples, if you can prove you have lived together for a minimum of 6 months immediately prior to the date your application is logged.

Visas granted to family members do not have any limitations on work rights – they may work part-time, full-time and are not restricted to any particular type of work. Study is also permitted.

What Happens if I leave my job?

If you leave / finish up with your sponsoring employer for any reason, they have a legal obligation to advise DIAC within 7 days, after which time you MUST make immediate arrangements to apply for another visa type or depart Australia.

Depending on whom the sponsor holder is of your visa you can either stay on the current visa and find new employment or alternatively go through the process again of applying for another visa with another sponsor.

Other useful Visa information

The Visa is valid for up to four years, after which time you may apply for another four-year visa
The visa is not transferable between other occupations or companies
The holder is permitted to enter and leave Australia without restriction while the visa is valid
You cannot work for yourself, another company or individual – you can only work for your sponsoring employer
  
 
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