Working in Adelaide

This is the unauthorised guide to International Student Employment issues in Adelaide.

Unauthorised? You won't find this information from an agent or government body or in a glossy pamphlet.

The simple truth is that Adelaide is a tough job market. With a population 3.741 and 3.154  times smaller than Sydney and Melbourne respectively, opportunities are more limited. On the positive side, Adelaide still has good opportunities in an increasingly strong economic climate - the trick is how to find the jobs?

The 3 most prevalent barriers for international students trying to compete in the local job market are:

Language, Experience and Transport

Language - be realistic with what work you apply for. If your spoken English skills are limited, production work would be a viable option. If your English skills are of a proficient level, then direct customer service work is also an option.

Experience - Often international students have limited work experience, which is a huge issue when competing with local students. Again be realistic with expectations - perhaps consider some event work to build a local profile or seek work where experience is not an issue.

Transport - Public transport is only as good as its service availability. Employment hours realistically need to be between 6:30am-11pm if relying on public transport. The closer to home the better!

Most casual or part-time employment is unadvertised. Numerous industries, particularly retail and hospitality, have significant numbers of people apply directly to them and don't need to spend money advertising. 

Make your application count - send or deliver a brief customised cover letter to the appropriate person (i.e. Mr John Citizen, Store Manager) and let them know exactly what you are after. For example 'I am an international student looking for up to 20hrs food service work per week on a casual basis to support my university studies. I am available Thursday evenings, all day/evenings on Friday and Saturday.'
This establishes your intent, possible longevity in the job and when you can work - this makes it a yes or no answer and presents you more as an employment solution to their business.  When it is personally addressed you also give the illusion that you have hand picked them and specifically wish to work for them. Your letter content might be identical for 12 employers but with a different contact name on each, they will look customised. Then you will need to 'sell' your skills to them and tell them how you can be contacted for an interview. 

To apply for advertised positions, the AUU Employment ServiceT runs an online database with jobs advertised by student friendly employers. All you need is your student number and email password to access this site.

Other avenues are the Careers section of 'The Advertiser' newspaper on Saturdays, www.careerone.com, seek.com or www.sacentral.sa.gov.au/, which has a listing and links to every recruitment agent in Adelaide.

As an international student with a work visa you have EXACTLY the same rights as Australian residents in respect to employment, wages and conditions.

The vast majority of Australian industry is governed by 'industrial awards', which abide by rules pertaining to wages and conditions. The vast majority of employers pay under these conditions, pay superannuation and extract tax from your wage to pay the Australian Tax Office.

A number of employers pay 'off the books'. This is characterised by cash wages, no payslip, no tax, no protection in case of workplace injury and wages are generally well below the prescribed award. There are numerous risks when engaging in this employment, including violation of visa conditions. Industrial relations are relatively complex and international students often don't have the benefit of understanding their rights. The AUU Employment ServiceT can assist with detailing your rights and obligations as an employee. Simply drop in for a chat or book an appointment for guaranteed time.

The AUU Employment ServiceT is a fully subsidised student service located at Union Information, Ground Floor Lady Symon Building. (Adjacent to the Mayo Café).

Services include:

- Online Jobs Database at www.union.adelaide.edu/employment
- Cover letter and resume construction and advice.
- Industrial relations advice.
- Interviewing techniques
- Job application advice.

Contact:

Shane Phillips
Employment Manager
Adelaide University Union Employment
8303 4406
auu.employment@adelaide.edu.au