Help for migrants in Canberra?

Kennards Hire at Fyshwick had a sign on their counter yesterday for part time and full time staff required.

It can be difficult but I wonder how fussy people are. I’ve never had a problem holding employment in Canberra and have moved from private industry, through many mundane jobs, retail, pizza delivery and now public service. Mostly obtained through targeting stores with a “I want this opportunity” attitude, also word of mouth and eventually through contract with the public service and then public service advertisements. I owned my own business for a couple of years. I had to say no to a number of people walking through looking for jobs but there was reasons for saying no – ie, lack of appropriate visa, appearance and communication skills, they didn’t like the pay rates, having enough employees at the time. Lots of people were given the opportunity, I didn’t get burned by many, but that one time did make me very fussy as an employer.
Anyway, good luck to your friend, it can be a ‘pound the pavement’ at times.
Oh and unfortunately the only “emergency” accommodation for free I’m aware of is the hospital or drug rehab (if they are not full).

http://www.kellyservices.com.au/

Brilliant team in Canberra. Had me in a job within a week of seeing them.

joannac said :

When I was walking around DFO a month ago every second shop was looking for someone

same with brand depot… god knows why, no one goes there. some shops were even closed because they didn’t have staff to fill it.

http://www.menscentre.com.au/

While not their core business they could probably point you in the right direction as they deal with many other agencies and would be aware of what services are available, and likely the best approach to deal with them (waiting lists etc)

And this mob are right downstairs…
http://www.citizensadvice.org.au/

But having been in a similar-ish situation, concentrating on getting work (even stuff you wouldn’t normally consider) is the key. Up early, trawl the jobs ads and ring the agency/advertiser the minute they open and he’ll be laughing. Waiting for most institutions to do actually something for you is an exercise in grief.

Another agency that is worthy of stand up applause is canberra connect. Those guys (and ladies) absolutely rock. http://www.canberraconnect.com.au/

He could go home to NZ and not milk our Social Security benefits.

Or move in with cousins at the alternative NZ, Manly.

Either employers are getting fussy or they arent looking hard enough. There are plenty of jobs out there.

Suggestions:

*Print out 100+ resumes and go to all of the shopping centres. 50% of the shops have help wanted signs. Between Woden, Civic, DFO, Brand Depot, Belconnen and Tuggers your bound to find a job.

*Try all the major supermarkets.

*Email every recruitment agency in town.

*Apply for every temp register with Government departments.

*Apply for every job you have skills for on seek, alljobs, canberratimes etc.
There is over 100 new jobs listed today on seek, if they are desperate – they should have already applyed for 30%+ of them.

I’ve spent plenty of time unemployed due to a back injury. But it never stopped me from applying for roughly 50-100 jobs a month which catered to my injuries.

When I was walking around DFO a month ago every second shop was looking for someone

This is a kind of “go back to NZ comment” but wait, it’s a different “go back to NZ comment”. It may be better for your friend if he does go back. Where is his family? His friends? You are a great friend, trying to help, but maybe going home would be the best option for now. Go home, get some support, save up a little cash, apply for an Aussie job and come back when he’s able. I guess it depends on his relationships here and across the sea. Which location would support him better at this point in time? Good luck. Let us know how it all goes.

Thanks to those with helpful suggestions.
Also, I should point out that my friend is cold canvassing for jobs. He’s been out with his CV knocking on doors and selling his experience and work. No doubt there is work out there, and he’s not fussy about what work he does. By all means Conan, if you spot any places with a help wanted sign, post them here and we’ll head out to pay them a visit. He has retail experience.