Increase your chances of finding a job

You've heard it a million times already: the job market is tough at the moment. If you need to find work though, this news isn't helpful at all; in fact it’s positively depressing. And chances are, if you’re reading this you may be one of the thousands of people who are mid job search, and need advice not discouragement. So just for you, we've got some tips to help you maximise your chances of getting that all-important first step on the career ladder.

- Don’t look for the ‘perfect’ job: There is no such thing. It’s incredibly rare to get everything you want from one role, especially when jobs are scarce enough as it is. Letting go of perfectionism is essential, and there is always time to find better opportunities and make valuable connections when you are secure in another job.

- Prepare, and then prepare some more: Preparation is key; whether you’re sending out CVs, applying for a position, or attending an interview. Make sure all cover letters you send are specific to each individual job role, and research potential companies you are interested in working for.

- Network: Both social and professional networking can bring great results when it comes to your job search. Make sure you have a presence on websites such as Twitter and LinkedIn, and look for community and networking events in your local area.

- Don’t be discouraged by rejection: Being rejected is just another part of the application process. Competition for positions is fierce, and you won’t be suitable for all roles. However, if it’s really taking longer than expected, it may be time to rethink your methods and come up with a new plan.

- Start at the bottom: Sometimes, the job you really want isn't always available. If you can get a foot in the door at the company you want to work for, but it’s at a much lower level than you anticipated, it could be a good idea to take it, as the opportunity to work your way up is always there.

- Don’t rule out temporary jobs: Getting a temporary job is better than having no job at all. You never know when a temporary job may turn into a permanent one: just put in 100% and show the company they can’t do without you. 

At Acorn Global, we are dedicated to helping you find that perfect new career. Visit the website for more advice, how to register with us, and a selection of some fantastic job opportunities.

Something to brighten up your day...

Ever thought about moving Down Under? As the days get darker and the weather gets colder, this video might give you the push you need to make the move!

For more information and advice about making the move, as well as a list of current jobs in Australia, visit the Acorn Global website.

Arriving in a new country: the first month

From the moment you make the decision to relocate to another country, to the moment you arrive, time often seems to pass in a blur. One minute you're sorting through your belongings and telling friends and family about your plans; the next you find yourself fresh from the plane and at the beginning of a whole new way of life.

This whirlwind of events also means that you arrive at your destination dazed and confused as to what to do next. Obviously things will differ from country to country, and are dependant on the support you receive from employers etc, but below we've listed a few tips on the important factors to remember during your first month of arrival.

When you first arrive
- Arrange a hire car and check into any temporary accommodation that you've organised.
- Contact friends and family back home to let them know you've arrived safely.
- Depending on the time you arrive and the difference in time zones, try and stay awake throughout the day to help you adjust as quickly as possible, and keep jetlag to a minimum.
- Consider buying a pay-as-you-go sim to put in your old phone, which will enable you to make local calls cheaply.
- Find the nearest internet cafe so you can stay connected.
- If you have a recruitment agency, keep in contact so they can provide you with help and advice in your first few days.
- Leave a few days free to recover from the journey and explore your new home.

One week in

- Register at your local embassy or consulate and make sure you get a tax file number.
- Install a land line and set up internet access if you are living in permenant property.
- If you have children, register them at a local school.
- Invite your new neighbours round for drinks and to socialise.
- If you are only in temporary accommodation, explore the areas you want to live in and meet with rental agents to research property options.
- Consider buying a car and setting up insurance.

One month in

- Review your financial situation and transfer more funds if needed.
- Research family trusts and pension transfer laws.
- Register with your local health services (doctor/dentist etc)
- Attend social functions and join clubs to meet new people and help you settle into your new life.

After the first month of living in your new country, you should hopefully begin to feel more settled and at home. Keeping yourself busy and meeting potential new friends is key to settling in as quickly as possible, so make sure these are high on your to-do list. For more information and advice, as well as a list of our current job opportunities, have a look at the Acorn Global website.

Helen Lock

Australia's economy boom

With the UK being one of the top three countries worldwide for emigration to Australia, accounting for more than 13.7% of all that relocate there, it comes as no surprise to hear that the economy is booming. And with the country now overtaking Spain to become the 12^th largest economy in the world, it will no doubt mean that many more Brits will head to the country for a better life.

Since 2007, Australia’s economy has overtaken the economies of South Korea, Mexico and Spain, suggesting that the Global recession hasn’t hit the country as hard as anywhere else. Given the country’s relative population size, this seems even more of an impressive achievement, but the recent mining boom has no doubt contributed to the growth.

Paul Arthur, director of migration advisors The Emigration Group said, “The economies of both Australia and New Zealand are booming – there are literally thousands of vacancies for Brits who may be struggling to find work here or are worried about their future in the UK.”

With solid growth, low unemployment figures, steady inflation and a high investment in resources, Australia’s prospects look fantastic. Add to that year-round sunshine, a fantastic education system and friendly locals and you’ve got the ideal country to emigrate to.

Acorn Global currently has a fantastic range of job opportunities in Australia, with a range of excellent benefits. For more information on available positions and how to register, visit the website now.

Helen Lock

Having doubts about moving Down Under? Watch this!

Thinking about moving to Australia? You'll be packing your bags after watching this video!

For more information on relocating to Australia and a selection of jobs Down Under, head over to the Acorn Global website.

Questions YOU should ask at an interview

When attending a job interview, you're usually so concerned about the questions you'll be asked by the interviewer that the idea of asking them any questions doesn't even enter your mind. It's very common to have the mindset that if you're offered a job you should take it, no questions asked. 

But the moment when the interviewer asks the obligatory "do you have any questions?" is the perfect time to find out more about the ins and outs of what you may end up doing. After all, surely you want to know everything about the company you may be about to work for?

Moving abroad adds a whole new list of questions you may need to ask the interviewer, as there are many more things to consider. It's always best to ask if you have any doubts or burning questions, as you don't want to end up on the other side of the world regretting not asking that one question which could have saved you a lot of heartache and stress.

Below are a list of questions you should always ask at an interview to help you make an informed decision about whether you do actually want the job and if it's right for you.

Can you tell me more about the company?

Obviously, if you've been told about the company during the interview, you may want to leave this one out. However, if you've only talked about your role, use this opportunity to find out where you will fit in and what the work environment is like.

Is this position a new or existing one?

This can help give you an idea of what’s expected of you, and where you fit in within the workplace. If the role is new, then ask why it’s been created or how your performance will be measured. If it’s an existing one, ask who you’ll be replacing, to give you a better impression of how you can work to your fullest potential.

How many other people are there in the team?

If you’re going to be working as part of a bigger team, it’s always worth having an idea of who it consists of. What are their specific roles, and will they be working closely with you? Again, this is a good way of finding out where you fit within the company.

What would my day-to-day responsibilities be?

Find out what a typical day in the job would involve. Ask about your area of responsibility, and what the expectations of you are. This way, there will be no surprises when you turn up on the first day.

Are there any chances of promotion?

How does the role you are applying for fit into the company’s long-term plans? Is there a clearly defined career path? This is a good way to show that you are looking to progress in your career, and that you are keen to develop. It's probably best not to tell your future employer that you want their job, but showing ambition is always good.

What are the company’s plans for the future?

This shows that you’re interested about the business as a whole, and not just the role you're applying for. It's also good to find out if there are any plans for development or the creation of new jobs that you may be interested in in the future.

It goes without saying that these questions won't apply to all interviews. You may find out the answer to some during the interview itself, or they simply might not be relevant. The important thing is that you ask questions in the first place. By showing interest in the company and the role you are applying for, it proves to the interviewer that you see this job as a career and not just a temporary fix.

For more information on all aspects of starting a new job abroad, the interview process, and a selection of our current available jobs, have a look at the Acorn Global website.

Helen Lock