Why are internships unpaid?

by Matt Strange 19/05/2018 0 comments

Unpaid Internships are often an area that comes under much scrutiny for those few who take advantage of the situation. However, as per Fair Work Australia, unpaid internships are perfectly legal, with the deciding factor being who is seen to receive the ‘primary benefit’ of the arrangement.

For example: If an accounting firm has the intern do nothing except coffee-runs, clean desks, and answer the phone, then obviously the primary benefit is going to business.

If however, eg., an accounting firm trains and mentors a intern in MYOB, takes the intern to some meetings, has them shadow a manager for a day, help out with some work from which the intern learns, etc., the primary benefit would be seen as being received by the intern, and therefore the unpaid internship is legal.

Other factors include the duration of the internship (up to 3 months is fine), and the businesses understanding that the intern may have to work part time to work for an income elsewhere and may have classes to attend too.

Still need some clarification on your own situation? Give us a call, we are always here to help and to guide candidates on the ethical and proper path.

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Common Visa Application Mistakes that spell Failure

by Matt Strange 04/04/2018 1 comment

Applying for a visa is such an important task where refusal will not only result in lots of money lost, but
may also cease your pathway to Australia. Due to the number of different migration programs per
country, together with their own unique requirements and criteria, honest mistakes can be made easily
in visa applications. There are many reasons why Australian migration applications are being denied, the
most common ones outlined below with how to easily avoid them.

1. Not Using Checklists
The first thing you need to do once you determine you are eligible for a visa is to look through everything
you need to prepare to make your application a success. Documents serve as evidence for your
application, with most visa subclasses requiring the documents either at the time of lodgement or within
2 days. The Department website has somewhat of an outline of what evidence is needed, but this doesn’t
necessarily mean you know what documents are suitable or substantial enough as evidence. It is
important to do it properly at the time of lodgement, because the Case Officer may not ask you for
further documentation or clarification. The ImmiAccount portal accepts up to 60 attachments, you would
be surprised how many you will need to attach.

2. No Cover Letter or Submission
A Cover Letter or a Submission is something which is written to summarise the reason why the applicant
is applying for a visa. It is a message or summary used to present your case and try to persuade the
Department into approving it. It also outlined how the documents you’ve provided, which serve as
evidence, support your agreement and tell a story as to why you wish to migrate to Australia, because if
you simply attached to your application without explaining then key details such as timeframes and
motives may be overlooked. You need to make it easy for the case officer to read, don’t just assume they
know.

3. Incomplete Documents
Applying for a visa will require a fair amount of documentation and other paperwork. Many believe that
the Case Officers do not review the files they submit so they do not pass everything that is needed. Not
submitting all the needed documents may lead straight to refusal without the opportunity of providing
them. Do not give your Case Officer any opportunity to refuse your application.

4. Trying to Beat the System
There are those who believe that they can do shortcuts when it comes to applying for visa. They think of
ways in order to get a visa in the shortest time possible so they can migrate faster. It’s like applying for a
Visitor’s Visa instead of a Student’s Visa in order to be approved faster, however when onshore in
Australia you might not be able to apply for a student visa whilst holding a visitor visa! Another thing
people try is to lodge an application without all the supporting evidence (documentation) so that they
have more time to prepare it, but case officers aren’t silly, they can often see very clearly when your
intention is to do this and can refuse the application even if it isn’t mandatory to attach those documents
at the time of lodgement (case officers don’t have to request it from you, they can just simply refuse!). It
is best to do every step correctly and double check everything.

5. Withholding Information or Telling Lies
Many applicants tend to hide some information which might keep them on hold or tell lies in order to be
approved quicker. There have been many cases in which applications have been refused or denied
because a small part of information is missing or does not make sense along with the hundreds of other

statements in the application. Withholding information or telling lies is grounds for visa cancellation even
once you get settled into Australia, so it is never worth it. If you are completing an application and have
doubt that your circumstances are actually suitable for that visa upon further consideration, then it is
certainly worth seeking advice from a registered Migration Agent. Any doubt in your mind is surely going
to also be doubt for the assessing officer.

6. Interviews
One of the reasons why people fail at interviews is because they fail to express themselves in English. It is
possible to get an interpreter for this case. There are also those who say too much information and other
unrelated things which make it difficult for the Case Officer or Tribunal Member to comprehend and lead
to more questioning. This is where coaching from a professional can assist greatly. There are also others
who argue with Case Officers when they ask questions or give their thoughts. If you don’t 100%
understand the question that is being asked, then ask for clarification.

Want to find out more information? Email migration@industryplacementsaustralia.com.au to book in a
free 30 minute consultation.

 

Author: Evan Bishop MARN 1679414

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Hosting and Intern

by Matt Strange 04/03/2018 0 comments

Industry Placements Australia’s core business is matching skilled student professionals from all industries into meaningful, relevant and fair business internships, allowing interns the opportunity to thrive and gain valuable working skills and knowledge.

Have you hosted an intern? The process is simple and the benefits for both the company and candidate are numerous.

Benefits to the candidates;

  • Provides candidates with relevant industry experience
  • Allows the candidate to break the cycle of Seek applications and interviews, allowing them to meet with the relevant industry contacts and make a fresh start in their career
  • Boosts confidence and self-esteem
  • Allows the candidate to make a difference and work hard
  • Allows the candidate to utilise their skills and qualifications working within the ‘real-world’
  • Networking and communications opportunities with like minded individuals
  • Build upon experience and skills
  • Boost to their resume and LinkedIn profiles
  • Industry reference and in 40% of cases documented, candidates have been employer by their host employer

Benefits to the company (not limited to the following);

  • Assess the marketplace and assess new talent
  • Allows candidates to work on projects that may never have been started or completed previously due to lack of budget or manpower
  • Diversify their business and open up new opportunities with skilled professionals/candidates
  • Bypass the nuisance of lengthy HR process and procedure
  • Open up opportunities for staff to develop leadership and management skills leading and developing internship candidates

To register your interest and benefit from rewarding the next generation of professionals, contact us by completing our web form on our ‘Contact Us‘ page and we will be in touch.

Industry Placements Australia
E: info@industryplacements.com.au

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Navigating an internship interview

by Matt Strange 20/02/2018 0 comments

Going to an interview is daunting, but preparation and a clear mind can get you through this employment hurdle. My experience over the last 10 years managing internships have focused on providing candidates with the below tips.

Simple interview preparation tips

  • Research the website and learn about the business.
  • Prepare some questions about the role. For instance;
    • 1. What will my main duties and tasks be?
    • 2. Will I be supervised? Who will be my Manager/Supervisor in this role?
    • 3. How can I provide you with the most value in this role?
      Important: Think of some questions that are important to you about the role, experience and your long term goal working as a professional within this space.
  • Review your resume and think about the top three skills that you have within your area of expertise. These may be discussed in the interview and can include your strength in communication, working in teams, ability to work autonomously etc.
  • Arrive 5 minutes early to make sure you are on time and not late to the meeting
  • Make sure you dress for success. This may mean suit and tie or formal wear.
  • Make sure you are clean and if you smoke please make sure you do not have a cigarette before the meeting
  • Ensure you stand up to meet the person interviewing, make eye contact and shake their hand.

DO NOT do the following;

  • DO NOT ask the interviewer questions about employment and hiring. This is an opportunity for the business to assess your skills, meet you in person and validate if you are suitable for their business.
  • DO NOT arrive late to your interview
  • DO NOT arrive to your interview in casual clothes
  • DO NOT act rudely or disinterested in the interview or opportunity. The business is interviewing you as they believe you are a suitable addition to their team and respect must be given at all times.

ALWAYS REMEMBER;

  • Industry Placements Australia are here to support and assist you through your placement
  • When starting an internship, candidates are likely to be given light duties and tasks. Once you build your professional reputation within the business you will be given large projects.
  • Remember that you ARE a professional. Be confident and work hard. The host company want you to work with them and you deserve to be there working with them.
  • Communicate your success with us and contact me if I can assist you further

Industry Placements Australia
www.industryplacements.com.au

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Industry Placements Australia – Migration services

by Matt Strange 16/02/2018 0 comments

Introducing Evan Bishop who has joined the team earlier this week to assist with migration services for the IPA brand and our tertiary partners.

With experience in the Internship sector, Evan is equipped with the tools to assist you with your PR pathways into Australia. Please ensure you reach out to Evan via his email address migration@industryplacements.com.au to book in your free 30 minute migration consultation.

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Visa Options to get your Family to Australia

by Matt Strange 16/02/2018 0 comments

No matter how wonderful your journey in Australia may be, it is never easy leaving behind your loved family members. There are many types of family visas available to assist immediate members of your family unit to spend time with you in Australia. Please note that for some visas, the Balance of Family Test will apply, assessing that there are more family members in Australia than any other country for the applicant.

Partner Visa

With an option for both onshore and lodgement offshore, this lets one of the couple to migrate to Australia whether they are a married or de facto partner, as long as their other half is an Australian citizen/PR.

Prospective Marriage Visa

If you have intentions to marry your lover but you don’t yet meet the requirements for de facto then the Prospective Marriage Visa allows to marry your partner, and then apply for the partner visa onshore within the 9 month visa duration.

Child Visa

You can sponsor and apply for your child (under 18 years of age) to join you in Australia if you are an Australian citizen, settled permanent resident, or settled eligible New Zealand citizen. The child must be below 18 years old in order for you to sponsor them and apply for their visa.

Parent Visa

Maybe you are a parent of children or stepchildren who are Australian citizens, settled permanent resident, or settled eligible New Zealand citizens and you wish to be closer to them. Or perhaps you want to assist in getting your parents to Australia with you. Permanent and visitor parent visas have been made more accessible in the last 12 months to ensure you can spend more time with your loved ones.

Aged Parent Visa

Similar to the Parent Visa however you need to be at the age qualified for the Aged Pension in Australia.

Carer Visa

If you have a relative in Australia which needs your care due to a long-term or permanent medical condition, this type of visa allows you to move to Australia in order to do so. This also covers those who will only assist a relative in Australia who will care for a family member with a long-term or permanent medical condition.

Remaining Relative Visa

This visa is for those whose only remaining relatives are settled and usually reside in Australia as Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. This allows you to be with your remaining brother, sister, child or step equivalent.

All a bit overwhelming? Leave it to the experts! Feel free to contact us today for a FREE 30 minute consultation to explore your family visa options.

Industryplacements.com.au

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Top 10 Employability Tips from a Graduate Recruiter

by Matt Strange 07/02/2018 0 comments

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/4″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”92″ alignment=”” animation=”None” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/4″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Are you graduating?

If you answered yes, then you’re likely to fall into one of two groups including (but not limited to) “those who know exactly what they want to do” and “those that have no idea.” Regardless of which group you fall in and whether or not you are chasing your dream job or simply looking to apply your newfound skills, this article is for you.

Fortunate to have established a rewarding career and business in the world of graduate employment, this article shares my top 10 tips that will put you in a league of your own when it comes to graduate employability.

Our top 10 tips for graduate employment are:

1. Experience Experience Experience
We all know EXPERIENCE IS KING when it comes to graduate employability.
Take action with the following steps:

Internships
Normally last 2-3 months (part-time) in duration, Internships are one of the most popular
ways for student and graduates to gain experience and apply their skills.

Micro Contracting
Advertise your services free through job marketplaces and directories including sites
like; Airtasker, Gumtree, Facebook groups, noticeboards and freelancer.

Volunteering with charity
Charities are always looking for an extra set of hands, just be clear on the type of
the experience you’d like to have to make sure it’s relevant to your area of interest.

Approach your employer
Most students and graduates miss often miss the opportunity to approach their current employer for experience. The easiest way to do this is offer to complete work outside your normal hours at your own expense.

Your personal network
Don’t just reach out your own friends. Often times your parents will have great connections in their immediate or extended network, it’s simply a matter of asking them to make an introduction for you or getting permission to contact their friends directly.

Start a business
Australia’s small business & startup community is growing rapidly, now is the perfect time to set up a business and provide the flexible support and great services these business need to grow.

Graduate programs
Graduate opportunities are offered by most large companies and government departments. If you haven’t applied for any graduate programs jump online and find graduate employer directories and get going.

2. Invest In Yourself (DAILY)
Investing in expanding your knowledge about yourself, others and the world around you is something few people ever do.

Examples of tools you can use or access to improve in this area include; biographies, seminars, books, audio programs, vlogs (video blogs), podcasts, coaches, training courses, blogs & networking groups.

Take action with the following steps:

  • Read the book 17 Laws of Success – Napoleon Hill (then read it again)
  • Complete free self-assessments & psychometrics assessments free online (be sure to include the results in your resume)
  • Include any and all self-improvement activities in your resume (under professional development)
  • Take any books/discuss any professional development (where appropriate) at interviews

3. Engage Your Industry
Show your prospective employers you’re passionate and engaged in your industry. Ways you can get involved in your industry include:

  • Join or get involved with industry associations, peak bodies, member organisations
  • Read articles, journals & social media to stay informed about relevant news
  • Write white papers on relevant news/events
  • Create & post information on your personal blog
  • Follow industry/thought leaders

4. Quit Your Part Time Job
You probably don’t know it but your part-time job is hurting your employability. Seriously.

If your part-time job isn’t offering the pathway into the career you want or at least an opportunity to apply your tertiary skills – leave immediately. Use your time to gain relevant industry experience (refer to points 1 & 3).

5. Live With Clarity
People are attracted to those that know where they are going – plain & simple.

With most people spending more time planning their holidays than what they want for their lives, sitting down for 5-10 minutes (each day) to get clarity about your direction in life and career is vital to your health, wealth & happiness. This is particularly relevant for all stages of job hunting as employers want you to be able to communicate (both written & verbally), what specifically interests you about the role and how it fits in with your future plan.

Action steps – be sure to clearly communicate your career direction in your cover letter and personal statement (resume) with details on how each position fits into your plan.

6. Pick Up The Telephone
Recruiters see hundreds of resumes a week. Give your application a face – pick up the phone.

Despite the growing ways to connect & communicate in our fast-paced modern world, telephone & face to face are still the fastest, most effective ways to build & maintain lasting relationships.

7. Apply Apply Apply
When applying for employment, consistency, quality and follow-ups are essential. Add structure to those long days by applying a simple schedule:

Action steps:

  • Treat each day as if you were being paid for it
  • Get out of the house. Work from your local library or cafe where possible
  • Keep a spreadsheet and diary to track ALL of your applications.

8. Be Visible
Use social media to your advantage and grow your presence and professional profile online.

Action steps:

  • Set up a LinkedIn page
  • Build a personal website
  • Create career only accounts on social media
  • Include all social media links clearly on resume (contact information)
  • Create a digital/visual portfolio summarising your experience (PDF format)

9. Upskill
It’s no secret, the job market can be tough.

To ensure you stand out in an increasingly competitive world, broaden your experience and skill set wherever & whenever you can.

Action steps:

  • Look at typical jobs in your industry – identify skill gaps
  • Teach yourself new skills with online tutorials (free on youtube)
  • Take short courses
  • Learn Microsoft Office to an intermediate level
  • Have friends and family teach you skills where possible)

10. Stand Out From The Crowd
After qualifications & experience comes cultural fit. You’ve got the skills and experience, now it’s time to help the business picture you in the role.

Action steps:

  • Handwritten letters sent to the hiring manager before or after an application or interview. Find free examples online.
  • Video resumes – Everyone loves video, why not record your application and send digitally.
  • Dress for success – Study the dress code of your prospective employer & copy it.
  • Take a hiring manager out for coffee
  • Courier your applications & ensure hiring manager signs on delivery (the going rate in Melbourne is around $8.95).
  • Keep in contact – Regardless of the outcome of your application, if you are genuinely interested in the role, ask the hiring manager for permission to keep in touch every 3-6 months to stay informed of future opportunities.

Industry Placements Australia is a specialist internship & graduate recruitment agency based in Melbourne, however, manage placements throughout Australia.

1300 729 501
info@industryplacements.com.au[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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