Job-seeking tough for migrants

For culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) migrants, many of them are unknowingly sabotaging themselves by not fully understanding the Australian market.

Lack of local experience and proper job application skills such as writing professional resumes and cover letters are just some of the hurdles faced by these migrants.

Metro Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) has just wrapped up their migrant employment program and results have been positive.

Their New Migrant Employment Support and Mentoring Program brought together 25 CALD participants and 12 local business owners in a year-long mentorship project. This program was made possible by a $20,000 donation from Canterbury League Club.

In the end, four participants were successful in gaining stable employment and many others are continuing on their training.

“Our 2012 program has been very successful given that this was the first time we ran it. We received such a good response from both the mentors and job seekers,” said April Pan, Settlement Services Officer for Metro MRC.

“The participants learned much from their mentors – job application skills, interviewing tips, industry overviews and recognising gaps in the market as well as learning to set goals. I’d give this program 8 out of 10.”