HR in SA v Australia

[MichKen]

Hi everyone,

 

I was wondering if there are any HR people on the forum who can shed some light on how easily you adapted to the Australian labour environment from an HR perspective.  Of course for the most part, HR is HR, so skills should translate well, but what did you do to get up to speed with local labour laws, conditions of employment, etc.

 

Did you struggle to find work?  If so, what did you do increase your chances and to enter the market?  Any correspondence courses that I can do while still in SA?

 

How does the role of HR in business differ / compare between the two countries?  Is HR in any way a regulated profession in Australia?  Do I need to get registered with any professional bodies?  My skills assessment was done by AIM, will this count for anything?

 

Lastly,  what level were you in SA, and what level did you enter the Australian market at?  I'm in senior management, heading up the HR function where I am, and have 10 years senior management experience.  My theory is that I will enter the market at an HR officer level, or HR advisor level and go from there?  Is this aiming too high or too low?  I am prepared to start from scratch if I need to....

 

Any insights welcome.  Thanks in advance.

 

M

[Husky]

Have a friend who is an HRBP in Canberra. She moved to Oz 6 years ago. Happy to connect you. Send me a pm. 

Also, set up a telecon with Tandem Partners. They're a specialist HR recruitment firm. I found them very responsive and encouraging. The recruiter I spoke to advised not to focus on junior roles but rather middle management levels due to my experience. Imagine this would be even more applicable to you given 10 years in senior management. Apparently HR business partner is a growing career option and at the mid tier grade.

[MichKen]

Thanks so much @Husky, I will send you a PM, that would be awesome if you could connect us.

I will definitely make contact with that agency as well.

 

I have been keeping a close eye on the Adelaide job market for the past year, and jobs are available at a HRBP level, I was thinking I should apply at that level, good to get some confirmation of my thinking.  It seems a lot of temp jobs, e.g. for maternity leave relief, which will be good to get Australian experience and references, if I can nab one of those, it will be great.  I truly am willing to start lower if need be....  I know I can work my way back up the chain.

Our labour laws and environment seems more complex at first glance, compared but of course the potential for massive blind spots does exist, because you simply don't know what you don't know...  it will be good to speak to someone with the knowledge of both sides.

[PurpleFerri]

@MichKen Can you please send me an example of the org chart you used in your AIM application as I would like to see how many levels they require for a successful application.

 

My husband is going to apply for General Manager and from what I can see they require, GM (Him), then 3 x Head of Departments, then 3 x Managers, then 3 x Supervisors? Is this correct?

 

Also I am in HR but I am/was applying under HR advisor, which I see is now off the CSOL list  but in terms of your questions regarding HR is AUS, I would be interested to hear the feedback you received. 

 

Thanks 

[RYLC]

The best place to study up on Australian labour practices and laws is the Fair Work website: www.fairwork.gov.au

[MichKen]

1 hour ago, PurpleFerri said:

Can you please send me an example of the org chart you used in your AIM application as I would like to see how many levels they require for a successful application.

 

I have sent you a PM on what I can share with you.

[MichKen]

38 minutes ago, RYLC said:

The best place to study up on Australian labour practices and laws is the Fair Work website: www.fairwork.gov.au

Thanks @RYLC I am already a regular on their website... ?