Looking For Admin Work

[shamil]

Hi There

We've in Canberra for just over two months and my wife who is a librarian is still struggling to find a job, after numerous resume's and a couple of interviews. She is looking for any admin work at the moment, so if there is anybody out there who can assist or give some guidance we will greatly appreciate it.

Thanks

Shamil

[Orion25]

HI Shamil,

where in Canberra are you?

We are in KAmbah and have been here 2 weeks, both hubby and I are looking for work and it has not been easy. How do you and your family feel about a cup of coffee sometime?

I do hope your wife comes right soon.

Tania

[shamil]

Hi Tania

We stay in Waramanga, which is not far from you. Please give a call on 0451371124 then we can arrange to meet.

Chow

Shamil

[Cramer]

Hi Shamil, have you been looking in the Canberra Times?

[MrsMupersan]

Hi Shamil

All I can tell you is for her to persevere. It takes time to get a foot in the door. Probably the best thing to do is for her to look into doing some sort of short course - get some sort of Aussie qualification. Do it via distance learning while looking for a job. I saw a position going on SEEK for a research librarian (http://www.seek.com.au/Job/research-librarian/in/act-act/21621075). I'm not sure what qualifications your wife has as a librarian, but I do know that librarians here generally need to have a qualification. But the great thing about studying here, is that you get Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) which also encompasses recognition for experience. Most training organisations will offer RPL - she would just need to be assessed. Check out this course: http://cit.edu.au/future/courses/library_and_information_services_diploma which is offered at CIT (Canberra Institute of Technology).

Good luck! And happy settling. Hopefully we'll see you and your wife at the next Triple C get together (Canberra Coffee Club - ).

Mrs M

[zoot]

Libraries as in public libraries are generally run by the different councils which can be quite a closed community i.e. people move from one council to another council. know many big organisations also have their own libraries especially if they are in a specialised field but would think that those positions would rarely come up and the likelihood is they would be snapped up by internal candidates. A suggestion may be for her to undertake general admin work even if it were on a temporary basis and offer at the local library as a volunteer that way she will build up a reputation and would be first in line if anything were to be going - it would also give her a library track record in Australia which would be a big help. The City Councils generally always need administrative help - someone is always on long leave, maternity leave etc so may be worth her while putting together a more admin focused resume and speaking to the HR dept at any councils close to you. If she is looking to do temporary work my suggestion is to avoid the big name agencies and focus on some of the smaller more specialised agencies. Worthwhile too contacting places where she thinks she would like to work and finding out whether they manage their recruitment internally or use and external agency and if external what agency and do they have a contact person. In my experience I have found that although agencies claim to share CV's there is often more of a silo effect so if she applied for librarian jobs and spoke to the lbrarian recruiter it is likely that her CV has gotten stuck there and hasnt been passed on for positions like Admin, reception etc.

[Short&Tall]

You might also get your wife to check out the Universities and colleges - most have libraries.

I have seen several library jobs in Melbourne recently and none seem to require any specific librarian qualifications.

Local library jobs here are also run by the local council and seem to be advertised on their web pages. Our local council only seems to run 4 libraries - and then other others near us are run by a different council.

Good luck - it is a horrible stage to be in - I am sure she will find something along the way.

[shamil]

Hi All

Thanks for all the advice and guidance. She will definitely look at all the options mentioned.

Thank you very much once again.

Chow

Shamil

[Riekie]

Two weeks is still early days. If she finds a job that quick, she will be lucky. Most people try for months. there's so many reasons, but mostly I found that the lack of Aussie experience played a big role. Once you get your foot in the door, it's smooth sailing form there! Amazingly, quite a few people find their first job from volunteering, so don't rule out that option.

Don't give up, it will happen

[zoot]

Volunteering is very big in Australia and is highly thought of so if she did volunteer at one of the libraries (even if she manages to find something else just to bring some cash in) it would be well thought of and would give her that Australian experience.

[shamil]

Hi Everyone

Thanks for all your responses. My wife has dropped off her resume at the Woden library and some schools for volunteer work. Riekie, we've been in Canberra just over months now. Fortunately for me I have two jobs. I have a daytime job and work part time after hours.

Thanks all

Shamil

[Lyn]

Two months is still early days Shamil, I understand you may need the finances to keep yourselves afloat and this is causing you to stress, but hang in there, something will come up.

Great to hear she applied at Woden Library, I too believe she should volunteer her services just to get a foot in the door.

In my opinion Mrs M has given you valuable advice, do a short course or attend CIT, I believe when you have that piece of paper in your hand saying you have studied here, it will be easier to land the job you want.

I see you are working two jobs, is your wife getting out and meeting people ? When we first arrived here - my husband was working, kids were at school and I was alone, please let me know if I can help in any way.