Initial entry + job hunt + experiance

[avinash]

After quitting my work in Bangalore, I decided to spend some quality time with my parents. 2 weeks after, booked an oneway ticket to Melbourne with Singapore Airlines (30K Rs). Booked my short stay at youth hostel @ 30AUD per night. Also arranged for “Skybus” from airport to hostel thr there webpage. Since I was not sure about allowed luggage weight, I packed 2 bags with 20Kgs each. One was must to have and another bag containing good to have items. 26th May, SG guys allowed 40Kgs at the check-in. Flight was half empty and service was good. I planned to spend some time in Singapore so had opted for night flight from Singapore to Melbourne (Airbus 380). Got on-arrival visitor visa at Singapore at no extra cost. Took the metro to city, met my friend & did some shopping. (Electronics are cheap here compared to Oz). Got the GST refund at the airport. Free internet at the airport was good. Landed in Melbourne @ 8 AM. Travel from airport to hostel was quick and incident free. After 3days, I shift to my friends place for a month. Public transport is very good when compared to India. Metcard is confusing; mykey is the best options now.
Liked Melbourne, started the job hunt. Used to see at least one new job posting for Solaris Unix admin every day, thought it would be easy to get a job. But I was wrong, without local experience none of the company’s entertained my resume (9 years solid Solaris exp.) Recruitment agents were getting excited about my profile, but that was not the case with the client. Reformatted my resume, so that the first page of the CV gives quick overview of my profile. Gave 2 Face-to-Face interviews and 1 telephonic interview, got an offer from only one. I took it. It took me 2 months to find a job!!!!
After staying with my friend for 1 month, I moved to a furnished studio apartment right in CDB for 280$ per week. Lease is for 6 months and 1 month’s bond. I found it to be economical since I will be saving at travel and eating-out.
Since I have leaved around the world
• Central library membership – advantages are.. It is free, free internet/wifi, scanner is free, get to borrow book/dvd, print/photocopy is priced at minimal 20C per page.
• VicRoad – India licenses (if in English) is valid for 6 months. Else you need to have international license. Make sure your name in passport and Indian license matches else you need to get a letter from locale RTO stating that it is the same person. Conversion of license consists of 3 parts. 2 computer based exams and 1 driver test. Based on the test center drive test slot has a waiting period of 1 to 2 months. If you book all 3 exams with a single transaction it would cost around 87.20$ (u can have all 3 exams on the same day or spread it across different dates). But separate transaction for each exam will cost more. They also need address proof (bank statement will do). Here most of people use driving license has their primary ID card. Getting a driving license conversion is a pain. If the name format in your passport doesn’t match with that in your driving license then you need to get a letter from your local RTO. More details are @ IHC visa information - Australia - India Drivers Licence Verification
• TFN can be done online. You will not get the number online but will be sent to a local address. It would take max 28days. If you didn’t get the letter, you can call them and ask for you TFN. To change the address again you need to show them address proof.
• Internet is not cheap compared to India. But if you have a 3G phone you could get a prepaid data SIM and use it with your laptop has modem. Else free wifi is available at MacDonald or central library. I am using 3G from 3 with 2G @ 30$ per month. VOIP call using laptop on 3G is good. But video thr skype was not good (network issue)
• You can get Lebara prepaid SIM for making oversea/local calls. For India it is 5C per min + 25C flagfall.
• If you plan to stay outside the CBD and like to visit the city once in a while “Mykey” is a good option. It saves money and you don’t need to figure out which ticket to buy.
• You can get True copy certification at local Police station for free. POST & Pharmacy may charge sometime.
• I used Skybus for my airport to hostel transport. Booked it online & had the printout handy. Good service.
• Coles is the cheapest supermarket to buys stuff. 7/11 is a rip-off.
• I booked Singapore Airline one-way for 30K Rs online. Call center support were not aware of 40Kg allowance for first time immigrants. I went to airport with 2 x 20Kg baggage. I was allowed 40Kg at check-in. But my wife who started yesterday was allowed only 20Kg. Alternate economical method is to get it through Indian POST. They charge 5,000Rs for 20Kg. Condition apply.
• Oz PR will get 4 days visitor visa on arrival in Singapore if you have a valid outbound ticket.
• There is a baggage room at Singapore airport for minimal cost.
• Electronic items are cheap in Singapore compare to Oz land. GST refund can be availed at Singapore airport (need to have the GST refund receipt).
• Ambulance is not covered under medicare, better to get covered Ambulance Victoria | Melbourne & Rural Victoria's Ambulance Service - Ambulance Victoria
• I will opt for private medical insurance once I get me first salary $$$$, it will save tax & time at hospital.
• Attire for all the interviews was Suit with a tie.

[Gaurav]

Toooooo Good Avinash,
Please keep posting in this thread, as and when u get time
Wish u best of the best luck in job hunt.

NB:and help us when we arrive there

Originally Posted by avinash

After quitting my work in Bangalore, I decided to spend some quality time with my parents. 2 weeks after, booked an oneway ticket to Melbourne with Singapore Airlines (30K Rs). Booked my short stay at youth hostel @ 30AUD per night. Also arranged for “Skybus” from airport to hostel thr there webpage. Since I was not sure about allowed luggage weight, I packed 2 bags with 20Kgs each. One was must to have and another bag containing good to have items. 26th May, SG guys allowed 40Kgs at the check-in. Flight was half empty and service was good. I planned to spend some time in Singapore so had opted for night flight from Singapore to Melbourne (Airbus 380). Got on-arrival visitor visa at Singapore at no extra cost. Took the metro to city, met my friend & did some shopping. (Electronics are cheap here compared to Oz). Got the GST refund at the airport. Free internet at the airport was good. Landed in Melbourne @ 8 AM. Travel from airport to hostel was quick and incident free. After 3days, I shift to my friends place for a month. Public transport is very good when compared to India. Metcard is confusing; mykey is the best options now.
Liked Melbourne, started the job hunt. Used to see at least one new job posting for Solaris Unix admin every day, thought it would be easy to get a job. But I was wrong, without local experience none of the company’s entertained my resume (9 years solid Solaris exp.) Recruitment agents were getting excited about my profile, but that was not the case with the client. Reformatted my resume, so that the first page of the CV gives quick overview of my profile. Gave 2 Face-to-Face interviews and 1 telephonic interview, got an offer from only one. I took it. It took me 2 months to find a job!!!!
After staying with my friend for 1 month, I moved to a furnished studio apartment right in CDB for 280$ per week. Lease is for 6 months and 1 month’s bond. I found it to be economical since I will be saving at travel and eating-out.
Since I have leaved around the world
• Central library membership – advantages are.. It is free, free internet/wifi, scanner is free, get to borrow book/dvd, print/photocopy is priced at minimal 20C per page.
• VicRoad – India licenses (if in English) is valid for 6 months. Else you need to have international license. Make sure your name in passport and Indian license matches else you need to get a letter from locale RTO stating that it is the same person. Conversion of license consists of 3 parts. 2 computer based exams and 1 driver test. Based on the test center drive test slot has a waiting period of 1 to 2 months. If you book all 3 exams with a single transaction it would cost around 87.20$ (u can have all 3 exams on the same day or spread it across different dates). But separate transaction for each exam will cost more. They also need address proof (bank statement will do). Here most of people use driving license has their primary ID card. Getting a driving license conversion is a pain. If the name format in your passport doesn’t match with that in your driving license then you need to get a letter from your local RTO. More details are @ IHC visa information - Australia - India Drivers Licence Verification
• TFN can be done online. You will not get the number online but will be sent to a local address. It would take max 28days. If you didn’t get the letter, you can call them and ask for you TFN. To change the address again you need to show them address proof.
• Internet is not cheap compared to India. But if you have a 3G phone you could get a prepaid data SIM and use it with your laptop has modem. Else free wifi is available at MacDonald or central library. I am using 3G from 3 with 2G @ 30$ per month. VOIP call using laptop on 3G is good. But video thr skype was not good (network issue)
• You can get Lebara prepaid SIM for making oversea/local calls. For India it is 5C per min + 25C flagfall.
• If you plan to stay outside the CBD and like to visit the city once in a while “Mykey” is a good option. It saves money and you don’t need to figure out which ticket to buy.
• You can get True copy certification at local Police station for free. POST & Pharmacy may charge sometime.
• I used Skybus for my airport to hostel transport. Booked it online & had the printout handy. Good service.
• Coles is the cheapest supermarket to buys stuff. 7/11 is a rip-off.
• I booked Singapore Airline one-way for 30K Rs online. Call center support were not aware of 40Kg allowance for first time immigrants. I went to airport with 2 x 20Kg baggage. I was allowed 40Kg at check-in. But my wife who started yesterday was allowed only 20Kg. Alternate economical method is to get it through Indian POST. They charge 5,000Rs for 20Kg. Condition apply.
• Oz PR will get 4 days visitor visa on arrival in Singapore if you have a valid outbound ticket.
• There is a baggage room at Singapore airport for minimal cost.
• Electronic items are cheap in Singapore compare to Oz land. GST refund can be availed at Singapore airport (need to have the GST refund receipt).
• Ambulance is not covered under medicare, better to get covered Ambulance Victoria | Melbourne & Rural Victoria's Ambulance Service - Ambulance Victoria
• I will opt for private medical insurance once I get me first salary $$$$, it will save tax & time at hospital.
• Attire for all the interviews was Suit with a tie.

[ozsolz]

Excellent information Avinash and Conrats for the Job. Looking for few more information about the job interview.
1)Was your face to face interview with the client or with consultant? , what job site you used to search job there?
2) Was the interview technical or behavioural?
3) Did they asked to submit all the details from the previous employment, like resignation letter, relieving letter etc..

Regards...

[Ozaspirant]

Congratulations Avinash!!!!!!!!!!!!!! .....It helped us a lot and I am glad that things went fine with you.......Good Luck

[aarav]

Thanks for the post avinash..extremely helpful..

[himanshi]

Congratulations Avinash!!! Really helpful info!!! Thanks!!

[navendum]

Hey! Pal,

That's shows you being a great pal. All will remember you for your great help.

Keep it up like that

Best Wishes

Cheerio!!!

Originally Posted by avinash

After quitting my work in Bangalore, I decided to spend some quality time with my parents. 2 weeks after, booked an oneway ticket to Melbourne with Singapore Airlines (30K Rs). Booked my short stay at youth hostel @ 30AUD per night. Also arranged for “Skybus” from airport to hostel thr there webpage. Since I was not sure about allowed luggage weight, I packed 2 bags with 20Kgs each. One was must to have and another bag containing good to have items. 26th May, SG guys allowed 40Kgs at the check-in. Flight was half empty and service was good. I planned to spend some time in Singapore so had opted for night flight from Singapore to Melbourne (Airbus 380). Got on-arrival visitor visa at Singapore at no extra cost. Took the metro to city, met my friend & did some shopping. (Electronics are cheap here compared to Oz). Got the GST refund at the airport. Free internet at the airport was good. Landed in Melbourne @ 8 AM. Travel from airport to hostel was quick and incident free. After 3days, I shift to my friends place for a month. Public transport is very good when compared to India. Metcard is confusing; mykey is the best options now.
Liked Melbourne, started the job hunt. Used to see at least one new job posting for Solaris Unix admin every day, thought it would be easy to get a job. But I was wrong, without local experience none of the company’s entertained my resume (9 years solid Solaris exp.) Recruitment agents were getting excited about my profile, but that was not the case with the client. Reformatted my resume, so that the first page of the CV gives quick overview of my profile. Gave 2 Face-to-Face interviews and 1 telephonic interview, got an offer from only one. I took it. It took me 2 months to find a job!!!!
After staying with my friend for 1 month, I moved to a furnished studio apartment right in CDB for 280$ per week. Lease is for 6 months and 1 month’s bond. I found it to be economical since I will be saving at travel and eating-out.
Since I have leaved around the world
• Central library membership – advantages are.. It is free, free internet/wifi, scanner is free, get to borrow book/dvd, print/photocopy is priced at minimal 20C per page.
• VicRoad – India licenses (if in English) is valid for 6 months. Else you need to have international license. Make sure your name in passport and Indian license matches else you need to get a letter from locale RTO stating that it is the same person. Conversion of license consists of 3 parts. 2 computer based exams and 1 driver test. Based on the test center drive test slot has a waiting period of 1 to 2 months. If you book all 3 exams with a single transaction it would cost around 87.20$ (u can have all 3 exams on the same day or spread it across different dates). But separate transaction for each exam will cost more. They also need address proof (bank statement will do). Here most of people use driving license has their primary ID card. Getting a driving license conversion is a pain. If the name format in your passport doesn’t match with that in your driving license then you need to get a letter from your local RTO. More details are @ IHC visa information - Australia - India Drivers Licence Verification
• TFN can be done online. You will not get the number online but will be sent to a local address. It would take max 28days. If you didn’t get the letter, you can call them and ask for you TFN. To change the address again you need to show them address proof.
• Internet is not cheap compared to India. But if you have a 3G phone you could get a prepaid data SIM and use it with your laptop has modem. Else free wifi is available at MacDonald or central library. I am using 3G from 3 with 2G @ 30$ per month. VOIP call using laptop on 3G is good. But video thr skype was not good (network issue)
• You can get Lebara prepaid SIM for making oversea/local calls. For India it is 5C per min + 25C flagfall.
• If you plan to stay outside the CBD and like to visit the city once in a while “Mykey” is a good option. It saves money and you don’t need to figure out which ticket to buy.
• You can get True copy certification at local Police station for free. POST & Pharmacy may charge sometime.
• I used Skybus for my airport to hostel transport. Booked it online & had the printout handy. Good service.
• Coles is the cheapest supermarket to buys stuff. 7/11 is a rip-off.
• I booked Singapore Airline one-way for 30K Rs online. Call center support were not aware of 40Kg allowance for first time immigrants. I went to airport with 2 x 20Kg baggage. I was allowed 40Kg at check-in. But my wife who started yesterday was allowed only 20Kg. Alternate economical method is to get it through Indian POST. They charge 5,000Rs for 20Kg. Condition apply.
• Oz PR will get 4 days visitor visa on arrival in Singapore if you have a valid outbound ticket.
• There is a baggage room at Singapore airport for minimal cost.
• Electronic items are cheap in Singapore compare to Oz land. GST refund can be availed at Singapore airport (need to have the GST refund receipt).
• Ambulance is not covered under medicare, better to get covered Ambulance Victoria | Melbourne & Rural Victoria's Ambulance Service - Ambulance Victoria
• I will opt for private medical insurance once I get me first salary $$$$, it will save tax & time at hospital.
• Attire for all the interviews was Suit with a tie.

[navendum]

Hey!,

By the way, may i know which visa did you apply for immigration?

Best Wishes

Cheerio!!!

Originally Posted by avinash

After quitting my work in Bangalore, I decided to spend some quality time with my parents. 2 weeks after, booked an oneway ticket to Melbourne with Singapore Airlines (30K Rs). Booked my short stay at youth hostel @ 30AUD per night. Also arranged for “Skybus” from airport to hostel thr there webpage. Since I was not sure about allowed luggage weight, I packed 2 bags with 20Kgs each. One was must to have and another bag containing good to have items. 26th May, SG guys allowed 40Kgs at the check-in. Flight was half empty and service was good. I planned to spend some time in Singapore so had opted for night flight from Singapore to Melbourne (Airbus 380). Got on-arrival visitor visa at Singapore at no extra cost. Took the metro to city, met my friend & did some shopping. (Electronics are cheap here compared to Oz). Got the GST refund at the airport. Free internet at the airport was good. Landed in Melbourne @ 8 AM. Travel from airport to hostel was quick and incident free. After 3days, I shift to my friends place for a month. Public transport is very good when compared to India. Metcard is confusing; mykey is the best options now.
Liked Melbourne, started the job hunt. Used to see at least one new job posting for Solaris Unix admin every day, thought it would be easy to get a job. But I was wrong, without local experience none of the company’s entertained my resume (9 years solid Solaris exp.) Recruitment agents were getting excited about my profile, but that was not the case with the client. Reformatted my resume, so that the first page of the CV gives quick overview of my profile. Gave 2 Face-to-Face interviews and 1 telephonic interview, got an offer from only one. I took it. It took me 2 months to find a job!!!!
After staying with my friend for 1 month, I moved to a furnished studio apartment right in CDB for 280$ per week. Lease is for 6 months and 1 month’s bond. I found it to be economical since I will be saving at travel and eating-out.
Since I have leaved around the world
• Central library membership – advantages are.. It is free, free internet/wifi, scanner is free, get to borrow book/dvd, print/photocopy is priced at minimal 20C per page.
• VicRoad – India licenses (if in English) is valid for 6 months. Else you need to have international license. Make sure your name in passport and Indian license matches else you need to get a letter from locale RTO stating that it is the same person. Conversion of license consists of 3 parts. 2 computer based exams and 1 driver test. Based on the test center drive test slot has a waiting period of 1 to 2 months. If you book all 3 exams with a single transaction it would cost around 87.20$ (u can have all 3 exams on the same day or spread it across different dates). But separate transaction for each exam will cost more. They also need address proof (bank statement will do). Here most of people use driving license has their primary ID card. Getting a driving license conversion is a pain. If the name format in your passport doesn’t match with that in your driving license then you need to get a letter from your local RTO. More details are @ IHC visa information - Australia - India Drivers Licence Verification
• TFN can be done online. You will not get the number online but will be sent to a local address. It would take max 28days. If you didn’t get the letter, you can call them and ask for you TFN. To change the address again you need to show them address proof.
• Internet is not cheap compared to India. But if you have a 3G phone you could get a prepaid data SIM and use it with your laptop has modem. Else free wifi is available at MacDonald or central library. I am using 3G from 3 with 2G @ 30$ per month. VOIP call using laptop on 3G is good. But video thr skype was not good (network issue)
• You can get Lebara prepaid SIM for making oversea/local calls. For India it is 5C per min + 25C flagfall.
• If you plan to stay outside the CBD and like to visit the city once in a while “Mykey” is a good option. It saves money and you don’t need to figure out which ticket to buy.
• You can get True copy certification at local Police station for free. POST & Pharmacy may charge sometime.
• I used Skybus for my airport to hostel transport. Booked it online & had the printout handy. Good service.
• Coles is the cheapest supermarket to buys stuff. 7/11 is a rip-off.
• I booked Singapore Airline one-way for 30K Rs online. Call center support were not aware of 40Kg allowance for first time immigrants. I went to airport with 2 x 20Kg baggage. I was allowed 40Kg at check-in. But my wife who started yesterday was allowed only 20Kg. Alternate economical method is to get it through Indian POST. They charge 5,000Rs for 20Kg. Condition apply.
• Oz PR will get 4 days visitor visa on arrival in Singapore if you have a valid outbound ticket.
• There is a baggage room at Singapore airport for minimal cost.
• Electronic items are cheap in Singapore compare to Oz land. GST refund can be availed at Singapore airport (need to have the GST refund receipt).
• Ambulance is not covered under medicare, better to get covered Ambulance Victoria | Melbourne & Rural Victoria's Ambulance Service - Ambulance Victoria
• I will opt for private medical insurance once I get me first salary $$$$, it will save tax & time at hospital.
• Attire for all the interviews was Suit with a tie.

[avinash]

Will try my best to help you guys when you reach Melbourne. Plz drop me a PM.

I have joined a consultant company thr which I am deputed a client’s place.
First round was with the manager (FF), second one was logical thinking (3hr written) 3rd was technical (telephonic) and 4th was with client (thr phone from consultant office). They didn’t ask for any previous employment letters. I have my LinkedIn profile up-to-date along with recommendation from most of my previous companies. Consultant asked me for the referral (oral) I gave them two local contacts with whom I had worked with before.
Since I didn’t had local experience I had to reduce my rates 10% less than market.


Visa was 175.

[navendum]

Hey! Pal,


Thanks a lot for your information

Best Wishes

Cheerio!!!

Originally Posted by avinash

Will try my best to help you guys when you reach Melbourne. Plz drop me a PM.

I have joined a consultant company thr which I am deputed a client’s place.
First round was with the manager (FF), second one was logical thinking (3hr written) 3rd was technical (telephonic) and 4th was with client (thr phone from consultant office). They didn’t ask for any previous employment letters. I have my LinkedIn profile up-to-date along with recommendation from most of my previous companies. Consultant asked me for the referral (oral) I gave them two local contacts with whom I had worked with before.
Since I didn’t had local experience I had to reduce my rates 10% less than market.


Visa was 175.