YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

I SUSPECT MY CULTURAL BACKGROUND MAY BE A BIG REASON WHY I’M NOT GETTING A JOB. IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO APART FROM KEEP TRYING?

DARREN BUCHANAN MANAGING DIRECTOR, HAYS QUEENSLAND

Some organisations have successfully trialled blind recruitment to remove unconscious bias from the initial screening process, and it’s a strategy you could also consider. It involves removing personally identifiable information, such as your full name, gender or age, from your CV, to ensure a shortlist of the very best talent. Equality, diversity and inclusion principles underpin our recruitment activities here at Hays, as they do many organisations. In such organisations, diversity principles are inherent to the recruitment process. Good luck.

SINEAD HOURIGAN BRISBANE DIRECTOR, ROBERT WALTERS

We sometimes face situations where employers need candidates with local experience – such as in accounting and finance where an understanding of Australian accounting standards is a prerequisite – and this can be challenging for candidates who have great experience from overseas but no local market experience. If communication skills are a concern because English is not your first language, it’s always worthwhile getting someone to check through cover letters and resumes. Don’t give up – as the expression goes “nothing in this world can take the place of persistence”.

JULIE FORD SENIOR EXECUTIVE CONSULTANT, McARTHUR

While morally wrong and illegal, discrimination still exists in some organisations. To ensure your application will be considered, make sure you have a current resume that clearly identifies your skills and experience and apply only for roles that you are experienced for. In the cover letter, clearly articulate who you are as a person and reason for wishing to apply. Finally, do research prior to applying – look for organisations that have a formal workplace diversity and inclusion policy, which should be on their website, indicating it is committed to “the best person for the job”.

DR NERIDA HILLBERG DIRECTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY, FERRIS MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS

The Australian Human Rights Commission details the Racial Discrimination Act. It is unlawful to discriminate against a person “because of his or her race, colour, descent, national origin or ethnic origin, or immigrant status”. This includes the recruitment process. If you fear you are not obtaining employment because of your cultural background, I suggest you do some research. Conduct a search of larger organisations who promote “inclusion and diversity”. Many organisations are genuinely committed to building a diverse workforce.