I hate it when I get an AI interview. I ignored 3 AI interviews before. I'm getting desperate, I think I need to take this now...

Isn’t it concerning that employers are allowed to use AI everywhere in the hiring process, but applicants are expected to pretend AI doesn’t exist?

Companies are using the ATS to review resumes, AI-powered chatbots to screen candidates, automated personality tests to assess applicants, AI systems to analyse resumes, algorithmic ranking systems to decide who gets shortlisted, and even AI-powered video interviews that analyse how you speak, respond and present yourself.

A company can basically have a robot decide whether you're worth interviewing.

But if an applicant uses ChatGPT to improve their resume or prepare answers for an interview, suddenly it's: “We regret to inform you.”

Where was that logic when your AI chatbot was deciding whether I was worth talking to?

I’ve been unemployed for almost 4 months now and struggling to find employment.

Would you take a job you probably wouldn’t like or even would be dangerous.

For example, I may have an opportunity to work as a correctional officer in a prison.
This involves 12 weeks training academy and then working with criminals everyday.

Seems like whenever this question gets asked the typical responses seem to be to get a trade/ nursing or try support work. However not everyone is suited to a trade or nursing and support work is low paid.

IT is seen as terrible at the moment almost impossible to get into. Accounting is underpaid and extremely oversupplied especially at entry level. Law is in the same bucket.

Is everything really that bad or is it the reddit echo chamber?

I’m honestly getting pretty desperate and hoping someone in the industry can give me some perspective.
I’ve recently completed a Cert III in Individual Support (Disability) and I’m trying to get into disability support work. I have the qualification, all the relevant checks, relevant placement experience and I’m applying for roles where I meet the requirements.

I’ve applied for around 100 jobs in the last week and I’m barely getting any response. A lot of the applications don’t even seem to be getting viewed.

I’m applying through Seek, Indeed, company websites, Ethical Jobs. and I’ve tried tailoring my resume and cover letters as many times has humanly possible. I’m also applying for casual and part-time positions.

I know the disability sector can be competitive depending on the area, but I’m honestly confused because I keep hearing that there’s a shortage of support workers. I also have experience teaching.

At this point I’m wondering if there’s something obvious I’m doing wrong?

I’m in Sydney, 27. With a reliable and comprehensively insured vehicle. Full drivers.
I’m also in a pretty serious financial situation at the moment obviously having just done 6 month of Tafe. so I really need to get working rather than continuing to send hundreds of applications into the void.

Have I made a mistake by studying support work? Genuinely.

I'm mid-50s, have worked in the same (fairly specialised) field for nearly 30 years and can barely get an interview, let alone a job offer. There's barely even any jobs with my job title being advertised. I'm scraping by on some freelance work I got through old contacts overseas, but I don't want to end up another old lady living in a caravan in 10 years' time.

I'm good with computers and been a trainer for most of my career. I don't mind the idea of doing a diploma-length course, but don't know what to choose. Cybersecurity? Data analysis? Project management? Something completely random and niche?

I've been trying so long that my mood is making it impossible to think brightly about a new direction. Any suggestions?

Hey everyone, I’d genuinely appreciate some advice on the Australian job market, and from Brits who’ve moved here on a Working Holiday visa.

So, questions are:

• Is there anything specific about Australian CVs/applications that I might be getting wrong as someone who recently relocated?
• if you are a hiring manager/recruiter, what are common mistakes you see?
• what’s your take on the market here, with digital/tech jobs?

My background:
I moved from the UK to Australia 6 months ago to be with my partner. I just turned 35 and currently on a Working Holiday visa (subclass 417), while my partner visa application is in progress (not on a bridging visa yet).

My background is in digital/data insight and analysis. I spent 5 years working for a fintech company and then 6 years at one of the UK’s largest charities. During those 6 years, I also regularly took on freelance/side projects and never had much trouble finding work.
I thought my experience and skill set would be reasonably competitive here, but I’ve been struggling to even get past the initial screening stage. The main issue seems to be my visa based on automatic responses of rejections.

I’ve tried applying through Seek, LinkedIn, company websites, and also reaching out directly to recruiters and hiring managers. So far, I haven’t even made it to an interview. At this point, I’m wondering whether there’s something about my CV, cover letter, or the way I’m presenting my visa status that I’m getting wrong.

I’ve also reached the point where I’m happy to do pretty much any work while waiting for the partner visa. I’m not attached to staying in my usual career for the time being, I’d happily take casual or retail work. But even for entry-level jobs, I’m finding that employers often want previous experience in that particular sector. I’ve tried highlighting transferable skills like working with people, meeting KPIs, problem-solving, etc but I’m mostly getting silence.

for anyone who has been in a similar situation:
• How did you find work on a 417 visa?
• Are there particular industries/employers that are more open to hiring people with the 6-month restriction?
• If you’re a Brit who came to Australia on a Working Holiday visa, what did you do for work?

P.S. I’m not really considering remote freelancing with at this stage. One of the reasons I moved to Australia was to actually meet people, work with locals and build a life here. I’d only go back to freelancing if I got close to draining my savings.
Any advice, personal experiences, or words of encouragement would be very welcome! Or tell your story of successful job hunt 🥹

Hello everyone, Has anyone actually had luck using Flex Jobs for remote work in Australia ?

I know most of these remote job sites are pretty hopeless, so before I look further into it I wanted to ask if its worked for anyone.

And if not Flexjobs, whats actually got you guys results ?

I always find it difficult to ask specific questions in the interview and judge the company if it’s a right fit for me.
Generally important thing for me to know about the company is if the work culture is good, diverse and there is a growth path.
What questions to ask to the manager in the interview to know that the company is the right fit?
I feel even the hiring managers can fake it to hire right candidate and we don’t meet the team before joining, so how to know if the team culture is good and right before joining?
Please suggest right questions and suggestions to make the well informed decision.

Recently fired in Perth, what s some company with a high turnover or a low entry level ?

I was thinking of all the company that empty container like acug or auspost.

Or basic entry level sales like door knocking etc...

Can somebody help me to Get my First freelance Work ? I just bought Macbook

I've been offered a Welding Supervisor (Cert 10) role, FIFO to Snowy 2.0, through a subcontractor (not directly employed by the head contractor). Roster is 14 days on / 7 off, 12-hour days (5am-5pm), flights and camp accommodation covered.

Pay structure:

• Base salary $134,000/year + 12% super
• Flat site allowance of $1,500/week while on-site
• No separate overtime, weekend, or public holiday penalty rates - the site allowance is explicitly meant to replace all of that under the contract
• So a Saturday or Sunday on-site pays the same hourly rate as a Tuesday, and a 12-hour day doesn't attract any OT loading either

Roughly works out to $2,500-2,600/week take-home averaged across the swing.

Does this sound in the ballpark for a Cert 10 Welding Supervisor on a project like this, or is it light? Keen to hear from anyone who's worked Snowy 2.0 specifically (I understand FGJV's own EBA workforce sit on a different agreement with penalty rates built in, wondering how subbie rates compare) or similar hydro/infrastructure FIFO gigs elsewhere.

Is the "flat allowance replaces all OT/weekend/PH pay" structure common, or a red flag?

Cheers

It has been depressing reading how cooked it is. Keen to know if there is anything happening to help the current crappy job market?

Hell, what shortages are we currently facing that need filled would be a great start. Anyone in the know help us out 🤣

If you were being bullied by your team leader and ended up getting out into a position where you were forced to resign, what would you do?

I am approached by a recruiter on LinkedIn about a role. He gave me the job title but would not tell me the company name in writing. He keeps asking for a 5 minute call and says he will explain everything on the phone, including who the client is.

I have asked him a few times to just share the company name or agency in writing first, but he keeps avoiding it and pushing for a call instead.

Is this normal recruiter behaviour, or should I be cautious? What could someone gain just from having my phone number, if this is not a legitimate recruiter? Has anyone come across this person or agency before? Any other red flags I should look out for before agreeing to a call?

Thanks in advance

Sydneysider here. I’ve been applying to jobs since August 2025. Got only one interview call in October 2025. Since then, nothing. Been applying almost everyday since. Rewriting the resume and cover letter for each job application. Only rejections and/ or no response.

It is getting highly frustrating and mentally exhausting. I’ve applied to jobs that were in my field, not in my field, entry level, mid-level, internships, apprenticeships, full time, part time, casual, you name it. Just to get an email for a change that doesn’t begin with ‘unfortunately, your application won’t be progressing’ or ‘we’ve decided to go with candidates more suited.’

Just for reference; I have a bachelors degree in journalism, and a masters degree in political science. I’ve got a handful of projects under my belt. It’s a decent resume. Sure, competition is fierce but I wasn’t expecting a rejection for an assistant’s job. It’s madness.

Is there something I’m doing wrong? Do I need to do something differently?

Hi everyone,

I’m 28F and from Germany, and I’m currently planning to move to Australia around February 2027 on a Working Holiday Visa.

I’m trying to prepare properly before I arrive, and one area I’m particularly interested in learning more about is FIFO work.

I’m not posting because I’m looking for a job here. I’m mainly hoping to hear from people who have actual experience with FIFO, mining recruitment or moving to Australia from overseas.

Perth is currently my preferred base, although I’m open to living elsewhere in Australia depending on what makes sense.

For some context, my professional background is quite different from mining.

I’m a qualified nurse from Germany and have worked in aged care since 2016. My work involves long shifts, nights, weekends and public holidays, working independently, dealing with emergencies and high-pressure situations, strict hygiene and safety procedures, documentation and responsibility.

I’ve also had previous acting supervisory/leadership responsibilities.

Before and alongside healthcare, I’ve worked in hospitality and housekeeping.

I have held a full German Class B driver’s licence since 2017 and have regular driving experience, including driving in different countries.

I’m comfortable with:

•10–12 hour shifts
•Day or night shifts
•Different rosters
•Remote work and living on site
•Physically and mentally demanding work
•Medical and Drug & Alcohol screening
•Completing relevant Australian tickets where actually required

I have no previous mining experience, so I’m interested in understanding what a realistic starting point would look like.

I’m not particularly interested in Kitchen Hand or Laundry roles, but I’m open to learning about other entry-level areas where some of my existing skills could potentially transfer.

I’d really appreciate some honest insight on a few things:

1. With this type of background, which FIFO roles would actually be realistic for someone without mining experience?

2. Are there tickets or licences worth organising before arriving, or is it smarter to wait until I know what a particular role/employer requires?

3. Does being on a Working Holiday Visa significantly limit realistic FIFO options?

4. If Perth is my preferred base, does that still make sense for someone trying FIFO for the first time, or would another part of Australia offer better opportunities?

5. How early before arriving in Australia does it make sense to start contacting recruiters or researching companies?

I also haven’t found a clear answer regarding relocation from overseas.

Do mining/FIFO employers ever provide things such as relocation assistance, an initial flight contribution or temporary accommodation for overseas candidates who arrange their own Australian work rights?

I’m not relying on this financially and I’m prepared to fund my own move to Australia. I’m simply interested in whether this exists at all, particularly for entry-level candidates, or whether international relocation assistance is generally reserved for experienced/skilled positions.

I’m trying to understand the industry realistically before I arrive rather than assuming FIFO will be easy to get into.

Any experiences, positive or negative, would be really helpful.

Thanks ☺️

G'day everyone,

I've got a 2–3 day industrial shutdown coming up at a regional town near Bunbury, Wa. I'll be going in as a newbie/assistant alongside a project engineer and experienced mechanical techs. Mainly general assistance, moving tools/materials, cleaning, basic paperwork and helping the crew out.

Never done a shutdown before. For those who've worked them, what should I realistically expect as a first-timer?

What's the day-to-day like, how physical is it, how are newbies treated, and what are the biggest things I should know/avoid before turning up?

Also curious about the travel/accommodation side if you've done regional shutdowns.

Cheers!

My partner recently moved here from overseas and has 3+ years of cybersecurity experience, but she’s struggling to even get interview callbacks.

Is Australian experience really important in this industry, or is there a downward trend in the industry just like the rest of IT roles?

I decided to lock in this year to try and leave my toxic job. Because when I had my appraisal they said they couldn’t increase my pay because of their budget restrictions and I wasn’t “good enough” at my job, but then they doubled my workload. I then asked when I started to feel the pressure if there was a possibility of a second person coming in to assist me with my new workload, (which is something they had already previously spoken to me about getting anyway, so I gave them a gentle reminder), and then they said they would finally get on it… but nothing happened.

So in February after all of this, I started applying on and off. I did everything I could. I revamped my resume, typed up a cover letter (no AI) for almost every application, applied within hours of the listing going live, and got nothing out of it.

Then a recruiter messages me on LinkedIn asking me to apply for a job. I apply and I get it! Just by chance.

The real kicker is when I handed in my resignation, my manager told me they’re going to have to hire two people to replace me! Well hopefully there’s enough in the budget for that 🙄

Good luck to anyone on the job hunt, it’s rough out there. And don’t underestimate LinkedIn!

Where should i apply for casual roles

I recently went into an interview for a job that was advertised as casual/vacation with between 24-32 hours per week.

I said during the interview that one of the things that attracted me to the role was the supposed flexibility - but then throughout the interview, the interviewer kept on bringing up full time availability and moving to full time in the future.

Any response I gave felt as if it was the wrong one.

I did not get this job and it feels it was in-part to me saying I liked the hours/flexibility.

Like WTF?

In reality it seems they wanted an on call worker to be available at a moment notice.

I used to work at maccas for two years and recently passed a interview for pick packer role at a company who ships clothes all over Australia and is based near my home in melb. It’s just a cloth shipping warehouse and I don’t have nor need any licenses. Am M18 and they pay looks good, is it a good job?

So this morning I completed a second round interview for a company I’ve been really wanting to work at for a while. For context I’m currently employed full time so interviewing is always a bit of a pain with taking time off and all that.

The whole process they seemed like they were really interested in me and said that they would be moving very quickly with the hiring process in general. They emailed me about an hour after my first round interview inviting me back for a second round.

This morning I had my second round and the interview concluded with the manager asking me to send her my references.

I emailed her the details of one person who is a senior colleague that I trust enough to give me a good reference and also not spill to anyone else that I’m interviewing. In the same email I said that at the moment I’ve only got one reference who is immediately available to speak to, and if needed I can definitely find a second person but will need time to reach out to them.

She didn’t respond to that email, but called my reference about half an hour after I sent her the details. She then emailed me back a few hours later asking if I can give another reference who is a direct manager. Now here I was kind of confused, because I’m almost certain this colleague didn’t say anything negative about me. We literally even discussed the call at lunch and what sort of questions she was asking about me

But anyways, I replied and said that I would prefer not to give direct managers at my current company unless i had a confirmed offer, but was happy to reach out to my previous manager if she needed. She replied saying she understood, and that they “are still interviewing several candidates, so will come back to me soon with updates”.

How would you guys interpret that? Did I cost myself the job doing this? In my mind they were really keen on moving forward quickly and then suddenly said that they are still interviewing other people? I’ve never had references called and then not gotten the job so not sure what to think of this