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9 Life Skills Emigrants to Australia Should Not Be Without

by Your Man in Australia on September 19, 2012

Life Skills emigrants to Australia often Don't Focus on and instead focus on improving their technical skills before and after coming to Australia.

They fail to realize the true value of real life skills. Would you be shocked if you were told that you have “no Australian experience.”?

But what is 'Australian Experience'?…. It is not necessarily work experience in Australia.

I have realized that this has been the most important skill that has led to all the success in my life. So it is vitally important that you learn these 9 life skills emigrants to Australia shouldn't be without as Quickly as Possible.

Because without them “You lack the Life skills I am looking for in an employee.” Australian Business Owner.

This has got to be the Biggest Fear that Australian Employers Hiring Overseas Staff, Have. It is the Life Skills Emigrants to Australia are missing, that the Australian employer fears he will be missing out on when hiring and sponsoring people from overseas.

Here are the 9 life skills emigrants to Australia should Never Be Without:

1. Communication skills
Communication skills — both spoken and written — are critical for immigrants. I can’t stress enough how important it is for career success to be able to not only speak in English, but also write clearly and persuasively.

2. Local language skills
I still smile when I think back to my first job in Australia when I was asked to put my “John Hancock” on a courier document. As I looked at the courier, he said to me, “I mean your signature.” In a corporate environment, your language skills have to evolve to understand local phrases and business jargon.

3. Presentation skills
In a recent survey, senior managers rated the ability to make presentations as a top qualification. Now this could mean a formal presentation to clients or a more casual way of presenting yourself in meetings and with colleagues.

4. Small talk
Do you sense a theme here? Most of the life skills I’ve mentioned so far all relate back to communicating. Water cooler chitchat is a part of corporate life. But be careful not to cross the line of what’s taboo.

5. Leadership and initiative
Staying invisible is why many immigrants are overlooked when it comes time for promotions. Take some initiative, share your ideas, ask questions and encourage others to collaborate as well!

6. Conflict resolution and negotiation
It is important to learn how to disagree with a colleague or even your boss without getting emotional about it! And if things go too far, learn to apologize.

7. Accepting constructive criticism
Constructive criticism is part of any learning curve. To accept criticism, understand that we are not perfect and learning is a continuous process, at work and in life.

8. Flexibility
Show your employer that you’re willing to learn and adapt. The labour market and economy are changing all the time, and we must change, too.

9. Business etiquette
Workplace customs and practices may be different in Australia than your homeland. Something as simple as calling your boss by his or her first name may seem odd to you, but it’s normal practice here.

There are many more life skills emigrants to Australia should Never Be Without, of course, but these 9 are the ones that tend to get lost in translation. So let’s start reviewing these in more depth over the next few months and see where it takes us!

photo by Bunches and Bits {Karina}