Working on a magazine that revolves around jobs and travelling, it’s hard to stop your mind from revisiting countries and work you’ve visited in the past.

I know some people land in Australia determined to continue their career from back home and stay in the industry they’re most familiar with, but that idea never dawned on me as I jetted out for a year-long working holiday a few years ago.

Instead of banging on the door of an overseas magazine, I landed in Canada without any sort of plan, quickly blew my savings and then woke up one afternoon with a killer hangover, having become a barman somewhere along the way.

It didn’t seem to matter that I’d never officially poured a beer in my life or the fact that I thought a Harvey Wallbanger was a move from the Karma Sutra. Apparently, having spent years as a patron, propping myself up on the other side of the bar, was good enough, so I just learnt on the job.

Another gig I scored overseas didn’t require any training either, but that’s not surprising when my only task was operating the lift on a building site.

From seven in the morning until five in the afternoon, I was stood in a tiny elevator with nothing but a blinking neon light buzzing overhead, shipping grubby tradesmen between various levels. It was like being buried alive every day, only worse, because you were forced to make small talk: “Nother day, nother dollar, eh?” Yeah, whatever buddy.

In the end, it didn’t really matter what I was doing though, because I was getting paid and was able to extend my drunken, rough shot adventures. Having said that, I wish I’d read similar articles to what we’ve got this issue before departing.

Life would have been a lot sweeter if I had a killer CV (page 12) because I might have been able to escape that dreaded elevator for a stint of fruit picking (page 14). Plus I would have been able to avoid the usual tourist traps (page 18).

Ah well, knowing you - the glorious Jobmap reader - won’t suffer the same fate is almost reward enough. Have a good month. 

Rick Bannister

Giveaway! Win a Shark Dive!  

We’ve thrilled you with skywalks and jetboat rides of Sydney harbour, but now Jobmap is offering the ultimate thrill seeking experience with two passes to the legendary Shark Dive Xtreme at Oceanworld in Manly.

Oceanworld is situated right on the water at Manly Cove beach, just 200m from Manly Wharf. If you’re staying in the city, you could enjoy a ferry or jetcat ride from Circular Quay, then Oceanworld is just a two minute stroll. Parking is also available in the local area if you’ve got your own transport. Lots of people like to combine their visit to Oceanworld with a visit to Manly's world-famous surf beach, so bring your board as well.

Watch the huge sharks, giant stingrays, turtles and shoals of fish in their five million litre Oceanarium being hand-fed. You can talk to the professional divers. Ask about their favourite marine creatures. How old the turtles are. What is Maia the shark's favourite food? How does the diving equipment work?

While all that sounds exciting, you will be able to take the next step and dive into Oceanworld, literally, with a Shark Dive Xtreme experience, which you might be surprised to hear is actually suitable for first time divers!

This is the opportunity of a lifetime if you've ever wanted to dive with sharks. You will get up close and personal with huge grey nurse sharks, giant stingrays, sea turtles, wobbegong sharks, moray eels and a vast array of marine life.

No other attraction comes close to this sort of heart-pounding action and all you have to do to win is email editor@jobmap.com.auwith the words “Oceanworld Shark Dive” in the header. It’s that simple.

Even if you don’t win you should go along and check out Oceanworld anyway. Ocean World: West Esplanade, Manly. (02) 8251 7878 www.oceanworld.com.au

Eleven Things Nobody Told You About Australia

The Opera House. The Sydney Harbour Bridge. Uluru. Tanned surfers in thongs. Deserts and kangaroos. It’s true that all these things are part of the Australian experience but what about the things that get left off the tourism brochures? We’ve uncovered a few of the lesser known attractions of you.

By Kate Veling

Hit the road

Major cities around the world have become somewhat homogenized in modern times. You’ll find Starbucks, MacDonalds, 7/11s, Irish pubs and Hilton Hotels in many countries across the world. To get a real feel for Australia, go for a drive – a long drive. It’s in the tiny country towns, long stretches of desert roads and abundant bush that you really get a feel for the place. You can clock up enough kilometers to cover the distance of four European countries and still be in the same state in Australia. So hire a van, buy a car or hop on a coach and discover the real Australia. Just don’t watch Wolf Creek first.

Winter Wonderland

Yes, Australia has winter – not that you’d know it from looking at tourism brochures. Despite what they’d have you believe, it’s not all sunny days at the beach, BBQs and cold beer. While the northern tropics don’t get too chilly, down south it’s fucking freezing and the fluffy, white stuff falls every winter. Australian snowfields aren’t too widely advertised to international countries but there are a few top-notch ski resorts around. Check out Threadbo and Perisher Blue in NSW and Mount Buller, Falls Creek and Hotham in Victoria for all your skiing and snowboarding needs.

Nimbin MardiGrass

Nimbin is a small town near Byron Bay in NSW, which is unofficially known as the pot-smoking capital of Australia. The Nimbin MardiGrass is an annual event held by the local Hemp Embassy who are on a constant campaign for cannabis law reform. During the festival, people from all over come to celebrate the gift of the good weed. They hold the Hemp Olympix which feature such events as spliff rolling and bong thowing competitions. You’ll see lots of dreadlocks, laughing Mardigrass goers and ganja fairies flitting through the haze of smoke that wafts through the entire town during MardiGrass. The 2008 event will be held on May 3rd and 4th. You won’t see anything like it anywhere else in the world… except maybe Amsterdam. See www.nimbinmardigrass.comfor more.

The Bigger Picture

Australia’s a big country and there are a lot of big things in it. Big as in giant, novelty size, random objects that built in rural towns to symbolize their main industry, export or tourist attraction. There’s the big bull in Wauchope, NSW; the big cassowary in Mission Beach, Qld; the big cod fish in Swan Hill, Vic; the big guitar in Tamworth, NSW (Australia’s country music capital if you’re into that kind of thing); the giant koala in Dadswell Bridge, Vic; the big lobster in Kingston, SA; a big Ned Kelly in Glen Rowan, Vic; the big orange in Berri, SA; the big ram in Wagin, WA and of course, the infamous big banana in Coffs Harbour, NSW. Be warned – many of these are extremely lame. They’re not the kind of thing you’d go out of your way to visit, but funny for a cheesy photo if en route to where you’re heading.

Ningaloo Reef

Everybody knows about the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland but have you ever heard of Ningaloo? Thought not. Situated in the north of Western Australia, 1270km fro Perth it’s a long way from anywhere and is consequently one of the most pristine, untouched coral reefs in the world.

Ningaloo is a 260km length of coral reef and is one of the few places on earth where you are able to walk from the beach straight onto a coral reef. The warm waters of the Ningaloo Marine Park are home to an abundance of marine life including manta rays, turtles, sharks, sea snakes, over 500 species of tropical fish and 220 species of coral.

Another very special feature of Ningaloo is that it’s where the whale sharks gather each year. Although their name makes them sound scary, these gentle giants of the ocean are completely harmless and eco-tours provide an opportunity for you to go swimming with the whale sharks – truly the experience of a lifetime. Humpback whale also migrate through the waters of the Ningaloo reef twice a year with their calves.

Festivals

Australians love their music festivals and the summer months are a frenzy of good tunes, good times and amazing musical experiences for punters who attend. It’s certainly worth splashing out on a ticket for the time of your life. Some of the major Australian music festivals include Big Day Out, Good Vibrations, Splendour in the Grass, Woodford Folk Festival, Parklife, V Festival, Pyramid Rock. Meredith Music Festival and Falls Festival. Google ‘em for more info and plan ahead because they usually sell out.

Beaut Blokes

Rural areas of Australia are having a tough time at the moment. Often young people from small country towns, particularly the girls, move to the big cities, never to return. This leaves a lot of strapping, young farmers without much hope of ever meeting a missus. That’s where Beaut Blokes come in. Beaut Blokes weekends provide city chicks with the chance to experience country life with the locals, and the opportunity for country boys to have some fun, make some new friends and socialize with people from outside their area.

All girls (guys can go too and meet country girls)who attend a Beaut Blokes weekend stay in pairs with local families and take part in group activities that they set up in a well organized weekend. A typical weekend involves a meet and greet on Friday night, a farm tour and afternoon activity on Saturday (footy/races/winery tour) followed by a black tie dinner on Saturday night and a recovery brunch on Sunday.

Beaut Blokes does not aim to marry off every girl who attends, but revitalize rural communities by bringing new people into their towns to see what they’re all about. That said, there have been two marriages, ten engagements, two babies and many new relationships born out of Beaut Blokes weekends. You never know your luck in a small country town! See www.beautblokes.com.aufor more.

Aussie Rock

Uluru is “the rock” to go to in Australia. It’s certainly a spectacular sight but Australia is an ancient land with many other geological wonders. Other amazing rock formations found in Australia include Wave Rock in Hyden, WA; The Devils Marbles near Wauchope in the Northern Territory; The Pinnacles in Numbung National Park, WA; the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains, NSW and the Bungle Bungles in the north of WA. Rock on!

Beer

It’s true that Aussies love beer, but contrary to popular belief, they don’t all drink Fosters. Fosters is to Australia what Corona is the Mexico. Nobody who lives there drinks the stuff, they just export it to other countries and tout it as the national beverage of choice. There’s a huge variety of ales for you to try including XXXX (pronounced four ex), Tooheys New, Emu Bitter, Carlton Draft, Hahn Premium, Cascade, Little Creatures and many, many more. And there’s some bloody good wine too but that’s a whole different barrel of shiraz.

Tune in to Triple J

Triple J is national radio station and youth network that supports independent local music. They play less commercial music and more indie/alternative stuff. They are also massive supporters of Aussie music. The Home and Hosed program on Monday nights from 9pm profiles local acts but you’ll hear tunes by Aussie bands played round the clock. Go to www.triplej.net.auto find the frequency for your particular location. There is also a good gig guide on the site so you can catch some live Aussie music. On Australia Day (January 26th) Triple J play the Hottest 100 – the best 100 songs released during the previous year as voted by listeners.

Tasmania

It’s actually been left off maps of Australia before and Tasmania is easy to overlook when you come down under but is definitely worth a visit. It’s the small island state off the south coast of Victoria, known for it’s rugged coastlines and untouched wilderness. If you’re a nature lover then you should include Tassie on your itinerary. There are no less than 17 National Parks plus world class walking trails that make the place a favourite for hikers from the world over. The capital city is Hobart but it’s in the snow sprinkled mountains, lush forests and stunning landscape that the true beauty of Tassie lies. Go to www.tas.gov.au/tasmaniaonlinefor more info.

Take Your Pick

Everything you need to know about fruit picking

Kylie Minogue was once a fruit picker. Right between leaving Neighbours (goodbye Charlene) and hitting the heights of success with her singing career, Kylie took to the fields to contemplate her future. Everyone knows what happened next - she achieved worldwide fame and the title of ‘best bum in the business’. Past pickers swear they know someone who knows someone who saw Kylie out in an orchard, filling her fruit bins. But of course this is just the stuff of fruit picking legend and no one can be sure if it ever really occurred.

The chance to mix with celebrities (or celebs in the making) is only one of the reasons fruit picking is a pretty good job. Aside from the joy of being amongst nature and the chance to work outside, there is the opportunity to extend your visa from 12 to 24 months, the pay is taxed at a much lower rate (only 13%) and free accommodation and meals are often part of the deal. Most importantly, it is a great way to make some fast cash when the money jar is empty (and all the travelers cheques have disappeared).

When is the best time to look for fruit picking work?

Here in Australia, the main fruit picking season runs from December through to May. Although there are other fruits at other times. During these times the majority of fruit such as grapes, stone fruit (plums, peaches, apricots) and mangoes come into season. However due to different weather patterns, certain regions (Manjimup, Pemberton and Bunbury in Western Australia) have a later season running only from March to May.

Is experience necessary?

Generally, becoming a fruit picker requires no experience and there are no specific job requirements. You do need a tax file number though. The day usually begins early before it gets hot and ends late in the afternoon. Therefore it helps being a fit person with stamina who can handle working alone or in a pair for long hours and who doesn’t mind sweat, flies and bad singing (pickers always sing).

Tools of the trade

These are just some essentials that will be needed for a day of fruit picking. Beer is too obvious to put on the list.

Sunglasses – the sun can be blindingly bright and cataract damage is permanent so be cautious. Will also provide protection from sap from vines/branches and flying insects.

Gloves – will provide protection from spikes, thorns, pesticides and creatures that bite or sting.

Sunscreen – Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world so be vigilant with sun protection. Make sure to use 30+ strength sunscreen or higher and apply regularly.

Hat – will provide additional protection from the sun and also keep the sweat out of the eyes. 

Sturdy boots – do not go fruit picking in thongs or Birkenstocks! Good shoes will provide protection from snakes, pesticides and bull ants. Also pack plenty of socks or making friends may be quite difficult with the unwashed sock stench that will permeate the air.

Large drink bottle – this is hot hard work so make sure to stay hydrated. No one likes a ‘fainter’.

Large lunch box – the day is long and the work is physically demanding so appetites will be huge.

Box of band aids – after hours of picking fruit, it will show on the hands and arms. Keep a stash of band aids handy for cuts or bites. Also these will be useful when starting to learn the guitar (which is very likely to happen as there is little to do out on the farms at night).

Long sleeved shirts – these are good protection against both the sun and the branches/thorns. Also necessary to avoid looking like a self-harmer gone mad.

Payment

This is a job where typically the money made will be in direct relation to the amount of effort expended (ie how hard you work). Most farms and orchards work on a pay per bucket/bin/box rather than by the hour. However with certain fruits, some employers prefer to pay by the hour as they need the fruit to remain in perfect condition. Payment will also depend on how good the harvest is and the type of fruit or produce.

Ways to get there

Unless the purchase of a camper van or Winebago (yes please) was the first thing on the list upon your arrival, travel options will include bus, train and plane. Various bus companies will have different deals to suit most people and if you have an overseas student card or backpackers international membership/YHA card – the discounts may be even bigger (www.buslines.com.auor www.greyhound.com.au).  Trains don’t reach as many places as buses but are generally faster (with less stops). Check out www.holidaysallover.com.auor any of the rail websites for more info. Plane tickets at the moment are at an all time low so take advantage. Jump on to www.webjet.comto see daily specials.  

Want the real story?

Amelia is an English backpacker who came out to Australia to travel and see the sights. Along the way, her and her Aussie boyfriend bought a Komby van and headed out onto the road. However their van broke down on their first day and short of cash, they picked up some fruit picking work at Armstrong Orchard in Orange. Amelia enjoyed the work but recalls a typical day with tongue in cheek nostalgia.

“Wake up in a freezing cold van, in a freezing cold field, make your lunch which has to be huge to get you through the day. Head to the tractor and hope there isn’t a crazy stoned picker sitting on it. Head up to the orchard and hope you wouldn’t get put on bad fruit. The definition of bad fruit is ‘small apples’ - they pay by how much you pick and it takes longer to fill a bin if they are marbles.” 

The best thing about fruit picking? “The simplicity of the lifestyle, the whole being on the road feeling was pretty special, no rent to worry about. You could just watch the butterflies and think about life, the universe and everything. It was like being on a lovely, exhausting holiday. With no electricity and no distractions I actually kept a journal and took up carving apple twigs into little people with my trusty pocket knife - we picked it up for $2 at Crowdy Bay campsite when a fellow camper was having a garage sale outside his campervan.”

Extra info?

If you need more info, there are hundreds of websites to refer to. A couple of good ones to check out are www.jobsearch.gov.au/harvesttrailor www.tourinfocentre.com.au. Also phone the National Harvest Info (Free call) on 1800 062 332 for detailed information. For specific employment positions go to www.pickingjobs.com. Grunt Labour also recruit for these jobs so email Clint on - cthomas@gruntlabour.com.

How To...

Build the perfect CV

It used to be easy to get your CV to stand out from a pile of applications. A coloured folder here or some fancy typography there and next thing you know you were kicking back, shuffling papers behind a broad mahogany desk in a corner office. Or at least pouring beers from behind the bar of a decent pub. But in this day and age of digital files and recruiter databases, you have to be a lot smarter to make an impact and separate yourself from the tech-savvy crowd of hungry job hunters.

Now before we start, you should know that research has shown that recruiters only take between 15 and 45 seconds to decide if a resume goes into the interview pile or not. Not long eh? That means it’s crucial you land a knock out punch on the first page by having all your important info front and centre. First tip? Scrap any ancient CV you’ve ever created. Don’t follow the old school templates with your name, age and all the other boring crap listed on top, because chances are you’ll get buried with the hundreds of others who failed to move with the times and switch things up.

Start with your most recent job or the last one that’s going to get the employer interested. Don’t bother including outdated info from a decade ago or any high school awards – we’re all grown ups now and despite what your parents told you none of that stuff counts once you’ve graduated. 

Remember that all the info you need to land the job is in the ad itself. Take the skills and attitudes shown in it and embed them into your own document. These days, your values and potential to fit into the new work environment are just as important as your experience. So basically, just make sure all your best personality traits come across up front. More importantly, make it easy to read by using sub headers and bullet points. This is the sort of structure that recruiters use themselves, so they’ll appreciate it.

What are some other tricks of the trade? A simple one is putting a photo of yourself on your CV. According to the professionals, having an image is one of the gimmicks that actually works, because it transforms a few sheets of paper into a real person. You stop being another bunch of words and start becoming a living thing complete with a – gasp! – personality. Think about it, how much easier is it to remember a face over a name. Same goes for the person doing the hiring. 

Heard of something called a ‘keyword’? Whenever a CV is entered into a recruiter’s database, they’re usually revisited using a keyword search. If a job specifies ‘accounting’, that’s entered into the database and all CVs that contain the word pop up. To make sure your CV turns up during this part of the process, you should scan all the job ads in your sector and check what sort of terminology recruiters are using. Make a list of these buzz words and then come up with some ways to incorporate them into your resume. Worried you don't have the relevant experience to draw the jargon from? Not to worry. A way around this problem is by simply listing your university subjects or any other studies. Another tactic is to put down your planned studies, such as that bachelor of law degree, you’re starting next year. This will at least help you rise to the top in a database search.

The last thing you’ll have to take care of when it comes to your CV is a cover letter for each job you apply for. It sounds obvious, but you really need to customise the letter to the employer and the position on offer. Don’t waste your time using a generic cover letter, because they’re not worth the paper they’re written on. This is the first impression you’re going to make, so take into account that your prospective employer is going to be attracted to the highest quality candidate – this is your one opportunity to tell them what they want to hear! Talk about your similar values and let them know you understand what their goals in the business are and how they fit with your own career.

All this stuff is only a few mouse clicks away on the internet these days, so make use of it and do some research. If you like the sound of the company, let them know, but stop short of waffling on. It always pays to keep things short and sharp. Follow all that and you’re almost guaranteed to land an interview.

Quick Tips

Think about what your CV says, how easy it is to read and the order you put it in.

Be dynamic in how you present your work history and skills.

Use positive language about yourself.

Make sure there's a well-designed front page.

Put a photograph of yourself on the first page.

Put your name in colour.

Present it in a good quality binder.

Remember, you only get one chance to make a good impression.

Need Professional Help?

There’s plenty of free information on the web, but if you feel like you want a professional to help with your CV you can click on www.easyresume.com.auand get a free quote.