Preparing for a trade interview with an Australian employer

If you live overseas, the interview is often a video call. You may speak to one person or two, such as the owner and a workshop manager or site supervisor.

The tone is usually direct and friendly. Many interviewers start with small talk, such as asking how your day is going. A short, relaxed answer is enough.

Most questions are usually practical. Employers often want to hear how you work, not only which certificates you hold.

• Walk me through it. "Walk me through how you would do this job." Give your steps in order, with your reasons.
• Your experience. The jobs you do most days, the tools you use and the size of your team.
• Safety. What you check before you start, and what you do when you see a hazard (something that could hurt someone).
• Problems. A time something went wrong and what you did next.

Clear steps in simple words usually work better than long sentences. You can practise this style out loud in Skills Practice.

Many Australian workplaces are informal in how people speak. The standard of work is still expected to be high.

• First names. People usually use first names, including for the boss. "Sir" and "madam" are not common at work.
• Plain speech. People often say what they mean in a short, friendly way. Direct feedback is usually not meant as an insult.
• Speaking up about safety. Workers are usually expected to say so when something looks unsafe, even to a senior person.
• Asking when unsure. Asking before you start is normally seen as careful, not weak.
• Being on time. This usually means being ready to work at the start time. If you will be late, tell your supervisor early.
• Teamwork. People often help each other and share the cleaning up.

Workplaces differ, so watch how your own team does things. Living & Working Here lets you practise everyday situations like these.

Some trade words in Australia may differ from the words you learned. Ask when you hear a word you do not know.

You do not need to quote laws in an interview. It helps to know who the official bodies are.

• Safe Work Australia is the national policy body for work health and safety. It does not enforce the law.
• State and territory regulators enforce work health and safety laws where you work. Safe Work Australia lists them on its website.
• The Fair Work Ombudsman regulates workplaces and gives free advice about workplace rights. It says visa holders and migrant workers have the same workplace rights and protections as all other employees in Australia.
• The Department of Home Affairs is the government department responsible for visas.

Links are in the official sources list on this page. We are not connected to any of these bodies.

Most interviewers ask why you want to move. You may hear:

• Why do you want to work in Australia?
• Is your family coming with you?
• How long do you plan to stay?

The interviewer usually wants to know that your reasons are real and that you have thought about the move. You might talk about steady work in your trade, safety standards, your family or your long-term plans.

• Give your own reasons. Two or three true reasons are stronger than a long list.
• Be specific. Mention something about the job or the area that you checked yourself.
• Be honest about plans. If you are not sure yet, say so.
• Do not memorise a speech. Know your main points, then say them in your own words.

One short example: "I have worked as a welder for nine years. I want to work where safety rules are followed properly. My family and I would like to settle in one place for the long term."

Your answer should be different, because it is about you. Practise these questions in General Practice.

• Confirm the interview time in the employer's time zone. Australia has more than one.
• Test your camera, microphone and internet the day before.
• Use the interviewer's first name if they introduce themselves that way.
• Answer practical questions step by step, with your safety checks included.
• Use facts from your own work, such as years of experience and equipment used.
• If you do not know something, say so. Then say how you would find out.
• Practise out loud, not only in your head. See how it works.