This section of the website is all about answering those questions every professional recruiter needs answering before taking the decision to further their recruitment career overseas. If the information you are looking for isn’t listed below, please get in touch, we’re more than happy to answer all your questions.

1. How does the interview process work? 

Typically, a three to four stage interview process: the 1st stage will be an initial phone/video call based interview; the 2nd stage will typically be a much more in-depth video call based interview where the prospective employer will conduct a more detailed interview honing in on your recruitment skills, successes and failures, previous billings, key clients etc; the 3rd stage will typically be a ‘meet the team’ video based interview where you’ll have short informal conversations with a number of team members, you may also get a tour of the office; and finally the 4th stage might be a final chat with the big boss just to get that final sign off. The interviews will all take place before or after your normal working day depending on the time difference. The employers are aware of your time constraints, for instance, getting to the office on time if your interview is first thing, so no need to worry about this.

2. How do they make an offer?

Offers will be made verbally either at final stage interview or more typically via RedEarth once the interview process is complete. Offers made via RedEarth are initially emailed to us, once we have verbal acceptance, an offer is then formalised in writing with an employment contract sent via email. 

3. Do RedEarth help negotiate the best deal for me?

Yes. Part of our job is to ensure you get the best deal for your experience and background. We will always try to maximise your initial package and earning potential. Negotiation is typically done before a verbal offer is made as most employers are reluctant to negotiate after an offer has been made.  

4. How do salary packages work?

In Australia you will receive a base salary plus a pension amount which is called Superannuation, plus your commission on sales just as you would do here. Superannuation (super) is currently 11% of your total salary package and is scheduled to increase by 0.5% each year until it reaches 12%. Therefore, if you receive an A$80,000 total package you will receive a base salary of A$72,072 plus A$7,928 will be paid into a superannuation fund accessed upon retirement. If you return to the UK at any point, you are potentially able to bring the money you have paid into a super fund back with you, however, it will depend on your particular circumstances so best to verify this at the time. 

Australia also has a tax benefit called Living Away from Home Allowance (LAFHA) – as a temporary resident of Australia you should be eligible to receive this but will depend on your employer. It is an employer paid benefit where you will pay less tax on your gross income therefore increasing your net earnings. It represents an approximate benefit of A$10,000 per annum in your pocket. We will always clarify whether the employer offers this benefit, (It is not paid in addition to your base salary).

In New Zealand they do not have compulsory Superannuation so you will receive your total package as base salary plus any commission you earn.

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE) you will receive a base salary plus commission. There is no income tax or VAT, however you will need to pay for private healthcare and other services that you may need. Accommodation and other typical living expenses are more expensive in the UAE compared to the UK, however, as long as you do your homework first, you can achieve a much higher standard of living in the UAE compared to the UK. A typical salary would be between AED10,000 and AED15,000.

5. What are the commission schemes like?

Quite simply the commission schemes will all vary depending on the employer, but are generally comparable or better than what is currently on offer in the UK. On average most schemes pay between 10 to 30% on a monthly and 20 to 50% on a quarterly basis. Some schemes will require you to hit a threshold before earning commission, some have defecits and some will pay on timesheet or placement date rather than paid invoice. The larger firms will typically have lower commission scales than the small to mediums, however, it may be easier to bill more working for a larger firm with better access to candidates and clients. All these factors will need to be taken into account when deciding on your new position and we are here to help guide you through it.

6. How does the Visa process work?

99% of our clients our pre-approved by the relevant Government body to sponsor overseas applicants under a Temporary Business Visa arrangement. Visa’s last between 2 and 4 years depending on the country and typically can be extended. The visa application process is paid for and managed by the employer so the process is streamlined and paperwork is kept to a minimum.

Each country is slightly different but typically you will need 2-3 yrs recruitment experience, potentially a degree (currently not necessary for Australia) and a clean bill of health. Lodgement generally takes 2 to 3 weeks. Once the application is lodged approval can take between 2 and 12 weeks depending on how quickly the Immigration Dept process the application. There is no way of controlling or anticipating how long this will take, unfortunately this is just a waiting game. Therefore, giving notice is something you will need to manage carefully at the time and in discussion with your new employer.

7. What documentation will I need to get a visa?

You will be guided through the visa process by your employer and/or migration consultant, However, YOU NEED TO BE ABLE TO PROVE WHAT YOU SAY ON YOUR CV IS TRUE. Therefore, you may want to ensure you have: a current passport (valid for at least 12 months); a current and up to date CV with exact employment dates; evidence of qualifications (degree certificate, if applicable) and; 2* proof of employment references - these will need to be formal written references confirming job title, dates and key responsibilities. Typically a template will be provided either by us or by your employer/migration consultant. These are separate to your employment references from a line manager assessing your competence performing the job. Typically these are completed by the HR Dept so you may want to ensure you have the relevant contact details. References can be difficult to obtain depending on your circumstances, employers are sympathetic to this. You may also need to provide payslips from previous employers. 

8. Will I get any assistance with the relocation costs?

Typically, you can expect some assistance with relocation from your employer, however this may vary dependent on the employer and the level of role. Some employers may offer to cover the cost of a flight and/or some initial accommodation when you first arrive, typically 1-2 weeks. You will need to find accommodation post this initial period. Relocation packages are negotiated towards the end of the interview process by us on your behalf.

Employers will not typically cover removal or shipment costs however this may vary depending on the seniority of the role. Some employers pay a fixed amount which you will receive in your first pay cycle or via an expense claim once you have commenced work. Therefore you may need to cover the costs upfront and claim them back.

Useful Websites

These websites are good for some general information, you can research cost of buying or renting a home, cost of living statistics, tax, healthcare etc:

Australia:

General info              http://www.livingin-australia.com

                                  www.australia.com

                                  www.start-a-new-life-in-australia.com/life-in-australia.html

Taxation                     www.ato.gov.au

Healthcare                 www.medicare-australia.com.au

Health Insurance       www.privatehealth.gov.au; www.iselect.com.au

Visas                           www.immi.gov.au

Cars                           www.drive.com.au or www.carsales.com.au

Eating/Restaurants  www.citysearch.com.au

Property                    www.domain.com.au; www.realestate.com.au

Other Country website links coming soon!