OQP Memories...link

Please down load the file and enjoy the memories of OQP...

click here for the link OQP Memories

thanks,
Thomas

Getting ready for the next challenge

Finally, we have come to the end of an interesting chapter in our lives......

I am sure each and every one of us, in this group will be well settled in our jobs and families in few years time. When we recall our early days in Australia, apart from pains, disappointments, rejection letters, there will be definitely one thing which will stuck our mind with joy. That is OQP.

Seven weeks in OQP, has brought lot of strength and energy.......

I still recall the first week at collingwood, sitting with sixty professionals from all around the world, wondering what is going to happen.....

By starting off with so called barriers, Peter challenged our perception on "no local work experience" and made us feel that it's no more a weakness. After every lesson we felt like, we were discovering ourselves. Thanks Peter.

Lucy, been a great guide from day one, made us think about one per centers and assisted us in every aspects from documentation to the final interview. I will never forget those 3Ps(Positive,Proactive,Perseverance). Thanks alot Lucy for laying this foundation for our future success.

Angela made us realise that 98% of our day to day worries are not at all worries. This is of course something i will remember for the rest of my life.

Wendy thanks for arranging the interviews for all of us. Sixty interviews in four days, it is not an easy job. Great work. Well done Wendy. Gino,thanks in advance, for all the hard work you are going to put in for the next few months. Thanks Barry for putting us on the hot seat and giving us the opportunity to learn through own mistakes.

Last but not least, I should thank all my class mates, who helped me through out. It is so nice to be in that initiative team. Coming months are going to be the exciting months for us since we are about to face the next challenge. I am wishing you all the very best and hoping to hear some good news soon.

IT Professionals

Try the following sites that give you direct access to companies:

www.dicevip.com/home - a Gamers’ blog with a jobs section

whirlpool.net.au/jobs/ - an industry site where employers advertise

Have a go!

Last week of OQP classes is full of excitement, first we had Angela on Tuesday shared her amazing migration journey story, then we had a fantastic Men's day on Thursday where Peter and Gino shared a lots of insights on the culture side of being a man in Australia. But for myself, it's Wednesday that really made a difference. On that day I made a successful cold call to MoCo Media after Don encouraged me to have a go, and got a score of 8 in Barry's mock up interview. It really feels great to have some positive feedback and my confidence is much improved after that.

Update: Today I had a successful work placement interview with MoCo Media :)

Men's/Women's Day Week

The week from 27/10/09-30/10/09 at NMIT for OQP was eventful. Especially the Men’s Day was much awaiting!
The week started with Angela who presented us a successful life-story and I felt encouraged. In her short lecture, she tried to make us think about stress management to which we are succumbed to. I think she may be available to us in later days as well.
The Men’s Day will really be a memorable day in our life. Wendy made us heard about this event and on the day Peter was our true guide to our search for new life. We all enjoyed the lunch in the Pub. Peter’s discussion about work place issues enlightened us with new thought.
The week ended with Wendy’s considerate and caring listening to the latest status of our company research and of course with helpful tips for further progression.
The post interview lecture from Barry was another gift for us.

views on OQP2

I found OQP2 very interesting because it boosted my confidence levels. Peter, Freda, Wendy, Mala enlightened me with their inspirational words. The important thing is I am able to do the application documentation in an accurate way which forms a key part in getting a job. Also, I feel that mock interview sessions are the best way to practise for the actual interview. I feel glad about Wendy because she is the person who constantly reminds us about our assignments, giving suggestions in finding the right job and I am very fortunate to be guided by such an intelligent and dynamic lady. I wish I could be like her when I am that old .

OQP 04 Photos

CSIRO Software Positions

CSIRO is looking for Software Designers/Developers. They encourage applicants with international experience.

https://recruitment.csiro.au/asp/Job_Details.asp?RefNo=2009%2F740
https://recruitment.csiro.au/asp/Job_Details.asp?RefNo=2009%2F760

My experience with OQP

I personally feel that, OQP is a course everybody should be attending who is new in this country and looking for a new start.
I've worked in India and Dubai before coming here and for sure work life is totally different in Australia. Its on the better side, but need to understand it before applying for the jobs.

I searched for job almost 6 months, before joining this course and then I came to know why I wasn't successful. I never prepared for the interviews, though I was good and always had positive feedback from the companies, but still never got a chance. After completing this course, I came to know what was lacking in me; A Good Preparation. Always take every single job as a project. I know the market is tough, high competition and most of the time you get is depression in return, but message to all job seekers is never loose a hope. Nothing can be in your favour if you loose your positive attitude. So, first find anything in the present scenario which keeps you positive. For example, with me the positive thing was getting to spend extra time with my 3 year old son, which you never get while your work life.


The approach I was using for preparation is the following:

1. Ask Google (GOD) about the company. Many times you are not able to know about the company in case of consultant, but google does help. There are some tricks to search, which again google can help you with.
2. Check Linkedin profiles. Might be somebody in your contacts know the people in the company you are looking for. Nothing can be more favourable be you have an insider for news.
3. Maitain a checklist of past mistakes, so that you don't repeat.
4. If you think the job is not for you, don't apply. In other words don't apply every jobs you get. Read, Research and Rethink before applying.
5. And at last some good wishes from your friends/relatives.

In OQP, the best thing was Company research report. I came to know so much about the companies while preparing this report and at end this was a bull's eye for me. I got a permanent position within a month of work placement.

Thanks to Terry & Sonia for their help, positive chatting and support. Keep it up guys.

cheers,
Sumit TAYAL
sumittayal@hotmail.com

Five Key Ways to Find A Job

Five Key Ways to Find A Job:

1. Be Fully Prepared.
2. Search the Market Thoroughly.
3. Be Flexible.
4. Compile a great resume.
5. Make a Good Impression for Interview.

Thought..

First of all it's very hard time and stressful period. Having worked in the industry for couple of years and awaiting new position, I've never thought it's that difficult. But it was, till I got in to the first.

I haven't had a good understanding about why I do not receive a single phone call from the industry people for all the tonnes of positions I've applied. Thanks for OQP for giving me the clues the first hurdle your resume & cover letter. It made the difference and broke the barrier. There you go, few calls per week impressed me a lot and thought at least I am few steps ahead than before. OQP prepared me for the second step as well, meeting the client. All the Dos and Don'ts.

Then I jumped in to my first for short time of period. But I was happy, because what I wanted is to count up my experience in the local industry. I slipped out few chances because of lacking what so called the 'Local experience'.

It's real and I still keep on going and receive considerable amount of responses than before.

As I said on the top, getting in to the first one is like breaking the barrier, once after, it keeps flowing.

Don't give up, make yourselves ready and up to date with what industry ask and the most important thing 'Be Positive'.

Cheers,
Thusitha

Welcome

Hopefully this blog will help us keep in touch with whats happening in the job market. Subscribe and join us. Make contact with OQPs currently employed in their professions and share advice with current participants.