It has been such an eventful few months in Australia and indeed around the world and it's had a big impact on the jobs market in Australia.

Here's a snapshot of the current situation;

HARVEST WORK- Heat waves have reduced the grape crop in South Australia and Victoria to a very small size. There is very little in the way of Harvest work in either Victoria or South Australia. In Western Australia, there are queues of jobseekers looking for harvest work in Margaret River and other South West locations. A definite OVERSUPPLY OF WORKERS

Carnarvon has finished it's mangoes and there will not be much work for a few months and we are waiting for the wet season to finish before work will commence in the Kimberley. Work usually kicks off in this region in March / April

With the global financial meltdown affecting jobs everywhere, there has been a sudden and dramatic shift in the employment market here in Western Australia. Three or four months ago, anyone with a heartbeat would be offered work. Not any more. It has done a complete 180 degree turn and now employers are being particularly selective when it comes to hiring staff.

Here's some tips to help you land a great job:

In the past people would look for work for 4-6-8 weeks and then move on. I suggest you plan to work for 3 months at a time and then if you get itchy feet, head off. It will be harder to find good jobs now than it has been for YEARS and employers are looking for people to stick around for longer.

For those of you looking for jobs that require a CV/ Resume, make sure it is up to date and include your previous employers as referees.

Make sure when you have an interview, you are well presented .

Don't commit to something , you know you can't keep. Employers are tired of backpackers who say thaey can stay for 3 months, and leave in 6 weeks.

The main thing is, there is still jobs rolling in, employers are still employing and backpackers are still regarded as a good workforce. It is just a whole lot more competitive than it has been for ages, you have to work at landing that great job.

Until next time, travel safe

The Job shop