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Expats! Know Your Worth - Converting Your Credentials
With more and more of Antipodeans deciding to up sticks and explore a colder, slightly greyer part of the world, it’s never been more important to ensure your CV is updated for the UK market. While the communications market in London isn’t entirely dissimilar to New Zealand and Australia the number of skilled communications professionals working in the city means that it can be very competitive. Ensuring your CV is showcasing your skills and experience in the best light is a must for any Aussie/Kiwi new to the big city.
Some suggestions:
‘Convert’ your qualifications
UK universities use a grading system that’s totally unlike those we’re used to at home. Converting your qualifications to the UK grading standard helps potential employers recognise your degree in a way they understand. Removing that potential ‘question mark’ from your CV makes a big difference for employers and ensures that you are not underselling your qualifications.
UK | AUS | AUS Honours | NZ | NZ Honours |
1st | Distinction over 75% | Honours First Class | A / 8.0 | A / 8.0 |
2:1 | Credit | Second Class Divison (Upper/A/1) | B+ / 6.0 | B+/ 5.0 |
2:2 | Pass over 58% | Second Class Division (Lower/B/2) | C+ / 3.0 | C+ / 3.0 |
Give your experience context
Commonwealth Bank, 2degrees and Fonterra might be household names down under but without context UK employers may not necessarily recognise your previous employers. When detailing your work history it’s always worthwhile briefly outlining the company sector, size and structure. Many UK companies will only consider candidates with experience relevant to their specific sector, having this information clearly set out on your CV will help to showcase your experience even if the brand/company is not immediately recognisable in the UK.
Know your value
When it comes to setting your salary expectations the common practice is to take your AUS/NZ salary and half it to account for the exchange rate. While this seems like a simple solution it is not al