At AWNY, we’re always excited to champion inspiring Aussie women making moves in the US, and though based physically in the Bay Area, Amy Meyer of Aussie Recruit has made it her mission to help Australians across the country have an easier time getting their job. You may remember Amy from our Top Tips For Finding a Job in New York article (also featuring AWNY veteran and career expert Belinda Jackson & everyone’s NY mate, America Josh). We recently sat down with Amy to get more intel on her journey, how she started her own business, and tips on landing your dream job in the US!
Tell us about your journey and what motivated you to start a business?
I’m originally from Sydney and moved to San Francisco in 2013. Despite living in the US, I still make it a point to visit Australia 1 to 2 times a year, especially to stock up on my favorite treats like Haigh’s milk freckles! I didn’t know any Australians when I arrived, so I created the Australians In San Francisco Facebook Group. It started small, with only 10 members, but soon grew into a thriving Australian community in the US. While working in HR and talent at an early-stage tech company, I discovered my love for assisting people with their careers.
After becoming a mum and deciding to prioritize family, I left my full-time job. During that time, I posted in the Australians in San Francisco group, offering help to anyone needing assistance with their job search. The overwhelming response showed me that there was a need for this kind of service. Many Australians faced challenges finding employment due to a lack of awareness about the E3 Visa, while companies struggled to hire exceptional talent in a competitive market. Recognizing the opportunity to help bridge this gap, I founded Aussie Recruit and my online course, “Supercharge Your Search”
The motivation behind starting my company stemmed from the desire to solve job searching challenges faced by Australians and to help Australians navigate the US job market successfully. I wanted to show fellow Australians that they’re not alone in this challenge and provide them with the necessary tools for job search success. Additionally, Aussie Recruit allows me to be present for my children, as they have played an integral role in the business, from joining meetups to participating in coaching calls. Building a business at the intersection of the US and Australia has always been a dream of mine, and Aussie Recruit allows me to turn that dream into a reality.
All new businesses tend to go through initial challenges. What were some of yours, and how did you pivot to overcome them?
When I first started, I faced the challenge of building a recruitment business from scratch. Although I had experience in recruitment, I had not run my own recruitment business before. This meant learning as I went along, and one of the major obstacles was establishing the right contracts with employers. I realized the need for change through difficult experiences (where companies didn’t pay to hire someone from my network). As a result, I pivoted and made adjustments to ensure it wouldn’t happen again.
By learning from these experiences and making necessary pivots, I created a successful platform that supports Australian job seekers and US employers.
How do you identify and source Australian talent in the US?
Since establishing Aussie Recruit in April 2019, we have witnessed an exponential increase in the number of Australians directly approaching us. Seeing our talent network expand to include thousands of Australian job seekers from various industries and levels is amazing. I primarily rely on our talent network as a valuable resource to source and identify impressive job seekers. Additionally, I occasionally reach out to Australians not yet part of our network, inviting them to join or otherwise presenting them with relevant job opportunities. The constant growth of our talent network is a testament to the effectiveness of these efforts.
What unique career opportunities exist for Australian women in the US job market?
The US job market offers unique opportunities for Australian women. In the American job market, there are more opportunities to specialize in a field you’re passionate about. Australian women can delve deeper into their niche and pursue exciting career growth and development prospects. The abundance of people in the US helps to create a vibrant community of organizations and groups where Australian women can connect and network. Associations like AWNY and The Camaraderie, led by fellow Australian Jane Taylor, provide avenues for meeting inspiring individuals and expanding professional connections. These communities contribute to the richness and opportunities available for Australians in the US job market.
How do you stay updated with the latest trends and changes in the US job market and then share that intel?
I immerse myself in the recruitment field daily. Being actively involved in the US job market allows me to stay informed and up to speed with the evolving landscape. I’m always seeking ways to enhance Aussie Recruit’s offering and provide even better support for Australian job seekers seeking to secure US jobs.
As a stay-at-home parent to three young children, I’ve found a balance between managing my business and caring for my kids. I regularly share valuable snippets of information and intel using platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn. This medium works well for me as I can post on the go, even from the playground. I intend to expand our offerings and have great aspirations for the future of Aussie Recruit.
What motivates you to continue to work with Aussie women and expand your business?
It’s incredibly fulfilling to see Australian women thrive in their US careers, and I’m proud to have played a part in their journey through Aussie Recruit. I’m motivated to provide Australian women with the tools and strategies to be successful in their US job search. To help Australian women find opportunities that align with their values and career ambitions. My online course, “Supercharge Your Search” shares my method to land your job in the US, which many Australian women have had success with.
How do you establish relationships with US employers and promote hiring Australian talent?
Companies approach us directly because they are interested in hiring Australian talent and have heard about the E3 visa. Additionally, we focus on E-3 Visa education as a key component of our approach. Even if a company decides not to work with us, we aim to ensure they are educated on the E3 visa and understand the value of hiring Australians. Through educational content on social, we inform and educate Australian jobseekers and US employers, recruiters, and hiring managers about the E3 visa and the benefits of hiring Australian professionals.
Are there any specific industries where you see a higher demand for Australian professionals in the US?
We work with companies in tech and non-tech, spanning a wide range of industries. The E3 Visa opens doors for Australian job seekers from all types of backgrounds and disciplines. The E3 Visa presents a wide range of opportunities beyond technical talent, allowing individuals from different industries to explore exciting career prospects in the US.
What common misconceptions or challenges do Aussie women face when job-seeking in the US?
Australian women often undervalue their earning potential, feeling pressured to accept lower salaries due to visa sponsorship, targeting entry-level roles or positions they are overqualified for, and believing they need to step down to secure a job and visa. I address these challenges by providing resources and sharing information on salary negotiation, competitive market salaries, and career paths. I help Australian women to understand their worth, navigate the job market, and build the confidence to negotiate for roles that match their skills and experience.
To stay connected with Amy, follow her on social at @aussierecruitSF or via LinkedIn
AWNY | Australian Women in New York 