Relocation Begins at 'Hello!'

It always baffles me when I hear people saying relocation is all about getting a rental property in the ‘right area’.

The thing most HR managers and recruiters tend to overlook is the importance of setting the scene at the beginning.

For many of our clients, especially those in the oil and gas industry, the international employment market is very strong and these professionals can take their pick of positions around the world.

Even though you might think that Australia is a very attractive option in terms of lifestyle, it has a high cost of living compared to many other places around the world.  This is magnified by a great deal of propaganda and emotional blogging on the internet.

Another thing to remember is the person you are offering the job to may not be the decision maker, especially where children are involved.  This may be the case not only with the decision to accept the job but also with how long they decide to stay.

The First Step

What we have found really works is getting your relocation provider involved from the start.   A common example is getting a call from an extremely frustrated recruitment company or HR manager who has been working on a potential candidate for months and months only to find they have gone cold.  The reason is usually due to the fact the spouse has cold feet because they are completely overwhelmed and daunted by the move.

If this is the case we have a Skype or phone conversation with the spouse about the move and answer many of their questions and concerns which are usually about housing, schooling and making friends in a new city.

On many occasions we are able to salvage the situation and they end up coming to Australia.  However unfortunately we often see a lot of damage has already been done to the momentum and excitement of the New Job - New Life – New Country.  Typical comments are: “Why didn't they let me talk to you earlier?” or “If I knew that was the case we could have been there yesterday!”

The Anonymous Expert on the Internet Full of All the Wrong Advice

Another problem we see with delaying contact between your potential candidate and the relocation provider is the dreaded internet.  There is a lot of incorrect and misleading information on the moving overseas sites targeting new employees and candidates that can do a lot of damage.

I have witnessed property owners and developers post fictional information to try to boost the price and popularity of particular suburbs.  Another website advises it is crucial to spend $1,500 a week on a rental property and send your children to an expensive private school.  When candidates factor this into their budget they may decide it is not a good decision to come financially.

Don’t Set Them up to Fail with a Lifestyle That is Too Pricey

The Solution:  Get your relocation provider involved from the start!  

There are so many different options to consider when starting your new life in Australia.  The key is to profile the candidate at day one with a detailed survey so the relocation provider can tailor the experience to their individual requirements.  We research the most suitable suburbs, schools and location for their needs and budget; and collate information on other areas such as medical needs and sporting interests.

Before the candidate arrives, it is key that they are sent potential rental properties within their budget, therefore setting the expectations of rental property prices correctly from the beginning.

A Perth Scenario

A family considering sending their children to an expensive private school for $27,000 per year and renting a home in a western suburbs river suburb for $1,500pw.

We would present alternative options in other river suburbs such as Shelley and Rossmoyne with high-performing local public primary and secondary schools at a cost of $4,000 per year and comparable housing renting at $800 per week.

This would save a potential candidate with two children a total of $82,000 per year.

Make it Positive from the Start

Another crucial part of the relocation process that is often overlooked is the personal greeting at the airport.  We frequently receive instructions from a client that the new employee is needed in the office for a meeting as soon as they arrive.  This scenario could leave the family with a sense of abandonment but if your relocation consultant is there to keep the excitement and momentum high this can turn into a positive experience.

Other services that are highly recommended are cross-cultural awareness training and on-going support programs.  These services help your new arrivals meet other individuals and families in similar circumstances; to build networks and friendships and ensure they experience the very best Australia has to offer.

For more information on how you can make this transition as easy as possible please visit our website www.aussieos.com.au.