LAND DOWNUNDER

[Rings 10]

It is finally hitting home that I am actually going, and even though I am excited, I am starting to get homesick already. I have been on the phone to dad crying about how I am going to miss it here, . Oh well!

How did you guys cope with the whole adjustment process, and missing everyone?

Hi Tritessa, Congrats on booking your tickets It's totally normal to feel the way you do....it's like being on an emotional roller coaster as you get closer to leaving home, it's an intense time so much to plan and saying goodbye to friends and family. I remember just getting tears sometimes out of the blue before I left...it's a big exciting, scarey move to make but once you get here and you are reunited it's worth it all. I still get homesick now but it's not as bad. Hang in there and go easy on yourself.

Hey Rings, that was a good idea to post the resume template. I found that the format for resumes is a bit different in the USA and it took me a while to find this out. A lot of people will benefit from this info.

Well we finally got our AOS and EAD forms done...mailing them off this morning..Yay!!!! I can understand why people ask so many questions about them...it's quite complex. It took me 8hrs in total to put it all together with evidence...yuck! We also bought a second car on Friday (Subaru Legacy) so I can drive to work cause Jake and I work at opposite ends of the city and public transport is pretty crappy here. I needed to establish credit so the car is in joint names. Getting nervous now about the first day tomorrow, but I am sure it will be fine.

Awe anytime. I actually realized that resumes were handled a little differently when Loke sent me his. I am glad that it can help anyone out at all. I have spent many years hiring people so I know what it's like on both sides of the track.

I am so glad to hear that you adjusted well to the change *hugs* and I am so excited to see you progress to your new job. Things are looking up for you and I am thankful that you have come so far. I know that you will do just fine. Just remember that American's are nuts and half of the ####### they do makes no sense and you will be fine (Saying that for your upcoming training)

Good luck hun!

Forgot to say...Yesterday I scared the pants off myself and Jake, I turned left on the wrong side of the road YIKES!!....be careful folks it's easy to do when you've been driving on the left side for 20years. Thank god it was a fairly quiet road near the mall although that didn't stop someone yelling out at me "your on the wrong side D*ckhead"...very embarrassing! Nuff said lesson learnt!!!

Oh please be so careful. I know when David was here and I left him drive I was totally freaked out lol. Be so careful *hugs*

[girlfrmoz 1]

Hey Rings, thanks for your kind words...you're a gem!!

Was so scared from my little driving drama yesterday that I have been extra careful today and actually found it better without Jake in the car because I concentrate better. When he's with me we talk too much!

[hampster 0]

Hi All,

Well went in Saturday Morning to Home Depot for Orientation,

with another 9 people.Started at 9am and went to 7pm

Did Safety, HAZMAT Training, First Aid, Customer Service,

Rules & Regulations, Product description and, a few other subjects

as well watched 7 Videos ,took 7 tests and Passed all of them

I start work there Monday night 10.00pm - 7.00am, 5 days a week.

Doing stock teardown and stock replentishment to all sections.

Whitegoods, Lumber, Paint Supplies, Windows and Doors Batroom fittings etc.....

Pay Week is Monday - Sunday and get paid every Friday.

So this week coming up I will get paid for Saturdays

9 hours of Orientation That is a big relief as I / We Need the Money..

Got some serious Dental Work Coming up

And need to save for a 2nd Car, Driving Permit Licences for both Car,

and Harley (Prolly have the $$$$ for that by next July 4th..) in time for STURGIS RALLY

Hope all is well with all and things are going well with everyones Petitions

And Reuniting with loved ones and New Immigrants getting work and so forth.

Best wishes and a speedy Reuniting with all Peeps are apart( for now)

Cheers

Paul

Edited June 11, 2007 by hampster

[hollywood79 0]

Congrats on the job at Home Depot!! Do you get a discount?? My hubby would be sooooooooooooo jealous if you do!

[hollywood79 0]

Hi all,

Well we arrive safely in San Fran this morning. The flight was great. I love QANTAS no matter what the surveys out there say!! Had a little problem with the customs officer. Here is the story -

We had been married more than 2 years at our interview. And we were confirmed this with the Vice Consul who interviewed me. She definitely said we qualified for an IR1 because we had been married more than 2 years. HOWEVER, when I received my passport last week it said CR1. We had no time to change it.

SO we decided to enter the US through San Fransisco this morning and just show the Customs Officer our marriage certificate. He didn't want to look at it and said if it was a clerical error we had to contact our local immigration office and change it through them because it was a matter for the Department of State. He said he could not change what the Sydney Consulate had written. Boy were we pissed off!! We also noticed on the front of my brown envelope my husband's mailing address was wrong and it was written on all the forms we submitted throughout this whole process! That mistake the customs officer could change. But right now I am so pissed with the Sydney Consulate and their silly little clerical errors and their non US citizens employees who don't know much and tried to recommend refusing my visa because of an assumption she made!! Will be writing them a letter of complaint!!!

So, we wil now be going to our local USCIS office this week and solving this problem. Don't enter through SFO because of my experience and if your in the same situation!! Do a search and see which airports have changed it for others in the same situation! Also, the customs officer never gave me an expiry date, just an entry date. This confused my husband and kept asking for one but the officer just said all customs officers will know the expiry date! But I would like to know the date too!!

For all of you who have entered recently, did you receive and expiry date stamp in your passport or just the entry date?

[L_n_O 3]

Even though I totally don't belong in this thread, I must agree with Matt..

I've noticed in the past few weeks that questions go unanswered for HOURS! which was something I noticed never happened when I first joined...

Anyway, came here just to post this pic to all you folks.. This is our baby, and he's an Aussie (Australian Cattle Dog - Red Heeler)

[Kelli 0]

Thanks Rings and girlfrmoz, I know that I will be fine once I get there.

Paul-that is great news about your job! Congrats!!!

Take care guys....back to packing I suppose!

Kell

[Rings 10]

YAY Hammy! I am so glad to see that you finally got through orientation! That has to be a big relief. I am sorry to hear about the dentis though because dentists totally suck. I do not envy you there. YAY HARLEY! I totally want a hog.. not to ride really because I value my life, but to touch and pet would be good lol...

Hollywood OMG! I am so sorry to hear about your horrible experience. Loke typically comes in throug LA so I hope we don't have that problem Wow they screwed up your paperwork? I will make Loke triple check his. I am thankful you shared that with us. *hugs*

Girlfrmoz - Stay safe girl! We American drivers are nuts! Disclaimer: If you do not like Rings driving, then get the hell off the sidewalk...

Liz - Awe what a cute dog *pets*

Tristessa - Keep your head up girl! Your time is coming and I am so happy for you!

FOR ANYONE LOOKING FOR A GOOD READ GO HERE THIS JERK IS PISSING ME OFF

Edited June 11, 2007 by Rings

[SharynY 2]

well i'm mailing off the biographic form to the consulate since they said in their leter that i should do it asap...

and i've got my medical next week... yay!!!

congrats on everyone doing so well!! on all fronts! and for those newly arrived in the US!!

[Kath 0]

hi ya all

great news that you booked your flight kell..safe arrival mate...

I had this same conversation with lyndel just before she moved here..it is an emotional roller coaster your last few days in oz..i have i got everything organised, who have i missed to say good bye to..are my bags over weight...let your emotions just flow .. dont hold anything back ...BUT when you get here and you see your future husband standing there waiting for you it will disappear and you will remember what all this stress has been all about...IT doesnt go away you are on another kind of emotional roller coaster..your plans for the wedding take over..people arriving things to organise...then your wedding day...THEN it is the emotions of your new husband leaving you behind to go to work ...

my best advise to anyone coming over is .... go out... walk around the block...shop...anything to keep you busy until your hubby comes home....volunteer ..that is a great way to get out and even though you dont get paid there are perks in doing so especially if you work in a hospital...I was down one day didnt go out was missing robbie tremendously...he came home knew something was wrong (cos i am easily read) and said to me get your shoes on were going out...at midnight we went for a walk hand in hand around the block...that is all i needed to get me back on track...i loved him more just for that little walk..it took a couple of months to get use to him going to work but now im fine with it...its a natural process to feel alone...get a phone card to call home....get a mobile to text your mates..surround yourself with aussie stuff...well thats my two bobs worth on the subject ...lol

hollywood

sorry to hear you had such trouble at your POE.... on my I-94 with the K1 visa i did have an expiry date stamped..did you have the arrival date stamped....hope you get it sorted out soon...

hi sharyna

whoo hoo interview letter coming soon i hope mate...

hey hammy

yayyyyyyyyyy your a working man now mate..hope you dont get too tired on the night ...and yay on the first paycheck...

girlfromoz -lyndel

how did your first day at work go..did you get there ok.. did you get your licence or are you driving on an international one ...and good for you getting your own car...

will catch up with everyone soon

kath

[Rings 10]

Ok I actually broke this down in a different way in hopes that it would help some of you who may need it. I hope it posts right...

Resume

Last Name, First Name

Address

City, State & Zip

Phone Number

Additional Phone Numbers

E-Mail Address

Objective:

Customer Service Representative

Experience:

Company Name, Inc. (Last job or current job first)

Company Address

City, State & Zip Code

Supervisor: Name & Phone Number (include international codes for ease)

Description: Brief description of your duties

Length of Employment: (month and year are all that is necessary)

Company Name, Inc. (Last job or current job first)

Company Address

City, State & Zip Code

Supervisor: Name & Phone Number (include international codes for ease)

Description: Brief description of your duties

Length of Employment: (month and year are all that is necessary)

Company Name, Inc. (Last job or current job first)

Company Address

City, State & Zip Code

Supervisor: Name & Phone Number (include international codes for ease)

Description: Brief description of your duties

Length of Employment: (month and year are all that is necessary)

Education: College/University Name (last school attended)

School Address

City, State & Zip Code

Years Attended: (Example: 1996-1998)

Honors: (If you don’t have any, don’t include this line)

High School Name

School Address

City, State & Zip Code

Years Completed: (Example: Graduated 1998 - High School Diploma)

Honors: (If you don’t have any, don’t include this line)

References: Last Name, First Name (Refrain from using family members)

Relation: (Example: Direct Supervisor - Franchise/Business)

Phone Number: (include international codes, area codes, etc...)

Last Name, First Name (Refrain from using family members)

Relation: (Example: Direct Supervisor - Franchise/Business)

Phone Number: (include international codes, area codes, etc...)

Tips (Note: These are just my own thoughts so of course they do not apply to all employers)

1. In places where it is hard to fin a job you must remember that you are not the only one looking for a job there. This being said, if an employer posts a job listing then the chances of that employer getting 50-100 of these is high. We actually have a process called "weeding" and what that means is exactly how it sounds. We weed through these at a fairly fast rate looking for the traits the we are HIRING for and not neccessarily what you have under your belt. You want to change your objective to reflect the type of job searh that you are currently doing. One day you may be applying for Customer Service and the next day you may be applying for cashier or something else. Change your resume to reflect what the person hiring wants to see based on the position they are hiring for.

Weeding - This is a process where we scan the resumes and we do not really read them to the full extent. We have enough resumes to figure out who is compatable and capable with what we are looking for. If we can not read it on the weeding process due to a font or small lettering, then it is a waste of our time and it is weeded out.

2. If your resume goes on and on about how great you are and does not provide us with the valuable information we need, then we will weed you out. Employers do not have the time or energy to call and ask you what the phone number of your last manager was, etc... They are not going to waste valuable time hunting you down when the resume next to yours may happen to provide that information for them. We are busy and we need help and that is why we are hiring in the first place.

3. Most employers do not really care too deeply about where you have worked as much as they care about how long you were there, if you have some knowlege in the area in the type of position they are looking to hire you in and if you are willing to give them the resources to confirm your employment with your past company. It is the law that they are not allowed to ask if you were a good employee or not. They can only legally ask how long you were with your previous company. It is the law that your company can only offer them that information in turn.

4. Letters of reference are always good. Any past employer that you have a good standing with is the best choice. Even if you have been laid off, most companies will give you one if you ask. Have them put it onto company letterhead and sign it. One or two of these is ideal, but if you get more than that you end up with a book that no one wants to read. If you do not have letter(s) of references, then simply put references onto your resume. try to refrain from putting family members there because everyone knows that your momma loves you.

5. Keep it short - The more employers that you show you have had the worse your resumes actually looks to an employer. They see that you are unstable and cannot maintain a position for a lengthy period of time. Most employers do not want to go through all of the trouble to train someone who will only be with them for a year.

6.Contact Information - Contact is a key element. I have seen some really great resumes... to bad I couldn't get ahold of them. You want to be sure that the employer can contact you in case they want to set up an interview. It is amazing how many people make this mistake.

7. Sending your document through e-mail is a great way to cover a lot of ground and get your resume out there. There are a ton of employers that actually prefer it this way. I am one of them. However, you would be amazed at how many people send me their resumes and I can't open the document. If I can't open it, it serves me no purpose. Make sure that your document is scanned in using Microsoft Word or an Adobe Acrobat format. Honestly I never even reply to those who send me things I can't open. As far as I am concerned, I have five other resumes I just got within that hour that I can open. Also, Please scan them or type them into one document only. Getting five attachments to one e-mail and having to put your resume together for you is not my job and I do not have time for it. if I had time, I would not be hiring anyone to help me.

Wow I ranted. I hope this helps someone haha.

Edited June 12, 2007 by Rings

[Rings 10]

I screwed it up.. Of Course

Resume

Last Name, First Name

Address

City, State & Zip

Phone Number

Additional Phone Numbers

E-Mail Address

Objective: Customer Service Representative

Experience:

Company Name, Inc. (Last job or current job first)

Company Address

City, State & Zip Code

Supervisor: Name & Phone Number (include international codes for ease)

Description: Brief description of your duties

Length of Employment: (month and year are all that is necessary)

Company Name, Inc. (Last job or current job first)

Company Address

City, State & Zip Code

Supervisor: Name & Phone Number (include international codes for ease)

Description: Brief description of your duties

Length of Employment: (month and year are all that is necessary)

Company Name, Inc. (Last job or current job first)

Company Address

City, State & Zip Code

Supervisor: Name & Phone Number (include international codes for ease)

Description: Brief description of your duties

Length of Employment: (month and year are all that is necessary)

Education:

College/University Name (last school attended)

School Address

City, State & Zip Code

Years Attended: (Example: 1996-1998)

Honors: (If you don’t have any, don’t include this line)

High School Name

School Address

City, State & Zip Code

Years Completed: (Example: Graduated 1998 - High School Diploma)

Honors: (If you don’t have any, don’t include this line)

References:

Last Name, First Name (Refrain from using family members)

Relation: (Example: Direct Supervisor - Franchise/Business)

Phone Number: (include international codes, area codes, etc...)

Last Name, First Name (Refrain from using family members)

Relation: (Example: Direct Supervisor - Franchise/Business)

Phone Number: (include international codes, area codes, etc...)

Tips (Note: These are just my own thoughts so of course they do not apply to all employers)

1. In places where it is hard to fin a job you must remember that you are not the only one looking for a job there. This being said, if an employer posts a job listing then the chances of that employer getting 50-100 of these is high. We actually have a process called "weeding" and what that means is exactly how it sounds. We weed through these at a fairly fast rate looking for the traits the we are HIRING for and not neccessarily what you have under your belt. You want to change your objective to reflect the type of job searh that you are currently doing. One day you may be applying for Customer Service and the next day you may be applying for cashier or something else. Change your resume to reflect what the person hiring wants to see based on the position they are hiring for.

Weeding -This is a process where we scan the resumes and we do not really read them to the full extent. We have enough resumes to figure out who is compatable and capable with what we are looking for. If we can not read it on the weeding process due to a font or small lettering, then it is a waste of our time and it is weeded out.

2. If your resume goes on and on about how great you are and does not provide us with the valuable information we need, then we will weed you out. Employers do not have the time or energy to call and ask you what the phone number of your last manager was, etc... They are not going to waste valuable time hunting you down when the resume next to yours may happen to provide that information for them. We are busy and we need help and that is why we are hiring in the first place.

3. Most employers do not really care too deeply about where you have worked as much as they care about how long you were there, if you have some knowlege in the area in the type of position they are looking to hire you in and if you are willing to give them the resources to confirm your employment with your past company. It is the law that they are not allowed to ask if you were a good employee or not. They can only legally ask how long you were with your previous company. It is the law that your company can only offer them that information in turn.

4. Letters of reference are always good. Any past employer that you have a good standing with is the best choice. Even if you have been laid off, most companies will give you one if you ask. Have them put it onto company letterhead and sign it. One or two of these is ideal, but if you get more than that you end up with a book that no one wants to read. If you do not have letter(s) of references, then simply put references onto your resume. try to refrain from putting family members there because everyone knows that your momma loves you.

5. Keep it short - The more employers that you show you have had the worse your resumes actually looks to an employer. They see that you are unstable and cannot maintain a position for a lengthy period of time. Most employers do not want to go through all of the trouble to train someone who will only be with them for a year.

6.Contact Information - Contact is a key element. I have seen some really great resumes... to bad I couldn't get ahold of them. You want to be sure that the employer can contact you in case they want to set up an interview. It is amazing how many people make this mistake.

7. Sending your document through e-mail is a great way to cover a lot of ground and get your resume out there. There are a ton of employers that actually prefer it this way. I am one of them. However, you would be amazed at how many people send me their resumes and I can't open the document. If I can't open it, it serves me no purpose. Make sure that your document is scanned in using Microsoft Word or an Adobe Acrobat format. Honestly I never even reply to those who send me things I can't open. As far as I am concerned, I have five other resumes I just got within that hour that I can open. Also, Please scan them or type them into one document only. Getting five attachments to one e-mail and having to put your resume together for you is not my job and I do not have time for it. if I had time, I would not be hiring anyone to help me.

Wow I ranted. I hope this helps someone haha.

[Kath 0]

hi ya rings

good on ya for posting that for the up coming guys and gals coming over here .. im sure it will help emensley..

where were you when i was trying to get mine updated lol.. i ranted in mine... 3 pages...lol

ohh saw your poem about USCIS very cool...well done mate

take care

kath

[Elle 0]

Speaking of rollercoaster emotions...

I have one week until I fly out and I am quite depressed. I mentioned before that one of our dogs had an ear infection...and well, it was worse than we thought (this was his second bout w/ an ear infection)... and well the Vet thinks it affected his inner ear and even had brain damage. On Sunday, right before my parents arrived from their month long trip to the Philippines, our lil Rocky died :(

I feel like I should have done more and I let him down. I'm just so sad that my parents didnt even get to see him alive and didnt get to say goodbye. He is such a mama's boy too. ADORES my mum. So on top of me leaving for the States - their only child, one of their dogs have passed

I dont even feel like packing...I just want to stay put and be with my family.

RIP Rocky... enjoy running around up there!! At least now you're not in pain anymore Love you boy!

Edited June 12, 2007 by Elle

[hampster 0]

Elle,

Pleae accept our Deepest Condolences on the Loss Of your Rocky

Just think Rocky will be running Amuck with my German Shepherd "Lakota"

As I had to have her put down 2 weeks before I flew out of Oz.

I feel your pain and can completely Sympathise with your Loss.

Kath,

Yes was a long night last night started at 10pm

and walked out just after 7.30am this morning

All good and yes the Fist Paycheck next Friday .. yippieeee

I get one this Friday but only for the 10 hours og Orientation that I did On Saturday

The first full paycheck,.. Gonna Take Cheryl out for a Nice Thai Restaruant Dinner

Because she deserves at least One night out with me and not one of us doing dishes lol.

Rings, Congrats on your Approval .. MY date was pretty close huh

tristessa, thanks for your kind thoughts on myself getting employment

Not bad only been In Country 4 weeks exactly lol to land a job get

SSN# AND my LPR GREEN CARD IN A MONTH THAT ISN'T TOO SHABBY ME THINKS

sharyna, Good Luck with your Medical next week ..YOU should be A OK

hollywood79 when I arrived and Finally got through Immigration,

They Stamped my CR1 VISA THEN THEY WROTE IN PEN THE EXPIRY OF MY 2 YEAR

VISA AND MINE RUNS OUT MAY 8TH 2009.

HOPE THAT HELPS YOU IN SOME WAY..

Lyndel,

How was your 1st day at Verizon??

I hope you had a ball and had a great first day.

to everyone else chin up as it will happen, and when it does,

you will know that the long wait and the seperation was more than worth it.

Cheers

Paul

Edited June 12, 2007 by hampster