Recently, Digital PR (DPR) has become an extremely in demand service.
This year we had multiple big name agencies build out an in-house DPR team from scratch.
One thing we’ve noticed our clients mention is that the DPR talent is just not there down under in AUS–or the US for that matter.
The DPR talent hub is in the UK.
I can say that with confidence, as the team has talked to 100’s this year.
We’ve been busy this year finding UK DPRs and matching them with the opportunity of a lifetime:
To move to, and work, in AUS for some fantastic clients.
When I first got asked by a client if this was possible, I thought it was going to be a very hard find.
Finding someone mid-career who probably has a relationship and mortgage to move down to AUS?
Not a chance.
I’ve come to find out that many DPRs abandon their dream of moving to Australia due to the requirement for a sponsored visa after the age of 31.
Therefore, when such opportunities arise, candidates will seize it without hesitation. I’ve had several candidates express their joy, even moved to tears, during conversations.
In this article I’m going to be discussing ways you can build out that dream team down in AUS, with strong UK talent.
Attraction Methods
First off all this isn’t just another job post. It’s a job post to attract someone to relocate to your country for your company.
You need to go above and beyond to make this role as attractive as possible for two reasons:
- We have a lot of demand for UK candidates looking to move to AUS
- You need to spark that excitement to get someone ecstatic to work with your company
You’re going to have to sit down with your leadership team and get everything in order to make your company as attractive as possible.
Consider exploring:
Career Progression and Road Maps:
- Titles
- Duration
- Goals to hit
- Salary increases
Flexible Working Hours / Hybrid / Remote:
- We have one AUS client who allows 12 weeks of “work from anywhere” so the candidate can go back to the UK to work or go to Bali. Whichever they choose as the work gets done.
Company Culture:
- What is your company mission?
- What part of the journey will this candidate get to experience?
- Company values?
The Team:
- Be able to show the whole team and their roles within the company.
- Show case studies of someone growing within your company.
Don’t be Afraid to Sell Australia:
- Better weather.
- More work life balance.
- Beach.
- Sell the city / location you’re hiring from.
Comprehensive Relocation Package:
- Offer assistance with relocation expenses, including moving costs, temporary housing, and help with visa applications.
Competitive Salary Package:
- Bonuses.
- You could consider a signing bonus to make the role more attractive.
Employee Benefits:
- Offer robust benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs.
- Include perks like gym memberships, mental health support, and professional development budgets.
Training and Development:
- Create clear pathways for skill development through training programs, workshops, and conferences.
- Encourage mentorship programs where new hires can learn from experienced team members.
Team Building and Social Events
- Highlight regular team-building activities, social events, and company retreats that foster a sense of community.
- Encourage participation in volunteer work or community initiatives that align with company values.
A lot of our AUS clients have got a presence/office in the UK so allow a small transition period whilst the candidate is getting everything ready to make the full move.
They can even work remotely for you for a while.
The Biggest Benefit
The biggest benefit for you is to have strong DPR talent that exceeds client expectations, and grow out your team.
Another plus is that the salaries are not like that of the UK vs US, where the US salaries are nearly double the amount.
The UK salaries are pretty similar to AUS.
Salary breakdown:
- Junior DPR: £24-30k
- DPR Strategist: £30-35k
- DPR Manager: £40-50k
- Senior DPR: £55-65k+
Sponsorships
The process of hiring UK talent involves three main stages:
- Sponsorship Application
The first step is for your company to apply to become an approved Standard Business Sponsor (SBS). This sponsorship status allows you to legally sponsor overseas workers, including DPR specialists from the UK.
- Nomination Application
Once sponsorship is granted, your company will nominate the position you’re filling. This ensures that the role meets the requirements for hiring foreign talent and that there is a need for an overseas worker.
- Visa Application
The selected UK candidate applies for the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, subclass 482. This visa permits UK workers to come to Australia to fill the nominated DPR role in your agency.
At each step, it’s highly recommended to work with a registered migration agent who will assist with documentation, labour market testing (if required), and managing the visa application process. This partnership minimises errors and speeds up the process.
Sponsorship and Visa Requirements
The primary visa for UK talent to work in Australia is the TSS Visa (subclass 482).
The requirements for this visa are your SBS, Nomination Application and Visa Application.
For DPR professionals, if the position falls under the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), sponsorship lasts for two years, with possible extensions.
For longer-term roles, the visa may last up to four years, with a potential pathway to Permanent Residency (subclass 186) after two years.
Estimated Costs for Bringing UK Talent to Australia
Hiring talent from overseas involves certain government and professional fees. Here’s an estimate of the costs:
Standard Business Sponsorship Fee: $420 AUD
Nomination Fee: $330 AUD
Visa Fee (Main Applicant): $3,115 AUD
Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Fee for a 3-year visa: $3,600 AUD
Total Government Fees: $7,465 AUD
Additionally, migration agents typically charge professional fees spread across the three stages. These fees can range from a few thousand dollars, depending on the complexity of the case.
Timeline for the Entire Process
The entire process, from sponsorship to visa approval, generally takes around 11 to 14 weeks, or approximately three months. Here’s a breakdown of the timeframes:
- Sponsorship Application: 2-3 weeks
- Nomination Application: 4-5 weeks
- Visa Application: 5-6 weeks
By working with a migration agent and staying proactive, delays can be minimised, ensuring your DPR talent is in Australia as soon as possible.
Reality Checks
A lot of our clients get super excited to work with us on building out their DPR team but there is one thing you need to know.
It will take longer.
It’s a lot more than a traditional hire when it comes to someone mid-career moving to the other side of the world.
I would recommend allowing for a three month process to get this done from job launch to finish.
This is around one month to attract and convert the talent, and complete interviews to make a job offer.
Depending on the candidates notice period it will take a month or two for them to fully sort everything to be able to make the move.
This is where I’d recommend the ability for the candidate to work remotely for a short period of time so they can meet the team virtually and get a sneak peak of what it will look like when they get down to AUS.
Additional Considerations for Australian Agencies
There are several other important aspects that Australian SEO agencies should be aware of when hiring UK talent:
Labor Market Testing:
Before hiring overseas talent, you may need to conduct labour market testing, which involves proving that no suitable Australian workers are available to fill the DPR role.
Visa Restrictions:
It’s important to note that certain occupations, especially those on the STSOL, may have limited visa durations and fewer pathways to permanent residency.
Registered Migration Agents:
Given the complexity of the process, it’s crucial to partner with a registered migration agent who specialises in Australian migration law. These professionals will help you stay compliant with all legal requirements, provide transparent cost estimates, and ensure that your business’s needs are met.
Want the Heavy Lifting Done for You?
As a dedicated SEO headhunting agency, we specialise in helping Australian SEO agencies source and relocate top SEO and DPR talent from the UK.
We understand both the recruitment challenges and the migration requirements, ensuring a smooth process for both the employer and the employee.
From identifying top talent to managing visa applications, we handle the process from start to finish, allowing you to focus on growing your agency.
We would like to thank Visa Go Australia–a Visa agency with offices in both the UK and Australia–for partnering with us on today’s article.
For more information on their prices, please visit their site for their consulting rates.
Are you ready to bring UK SEO talent to Australia?
Get in touch with us to help you find the best candidates and manage the entire relocation process seamlessly.
