I know what it is like to be on a 417 working holiday visa cont…

Jeni Ogilvy • November 27, 2017

In my previous blog, I gave you an insight into my farming experience. Now let’s talk about your options, you could either focus your time and energy into working for an organisation who can offer sponsorship, accept that you will only work in Australia for a year or do your regional work and gain another year.


Option 1:


You give yourself the best possible chance of gaining sponsorship.


  • Do your research


Check out the Australian Government board, where there are helpful Frequently Asked Questions regarding employment history and qualifications. If you’re like me and would rather speak to someone then call an Accredited Mitigation Agent. If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible to be sponsored then have a look here.


  • Who can sponsor?


Even though you hear that it’s a lot harder to get sponsorship, there are still organisations out there that want to sponsor. Don’t just rely on job boards, talk to your friends who have been sponsored? Who do they work for? What connections do they have? Talk to your friendly iknowho recruiters. Use your networking skills to help gain insight into the sponsorship market.


  • Stand out from the crowd


If you’re still overseas, then recruiters and future employees can only gage who you’re from your Linkedin profile and how you sound over the phone. Make sure your Linkedin profile is updated with your correct information and presents you in the light you want to be seen. Start building your network and connect with leaders within your market, make yourself seen!


  • It’s all about the interview


This is your time to shine, come to the interview prepared. Do your research on your industry within the Australia market, this market may be very different to your home market. If you’re unsure of suitable questions then ask your iknowho recruiter for advice.


When your interviewer asks about your long-term plans, then this is your time to do some digging into their company…put them on the spot.


  • How often does this company sponsor individuals?


  • How often does this company sponsor candidates in my role?


  • Does your company meet the threshold requirements to sponsor someone?


Do these answers help or hurt your situation


Option 2:


You take on contract roles that can last up to 6 months for one employer, if you time it right and don’t disappear to Bali too often you can work almost a full year in Australia, adding great international experience to your CV.


Option 3:


Farming. You just get on with it.


It’s not all doom and gloom, there are options out there. Just don’t give up and if you do want to stay then do your research.


Don’t forget the iknowho team is here to help.



Just remember if I can do it, then so can you!

By Kristina Gerdov November 26, 2025
The final months of the year can feel like a sprint for many marketing teams. Campaigns wrap up, planning cycles ramp up, and suddenly there’s more work than hands to deliver it. If you’re feeling the pinch, a short-term freelancer or contractor might be exactly what your team needs - fast, flexible support without the long-term commitment. How a short burst of talent can keep your projects moving: 1. They hit the ground running Freelancers and contractors are used to adapting quickly. They step into new environments often, so onboarding is light-touch and momentum stays high. Short term freelancers are available and can usually start within a week. They offer the flexibility and agility needed to meet rapidly changing workloads & high project timelines. 2. Perfect for “we just need this done” projects From content bursts to campaign delivery, CRM builds or social execution - project-based specialists can take something off your plate entirely. Their diverse experience working with different businesses and brands results in also bringing a new perspective & injecting fresh energy into the team. 3. Flexible, budget-friendly resourcing Short-term contracts give you the expertise you need only when you need it. No tied-up headcount, no long commitment and using our payroll services can help you get around head count issues too. 4. They help protect your team’s bandwidth Instead of stretching your people thin (or risking burnout), temporary support keeps things moving without compromising quality. Many agency suits and marketers build a career through freelancing. 5. Competitive Rates iknowho freelancers are paid a day rate which includes a loading for leave entitlements. There are no upfront fees, you only pay for the days they work. Download our salary guide for day rate equivalents, or use our day rate calculator here . Where we’re seeing the highest demand Campaign execution & go-to-market support Content, social & creative delivery Email, CRM & lifecycle marketing projects Generalist marketers to support BAU Project managers for short sprints Marketing operations support The real benefit? Momentum. Short-term freelancers keep work flowing during the busiest, most pressure-filled periods. They make sure nothing stalls and that your team stays focused on the high-value work only they can deliver. If you’re weighing up whether temporary support could help, the answer is usually yes. And we’re here to make it easy. Reach out to one of our experienced Talent Partners to discuss your needs today.
By Kristina Gerdov September 3, 2025
For many growing businesses, marketing is often something that gets added to the to-do list of already busy managers or existing teams. A social post here, an email there, and maybe a campaign when there’s time. But without dedicated expertise, marketing rarely delivers the consistency and commercial results your brand needs to grow. If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to bring in a dedicated marketing resource, here are the key things to consider and how to ensure your first hire is set up for success. 1. The Telltale signs If your demand generation has stalled, you’re struggling to convert interest into sales, or your brand presence feels disjointed, it’s time to stop relying on ad-hoc efforts. A dedicated marketer can build and execute a strategic plan that drives consistent results and positions your brand for long-term growth. 2. What to avoid It can be tempting to look for a “jack-of-all-trades” who can do a little bit of everything. The reality? Even the most talented marketer will struggle without clear goals and defined outcomes on what the business is looking to achieve. Hiring without clarity can lead to underwhelming results and frustration on both sides. Be specific about the expertise you need and the outcomes you expect. 3. Why this hire is so important to get right Your first marketing hire is more than just another role, it often lays the foundation for your brands future growth engine. The right hire can build momentum and shape how your future team evolves. The wrong hire however, can stall progress, waste budget, and leave you back at square one. 4. Fractional vs full-time Not quite ready for a permanent commitment? Fractional marketers can be a great short-term solution to get things moving while you build the case for a full-time hire. Just be clear on their remit. Fractional marketers are ideal for campaigns, projects, or interim support, but they’re not typically suited to long-term brand building or team development. 5. What kind of marketer do you actually need? Marketing as a discipline is broad, as are the tools used to reach your desired target audience. Do you need someone to drive digital acquisition, manage partnerships, develop content, or build brand strategy? Start by clarifying your business’s biggest priorities and pain points, then match the skillset accordingly. The clearer you are upfront, the better the outcome. 6. How to set them up for success Hiring the right person is only half the job. To see results and maximum impact, you need to set your new hire up for success. This means: Clear KPIs so they know what good Vs great looks like The marketing tools and access to the resources they need to deliver  Integration into cross-functional conversations with key decision-makers from day one Bec Godkin, Senior Talent Partner says “Marketing can’t succeed in a silo. The deeper your marketer is connected across the business and understands the various levers that shape success, the greater their impact will be” Hiring your first marketer is an exciting step - it signals growth, ambition, and the desire to build something bigger. By being clear on what you need, avoiding common pitfalls, and setting your hire up for success, you’ll give your business the best chance to thrive. At iknowho , we specialise in helping brands make their first marketing hire. If you’d like to talk through what kind of marketer is right for your business, we’re here to help.
By Kristina Gerdov June 25, 2025
Discover what a Fractional CMO is, the benefits they bring, and how to know if hiring one is the right move for your business.
more posts