Finding a job in Australia is not always as easy as you think. When you arrive in Australia, you will probably have many questions about how to get your first job. We have tried to answer these questions by providing you with all the information you need on finding a job in Australia. Read this article, put our advice into practice and we wish you the best of luck!
Table of Contents
First : Prepare your paperwork
Before you start your job search, make sure you have all the necessary paperwork in order. This includes:
- A complete and up-to-date CV/Resume
- Tax File Number (TFN): Apply for a TFN as soon as you arrive in Australia. You need this number to work legally and be taxed correctly.
- A bank account and a Superannuation account if you do not wish to the account your future employer will provide
- Specific skills certificates to work in certain industries (e.g. RSA for hospitality or a White Card for construction)
Discounts to take your RSA test in Australia
Pay less for your RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) training and get the right to work in places where alcohol is served or sold.
As soon as you are hired you will have to provide your TFN to your new employer. If you have applied but have not yet received the official document containing your TFN, you can give the number to your employer once you have received it. The same goes for your ABN (i.e. the ABN corresponds to people who are going to work as a freelancer, contractor).
Update your Resume (CV)
An important aspect of getting a job in Australia is having an up-to-date resume.
Specify your resume for the job
Do you have a standard resume from your home country listing all the great stuff you did? You may have to rewrite it. Consider what kind of work you will be going after and adapt your resume accordingly. Make sure you highlight any experience that may be relevant to the job you are applying for. For instance, if you are keen on working in hospitality, a detailed description of your 9-5 office job back home might not be as interesting to a potential employer. Instead, better focus on the bartending experience you picked up during your time in college!
Presentation
If your resume is well-structured and easy to read you are helping the person hiring you to make that decision. Consider shop owners often get resumes from backpackers on a daily basis. If it requires a degree in advanced analytics to decipher your resume, it will probably end up in the bin…
- Read the adverts correctly and respond as stated in them (no emails or text messages when the ad ask for a call)
- Smile and be extra polite when you introduce yourself in person
- Prepare your interviews, do a bit of research. You’d do it at home, so why not in Australia?
- Dress appropriately. You don’t apply for a future job in flip-flops and a swimming costume, even for a casual job – and even in Australia!
Important skills
It is easy to forget to mention you have certain skills that may be very important to employers in Australia. For instance, make sure to highlight your English language skills! Or are you looking for a farm job and have experience riding a tractor? Mention it!
For tips on writing a resume appropriate for the Australian market make sure to check up our guide: Writing an Australian Resume – Guide & Templates
Apply in Person
While online applications are convenient, applying in person can sometimes yield better results, especially for casual and hospitality jobs. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Prepare a Folder: Carry copies of your resume, identification, and any relevant certificates.
Dress Appropriately: Present yourself neatly and professionally, even if you’re applying for casual work.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours: Avoid busy times when staff are likely to be occupied. Early mornings or mid-afternoons can be ideal times to visit. When you go by, don’t just walk in, dump your resume on the counter and walk out. Rather, see if the manager is working and ask for him/her and chat with the staff.
Be Polite and Enthusiastic: Introduce yourself to the manager or hiring staff, explain your interest in the position, and leave a copy of your resume. Express your flexibility and willingness to start immediately.
Depending on the type of job you are looking for, remember that the best approach might be different. For a job as a shop assistant, you can easily go in to the store in person and pass over your CV. Interested in a job as a nanny? You’ll more likely need to surf websites and Facebook groups. If you’re looking for a job in construction, it’s best to visit a temp agency or check out Gumtree, or Facebook groups in the city you’re in. Finally, if you are looking for fruit picking or farm work, you can call the farms or visit them.
Where to look for a job?
You can do research online before arriving in Australia and secure a job beforehand. However, many employers will want you to be in already Australia before hiring you.
Facebook groups
Another great source of vacancies are backpacker specific Facebook groups. You have a lot of groups where you can find ads for jobs such as Jobs in Australia. You also have the country specific ones such as ‘Dutchies in Australia’ etc. Other backpackers often post job opportunities here. One of the added bonuses of finding a job through one of the Facebook groups is that you get to talk to someone who actually works there. It is especially nice to hear from a fellow backpacker what the working conditions are like if the job will require you to relocate.
Gumtree
Gumtree is the Australian version of Craigslist and a great platform for finding backpacker jobs. Don’t be afraid to post an ad on Gumtree stating you are looking for work in Australia. Write a short introduction about yourself and list your skills and experiences. Make sure that you tailor your advert to jobs you are looking for. Also, make sure to mention that you are in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa and how long it is still valid.
Feel free to copy past this template and amend it to reflect your own experience!
Seek / Indeed
Seek is geared more to professionals, so if you are looking for an administrative job or a more sector specific job it is a great starting point. They have plenty of entry-level office jobs advertised and are often keen on hiring backpackers for temporary functions or cover. Another useful website is Careerone.
Indeed is another comprehensive job search website that aggregates listings from various sources.
Create profiles on these platforms, upload your resume, and set up job alerts to receive notifications about new listings that match your criteria.
Network with other Backpackers
Networking can be incredibly valuable when searching for a job. Other backpackers can provide tips, share their experiences, and even refer you to job opportunities. Here are some ways to network effectively:
- Hostels: Stay in hostels where you can meet other travelers and share job leads.
- Social Media Groups: Join Facebook groups and online forums dedicated to backpackers in Australia. These communities often share job postings and useful advice.
- Events and Meetups: Attend local events, meetups, and social gatherings where you can meet both locals and other backpackers. This can open up new job opportunities and connections.
Recruitment agencies
There are many agencies across Australia specialized in finding casual work for backpackers. Usually, you pay a fee and you get access to their network. They will then actively look for jobs for you. However, be careful if required to pay a fee when signing up, as there are a lot of scams out there. To be safe, read some reviews online or ask fellow travellers whether they have had experience with this agency.
Get your Certifications
For certain jobs you are required to get certifications. For instance, if you want to work in hospitality (pub, restaurant, bars etc) you are required to complete a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) course in order to serve alcohol legally. Each state has its own RSA requirements so take this into account if you are travelling around and considering working in bars across state borders. If you want to carry out construction work, you will be required to get your White Card. Indeed, if you intend to work as labourers and tradespeople or access operational construction zones, you will need this certificate.
Make sure to check out our guide on work specific certifications: Certificate training in Australia
Do you have any (specific) marketable skills?
Can you build websites? Are you a graphic designer? Are you an electrician? In Australia there is a high demand for skilled employees (e.g. carpenters, plumbers, electricians, etc.). If you have such skills make sure to market them! The pay rate can be pretty decent – a lot higher then unskilled minimum wage work. If you are having difficulties to find a job relevant to your skills you might consider signing up to a branch specific agency or check out sector specific job websites.
You may need to work under an ABN as a freelance.
