Sometimes luck smiles upon us when looking for a job in Australia, and we stumble upon THE perfect opportunity! Working in housekeeping in Australia is an excellent way to save money while potentially working in a dream setting. Alexandra, 25 years old and on a Working Holiday Visa, arrived in Melbourne. After three days, she flew to Cairns (QLD) to work as a housekeeper! Here, she shares her experience on a dream island, and we also give you some tips for finding a job in Australia.
Table of Contents
What is Housekeeping?
Housekeeping is the art of maintenance and cleaning, primarily in the tourism sector! Whether in a hotel, hostel, or even private residences, you will be responsible for maintaining cleanliness and order – an essential role to ensure the comfort of guests.
How to find a job in Housekeeping in Australia?
There are several methods to find a job in a hotel. It’s best to use all these methods all together to ensure that one works!
Door-to-Door
Every hotel, campground, or other is a potential employer. The easiest way to find a job is to go there in person and introduce yourself. Prepare before dropping off your resume and make an effort to dress appropriately. Also, remember to double down on smiles and politeness. Of course, you won’t be able to apply in person for jobs on islands …
Word of Mouth
One of the best ways to find a job in Australia is through word of mouth! Indeed, do not hesitate to talk to people you meet. Locals or other backpackers will certainly know someone who is looking for staff. Talk about it in your hostel; the establishment might be looking for someone to maintain the rooms. In short, as you’ve understood, do not hesitate to chat with others; it will undoubtedly be the best way to find a job (and this applies regardless of the field).
Websites
A useful site for finding employment in housekeeping/cleaning is Gumtree. Ads are constantly being updated, and it’s possible to call the potential employer directly. Do not hesitate to check every day. You can also search on job search websites such as Indeed or Seek. You can also check the Facebook pages of the city where you wish to work, as many ads are posted there.
Experience Feedback: Alex and her dream job in Australia
Finding a job in Australia can be complicated. For me, everything was done quickly and I was very lucky. A friend had applied for a job offer on the internet. Quickly the manager asked her if she knew people to complete the team (yes, make friends in Australia, word of mouth is often very effective)! Of course she thought of me! So it was with great excitement that I flew to Cairns.
A job on the Whitsunday Islands
I worked on a small island called Hayman Island which is part of the Whitsundays Islands. It’s a private island, where there is only one resort: The One&Only.
The resort hires plenty of backpackers and jobs are very diverse:
– Housekeeping: clean the rooms, make beds, …
– Helping hand in the kitchen
– Laundry service: prepare towels, sheets, …
– Receptionist: welcome arriving guests on the island, welcome them and show them their room – and not just any guests: One day Brad Pitt arrived! And also the Red Hot Chilli Peppers came here to rest for a couple of days..
Working conditions
You start to work at 7am and finish at 9pm. There is only a 30 minutes lunch break and you can rest a bit in the afternoon. You have to work quite a lot, but it’s paradise!
My experience
The first days are a bit difficult. You have to get used to the schedules, the climate, and the fairly physical work. At first, you won’t really be able to enjoy the place, but once you get up to speed, that’s another story! Be aware that the schedules can vary a lot according to the needs of the hotel. Some days I have 2 hour breaks and I can enjoy the swimming pool and the hotel facilities. Others, I work the whole day with only 30 minutes of break… so it varies enormously.
Explore the Whitsunday Islands
The Whitsunday Islands are made up of 74 islands within the famous Great Barrier Reef. Located off the coast of Queensland, 900 km north of Brisbane, it is one of the most beautiful places in the country. You can admire white sand beaches with crystal clear waters, corals and multicolored fish. Exploring the Whitsundays is an amazing experience and working there is amazing too! You will see places that you would not normally discover. In short, visit this archipelago no matter what! And if you can find a job in a hotel on one of the islands then go for it!
