Understanding work visas
Many migrants come to Australia on working visas. Some jobs also offer visa sponsorship, where an employer supports your visa application.
Learn more about Australian work visas on the Australian government Department of Home Affairs website
Skills in high demand
Many industries in Australia need more workers. These include healthcare, information technology, construction, education, and engineering.
Australia has a Skilled Occupation List to show which jobs are needed. This list helps migrants find jobs that match their skills and qualifications. Some jobs might offer visa sponsorship, where an employer sponsors you to work specifically for them.
Having a skill that is in demand could make it easier to get a job and a visa.
Check the Australian Skilled Occupation List on the Australian government Department of Home Affairs website
Escaping the cities
Regional areas are outside the major capital cities. There are many job opportunities for migrants in regional Australia. Some local governments give extra help to find work or accommodation in regional areas. Some employers might even make bonus payments for working in regional areas.
There are also special visas for migrants who want to live and work in regional Australia. These visas may let you stay in Australia for longer periods of time if you have a job on the skilled occupation list.
Learn more about living and working in regional Australia on the Smart Move Australia website
Finding the right job
In Australia, full-time, part-time, casual, and contract jobs are all common. Many jobs are advertised online. SEEK, Indeed and LinkedIn are helpful online resources for finding work. You can find out more by visiting their websites:
Recruitment agencies can help you find temporary or permanent work. Recruitment agencies can match your skills with employer needs.
Word of mouth and networking are also important. Joining local community groups, professional associations, and attending events can be helpful ways to meet people and find out about job opportunities.
Resumés, cover letters and interviews
When you apply for a job, you will usually be asked to send a resumé and cover letter.
A resumé is a summary of your employment history and qualifications. It can be helpful to keep it concise – two to three pages at most. You might want to include:
- Your contact details
- A list of your skills
- Your work experience, starting with the most recent
- Your education and qualifications
- Your references. You can write “available on request” if you don’t want to share your referee names and contact details until you’re asked for them.
Even if you haven’t worked in Australia before, you can show how your previous experience matches the job you want. Avoid spelling mistakes, very long resumés, and copying the same application for every job.
A cover letter is typically a one page document explaining why you want the job and how your skills match the position. It’s your chance to make a good first impression. Use it to show that you understand the company’s values and culture. You might want to tailor a cover letter for each job you apply for.
If an employer likes your cover letter and resumé, you might be offered a job interview. This might be in-person, over the phone, or by video.
Research the company before you attend your interview. Common job interview questions include “tell us about yourself” and “why do you want to work here?”.
It’s likely you’ll need to disclose your visa details. Employers need to know if you are allowed to work full-time or part-time.
Getting local work experience
It can be challenging for migrants looking for work in Australia if you have no local work experience. It may help if you volunteer in your community or in the industry you’d like to work in. You can also look at short courses and internships. This can help you learn Australian work culture, get some references and fill any gaps on your resumé.
Many states and territories have free services to help migrants find jobs. This includes job readiness programs, English classes, and mentoring.
Explore resources for migrants on the Australian government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations website
Understanding Australian workplaces
Australian workplaces are usually friendly and informal, but still professional. It’s important to be on time, dress neatly, and show respect to coworkers.
Australia has strong workplace laws. All workers, including migrants, have rights such as minimum wages, maximum working hours, safe working conditions, and protection from discrimination.
Before starting a job, you usually sign a contract that outlines your pay, hours, duties, and leave entitlements. It’s important to read it carefully and ask questions if you don’t understand something.
Learn more about Australian workplace rights and entitlements on the Fair Work Australia website
Getting paid
One of the best things about working is getting paid! When you get to Australia, you might want to open an everyday bank account. This is usually the account you will get your salary paid into.
Westpac is Australia’s first bank. It has an everyday bank account called Westpac Choice. This account comes with a linked debit card. This means you can access your own money using the debit card online or in stores, or by withdrawing cash at an ATM.
To sum up
Finding work in Australia can be easier if you know where to look and how to prepare. Migrants can find job opportunities by focusing on industries with high demand and understanding the job market. Creating a strong resumé, cover letter and practising for interviews can also help. Finally, it’s important to know your work rights so you can make informed decisions about job offers.