Once you have a visa that allows you to work in Australia, the next step is finding a job. Perhaps you were lucky enough to already secure a听job offer in Australia, but for most people, job hunting is a major first step in moving to a new country. Below, we break down how to approach this often daunting process effectively.
Job opportunities in Australia
Australia is renowned for its strong economy and high quality of life. Australians also enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, and this combination of opportunities for both work and play makes it a very sought-after place to live and work. Luckily for expats,听Australia has a diverse economy with numerous job opportunities available for international workers, especially if their skills align with the country's current skills shortages.
However, in recent years, impacting living standards. . In January 2025, the workforce participation rate hit a record high of 67.3%, while . Despite a record number of people in employment, Australia continues to experience significant skills shortages in several industries.
Skills shortages in Australia
Some sectors in Australia that require overseas workers to fill the gaps include:
Healthcare
Australia's aging population has created a high demand for healthcare professionals, particularly in rural and remote areas where it can be hard to find skilled staff. Doctors, nurses, and allied health workers are in high demand, and many hospitals and healthcare facilities are actively recruiting overseas workers.
Information Technology
Australia's technology sector is booming. IT professionals are in demand, particularly in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics. Many听companies in Australia听are struggling to find local talent to fill these roles and are therefore turning to international workers to meet their staffing needs.
Education
Australia has a robust education sector, with a high demand for qualified teachers and education professionals. Many schools and universities are actively recruiting from overseas to fill teaching and administrative roles.
Construction
The construction industry is the fourth largest industry in Australia, employing more than 1.3 million people. The sector is facing skills shortages across numerous occupations, with some of the most in-demand roles including civil engineers, construction managers, plumbers, carpenters, and electricians.
Agriculture
Agriculture is a primary industry in Australia, and there is a significant demand for skilled workers across a range of areas. Many farms and agricultural businesses are facing labor shortages, particularly during peak harvesting periods, and need overseas workers to help fill the gaps. Some in-demand jobs include agricultural scientists, aquaculture farmers, mixed crop farmers, mixed livestock farmers, and cotton growers.
If you are hoping to听travel to Australia and haven't already secured a job, one way to determine if your field of expertise is experiencing labor shortages in Australia is to consult the听. If your job is on this list, you may be eligible to apply for a Skilled Worker visa, which can provide pathways to residency.
How to find a job in Australia
Are you job hunting from abroad? Or maybe you have landed in Australia and you're looking for work? Perhaps you're after something short-term while you settle in your new country? Or you're looking to take an existing career further? Whatever situation you find yourself in, we've broken down the Australian job-hunting process step by step to try to make it all a little less daunting.
Job listings and recruitment
Australian jobs are predominantly advertised online through career and job search websites, which allow you to search for vacant positions by location and occupation. The most common job websites include听,听, and听. You can also use LinkedIn, which offers a job search tool, great networking opportunities, and allows recruiters and employers to contact you directly. (Remember to keep your profile up to date and accessible to recruiters).
Recruitment agencies
In addition to online advertising, recruitment agencies are a common way to find work in Australia. Many jobs are advertised solely through 别尘辫濒辞测尘别苍迟听, and there is usually no cost to sign up with one. Therefore, many job seekers register with multiple agencies to increase their chances of securing work. Agencies can match your skills to suitable jobs, and they can also help prepare you for interviews. You can find both short-term contracts and permanent roles through recruitment agencies, which often specialize in specific industries or skills. A little bit of online research will help you narrow down the correct type of agency for your area of specialty.
How to apply for a job in Australia
It is essential to ensure that your CV and cover letter are up-to-date.
The cover letter
A cover letter should always address the specific job you are applying for and be tailored to suit each position and the company you wish to work for. Ensure that you remove any generic information that isn't relevant to the advertised position, because if a potential employer senses you are sending the same template letter to several companies at once, they will be put off.
The CV
The Australian style of a CV may be slightly different than your home country, so research this before applying for roles or ask an employment agency to assist you. Having strong听English language skills听is also vital for finding employment in Australia, and many community centers offer low-cost or free classes to help improve your English if necessary.
Here are some tips to help you听create a compelling and professional Australian CV:
- Make sure you understand the job application requirements. This will help you demonstrate that your skills and experience match the selection criteria. Always ensure that you have thoroughly covered each step in the application.
- Keep it concise: CVs in Australia are typically shorter than those in other countries, so aim to keep your CV to a maximum of two or three pages.
- Use a clear and easy-to-read layout: utilize headings and bullet points to organize your information, making it easy for the reader to find what they are looking for.
- List only the jobs that you have had that are relevant to the role.
- Give examples of skills you have used and gained from past roles.
- Give descriptions and details of previous companies you have worked for, as Australian employers may not be familiar with your previous employer, even if they are well-known in your own country.
- Be positive and confident, but don't boast.
It may also be helpful to note your legal work status so that employers know whether they have to assist you with听getting a work visa for Australia.
Important:
References are essential, so if you are coming from overseas, ensure you have the email addresses of previous employers and notify them that they may be contacted.
Good to know:
If you are unsuccessful in your application, companies and recruitment agencies will often be able to offer you constructive advice. This can help you prepare and perform better next time, so take advantage of the offer if it's there.
After you have applied for a job, if the employer is interested in your application, you will be invited for an interview. If you are successful at this stage, the employer will typically verify your references. Then this is ideally followed by an offer of employment.
Job interviews in Australia
Job interviews in Australia听are generally similar to the job interview process in other parts of the world and follow a standard format where members of the organization's management team will ask you questions about your work experience and general suitability for the role. Of course, the interview format may vary depending on the workplace and its culture. But you should be informed in advance if your interview will involve any aptitude tests or other assessments.
Although Australia is a country known for its casual culture, it is a good idea to dress smartly for your interview, arrive on time, and generally present a professional persona 鈥� even if the role, company, or industry appears casual. The Australian government's website, , offers interview preparation tips, but ensure you fully understand the requirements of the role that you are applying for and do some research into the company as well. It is always a good idea to prepare some of your own questions to ask about the role and the company, and this is an excellent way to come across as professional and engaged.
It is also common for job interviews in Australia to be held online, so there is a good chance you will be able to secure a job interview from your home country. During COVID lockdowns in Australia, people were forced to work from home, where online meetings and job interviews became commonplace. While some workers have returned to the office, the flexibility to work from home has become firmly established across the workplace landscape. A 2025 Roy Morgan report, revealed that . Online meetings are a popular form of communication, and many industries still function this way, with interviews and meetings held via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet.
Are your overseas qualifications and experience recognized in Australia?
Qualifications such as diplomas and degrees are often an essential part of job applications in Australia. Certain types of employment require specific skill levels, and you must demonstrate that you possess the necessary qualifications. To ensure you are fully prepared, it is essential to have your original qualification documents or certified copies, as they may be requested.
Your overseas qualification may be recognized as valid in Australia, but this will depend on several factors.听In general, qualifications from countries with a similar education system to Australia, such as New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, are likely to be recognized as equivalent. However, qualifications from other countries may require further assessment before they are accepted.
To determine if your overseas qualification is valid in Australia, you can contact the听.听Here you will find information about having your overseas qualifications assessed, and most states and territories have their own Overseas Qualification Unit. To have your qualifications assessed, you will need to provide documentation, including your academic transcripts and any other relevant information about your studies. It is important to note that even if your qualification is recognized as valid in Australia, you may still need to meet additional requirements in order to work in specific fields or industries. For example, you may need to obtain a professional license or meet other regulatory requirements.
Overall, it is a good idea to research the specific requirements for your field or industry in Australia and to contact the appropriate regulatory body or professional organization for more information.
Formalities for working in Australia
The first thing to do once you're settled in Australia is to apply for your Tax File Number (TFN) at the听.
Important:
Obtaining your TFN is compulsory for听paying taxes in Australia, which all workers are required to do. Every job will require your TFN, so it is advisable to obtain one promptly to ensure you are paying the correct amount of tax. To听 is free; you just need a valid passport.
As most Australian businesses pay your salary directly into your bank account, it is wise to open up an Australian bank account听before applying for jobs. You may wish to check if your current bank in your home country has branches in Australia. Otherwise,听opening a bank account locally听is a straightforward process that requires a postal address, a valid passport, and other forms of identification, depending on the bank you choose.
Work conditions and laws in Australia
Wages, leave, and workplace protections for workers
In Australia, as in any country, salaries and wage expectations vary hugely based on your industry, level of education, experience, and location. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in November 2024, (USD 1,281). The sector in Australia that earned the most was mining. However, workers in the Australian Capital Territory were the highest earners in the country, followed by those in Western Australia, New South Wales, and then Queensland.
As of July 2025, the was AUD 24.95 (USD 16.18), equivalent to AUD 948 (USD 615) for a full 38-hour week. This is a federally mandated minimum that Australian businesses must pay to their employees. The wage was recently increased to help alleviate the cost-of-living stress on Australia's lowest-paid workers.
Overtime
When it comes to overtime pay,听. The overtime rate is typically 1.5 times the employee's ordinary hourly rate for the first two or three hours and then double the ordinary hourly rate for any hours worked beyond that.
Worker's rights
In terms of workers' rights, Australia has a strong history of union organizations and a robust legal framework to protect employees' rights.听听is the primary legislation governing workplace relations in Australia. The听听are the minimum employment entitlements that must be provided to all employees covered by the national workplace relations system, including maximum weekly hours, annual leave, long service leave, superannuation contributions, and parental leave.
Employers are also required to provide a safe and healthy work environment for their employees and to prevent workplace discrimination and harassment.听Employees have the right to join a union and engage in collective bargaining, and there are provisions in place for resolving disputes between employers and employees through the听.
Leave entitlements
In Australia, both Australian citizens and expatriate workers are entitled to leave. Of course, the exact leave allotments will vary depending on the contract, company, and industry, but in general, expat leave entitlements will be the same as those of Australian citizens. The most common types of leave are:
- Annual leave: Full-time employees are entitled to paid annual leave, the duration of which is based on their length of employment. The standard entitlement is four weeks of annual leave per year; however, this may vary depending on your contract.
- Sick leave: In Australia, the standard sick leave entitlement for full-time employees is 10 days of paid leave per year. This can also be used to care for an ill family member.
- Long service leave: This is a form of extended leave granted to employees who have been with the same employer for a prolonged period, typically a decade or more. The entitlement and conditions for long service leave can vary between states and territories.
- Parental leave: The Australian Government provides paid parental leave (PPL) to support employees who are having a child or adopting a child. If you're eligible, in 2025 you will receive up to 24 weeks of government-funded pay at the National Minimum Wage. This will increase to up to 26 weeks from July 2026. There is also unpaid parental leave, as well as schemes where employers add to or top up the government-funded PPL. These conditions will be outlined in your employment contract and may be subject to renegotiation.
- Public holidays: Employees are entitled to paid time off on public holidays. If you do work on a public holiday, you will generally be paid between 1.5 and 2.5 times your usual wages, so some employees will opt to work these days.
The Australian work culture
Australians are renowned for their relaxed and flexible lifestyles, and this culture is reflected in the workplace. Although traditional business hours are 9 am to 5 pm, many businesses offer flexibility in working hours, which can vary from early starts at 7 am to later starts at 10 am.
While it is essential to always act and dress in a professional manner, you may find that suits, ties, and formal business attire are not required in your workplace, unlike in other countries. Australian workplaces can also be very social, with morning teas, office lunches, or Friday afternoon drinks being common. Participating is a great way to get to know your new colleagues. It can be said that Australian employers place more trust in their employees, which contributes to a more flexible workplace. Due to the reasonably stable market, people feel secure in their jobs, further enhancing the relaxed atmosphere. However, don't underestimate the work ethic; Australians are known for working hard.
Important:
A good level of spoken and written English is important when applying for jobs in Australia. If you are planning a move to Australia, consider taking English language classes, either before you relocate or once you are in the country. Australian community centers, colleges, and even churches often offer English classes for non-native English speakers at no cost or a low cost. And English classes can be a great way to meet new people, too.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
