½ûÂþÌìÌÃ

Melbourne's job market

In the 12 months to February 2025, the rose from 4% to 4.6%, the highest unemployment rate in the country. That said, while conditions may be tight, many businesses continue to struggle with staff shortages, so there are plenty of opportunities to be found.

In-demand industries

One of the advantages for expats seeking work in Melbourne is theÌýdemand for skilled workers in fields such as finance, information technology, and healthcare. We recommend getting familiar with Australia's '' to get a sense of whether your skill set and experience will be sought after in Melbourne. Depending on the industry, there is a demand for overseas workers. However, it's important to note that competition for jobs can be tough, with many positions requiring relevant qualifications or Australian work experience.

As of February 2025, were healthcare and social assistance, professional, scientific and technical services, construction, retail, and education and training.

Melbourne is a world-class city, and almost any field you can think of will be represented in the diverse range of industries that make up this vibrant city. However, some dominate the job boards, which we have summarized below.

Construction

Construction is a major employer in Victoria. Primarily a male-dominated field, apprenticeships and traineeships are the primary requirements for this industry, with occupations including carpenters, electricians, and plumbers. Construction can be a good industry for expat workers, offering good pay and sometimes requiring minimal experience.

All construction workers are required to haveÌý, and this even applies to casual and short-term workers. A White Card is proof of having completed general Occupational Health and Safety construction induction training, and you will only be allowed onto a work site by an employer if you have this card. The cost of this mandatory certification varies between trainers, but the application fee is included in the training course fee. To apply for a White Card, you must attend a construction induction training course with a registered organization. Then you can use the 'statement of attainment' as proof to start work. Your White Card will arrive in the mail soon after. For further details, please visit theÌý.

Healthcare

As the Australian population ages, the healthcare and social assistance industry continues to grow, becoming one of the largest employers in the country. Melbourne boasts a thriving healthcare industry, featuring numerous hospitals, clinics, and medical research facilities throughout the city. The industry offers a diverse range of employment opportunities, including roles for doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, medical researchers, and administrative staff. Melbourne is also home to world-renowned medical research institutes such as the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute and the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, making it an attractive destination for those interested in medical research.

Employment agencies in Melbourne that specialize in healthcare include:

• ;
• ;
• .

Read also The health system in Australia

Information Technology

Melbourne also has a rapidly growing technology industry, featuring numerous startups, established companies, and tech hubs scattered throughout the city. The IT industry offers numerous employment opportunities in various fields, including software development, cybersecurity, data analysis, digital marketing, and project management.ÌýMelbourne is also home to several leading universitiesÌýthat offer technology-related degrees, providing a steady supply of skilled graduates to the industry.

Some top tech employers in Melbourne include:

• : MYOB is an Australian tech company that provides accounting software and other financial services to businesses.
• : REA Group is a multinational digital media company based in Melbourne, specializing in property listings and related services.
• : Envato is an Australian tech company that has its HQ in Melbourne. They provide digital assets and creative tools for designers and developers.

Read also Starting a business in Australia

Professional, scientific, and technical services

Most of the jobs in this field require a degree and are full-time roles that are often located in the CBD. Industries in this sector include legal and accounting services, veterinary services, architectural and engineering services, computer system design, and advertising and marketing. Within these industries, popular roles include accountants, software and applications programmers, and solicitors. They are expert-driven occupations that require specialized knowledge and experience, and this sector is a crucial part of Melbourne's economy. One of the city's largest employers, there are bountiful opportunities for expats with experience in these sectors.Ìý

Hospitality

Hospitality is a great place to start when you first move to Melbourne. TheÌýÌýis decent, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes to work in. Hospitality is also a great way to meet people and start building a social network. If you are planning on working in a bar, restaurant, or another establishment that serves alcohol, you must have aÌý. The government recognizes this certification and allows you to serve and sell alcohol. The certificate can be obtained through attending a short course and proves that you are aware of the requirements for safely distributing alcohol.

Opportunities for expats

in various industries thanks to large infrastructure projects, population growth, an aging population, and advancements in technology. According to the Victorian Government, the

• Registered nurse;
• General practitioner (GP);
• Social worker;
• Teacher;
• Childcare worker;
• Disability carer;
• Civil engineer;
• Metal fitters and machinists;
• Software programmers.

The Victorian Government predicts that between 2024 and 2027, both to replace retiring workers and to start in new roles. The healthcare and social assistance sector is expected to grow by nearly 90,000 new workers. Meanwhile, there will be almost 70,000 new jobs in the construction industry, more than 40,000 new roles in professional, scientific and technical services, over 30,000 education and training jobs, and just over 23,000 new positions in retail trade.

Between 2024 and 2027, in inner metropolitan Melbourne, these are expected to be the top three jobs:

1. Software and applications programmers;
2. Accountants;
3. Registered nurses.

Aged and disabled carers and sales assistants are also predicted to be in demand.

Expats job hunting in Melbourne should research the specific industry they wish to work in andÌýnetwork with professionals in that field. It's also important toÌýhave the appropriate visas and work permits in place before searching for employment in Melbourne. The job market is highly competitive, and possessing relevant skills and experience will significantly increase your chances of securing a job.

How to find jobs in Melbourne

Finding a job in MelbourneÌýis best done online, as nearly all job vacancies are advertised on the Internet. Another way to find employment is through a recruitment agency. Recruitment agencies are very popular in Australia and can help you improve your resume, arrange interviews, and they will work with you to help you find the perfect job. There is no fee to register with an agency, so it is common to register with multiple agencies to help give you the best chance to secure employment. Recruitment agencies assist with all levels of employment, including both casual and permanent roles, as well as entry-level and more highly skilled positions. Well-known recruitment agencies include Ìý²¹²Ô»åÌý.

Useful links:

How to apply for a job in Melbourne

Recognition of overseas qualifications

As an expat seeking employment in Melbourne, it's essential to determine whether Australian employers will recognize your overseas qualifications.

Check the Australian Government'sÌýÌýwebsite, which provides information on recognized occupations and the qualifications required for skilled migration to Australia. You can use this information to determine whether your qualifications are recognized in Australia and whether you are eligible for a skilled migration visa.

Research your occupation or industry:ÌýSome industries may have specific requirements for qualifications, registration, or licensing. Research your occupation or industry to determine if there are any particular requirements that you need to meet.

Get your qualifications assessed:ÌýThe Australian Government provides assessment services for overseas qualifications through various organizations. In Melbourne, you can have your qualifications evaluated at theÌýÌýto determine whether they are equivalent to Australian qualifications.

Consider further education:ÌýIn some cases, you may need to undertake further education or training to meet Australian standards. Hopefully, this won't involve completely retraining; however, you may need to undertake courses or tests to ensure your skills meet Australian standards.

CV and cover letter

It is essential to ensure that your CV and cover letter are up-to-date and accurate. And avoid being generic — tailor your applications to the specific job for which you are applying. When it comes to crafting a CV for employers in Australia, keep it to no more than two pages. And don't just send out a template cover letter to all employers, as these can sometimes have an easily detectable impersonal tone. Always try to connect your skills and experience with the job being advertised in a creative and personal way. And make sure that you read and comprehend the application requirements so that you have answered all the questions and included all the required information in your response.

Job interviews

Job Interviews in Melbourne will follow a standard format, where management from the company you are applying to will ask you questions about your work experience to gauge your suitability for the role. If you want to brush up, you can find tips for interviewing well on theÌý, as well as on online job platforms and recruitment agency websites.

Read also Work in Australia

Visa requirements for working in Melbourne

To work in Melbourne, you must first have aÌývisa that allows you to work legally in Australia. If you don't have aÌývisa organized by your employer, here's a quick breakdown of the main visas, which don't require employer sponsorship but allow you to work:

• Working Holiday Visa:ÌýThis visa enables young adults from eligible countries to work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months, with potential extensions.
• Student Visa:ÌýThis visa allowsÌýinternational students in MelbourneÌýto work up to 48 hours per fortnight (and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks) while studying in Australia.
• Skilled Independent Visa:ÌýThis visa enables skilled workers to live and work permanently in Australia without requiring employer sponsorship.
• Partner Visa:ÌýThese visas allow partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents to live and work in Australia.

Read also Work visas in Australia

Work and holiday employment options

Due to the six-month restriction on employment for the working holiday visa, job options can be slightly limited. However, many expatsÌýmove to MelbourneÌýon this visa type, and common fields of employment include administrative or clerical temporary work, retail and hospitality, au pair and childcare roles, sales jobs, and labor or construction work. Once your six months are up, you will need to apply for a different job. Agencies can be a great help in this situation as they can set you up with contract work that runs for six months at a time.ÌýIf you are sponsored by your employer or on a partner visa, you can stay at one job for as long as you wish.

Good to know:

You can apply forÌý, but if you don't, you risk being in breach of your visa.

There are also if you work in any of the following:

• different locations for the same employer, as long as work in any one location does not exceed six months;
• plant and animal cultivation anywhere in Australia;
• natural disaster recovery work anywhere in Australia;
• critical sectors, including agriculture, food processing, health, aged and disability care, childcare, tourism, and hospitality, anywhere in Australia;
• specific industries, including fishing and pearling, tree farming and felling, construction and mining, in Northern Australia only.

Workplace culture in Melbourne

The workplace culture in Melbourne, like that in the rest of Australia, is professional yet flexible, and perhaps a little less formal than in other countries. Aussies have a reputation for being laid-back, and in the office, everyone is on a first-name basis, with a strong emphasis on work-life balance. Productivity and teamwork are a priority, and lunch with your colleagues and after-work drinks are a standard part of the office culture in Melbourne. Some workplaces are more formal than others, but that is often dependent on the industry. For instance, the law profession and the finance industry will be more formal than working in retail or hospitality.

Dress code

The dress code will depend greatly on the nature of your job in Melbourne. In corporate spaces (banking, finance, and law firms), the dress code is more formal. In these corporate settings, it is customary for men to wear suits and ties, and for women to wear a shirt and tailored pants or a skirt, accompanied by closed-toe shoes. These types of businesses are mainly located in theÌýMelbourne CBD. Usually, you will be informed of the dress code, but it is always best to ask for this information before you start a new job. If you are unsure of what to wear, do your best to dress more formally.

Jobs in the community, hospitality, or council sector are generally more relaxed when it comes to dress code, and some offices even allow their employees to wear jeans and open-toed shoes to the office when it is extremely hot.ÌýAgain, this will depend on your industry and the company that you work for, so don't hesitate to check with your manager.

Workplace etiquette

Workplaces in Melbourne value punctuality, professionalism, politeness, and a strong work ethic. It is essential to be respectful and contribute your fair share when it comes to teamwork. You are free to speak your mind and express a differing opinion without fear of it making waves in your workspace — just don't be rude and disrespectful about it. Remember that 'please' and 'thank you' are essential to any conversation, and always respect the personal space of those around you. The Australian work culture is indeed relaxed, but punctuality is crucial, so make sure you are always on time.

When it comes to communication, be clear and direct. When you say 'no,' try to say exactly what you have in mind to avoid any possible misunderstandings. Even if your workplace is casual, refrain from wearing clothes that are too revealing, as this can display a lack of professionalism and make those around you feel uncomfortable. Finally, your priority is to produce quality work in an efficient manner. Be aware that, despite the benefits of a relaxed workspace, Australians tend to work hard and rarely turn down extra tasks.