Moving to a new country is always daunting, and entering the job market or adapting to a new workplace could be one of the most intimidating parts of the process. So if you are looking to find work as an expat in Australia's biggest city, read on for our guide on finding work in Sydney.
The labor market in Sydney
°Õ³ó±ðÌýlabor market in Sydney can be competitive, but numerous opportunities are available for those with drive and ambition. The demand for foreign professionals is dependent on skills, qualifications and work experience, and there will be a higher demand for skilled professionals in some industries due to skill shortages in the local labor market. Some , such as technology, healthcare, engineering, finance and construction, employ workers from all over the world.
In Sydney, the largest employer by industry is Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, which encompasses a wide range of jobs, including computer system designers, engineers, architects, accountants, lawyers, veterinarians, scientists, and advertising and marketing specialists. In Sydney, in early 2025, there was consistent recruitment in the following industries: IT, HR, Operations, Legal, and Business Support.
At the end of 2024, the was 4.4%, which was higher than the national unemployment rate of 4.0%. And according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), in 2024 the , falling behind Melbourne at AUD 1,450 (USD 948) and Perth at AUD 1,500 (USD 981).
Top industries in Sydney needing foreign workers
As mentioned above, Sydney offers opportunities for expats across numerous sectors, although some industries are more in demand than others, providing excellent prospects for foreign professionals. These in-demand sectors align with the occupations listed on Australia's , which should be one of the first items to review if you are looking to work in Sydney.
Here are some of the sectors looking to recruit skilled overseas talent:
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Sydney boasts a thriving ICT industry, with high demand for skilled professionals in areas such as cybersecurity, data analysis, software engineering, and web development.
Engineering
Engineers are also highly sought after in Australia, and the sector in Sydney includes civil, mechanical, electrical, and structural engineering. Opportunities are available for skilled engineers with experience in infrastructure projects, construction, and renewable energy.
Healthcare
Australia's healthcare system is experiencing severe staff shortages, presenting numerous opportunities for experienced health professionals in Sydney. The city is home to multiple medical facilities and research institutions, making doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals highly sought after.
Finance and accounting
Sydney is a major financial hub, home to a diverse range of banking, investment, and accounting firms. In 2025, in-demand jobs include financial advisors, accountants, and financial analysts.
Construction and architecture
Expats with construction qualifications are in high demand in Sydney. With numerous ongoing urban developments and large infrastructure projects underway, there is a growing need for skilled workers in construction management, architecture, and project management, as well as trades such as electricians, carpenters, and plumbers.
Sydney's largest employers
Struggling to start the job hunt? Here are some of the largest companies in Sydney that often offer opportunities for expats:
- Â (CBA): As one of Australia's leading financial institutions, CBA provides banking and financial services. It offers career opportunities in various fields, including banking, finance, technology, customer service, and more.
- : Another major player in the Australian banking sector, Westpac is recognized for offering a diverse range of financial products and services. It employs a significant number of professionals in various fields, including banking, finance, investment, and technology.
- Â Telstra is Australia's largest telecommunications company, offering telecommunications and information services to individuals, businesses, and government organizations. It provides job opportunities in various fields, including telecommunications infrastructure, technology, customer service, and project management.
- : Macquarie is a global financial services provider with a strong presence in Sydney. It operates in areas such as banking, financial advisory, asset management, and investment banking. Macquarie often recruits professionals with expertise in finance, accounting, investment, and related fields.
What visa is required to work in Sydney?
All of this advice is pointless if you don't have the right to work in Australia. To work in Sydney, you need to hold the appropriate visa. If your occupation is on the list of  then you may be able to find work in Sydney. There are a number of different visas that you can apply for if your skills are in demand, such as the , the , the and the .
There is also the Australian Working Holiday Visa (WHV), which is valid for 12 months with potential to extend. The WHV allows you to travel and work throughout Australia. For more information on the visas required to work in Sydney, consult with the .Ìý
Where to look for a job in Sydney
Job websites
Finding a job in Sydney is not as difficult as it may seem. However,Ìýas Australian employers generally prefer prior work experience in Australia, job hunting can be a challenge. As an expat, you may lack local experience, but there are many opportunities to get a foot in the door due to skills shortages in several sectors. So when you start your job hunt, make use of online portals like LinkedIn,Ìý,ÌýÌý²¹²Ô»åÌý. These popular job sites will allow you to search by industry, occupation and salary, and will give you a good idea of what's available.
Recruitment agencies
Recruitment agencies can be extremely helpful in connecting you with suitable employers. Check out , , and to get started, or see if your industry is served by a specific agency — for instance, some agencies cater to just the healthcare sector. Utilizing these recruitment agencies can be advantageous for expats as they offer access to a broad range of job openings, industry-specific expertise, and valuable connections. They streamline the job search process, provide guidance on market trends and salary expectations, and increase the likelihood of finding suitable employment opportunities in Sydney.
Word of mouth
If you have friends and family already living in Sydney, they can be a great resource for helping you stay updated on the latest job openings in your field of expertise.ÌýJob hunting in Sydney often relies on internal references and connections, so it's advisable to do your homework before arriving in Australia and utilizing your connections — and their connections — already on the ground. Additionally, don't limit yourself to your area of specialization, as this will provide a broader range of choices, helping you gain employment sooner.
Volunteering
If you have time and you're not in a huge rush to find work, then volunteering is an excellent way to gain local experience and make new connections. Even if you are employed, volunteering after work or on the weekends can help you gain local expertise in your chosen field. Volunteering also allows you to familiarize yourself with employers, co-workers, and the work culture before fully committing to an organization. Keep in mind that volunteering is usually unpaid, but it can certainly add value to your resume.
Applying for a job in Sydney
CV and cover letter
Ensuring that your CV and cover letter are current and tailored to the specific job you're applying for is crucial.ÌýAustralian CVs are typically shorter than those in other countries, so aim to keep them concise, ideally within one to two pages. And don't make the mistake of sending generic cover letters, as employers prefer a more personal touch, and it's an excellent opportunity to highlight how your skills and experience make you a great fit for the job — and their company!
When applying for a job, it's essential to follow the application guidelines accurately and effectively connect your skills and experience to the specific job you are applying for. Always ensure your CV includes explanations of roles and companies that may not be familiar to Australian employers. If you need some help with how to craft job applications, the Australian Government's Workforce Australia website offers valuable advice and templates for and .
Interviews
Interviews in Sydney, and Australia in general, usually follow a standard format. During the interview, senior staff members from the organization will inquire about your work experience and assess your overall suitability for the role. You can find helpful tips on interviewing effectively on websites such as  and various other job-related platforms. Consider consulting recruitment company blogs for expert advice on all aspects of recruitment and job opportunities. The COVID lockdowns and resulting office closures and work-from-home mandates in Australia led to everything moving online. Many business meetings are still held online today. So there's every chance you'll be able to interview for your potential new role from your home country, so try to get some practice in beforehand by familiarizing yourself with popular communications platforms such as , and .
Language skills required in Sydney
English is the primary language used in the workplace and daily life in Sydney. It is, therefore, essential to possess strong English language skills, encompassing listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
²Ñ´Ç²õ³ÙÌýjob advertisements in Sydney will specify the required level of English proficiency. Some positions may require specific language skills if they involve interaction with non-English-speaking communities or clients. However, in general, having a high level of English proficiency will enhance your job prospects and ability to integrate into the work environment. Moreover, being fluent in multiple languages can be an asset, especially if you have international experience or if the role involves collaborating with multicultural teams or clients. Demonstrating your language skills and cross-cultural understanding can make you stand out in specific industries or roles, so always ensure that you include this on your CV.
If you feel your English skills need improvement, consider enrolling in language courses or participating in language exchange programs to enhance your fluency. Enhancing your English language skills can boost your confidence and enable you to communicate effectively during job interviews. This, in turn, will improve your job prospects and integration into Australian society and the local labor market.
Recognition of overseas qualifications in Australia
Expats need to ensure their qualifications and work experience align with . Some professions may require recognition or certification from relevant professional bodies or licensing authorities. When applying for a role in Sydney, you will need to demonstrate that you possess the necessary experience and qualifications.
Some jobs will require a specific skill level and certification, and it may be necessary to present your original qualification documents or certified copies. It's also important to be aware that although your qualifications may be equivalent to Australian standards, they may not be universally accepted. In Sydney,Ìý can help with assessing the transferability of your qualifications.
Work culture in Sydney
If you are from a more formal culture, working in Sydney could prove a little challenging to navigate at first. The office environment across the city is professional, with an emphasis on productivity and efficiency, but it might be more informal than you're used to.
Australians have a reputation for being laid-back, so there may be less formality and more humor in the workplace than overseas arrivals are accustomed to. This varies across industries, though. A bank, a bar, and a construction site will all vary in their workplace attitudes, which are dictated by the industry and the specific company culture and leadership. Be prepared for everything to be a little more laid-back than you're used to, including the dress code and the type of language used in both formal meetings and social interactions.
On the whole,Ìýexpats in Sydney generally find the change of pace quite appealing and get used to it without much difficulty. If you're new to Australian culture, get prepared for lots of jokes, teasing, banter, mockery, and swearing. The use of profanity, which might be highly inappropriate in other countries, is generally acceptable in Australian conversations. However, it is recommended that you observe how your colleagues behave before you bust out a string of obscenities!
On the whole,ÌýSydney embraces a collaborative and team-oriented approach, valuing effective communication and teamwork. Work-life balance is highly regarded, and there has been increased focus in recent years on employee wellness and wellbeing. Catch-ups in the lunchroom to discuss weekend plans and after-work drinks are commonplace.
Although your Aussie colleagues might appear casual and laidback, they still have a strong respect for punctuality and deadlines. Sydney's work culture places importance on timeliness and meeting commitments. The workplace is generally open to diversity, welcoming individuals from different cultural backgrounds. Networking and building professional relationships are encouraged, and they play a significant role in career advancement and job opportunities in Sydney.
As with starting any new job, expats need to familiarize themselves with the workplace norms, etiquette, and styles of communication. Being proactive, adaptable, open-minded, and having a good sense of humor can all contribute to your successful integration into Sydney's work culture.
Dress code in Sydney
Each company in Sydney will have its own dress code, but Australian business attire is generally more informal than in other parts of the world. When business attire is required, for men, it usually involves a shirt, tie, and formal pants. Women have a wider range of choices, although Australian women tend to avoid wearing short skirts and tight-fitting outfits.ÌýDress codes have become less formal since COVID, with suits and ties mainly confined to more formal industries such as the legal profession. Many businesses in Sydney also have 'Casual Fridays,' where you are allowed to dress in casual attire for the day.
Meetings in Sydney
Business meetings in Sydney offices often begin with 'check-ins' and some casual, social conversation rather than jumping straight into business. Participating in discussions and sharing your own experiences with your colleagues helps build rapport within your team and allows you to get to know them better. An unwritten rule is to avoid topics related to politics and religion at work (unless they are naturally part of the conversation), which helps prevent any uncomfortable situations.
As an expatriate, you may feel a need to adapt to the type of language used by those around you. However, Australians value honesty and authenticity and don't expect expats to alter their habits or language if it doesn't feel right. On the whole, Australian companies are very concerned about the comfort and safety of their employees, and they will regularly ask their staff for feedback and suggestions on ways to improve the work environment.
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.
