Updated April 2026 15 min read

How to Find a Job in Australia as a New Migrant (Practical Guide)

Finding your first job in Australia can feel overwhelming. The application process, resume format, and workplace culture are different from most other countries. This practical guide walks you through everything — from formatting your resume to navigating the hidden job market, understanding your visa work rights, and making the right impression in interviews.

The Australian Job Market

Australia's economy is services-dominated, with the largest employment sectors being healthcare, education, retail, construction, and professional services. As of early 2026, the unemployment rate sits at around 4.1%, which is relatively low by global standards — meaning there are jobs available, but competition can be fierce in popular fields.

In-Demand Industries

Industries with the strongest demand for workers include:

• Healthcare & aged care: Nurses, personal care workers, allied health professionals — chronic shortage across the country
• Construction & trades: Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, civil engineers — driven by infrastructure projects
• Information technology: Software developers, cybersecurity analysts, data engineers, cloud architects
• Education: Teachers (especially maths, science, and special education), early childhood educators
• Hospitality & tourism: Chefs, hotel staff, tourism operators — particularly in regional areas
• Mining & resources: Engineers, geologists, heavy machinery operators — mostly in WA, QLD, and NT

Average Salaries

The national minimum wage is $24.10/hour (as of July 2025), which equates to approximately $46,000/year for full-time work. Average full-time earnings across all industries are approximately $98,000/year. Salaries vary significantly by industry, role, and location.

Australian Resume Format

Australian resumes (called "CVs" in many countries) have a specific format that differs from what you may be used to. Getting this right is critical — a poorly formatted resume will be rejected before it's even read.

Key Rules

1. No photo: Unlike many European and Asian countries, Australian resumes should NEVER include a photograph. Including one can actually hurt your chances as employers may perceive it as unprofessional or raise concerns about unconscious bias.
2. Length: 2-3 pages maximum for most roles. Senior executives may use 3-4 pages. Never exceed 4 pages.
3. No personal details: Do not include your age, date of birth, marital status, religion, nationality, or visa status on your resume. Australian anti-discrimination law prohibits employers from considering these factors.
4. Contact details: Include your full name, Australian mobile number, email address, and suburb/city (not full address). LinkedIn URL is optional but recommended.
5. Professional summary: Start with a 3-4 line summary of your experience, skills, and what you're looking for. Tailor this to each application.
6. Work experience: List in reverse chronological order (most recent first). For each role, include company name, your title, dates, and 3-5 bullet points describing your achievements (not just duties).
7. Education: List your qualifications including the institution, degree/qualification name, and year. If your qualification is from overseas, note the Australian equivalent if you've had it assessed.
8. Skills: Include technical skills, software proficiency, languages spoken, and any Australian certifications (RSA, White Card, First Aid, etc.).
9. References: Write "Available on request" — don't include referee details on the resume itself.

Common Resume Mistakes Migrants Make

• Using "CV" language: Australians call it a "resume" — using "CV" is fine in academic settings but "resume" is standard in most industries
• Including too much personal info: No photo, age, marital status, or nationality
• Generic applications: Each resume should be tailored to the specific job advertisement, using the same keywords from the job description
• Listing duties instead of achievements: Instead of "Responsible for managing a team," write "Led a team of 12, improving project delivery time by 25%"
• Overseas-only experience: If all your experience is overseas, consider adding any Australian volunteering, courses, or certifications to show local engagement

Writing a Cover Letter

Most Australian job applications expect a cover letter, even if it's not explicitly requested. A good cover letter can set you apart from other candidates, especially if you have less local experience.

Cover Letter Structure

• Opening paragraph: State which role you're applying for and where you saw it advertised. Mention one standout reason you're suited for the role.
• Middle paragraphs (1-2): Match your experience and skills to the key requirements in the job ad. Use specific examples and achievements. If you have Australian experience (even volunteering), highlight it.
• Closing paragraph: Express enthusiasm for the role and company. Mention your visa work rights (e.g., "I hold permanent residency with full work rights"). Provide your contact details and thank them for considering your application.

Keep the cover letter to one page (300-400 words). Address it to the hiring manager by name if possible — check LinkedIn or the company website. If you can't find a name, "Dear Hiring Manager" is acceptable.

Top Job Search Websites

Australia has several major job search platforms. Using multiple sites increases your visibility to employers.

Job Alert Strategy

Set up job alerts on Seek, Indeed, and LinkedIn with your target keywords. Apply within the first 48 hours of a job being posted — applications received early get significantly more attention. Most jobs receive the majority of applications within the first 3 days.

Networking & the Hidden Job Market

In Australia, it's estimated that 60-80% of jobs are never publicly advertised. They're filled through word of mouth, internal referrals, and recruitment agencies. This means networking is not optional — it's essential.

How to Build Your Network

• LinkedIn: Connect with people in your industry. Engage with posts, share articles, and message people for informational interviews. A well-maintained LinkedIn profile is your online resume.
• Industry events & meetups: Attend industry-specific events, conferences, and meetups. Websites like Meetup.com and Eventbrite list free and low-cost events in every city.
• Professional associations: Join the relevant professional body for your field (e.g., Engineers Australia, CPA Australia, Australian Computer Society). Many offer networking events, mentoring programs, and job boards.
• Community organisations: Cultural community groups, religious organisations, and settlement services often have employment networks and know about local opportunities.
• Volunteering: Volunteer in your field or a related area. It builds local experience, references, and connections — and many volunteers are offered paid positions.

Recruitment Agencies

Recruitment agencies are widely used in Australia, especially for temporary, contract, and specialised roles. Registering with agencies is free for job seekers — the employer pays the agency's fees.

Major Recruitment Agencies

• Hays: Professional, IT, construction, engineering, accounting
• Robert Half: Finance, accounting, technology, admin
• Michael Page: Professional and executive roles across industries
• Randstad: IT, engineering, finance, admin, trades
• Adecco: Admin, industrial, warehouse, customer service
• Chandler Macleod: Blue-collar, trades, labour hire
• Hudson: Professional services, finance, HR, marketing

How to Work with Agencies

• Register with 3-5 agencies that specialise in your field
• Attend the registration interview and bring your resume, ID, and qualifications
• Be upfront about your visa status and work rights
• Stay in regular contact — call every week or two to check for new opportunities
• Accept temporary or contract work — it often leads to permanent offers and builds your Australian experience

Skills Recognition & Qualifications

One of the biggest challenges for skilled migrants is getting their overseas qualifications and experience recognised in Australia. Depending on your profession, this can be straightforward or complex.

Regulated Professions

Some professions in Australia are regulated, meaning you MUST have your qualifications assessed and recognised before you can work. These include:

• Healthcare: Doctors (AMC), nurses (ANMAC), pharmacists, dentists, psychologists
• Engineering: Engineers Australia assessment required for many roles
• Teaching: State-based registration required (e.g., NESA in NSW, VIT in Victoria)
• Accounting: CPA, CA, or IPA assessment for professional roles
• Law: State-based admission process required to practice
• Trades: Trade qualifications assessment through TRA (Trades Recognition Australia)

Use our Skills Recognition tool to find out which assessing authority covers your profession and what steps you need to take.

Non-Regulated Professions

For non-regulated professions (IT, marketing, hospitality, retail, admin, etc.), formal qualification recognition is not required. However, having your qualifications assessed can help employers understand their Australian equivalence. You can get a general assessment through overseas qualification assessment services.

For details on how skills assessments work for PR and visa purposes, see our Skills Assessment Guide.

Work Rights by Visa Type

Your visa determines what kind of work you can do and how many hours you can work. It's important to know your rights — and employers are legally required to verify your work rights before hiring you.

Employers can verify your work rights using the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system. You may be asked to provide your VEVO check as part of the hiring process.

Australian Workplace Culture

Australian workplace culture has some distinct characteristics that may be different from what you're used to. Understanding these will help you fit in and make a good impression.

Informality

Australian workplaces are generally informal compared to many countries. First names are used almost universally — even with senior managers and directors. Casual dress codes are common outside of corporate environments. Don't mistake informality for lack of professionalism — Australians work hard but don't believe in unnecessary formality.

Direct Communication

Australians tend to communicate directly. In meetings, you're expected to speak up, share your opinion, and ask questions. Disagreeing with a superior is acceptable if done respectfully. This can be a significant adjustment if you come from a culture where hierarchy is more rigid.

Work-Life Balance

Australians value work-life balance highly. Standard full-time hours are 38 per week (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm). Working excessive overtime is not admired — it's often seen as a sign of poor time management. Most employees take their 4 weeks of annual leave, and "mental health days" are increasingly common.

Fair Go Culture

The concept of a "fair go" — giving everyone a fair chance — is deeply embedded in Australian culture. In the workplace, this means equal opportunity, anti-discrimination protections, and a belief that hard work should be rewarded regardless of background. If you feel you're being treated unfairly, the Fair Work Ombudsman provides free advice and support.

Workplace Rights

• National minimum wage: $24.10/hour (most industries have higher award rates)
• Annual leave: 4 weeks paid leave per year for full-time employees
• Sick leave: 10 days paid personal/carer's leave per year
• Superannuation: Employers must pay 11.5% of your salary into a super fund
• Unfair dismissal protection: After 6 months (or 12 months at small businesses), you're protected from unfair termination

Professional Year Programs

Professional Year (PY) programs are structured professional development programs specifically designed for international graduates in accounting, engineering, and IT. They combine formal learning with a 12-week internship at an Australian company.

Who Should Consider a Professional Year?

• International graduates looking for their first Australian work experience
• Skilled migrants wanting to earn additional 5 PR points
• Anyone struggling to get their first role due to lack of local experience

Key Details

• Duration: 44-52 weeks
• Cost: $12,000-18,000 (varies by provider)
• Fields: Accounting (CPA, CA, IPA), Engineering (Engineers Australia), IT (ACS)
• PR points: Completion earns 5 additional points for skilled migration
• Internship: 12-week mandatory internship component provides real Australian work experience

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to find a job in Australia as a migrant?

It varies widely. For roles in high-demand fields (healthcare, IT, trades), it can take 2-6 weeks. For professional roles requiring local experience, 3-6 months is common. Having your qualifications assessed, building a network, and getting Australian experience (even through volunteering) can significantly shorten the timeline.

Do I need "Australian experience" to get hired?

Many employers prefer it, but it's not always required. You can build local experience through volunteering, internships, short-term contracts through recruitment agencies, or a Professional Year program. Some employers, particularly in shortage areas, are happy to hire candidates with only overseas experience.

Can I work while waiting for my visa to be granted?

It depends on your bridging visa conditions. Bridging Visa A holders who had work rights on their previous visa usually retain work rights. Check the conditions on your bridging visa grant letter, or use the Department of Home Affairs VEVO system to verify.

Is it legal for employers to ask about my visa status?

Employers can (and should) verify that you have the right to work in Australia. However, they should not discriminate based on your visa type, nationality, or ethnicity. If you believe you've been discriminated against, contact the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Should I disclose my visa status in my resume?

Don't put it on your resume, but do mention it in your cover letter. A simple line like "I hold Australian permanent residency with full, unrestricted work rights" reassures employers without drawing unnecessary attention. For temporary visa holders, stating your visa type and work rights in the cover letter is also recommended.

What is the average time to hear back after applying?

For advertised roles, expect 1-3 weeks for a response if you're shortlisted. Many employers don't respond to unsuccessful applicants. If you haven't heard back after 2 weeks, a polite follow-up email is appropriate. For government roles, the process can take 4-8 weeks.

Are unpaid internships legal in Australia?

Generally, no. If you're doing productive work that would otherwise be done by a paid employee, you must be paid at least minimum wage. Unpaid internships are only legal if they're part of a formal education course or a genuine vocational placement. If you're asked to work unpaid outside these circumstances, it may be illegal — contact the Fair Work Ombudsman.