Australia is a target for job seekers from all over the world because of its strong market, high standard of living and beautiful environment. Applying for jobs at Down Under is an intense and exciting process. This effort will feel worth it when you get a job in Australia.
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Part 1 of 4: Getting a Work Visa
Step 1. Read about company-sponsored work visas
If you want to get a job before completing visa application, choose a company sponsored visa. If you have the relevant competencies, potential employers will sponsor you.
This is one of the two main categories of work visas in Australia
Step 2. Consider a points-based visa
To get this visa, you must pass a test that determines your skills and how well you qualify as a job candidate. This is the second category of work visa.
- The test may feel scary. Be prepared by finding out about interview requirements and techniques. Stay calm during the interview and be friendly. Show you can contribute to Australia!
- This visa, and each visa category and subcategory, has unique requirements, but all work visas require you to be less than 50 years old and proficient in English. Try learning to use English before applying for a work visa. You can take local classes or study online. You will live in a country where English is the primary language. So, this is an important skill to master!
Step 3. Complete the “Expression of Interest” (EOI) via SkillSelect
EOI is not a visa application, but a way to attract the attention of companies and government institutions that may be sponsoring your visa. If you have attractive skills and qualities, a company or government institution may nominate you for the right work visa.
- You must complete the EOI to apply for a visa on a test basis.
- The full EOI is not required, but is available to applicants for company-sponsored visas.
- For more information, go to SkillSelect at
Step 4. Meet the health and language requirements
Before completing the registration, go to the doctor to get a complete record of the results of the medical examination. You will also have to demonstrate proficiency in English through certain recognized tests.
- Look for English classes offered in your area. Go to a local clinic for recommendations from a doctor who can examine you. Let your teachers and doctors know that you are getting ready to apply for an Australian visa and they will be happy to help you!
- For information on health requirements, visit
- For test information and language score requirements, visit
Step 5. Make sure your qualifications are recognized in Australia
Read the Australian Skills Recognition Information website to find out if your qualifications should be reconfirmed by a particular professional organization. Depending on your profession and place of education, you may have to take additional courses or education. Don't think of this as an additional test. It's a way of proving your skills will be of use at home and in Australia.
It would be very helpful if you could describe your qualifications using the Australian qualification equivalent
Step 6. Maximize your chances of getting a visa
It will be more difficult to get a visa if you do not meet the qualifications of a skilled migrant worker. So concentrate on showing that you are an attractive candidate. Gain professional qualifications or work experience before applying. If you are not fluent in English, consider taking a language course at a trusted service provider.
- Several visa subcategories are regionally focused. Ask if you can apply for a visa for an area with low job competition or an area that requires certain jobs.
- If the process of getting a visa seems daunting, don't worry; many people feel this way! Take the time to understand the details of the procedure by searching online for information or asking in person at the Australian Embassy. Read the Australian Government website for useful information.
Step 7. Enter the visa application
If you need a visa to work in Australia, this is your top priority! Potential employers will ask about your immigration status. Having a visa (or going through the visa application process) is a requirement for most job openings.
- You can apply online at
- Remember, priority will be given to people who have the skills, qualifications and experience for unfilled jobs. So polish your resume and highlight your strengths!
Part 2 of 4: Looking for Other Visa Options
Step 1. View visas for recently graduated students or Temporary Graduate Visas
If you are a foreign national who recently graduated from a higher education institution in Australia, you are in luck: you may be eligible for a special visa that will allow you to live and work in Australia. You must be under 50 years of age, hold a valid visa (eg student visa), meet language and education requirements, and possess relevant skills.
- There are two visa pathways available to freshly graduated students based on factors such as your skills and track record in Australia.
- For information on and materials for applying for a Temporary Graduate Visa, see
Step 2. Consider a holiday work visa
Maybe you are under the age of thirty and want to travel around Australia and work to cover your expenses while traveling. In this case, you may be eligible for a Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462) or Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417). These visas can allow you to live and work in Australia for up to one year.
You must not bring children and have sufficient cash (approximately AUD5,000 or IDR 5,360,000) to cover expenses and return tickets. Read application details and terms at
Step 3. Watch out for scams
There are lots of visa scammers out there so be careful when someone offers to help you get an Australian work visa. The Australian Government provides an up-to-date and common list of scams at https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa/migration-fraud-and-scams. For example, don't be fooled by calls asking for immediate payment for visa extensions and be wary of promises of getting visas and jobs in Australia (for an upfront fee) on job vacancies. Use your common sense and obey the information on the Australian Government website; links ending in “.gov.au”!
It is illegal to ask for financial compensation to nominate or sponsor someone. In other words, potential employers in Australia may not ask for payment before sponsoring or deduct wages after you are sponsored. You may have to pay a professional service fee. This is allowed. Check with the authorized officer at the Australian Embassy office for the legal status of a particular payment
Part 3 of 4: Finding a Job and Preparing for Enrollment
Step 1. Select an industry or economic sector
If you haven't chosen an industry, choose wisely! The main industries in Australia are agriculture, mining, tourism and manufacturing. Mining, financial services, tourism and telecommunications are the industries with the greatest growth in recent years. This means the industry offers job opportunities and security!
Watch the “Skills Australia Needs” event or information booth at a skilled worker migration conference
Step 2. Search for vacancies methodically and diligently
Millions of vacancies are announced online. You can use regular job search websites or government-supported sites. If you get too much information and opportunities, concentrate on your industry, occupation or area of preference and use those preferences to filter information. You will soon find potential vacancies.
- Check job vacancies in Australian newspapers for jobs that are not posted online. Check out popular newspapers like The Age (Melbourne), Sydney Morning Herald (Sydney), The Courier-Mail (Brisbane) and The West Australian (Perth).
- For information about vacancies in a specific organization, read the recruitment section on the company's website.
Step 3. “Aussiefy” your CV
Use Australian style when writing your CV (in Australia, a CV is called a résumé). Your CV won't look very different from CVs in other countries, but there are some key differences. For example, Australian CVs are generally longer than US CVs. You will have more places to mention your experience and abilities.
- While Australian CVs are generally longer, they highlight important information on the first page. Use categories such as "Career Summary" (short statement), " Key Skills," " Key Qualifications," and sometimes " Key Training " and/or " Key Affiliations."
- Search online for examples or patterns of Australian CVs and cover letters. Don't just copy someone's CV format, but use it as inspiration to make your CV feel “Aussie” and reflect your unique strengths.
Step 4. Take the time to write a cover letter that is relevant to the job you are applying for
A cover letter of a general nature will not attract the attention of employers anywhere. So try to tailor your cover letter to the job you're applying for. Emphasize that you have obtained a permit to work in Australia or are in the process of applying. Include an Australian address and telephone number in your CV if possible.
Part 4 of 4: Applying and Getting a Job
Step 1. Use your contacts
Even today, many jobs are not advertised through the media or online. So, your contacts are the key! Take advantage of networking opportunities and grow your network by joining certain professional associations. If you find a contact within a particular company, contact that contact when you apply for a job. Maybe this will make your CV prioritized.
No matter where you meet your contacts, a network of contacts is an important key to finding and getting a job
Step 2. Send CV and cover letter
Send to every potential employer and recruitment agency in your destination. Speculative applications of this kind are common in Australia. So take a chance and sign up even when there are no job advertisements especially if you are already in touch with someone in your network.
When in doubt, send registration. Remember, at this stage, your goal is to get an interview. You have nothing to lose by doing this
Step 3. Follow up
If you do not receive confirmation of registration, contact the human resources department. Feel free to contact the company if you haven't received a reply after two weeks.
This is a common practice in Australia and is not considered disrespectful behavior. This actually shows your enthusiasm and determination to get the job
Step 4. Plan to attend an on-site interview
If you are called for an interview, try coming to Australia. Few potential employers are willing to cooperate without face-to-face. However, you can suggest an interview via video conferencing (e.g., Skype) if you can't make it in person. Bring (or send) a copy of the work visa and references for prospective employers to examine.
- When it comes to interviews, Australian companies like punctuality, optimism and the ability to show examples to illustrate a certain point. So you need to be on time, excited, and ready to set an example!
- They also want to know your personality by asking about your hobbies, strengths and weaknesses, etc. Be yourself and show that you fit into their company.
Tips
- Find out about the cost of living and calculate your finances before negotiating a salary or wage. (Don't forget to factor in taxes.)
- Be patient and find a job as early as possible. The average time to find a job is eight weeks. So, get started as soon as possible! However, don't apply for a job that you can enter more than 12 weeks later. By doing this, you can tell your employer that you can start working in a few months.
