starting your career in australia: job search tips for newcomers.

Looking to work in Australia? Whether you’ve just arrived on a working holiday visa, studying as an international student, or moving here as a skilled migrant, Australia offers plenty of opportunity - but the job market works differently here. 

To help you land a role quickly, here’s a valuable guide on how to find a job in Australia, how Australian recruitment works and how to stand out to employers.

1. use the right australian resume format

Australian employers expect short, skills-focused resumes (we call them CVs), usually:

• 1–2 pages maximum
• No photo, date of birth or marital status
• Achievements in bullet points, not just duties
• Work experience listed in reverse chronological order

Tip: If you don’t yet have Australian experience, highlight transferrable skills and add any volunteering, internships or certifications you’ve gained locally. Add a line like: “Eligible to work full-time on [Visa Type] (valid until 2026)” - as it removes doubt for employers.

Need help? Read: How to write a winning resume 

2. build local credibility and show commitment

One challenge international jobseekers face is employer hesitation - they’re unsure if you’ll stay and want to know you’re settled, committed and available. You can overcome this by:

• Clearly listing your Australian address and mobile number on your CV
• Getting a local referee quickly - a course trainer, temp supervisor or volunteer coordinator
• Completing short Australian-recognised certificates like:
  • RSA (hospitality/alcohol service licence)
  • White Card (construction site safety)
  • First Aid/CPR
• Consider getting a Police Check or Working With Children Check - they’re affordable, easy to apply for online and instantly boost trust with employers across multiple industries.
• Joining industry associations, student networks or Meetups to show involvement

3. apply where the demand is - not just the obvious

If you’re flexible, you’ll get hired faster.

Bonus Tip: Don’t overlook regional or rural areas. Remote and regional employers often struggle to hire, especially in healthcare, agriculture, education and hospitality - meaning higher-paid roles, accommodation options and even visa sponsorship incentives.

4. know where to search - and where to be seen

Search all the major job platforms in Australia including SEEK, Indeed, LinkedIn, Jora, and Backpacker Job Board.

But here’s the real secret - many roles never get advertised at all - they’re filled through recruiters or referrals. Register with a specialist recruitment agency like Randstad Australia. 

Specialist recruiters know which employers are open to sponsoring visas, hiring international talent, or willing to take on candidates without local experience. You’ll also ensure your profile is seen by multiple hiring managers instantly.

5. be open-minded - your first job isn’t forever

Many newcomers land their ideal role after starting in temp, contract or part-time roles. Why? Once you’ve proven you’re reliable, employers are more willing to:

• Offer full-time contracts
• Sponsor visas (in some industries)
• Promote you internally.

Your first Australian job is a stepping stone - not your final destination.

6. network — even if you don’t know anyone here

As many jobs in Australia are filled before they’re even advertised, to get ahead:

• Connect with recruiters and hiring managers on LinkedIn
• Join industry Facebook groups, Meetup events, or local community groups
• Attend job fairs, networking events, or free training programs in your city.
• Remember that even a 5-minute coffee catch-up can turn into a job lead.