How to apply for a job in Australia

With its vibrant community, robust economy, and great weather, it’s no surprise Australia attracts jobseekers from around the world. If you’re looking to elevate your career path, developing an international portfolio could be the way forward — and Australia might be just the place for you.

That said, it’s not always easy to secure a job in Australia remotely. Recruitment firms can help streamline this process, guiding you with your career options in Australia, while finding you the best possible match for your skillset.

If you are looking for advice on how to find and apply for a job in Australia, the following tips and articles will help you get started on this next stage in your career.

Why should you consider working in Australia?

While COVID-19 continues to impact the world economies and job markets, Australia by comparison offers remarkable job opportunities.

Owing to its location and extensive public healthcare network, Australia dealt with the pandemic swiftly and effectively, leaving the job market relatively stable compared to the rest of the world. In fact, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics there was a spike in job ads mid-way through 2021.

International jobseekers who find work in Australia will benefit from being offered extensive employee rights and workplace protection while under employment. Since wages in Australia are high by global standards, working in Australia also offers a comfortable standard of living and a high-quality lifestyle.

Deciding what city or area you are most interested in is an important step in your job search process. Depending on what you value in your lifestyle, there’s something for everyone in Australia, but it’s important to know where to find it.

Related: Find out more about living and working in Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.

How has COVID impacted Australia’s job market?

With less talent migrating to Australia compared to before the pandemic, there has been a notable shortage in skilled talent, especially in the finance, tech, and recruitment sectors. In other words, while there are enough jobs available, there simply aren’t enough qualified candidates in Australia to fill roles within these sectors.

According to recent research from Deloitte Access Economics, 30% less tech skilled temporary migrants arrived in Australia throughout the financial year of 2019-20 compared to the previous year. With the world shifting to an increasingly digitised workspace, the demand for tech candidates remains incredibly steep.

Meanwhile, the same research found that Australia will need to upskill an extra 200,000 tech workers by 2026 to meet market demand — and there simply isn’t enough domestic talent to cover the shortage, further highlighting the opportunities for skilled international talent.

Related: Here are the top 10 jobs in demand in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney.

How to apply for a job in Australia

A good place to start is researching your current role and industry in Australia to get an idea of what to expect.

To know more about salaries and remuneration for a range of roles in Australia, plus industry insights, head to the Robert Half Salary Guide.

What documentation will I need to work in Australia?

To work in Australia, you will need a visa. The type of visa you require will depend on your skillset, whether you plan to stay in Australia long term or temporarily, and whether or not your employer is willing to sponsor your visa.

The Australian government provides information on visa types and requirements. Head to Working in Australia for more details and use the ‘Explore visa options’ tool to find out which visa fits your needs. Visa applications can be submitted online through an ImmiAccount.

Naturally, the application process depends on what type of visa you apply for; however, some visas require you to pass a skill assessment to work in Australia to ensure your skills meet set standards to work in a particular occupation. Obtaining a skills assessment is mandatory for some visas, so be sure to do your research.

Acquiring a sponsor for your employment in Australia is not mandatory, but it can aid in your ability to secure a working visa. The government offers a SkillSelect program that allows you to make an expression of interest (EOI) that matches your skills with a suitable employer. This allows skilled workers interested in migrating to Australia to record their details so they can be considered for a skilled working visa. Note that the visa application is independent of your EOI.

Lastly, upon arriving in Australia, be sure to apply for a Tax File Number (TFN), a unique number that identifies you for tax and superannuation purposes. To apply, you’ll need your passport or travel document number and a local postal address to which your TFN can be mailed.

Preparing your job history for Australian employers and recruiters

Reformatting your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile to suit an Australian employer shows an attention to detail. Familiarise yourself with the Australian-style resume, and be sure to use Australian spelling. Additionally, update and optimise your LinkedIn profile to make a good first impression, as well as streamline any applications that let you import information from LinkedIn.

Also be sure to identify and highlight any in-demand qualifications or skills you possess that might attract employers. As mentioned earlier, do note that some certifications may need to be transferred to local certifications.

Naturally, working in Australia requires a good command of English. Some employers and visas might even require that you prove your English language proficiency with an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score or equivalent.

Related: Why not consider a career in recruitment? Recruitment is a highly rewarding career as you will partner with businesses and jobseekers to help them meet their company goals and build a thriving career.

What does working in Australia look like?

Working in Australia affords a comfortable work-life balance. Depending on your employer, most full-time workers will generally have a typical 9 to 5 workday plus four weeks of annual leave. Depending on the industry you work, you may be required to work overtime or outside of these normal operational hours.

The concept of a ‘fair go’ is an intrinsic part of Australia’s workplace identity where everyone is treated fairly and expected to offer that same respect to others. Another Australian idiom is the ‘laid-back’ culture (or relaxed attitude) towards stricter workplace formalities – however this is not reflected in Australian workplace and anti-discrimination laws which are firm towards protecting a safe working environment for all.

You may also find the local lingo extends in direct conversations in the workplace, with most Australians preferring to speak their mind or share their opinions. However, humour and office banter are still a regular part of workplace interactions.

Australia is a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds, so inclusivity and diversity are popular topics in today’s workforce with many companies striving towards equality and fairness.

How can Robert Half help me find a job in Australia?

With decades of experience in the recruitment sector, and offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Mount Waverley, Brisbane and Perth, Robert Half can assist candidates with a wide range of job opportunities if you are eligible to work in Australia.

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To start your job search journey, search for available jobs in Australia or submit your resume today.