Everything students need to know about applying for a job in Australia

As an international student in Australia, you're allowed to work up to 40 hours every fortnight with no limits during specified term breaks.

Not only does this help students to meet accommodation and living costs, as it’s a great way to meet new people and to learn valuable skills. So, where do you begin?

Check out our handy guide on how to get a job in Australia below from writing a brilliant resume to creating a stand-out LinkedIn page. 

Perth, Australia

How to write a resume in Australia

What should I include in my resume?

• Your level of English and/or other language skills.
• Past employment which is relevant to the job position you are applying for.
• Past education which is relevant to the job position you are applying for. For example, this may include courses you have succeeded in or a qualification from your college and/or university.

We recommend that you prepare your resume before arriving in Australia. This will ensure that you have time to gather relevant proof of documents such as academic certificates and to ask previous employers for references.

What should I not include in my resume?

• Don’t include your referee’s details. Instead, write ‘reference available upon request’
• Don’t include unprofessional email addresses.
• You are under no obligation to include your marital status, disability, number of children, religion or passport details.​

You can find useful resume templates below:

Example resume for cleaning jobs 
Example resume for hospitality jobs 

How to find student jobs in Australia

There are a whole range of job opportunities to choose from in Australia. To narrow down your search, think about your previous experience, education and interests.

The most popular industries for international students are listed below:

• Hospitality (this may include hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars)
• Retail (this may include supermarkets, stores or markets)
• Tourism (this may include travel agencies or holiday resorts)
• Administration
• Sales and marketing​​
  

Below, find a list of useful websites where you can find student jobs in Australia:

Student Job Australia
Seek
Jobsearch.com.au
Careerone
Indeed   
LinkedIn  ​

How to create a LinkedIn page

Take a professional picture

​First impressions count so make sure to use a smart photograph for your LinkedIn profile. 

Introduce yourself

The ‘about’ section is the perfect opportunity to show future employers how great you are! Write a short, snappy and memorable summary about yourself - a couple of sentences is enough. Cover your strengths, interests and proudest achievements. 

Don’t forget to include your brilliant skills and voluntary work 

Often students forget to mention their voluntary efforts. In Australia, this is highly regarded and could well land you your dream job! Don’t be afraid to be proud of your work. If relevant, make sure to mention voluntary work on your resume too.

It’s also important to include your top skills on LinkedIn. When companies are looking to hire people, they will usually include the skills that they are looking for in a potential candidate.

LinkedIn will scour the site for people who have these skills so make sure to update your skillset in accordance to the jobs that you are applying for.

Ask for recommendations

Don’t be afraid to reach out to past colleagues, managers and supervisors to ask for a recommendation on LinkedIn. 

These act as references and if they impress prospective employers, will increase your chances of securing a great job.

Applying for hospitality jobs in Australia

Job opportunities in hospitality

• Waiting staff
  
• Bar staff
  
• Guest services
  
• Management
  
• Baristas
  
• Chefs 
  
• Sommeliers
  

Where can I find a hospitality job in Australia?

Stedmans
http://www.stedmans.com.au/

Troys Hospitality Staff
http://troys.com.au/

Nosh
http://www.nosh.com.au/

Frontline Hospitality Australia
http://www.frontlinehospitality.com.au
Empire Hospitality
http://www.empirehospitality.com.au/

Clifford Wallace
http://www.cliffordwallace.com.au/

Alseasons
http://www.alseasons.com.au/

Backpacker Job Board
http://www.backpackerjobboard.com.au

How do I apply for a hospitality job in Australia?

You can apply online for jobs in hospitality via the websites listed above but a lot of students find it more beneficial to drop their resume at local bars, restaurants and cafes.

An example resume template for hospitality jobs can be found here.

What to do I need for a hospitality job in Australia?

RSA training

In order to work on licensed premises (an organisation which sells alcohol), you must complete training in the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA). Without valid evidence that you have received this training, you may have to pay a heavy fine.

To find out how to complete your RSA training in your state, visit our dedicated guide.

RCG training

​In order to work in a registered facility which has gaming machines (such as a club or hotel), you must complete competency training in the Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG). 

Without valid evidence that you have received this training, you may have to pay a fine.

Once you have undertaken your RGA and or RSA training, you will need to apply for a photo competency card. To do so, you must have the below:

• Successfully completed an approved RSA or RCG training course
• Received an RSA or RCG Interim Certificate
• Not previously applied for a photo competency card

How to apply for a job in construction

In order to work in construction in Australia, you must have a white card. This is mutually recognised in all Australian states.

Who needs a white card in Australia?

• Labourers, tradespeople, managers, supervisors and surveyors
• Workers who access operational construction zones unaccompanied or not supervised by an inducted person
• Workers who must routinely enter operational construction zones for work

Note: your white card becomes void if you haven't carried out construction work for two consecutive years or more.

For further information, please visit australiawhitecard.com.au.

What do I need before getting a job in Australia?

You must obtain a Tax File Number (TFN) before being able to work in Australia. Our expert team can assist you with this if you need help.

What are my rights as an employee in Australia?

Every international student working in Australia has the same basic rights at work as any other Australian:

• Minimum wage
• A right to challenge unfair dismissal from work
• Breaks and rest periods
• A safe work environment

If you would like to learn more about your work rights, please visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website.

Student Visa Subclass 500 Conditions

We’ve broken down the working conditions of the Student Visa Subclass 500 below.

• You can start working once your course has started
• You can work up to 40 hours per fortnight while the course is in progress (there are no work limits during specified breaks offered by educational providers)
• You can work unlimited hours once the course finishes

Further information on the conditions of a Student Visa Subclass 500 can be found over on our blog.

Whether you have questions about applying for jobs, work rights or would like interview tips, please don’t hesitate to drop us an email.

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