Finding Your First Job in Australia as a New Migrant

Understand Your Visa Work Rights

Before job hunting, confirm what you're legally allowed to do. Your visa has conditions.

Permanent resident visas (189, 190):
- Full work rights without restrictions
- Can work full-time or part-time
- Can change employers freely
- No sponsorship requirement

Partner visas (300, 801, 802):
- Full work rights from visa grant
- Can work full-time or part-time
- Can change employers freely

Temporary skilled visas (482, 491, 485):
- Work rights usually restricted to nominated employer or occupation
- Check your Visa Conditions Record on ImmiAccount
- Sponsorship is linked—changing jobs needs approval
- Maximum work hours may apply

Student visas:
- Can work up to 40 hours per week during semester
- Full-time work during official breaks
- Cannot work if study status is cancelled

Visitor visas:
- No work permitted (most circumstances)
- Visiting family or holidays only

Check your conditions: Log into ImmiAccount or read your visa grant letter. Never assume. Breaking work conditions can lead to visa cancellation.

Getting Your Tax File Number (TFN)

You need a TFN to work legally. Employers must have it before paying you.

Apply online:
1. Visit ato.gov.au
2. Go to "Apply for a Tax File Number"
3. Complete the application (takes 15 minutes)
4. You'll get a TFN immediately or within 2 weeks

Bring your TFN to your first day of work. Employers ask for it in your first paycheck paperwork.

Job Search Platforms

Seek (seek.com.au) – Australia's largest job board
- 60% of jobs posted here
- Advanced filtering (location, salary, industry, experience level)
- Create alerts for specific roles
- Research company reviews and salaries
- Free to job seekers

Indeed (au.indeed.com) – Global platform, strong in Australia
- Similar functionality to Seek
- Often overlapping listings
- Resume storage and alerts
- Free to job seekers

LinkedIn (linkedin.com) – Professional network plus job board
- Search roles filtered by network connection
- See who you know at target companies
- Company research and employee reviews
- Many recruiters recruit via LinkedIn directly

Industry-specific boards:
- tech.seek.com.au (tech roles)
- health.seek.com.au (healthcare roles)
- adzuna.com.au (aggregates multiple job boards)
- jora.com (aggregator)

Recommended approach: Start with Seek and LinkedIn. Set alerts for your job title and location. Check daily.

Using Recruitment Agencies

Recruitment agencies connect job seekers with employers. They're free for you.

How they work:
1. You register (resume, skills, preferences)
2. Agency searches for matching roles
3. Agency refers you to employers
4. You interview and (hopefully) get hired
5. Agency earns commission from employer (not you)

Best agencies by sector:
- Tech: Heidrick & Struggles, Robert Half, Myer & Partners
- Finance/Accounting: Robert Half, Hudson, Michael Page
- Healthcare: Nurse Next Door, Aged Care Jobs
- Hospitality: Hospitality Staff Australia, SilverChef
- General: Adecco, Randstad, Kelly Services

Tips for agencies:
- Register with 2–3 local agencies
- Keep your resume current with them
- Reply promptly to job referrals
- Build a relationship with your recruiter
- Ask about jobs not advertised publicly

Warning: Avoid paying "registration fees" to agencies. Legitimate agencies are free.

Networking

An estimated 70% of Australian jobs are filled via referral or networking, not public job boards.

Active networking:
1. LinkedIn: Connect with colleagues from previous jobs, university classmates, and industry professionals. Engage with posts, comment thoughtfully, share your own insights.

2. Industry events: Attend conferences, meetups, and industry dinners. Introduce yourself, swap contact details, follow up via email.

3. Professional associations: Join industry groups (Australian Marketing Institute, Australian Chartered Accountants, etc.). Attend member events.

4. Alumni networks: Reconnect with university classmates. Universities often have expat communities in Australia.

5. Community groups: Attend cultural, hobby, or sports groups. Many jobs come through informal connections.

6. Informational interviews: Ask people in your field for 15-minute coffee chats. Learn about their role, industry trends, and ask for advice.

Networking script (email or LinkedIn message):
```
Hi [Name],

I saw your work in [their field/company] and was impressed. I'm relocating to Sydney
in March and would love to learn more about your experience in [industry/role]. Would
you have 15 minutes for a coffee chat?

Thanks, [Your name]
```

Most people say yes to informational interviews. You're not asking for a job; you're asking to learn. This often leads to job opportunities naturally.

Fair Work Rights

Australia has strong employment protections. Understanding your rights is critical.

Minimum wage:
- National Minimum Wage: AUD 23.23 per hour (2024)
- Award rates (by industry): Usually higher than minimum
- Example: Hospitality award is ~AUD 26–28/hour; accounting award is higher

Maximum hours:
- Standard working week: 38 hours
- Overtime: Hours beyond 38 must be paid additional (varies by award)
- Full-time: 38 hours per week minimum
- Part-time: Fewer hours but must be regular and paid per award

Contracts:
- You should receive a written employment contract before starting
- It must outline: role, pay, hours, leave entitlements, notice period
- Read carefully before signing

Leave entitlements (full-time employees):
- Annual leave: 4 weeks (20 days) paid per year
- Sick leave: 10 days paid per year
- Public holidays: Paid (varies by state, typically 10–12 per year)
- Long service leave: Accrues after 10 years (13 weeks in most states)
- Parental leave: 12+ weeks paid (varies by company)

Unfair dismissal:
- You can't be fired without valid reason
- Small dismissals (less than 12 months service in small businesses) have fewer protections
- If fired unfairly, you can claim through the Fair Work Commission

Discrimination:
- Illegal to discriminate based on: race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, family status, national origin
- If discriminated against, report to the Fair Work Commission

Step-by-Step Job Search Plan

Week 1:
- Apply for TFN
- Set up or update LinkedIn profile
- Create accounts on Seek and Indeed
- Identify 3–4 target companies and roles

Week 2:
- Set up job alerts on Seek and LinkedIn
- Register with 2–3 recruitment agencies
- Start applying to 5–10 roles
- Research company reviews (Glassdoor, LinkedIn)

Week 3:
- Continue applying (aim for 10+ applications weekly)
- Network: message 5 people on LinkedIn for informational chats
- Attend an industry event or meetup
- Follow up on applications (phone or email after 1 week if no response)

Week 4 onward:
- Maintain applications and networking
- Interview preparation (practice with friends, research companies)
- Respond quickly to recruiter inquiries
- Stay positive—first job typically takes 4–8 weeks

Interview Preparation

Australian interviews are typically friendly and informal, but professional.

Before the interview:
- Research the company thoroughly (website, recent news, LinkedIn)
- Practice common questions: "Tell me about yourself," "Why do you want this role?", "What are your strengths?"
- Prepare 2–3 stories demonstrating key skills (use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result)
- Prepare 3–5 questions to ask the interviewer

During the interview:
- Arrive 10 minutes early (5 minutes late is rude)
- Dress one step above the job (business casual minimum)
- Be friendly and conversational; Australians value approachability
- Use examples to support your answers
- Ask thoughtful questions about the role and company culture

After the interview:
- Send a thank-you email within 24 hours
- Reiterate your interest and a key point from your conversation
- Wait 1 week before following up (unless they gave you a timeline)

Common Pitfalls

Applying to every job regardless of fit: Focus on jobs that match your skills. Quality over quantity.

Not tailoring your resume and cover letter: Use different applications for different jobs. Employers spot generic letters.

Not following application instructions: If a job asks for cover letter and references, provide them. Following instructions matters.

Waiting passively for responses: Take initiative. Follow up, network, attend events.

Overlooking visa conditions: Break visa work conditions and lose your visa. Always check first.

Not negotiating salary: The first offer isn't always the best. Research fair pay for your role and location, then negotiate.

Ignoring red flags: If an interview feels uncomfortable or a company seems disorganised, trust your gut. Better opportunities will come.

Underestimating the power of relationships: Your network is your net worth. Invest time in relationships.

Salary Expectations by Field

Tech/IT: AUD 70k–120k+ (entry), AUD 100k–180k+ (mid-level)

Finance/Accounting: AUD 60k–100k (entry), AUD 90k–150k (mid-level)

Healthcare (nurses): AUD 60k–80k, shift penalties increase earnings

Education: AUD 65k–95k (teachers), AUD 70k–120k (senior roles)

Hospitality/Retail: AUD 45k–60k + tips/penalties, mostly part-time

Research your field on Seek or Glassdoor for local data. Salaries vary by location, experience, and company size.

Practical Next Steps

1. This week: Get your TFN. Set up LinkedIn, Seek, Indeed. Identify 3–5 target companies.
2. Next week: Register with recruitment agencies. Apply to 10+ jobs. Message 5 people on LinkedIn.
3. Next 2 weeks: Attend an industry event or meetup. Do informational interviews. Follow up on applications.
4. Interview stage: Prepare thoroughly. Research companies. Practice answers.
5. Job offer: Review contract, negotiate salary, negotiate start date to allow for admin setup.

Key Contacts

- Fair Work Australia: fairwork.gov.au or 13 13 94
- ATO (TFN application): ato.gov.au
- Seek job board: seek.com.au
- Indeed job board: au.indeed.com
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com
- Glassdoor: glassdoor.com.au (salary research and reviews)