How to find work

Job vacancies in newspapers

Job vacancies are advertised in the Positions Vacant part of the Classifieds section of newspapers (especially on Saturday and Wednesday). The job advertisement will usually tell you how to apply, and the name of a person to contact for further information. The Australian National Library website has links to several Australian newspapers.
See: Australian Newspapers Online (National Library of Australia)

Private employment agencies

Private employment agencies are listed in the Yellow Pages telephone directory - look under 'Employment Services' and 'Employment - Labour Hire Contractors'. They may be placement agencies that receive a fee from the employer for placing you. Alternatively they could be labour hire agencies that pay you and provide your services to another company or organisation. Many of these agencies have websites which advertise vacancies. You can register with more than one agency which can increase your chances of finding work.
See: Yellow Pages

Direct contact

If you know of a particular company or organisation you would like to work for, you can contact that employer directly. It is a common practice to approach them directly and ask if any work is available. You can do this by telephone, letter or a personal visit.

You can also ask friends and relatives if they know of any jobs available where they work. Many jobs are found this way, as many employers find new workers through people they already know. This is common in small or family businesses.

Searching the internet for jobs

Job vacancies can also be found on the internet. The listings will usually tell you how to apply, and the name of a person to contact for further information. Some sites may also allow you to apply for the vacancy online. The Australian Government provides the following service
See: Australian JobSearch (Department of Employment & Workplace Relations)

Who can help you find work

The Australian Government can also provide assistance to help people find work.

Job Network

Australian residents can register with a Job Network member, or with Centrelink (see below) who will refer you to a Job Network member. This is a free service.

Job Network is a network of private, community and government organisations, contracted by the Commonwealth Government to help people find employment. Offices are located in many city suburbs and major country areas.

Job Network can immediately help newly-arrived migrants, including those who are subject to the two-year waiting period for receipt of Centrelink benefits, to find a job through Job Matching.

Those who do not have a two-year waiting period such as refugees and humanitarian entrants, who have registered with Centrelink as looking for work can also be helped by the Job Network through:

Job Search Training to improve job search techniques
Intensive Assistance to improve the chances of the long-term unemployed or otherwise disadvantaged
the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme, a self-employment program which helps people put their business ideas into practice
You can contact the Job Network through the Job Seeker Hotline on 13 6268, or their website.
See:
Job Network
Income support and other government benefits (Life in Australia)

Centrelink

Centrelink registers job seekers for either Job Matching or for full Job Network services.

All job seekers can use the free Job Network Access self-help facilities in Centrelink offices, which include telephones, photocopiers, fax machines, computers and daily newspapers.

Centrelink offices are located in many city suburbs and major country centres. You can locate them using the White Pages telephone directory or on their website.
See: White Pages

Centrelink (Appointments)
Phone: 13 1021
Website: Contact us

Centrelink (Help in languages other than English)
Phone: 13 1202
Website: We speak your language
Migrant Resource Centres or Migrant Service Agencies

Your nearest Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) or Migrant Service Agency (MSA) can provide advice on finding work. Some MRCs or MSAs may also have specialist placement officers to help you find work.
See: How to contact Migrant Resource Centres and Migrant Service Agencies

Youth employment

Specialised assistance is available to help young people find work.
See: Youth information (Life in Australia)

Where to find work

Employment opportunities will depend on where you live or intend to live, and the demand for your skills and qualifications.

Labour market information

Researching labour market information will give you some idea of the occupations and industries available where you live or intend to live. The links below tell you what types of jobs are available in different cities, states or territories.
See:
Labour market information (myfuture)
Industry information (myfuture)
Occupation information (myfuture)
Migrants and the labour market (Australian WorkPlace)

Skills shortages

If you have skills or experience in occupations where there are skills shortages, your chances of finding work is improved.
See:
Migration Occupations in Demand List
Skill shortages (JobSearch)
Jobs with good prospects (JobSearch)
Where are the jobs? (myfuture)
National Skills Shortages List (Australian WorkPlace)
Job outlook (JobSearch)

Qualifications and skills

Some occupations have special requirements. This could include registration or licensing with a government authority and/or membership of a professional or industry association. You should find out what these are for your occupation before you plan to migrate or remain permanently in Australia.

Your professional skills and qualifications may also need to be formally recognised by the appropriate Australian authority before you are allowed to work in some jobs.

In some cases, a bridging course may be required to meet specific academic professional requirements for registration or membership of a professional body. This is additional training to ensure that your skills meet the standards required.

If you are required to take a bridging course, the Australian Government may provide a loan to help pay for tuition fees for certain professional courses.

For more information regarding recognition of skills and qualifications as well as bridging courses See:
National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition
Trades Recognition Australia
Bridging courses for Overseas-Trained Professionals