find work in aUSTRALIA

Finding work is one of the biggest steps in settling into life in Australia, and knowing where to start can make the process much easier. Whether you're exploring opportunities before you arrive or ready to apply now, this page will help you understand the job market and connect with potential employers.

aUSTRALIAN JOB BOARDS

Job boards are websites where employers in Australia post job openings. They are one of the most common ways to find work and apply for jobs online.

On a job board, you can search for jobs by location, job type, or keywords (for example, “cleaner”, “labourer”, or “customer service”). Once you find a job you like, you can read the details and apply by sending your resume, and sometimes a short cover letter.

Many job boards also let you create a profile, upload your resume, and set up job alerts. Job alerts will send you new job listings that match what you are looking for.

Using job boards can help you find more job opportunities, understand what employers are looking for, and apply for multiple jobs quickly. 



Below are all of Australia's major job boards - click on them to start your search now!

get ready to apply

RESUMES

A good resume is important when applying for jobs in Australia. It is the first thing an employer sees about you and clear resume can help you get an interview.

Your resume should be easy to read and well organised. Use simple English, short sentences, and clear headings. This helps employers understand your skills and work experience quickly.

Include your past jobs, your skills, and any work you are proud of. Even if your experience is from another country, it still matters. Try to show how your skills can match the job you want.

COVER LETTERS

A cover letter is a short letter you send with your resume when applying for a job. It introduces you to the employer and explains why you are interested in the job.

In a cover letter you should talk about your skills, work experience, and why you are a good fit for the role. It is your chance to show more of yourself that may not be in your resume.

Cover letters should be clear, easy to read, and one page long. They should be written specifically for the job you are applying for. 



A good cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and improve your chances of getting an interview

PREPARING FOR AN INTERVIEW

These interview tips will help you get ready for a job interview. They show you what to expect, how to answer questions, and how to talk about your skills with confidence. These tips are especially helpful if English is not your first language.

You will learn how to introduce yourself, explain your work experience, and talk about your visa and work rights clearly. You will also learn simple ways to show interest in the job and ask good questions at the end of the interview.



Good interview preparation can improve your chances of getting the job.

pay, tax and work rights

The Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) enforces Australian workplace laws and provides free advice to all workers — regardless of visa status or country of origin. As a PEV permanent resident, you have the exact same rights as any Australian citizen at work.

Your key rights at work:

• National Minimum Wage: $24.95/hr or $948/week (as of 1 July 2025, before tax)
  
• Industry award rates — many industries have rates above the minimum wage
  
• Paid annual leave, personal leave, and public holidays
  
• A payslip every time you are paid
  
• Superannuation contributions (~11.5% on top of your wages)
  
• Protection from unfair dismissal and workplace discrimination
  
• The right to join a union

Tax File Number

A Tax File Number (TFN) is essential. Without one, your employer must withhold tax from your wages at the highest possible rate (45%). Applying is free — apply directly through the ATO website and avoid third-party sites that charge a fee.

• Apply online via the ATO — search "TFN application ATO"
  
• Processing usually takes 28 days or less
  
• Keep your TFN private — do not share it unnecessarily

Superannuation

Superannuation, or “super,” is Australia’s compulsory and tax‑effective way of saving for retirement. Your employer must pay a percentage of your income into a super fund, and this money is invested so it can grow over your working life. You usually can’t access your super until you reach retirement age, which helps ensure you have financial security later on. The more you and your employer contribute over time, the more you’re likely to have when you retire. For most people, super starts automatically when they begin a job and their employer begins making these payments on top of their regular wages.

All Australian employers will have a default superannuation fund (or "nominated fund") in place that you may choose to join, or you can choose to join a different one.

Once you have chosen the super fund you want, give your employer the fund’s details if you are not using their default option (usually done by filling out a short form from the government or from the super fund). After you give the form to your employer, they start sending your super contributions to that fund automatically. You don’t need to do anything else once it’s set up.

Your chosen super fund invests and manages this money for you until you retire. Your super fund will offer you a range of investment options and account types to help you choose what's best for you and you can also make additional voluntary contributions up to a cap.

• It’s Your Money: Super is your money, designed to fund your life after you stop working.
  
• Employer Contribution: Employers are required to pay a percentage (12% as of July 2025) of your salary into your super fund.
  
• Growth & Tax: Super funds invest your money to generate returns, and it is usually taxed at a lower rate (15%) than income.
  
• Access: You generally access these funds when you reach your "preservation age" (usually between 55 and 60 depending on your birthdate).
  
• Choice: In most cases, you can choose which super fund you want your money to go into.
  
• Change: You can keep the same super fund when you change jobs, or you can switch to a different fund at any time and move your balance across if you prefer.