How to Find Your First Job in Australia (2026 Guide)
Everything I Wish I Knew When I First Arrived
Moving to Australia is exciting. Whether you’re coming on a Working Holiday Visa, a Student Visa, or as a skilled migrant, there’s one thing that quickly becomes very important after you land:
Finding a job.
I learned that lesson very quickly.
When I first arrived in Australia in 2020, I was shocked by how expensive everything was.
Back home, I had saved what I thought was a decent amount of money. But after arriving in Australia, I realized the cost of living was roughly 1.5 times higher than what I was used to.
My bank account wasn’t unlimited.
I was staying in a backpackers hostel that cost me $450 for two weeks in a six-person dorm room. Every day that passed meant more money disappearing from my account.
I needed a job. Fast.
It didn’t matter whether I had come to Australia for travel, work, study, or adventure. The reality was simple:
Without income, your Australian dream can become stressful very quickly.
Today, I’ll share exactly how I found work, what mistakes I made, and the methods that actually work in Australia.
The Biggest Mistake New Arrivals Make
When most people first arrive in Australia, they naturally look for help from people from their own country.
And honestly?
That’s completely understandable.
You don’t know the system.
Your English might not be great.
You don’t know where to start.
You want someone who understands your situation.
That’s why many new arrivals immediately join ethnic community groups, Facebook groups, KakaoTalk groups, WhatsApp groups, WeChat groups, or local community forums.
These communities can be useful.
In fact, they are often the fastest place to find your first job.
But here’s the warning I wish somebody had given me:
Don’t trust everyone simply because they’re from your home country.
Finding work through community groups is easy.
Sometimes a little too easy.
Unfortunately, some employers specifically target new arrivals who don’t understand Australian workplace laws.
These employers know that:
- You don’t know your rights.
- You don’t know minimum wages.
- You don’t know penalty rates.
- You don’t know overtime rules.
- You may be afraid to complain.
Of course, not everyone is like this.
Many employers are honest, hardworking people who genuinely help newcomers.
But enough bad operators exist that you should be careful.
One of the most important lessons I learned in Australia is this:
Knowing your rights is often worth thousands of dollars.
The difference between a fair employer and an unfair employer can literally mean earning tens of thousands of dollars more over a year.
Before Looking for Work: Set Up the Basics
Before applying for jobs, make sure you’ve completed these essentials.
1. Get Your TFN
A Tax File Number (TFN) is essential.
Most employers will ask for it.
Without a TFN, you may face significantly higher tax withholding rates.
Apply as soon as possible after arriving.
2. Open an Australian Bank Account
Your wages will be paid directly into your Australian bank account.
Popular options include:
- Commonwealth Bank
- NAB
- ANZ
- Westpac
If you’re interested, I already shared my experience opening my first Australian bank account in another guide.
3. Create an Australian Resume
Australian resumes are often different from resumes in many other countries.
Some important points:
Keep it simple
Australian employers generally prefer:
- Clear formatting
- Easy-to-read layout
- Relevant experience
Fancy graphics usually don’t help.
No photo needed
Unlike some countries, photos are generally unnecessary.
Many employers actually prefer resumes without photos.
Focus on experience
Even if your previous work experience wasn’t in Australia, include it.
Experience shows reliability.
The Best Ways to Find Your First Job in Australia
Let’s talk about what actually works.
Method 1: Community Groups (Fastest but Riskiest)
As mentioned earlier, community groups are often the fastest way to get work.
Typical jobs include:
- Kitchen hand
- Cleaner
- Farm worker
- Delivery driver
- Warehouse worker
- Retail assistant
Advantages:
- Fast hiring
- Minimal experience required
- Often easier for people with limited English
Disadvantages:
- Some employers underpay workers
- Cash jobs may create visa or tax issues
- Employment conditions can vary greatly
Before accepting any job, ask:
- What’s the hourly rate?
- Is it casual, part-time, or full-time?
- Are superannuation contributions included?
- Is tax deducted?
If the employer avoids answering these questions, be cautious.
Method 2: SEEK
If you’re serious about building a career in Australia, SEEK should be your first stop.
SEEK is Australia’s largest employment platform.
You’ll find jobs in:
- Hospitality
- Construction
- Retail
- Administration
- Healthcare
- IT
- Trades
- Professional services
Create a profile and upload your resume.
Set job alerts.
Apply consistently.
Many people submit a few applications and then give up.
That’s a mistake.
Treat job applications like a job itself.
Apply every day.
Method 3: Indeed
Indeed is another major platform used throughout Australia.
Some jobs appear on Indeed before appearing anywhere else.
Many smaller businesses prefer Indeed because it’s easy to use.
Use both SEEK and Indeed simultaneously.
Never rely on only one platform.
Method 4: Walking Into Businesses
This method still works surprisingly well.
Especially in hospitality.
Restaurants, cafes, and takeaway shops often need staff urgently.
Print several copies of your resume.
Dress neatly.
Walk in during non-busy hours.
Introduce yourself politely.
Ask if they’re hiring.
You won’t get hired everywhere.
But all it takes is one yes.
Method 5: Facebook Groups
Many local employers advertise on Facebook.
Search terms such as:
- Sydney Jobs
- Melbourne Jobs
- Brisbane Hospitality Jobs
- Perth Jobs
- Working Holiday Australia Jobs
You can often find:
- Casual shifts
- Weekend work
- Immediate-start positions
Again, verify everything before accepting a role.
Industries That Hire Beginners
If you have little Australian experience, don’t worry.
Everyone starts somewhere.
These industries frequently hire newcomers.
Hospitality
Examples:
- Kitchen hand
- Dishwasher
- Waitstaff
- Barista
- Food runner
Hospitality is one of the easiest entry points.
Especially in major cities.
Cleaning
Cleaning jobs are common.
You may work in:
- Offices
- Hotels
- Shopping centres
- Schools
Many employers provide training.
Warehousing
Warehouses regularly hire:
- Pick packers
- Sorters
- General labourers
These jobs often pay reasonably well.
Construction Labouring
Construction can pay significantly more than many entry-level jobs.
However:
- Physical fitness helps.
- Safety training may be required.
A White Card is usually necessary.
Farming
Farm work remains popular among Working Holiday Visa holders.
Many regional areas need workers during harvest seasons.
Some farm work may count toward visa extension requirements.
Always verify current visa requirements before accepting work.
Understanding Australian Pay Rates
This is extremely important.
Many newcomers unknowingly accept wages below legal minimum rates.
You should always know:
- Base hourly rate
- Weekend rates
- Public holiday rates
- Overtime rates
If something seems suspiciously low, investigate further.
A common trap is hearing:
“This is normal.”
That doesn’t make it legal.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Here are warning signs.
“Cash Only”
Not always illegal.
But proceed carefully.
Ask questions.
Understand exactly how you’ll be paid.
No Payslips
Australian employees should generally receive payslips.
No payslip can indicate problems.
Extremely Low Wages
If everyone else earns $25-$35 per hour and you’re offered far less, investigate why.
Threats About Visas
No employer should use your visa status to pressure or intimidate you.
This is a major red flag.
How Many Jobs Should You Apply For?
More than you think.
Many newcomers expect:
- 5 applications
- 10 applications
- 20 applications
And then become discouraged.
Realistically, many successful job seekers submit:
- 50 applications
- 100 applications
- Sometimes more
Don’t take rejection personally.
It’s normal.
Improving Your Chances
Get Local References
Australian employers love references.
Even one local reference can help.
Improve Your English
You don’t need perfect English.
But better communication creates more opportunities.
Every improvement matters.
Be Flexible
Many people only want:
- Day shifts
- City jobs
- High wages
At the beginning, flexibility can open doors.
Sometimes your first job isn’t your dream job.
That’s okay.
Its purpose is to get you started.
My Advice After Years in Australia
If I could go back and speak to my younger self in that backpackers hostel in 2020, worried about money and desperately searching for work, I’d say this:
Don’t panic.
Australia is a country with opportunities.
But opportunities usually don’t appear overnight.
Apply consistently.
Learn your rights.
Avoid employers who take advantage of newcomers.
Improve your English.
Meet people.
Network.
Keep showing up.
Most importantly, remember that your first job in Australia is rarely your last job.
The dishwasher becomes a chef.
The kitchen hand becomes a manager.
The labourer becomes a business owner.
The student becomes a professional.
The working holiday traveller builds a long-term life here.
Everyone starts somewhere.
Your first Australian job isn’t the destination.
It’s simply the first step.
Final Thoughts
Finding your first job in Australia can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with a new country, a new culture, and sometimes a new language.
But thousands of people successfully do it every year.
Focus on the fundamentals:
- Get your TFN.
- Open a bank account.
- Prepare a strong resume.
- Apply consistently.
- Know your workplace rights.
- Stay persistent.
And remember:
The fastest job isn’t always the best job.
Take the time to understand your rights, ask questions, and choose employers carefully.
Because in Australia, knowing your rights is often just as important as finding the job itself.
Good luck, and welcome to Australia. 🇦🇺