Your Roadmap to Employment in Australia
Ready to work your way across the Lucky Country?
You’re in the right place. Below, we cover everything you need to hit the ground running Down Under—from snagging your tax number and opening a bank account to mastering the Aussie-style resume.
Whether you’re chasing the sun for seasonal harvest work, pouring pints in a coastal pub, or guiding tours in the Outback, here are the essential steps to getting hired and getting paid.
Without this you'll be taxed at the highest possible rate (around 45%)
Essential for the local payroll systems.
The Big Four (CommonBank, Westpac, NAB, ANZ) are the most common, but Wise is a great digital alternative.
Check out our detailed Banking Guide for more info
If you want to work in a bar, restaurant, or casino, you must have these state-specific certs.
Australia’s agricultural industry is massive and relies heavily on Working Holiday Makers (WHMs). If you're looking to extend your visa for a second or third year, "specified work" (usually regional farming) is often a requirement.
Year-Round Opportunity: While summer is peak for fruit picking, Australia’s diverse climate means there is a "harvest trail" happening somewhere in the country every single month.
The "88 Days": Many backpackers do this to secure their second-year visa extension.
Networking: You’ll live and work with people from all over the world. It’s hard work, but the social scene is legendary.
From Melbourne’s laneway cafes to Sydney’s waterfront bars, hospitality is the heartbeat of Aussie social life.
Chains & Transfers: Working for a major hotel group or pub franchise can be a "golden ticket." They may allow you to transfer to different branches as you travel the coast.
High Wages: Australia has one of the highest minimum wages in the world, and weekend penalty rates (extra pay on Saturdays/Sundays) make hospitality very lucrative.
Skill Growth: Even with basic experience, many places will train you up if you have a "can-do" attitude.
With the Great Barrier Reef, the Red Centre, and world-class surf breaks, the tourism sector is always looking for energetic staff.
Unique Perks: Jobs often include free or heavily discounted tours, dives, or skydives.
Variety: Roles range from deckhands on sailing boats to receptionists at Outback cattle stations.
These are the heavy hitters. Use Seek for more professional or long-term roles and Jora for a wide net of local listings.
Search for "Australia Backpackers" or "Jobs in [City Name]." It’s a bit of a "Wild West," but it’s the fastest way to find immediate starts with minimal red tape.
In Australia, a handshake still goes a long way. Print a stack of resumes and head out between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM (the "quiet time" for cafes and bars) to speak to the manager.
Australian employers value brevity and "fit." They want to know you’re reliable and legally allowed to work.
Ditch the Grades: Aussie managers don’t know what a GCSE or an A-Level is. Simply list your highest level of education (e.g., "High School Diploma" or "Bachelor of Marketing") and move on.
Keep it Concise: Focus on Experience and Skills. Use 3–4 bullet points per previous job.
Visa Status is Key: At the very top of your CV, clearly state: "Current Visa: Working Holiday (Subclass 417/462)" and include your expiry date.
Local Contact: Use an Australian phone number. Employers are much more likely to call a local mobile than an international one.
