Employment

The Australian labour market is a very competitive environment. The amount of time required to find a suitable job is dependent on a number of factors including:

  • Which part of Australia the jobseeker lives or intends to live in;
  • Economic conditions including the existing unemployment rate;
  • The demand for the jobseeker's skills and qualifications, and recognition of these by the relevant Australian organisations;
  • Vacancies in particular industries.

Finding Work in Australia

Newspapers

Job vacancies are advertised in the Positions Vacant part of the Classifieds section of all major newspapers (especially on Saturdays and Wednesdays).

Recruitment Agencies

Private employment agencies are listed in the Yellow Pages telephone directory under 'Employment Services' and 'Employment - Labour Hire Contractors'.

Many of these agencies have websites which advertise vacancies. By registering with more than one agency jobseekers can increase their chances of finding work.

Searching the internet for jobs

Thousands of job vacancies can be found on the internet, with the majority of websites allowing jobseekers to apply for a particular vacancy online.

Job Network

Australian residents can also register for free with a Job Network member, or with Centrelink who will refer jobseekers to a Job Network member.

Job Network is a network of private, community and government organisations, contracted by the Commonwealth government to help people find employment.

Centrelink

Centrelink registers job seekers for either Job Matching or for full Job Network services. They can also refer clients for overseas skills recognition.

All jobseekers can use the free Job Network self-help facilities located 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.

Qualifications and Skills

Some occupations have special requirements. This may include registration or licencing with a government authority and/or membership of a professional or industry association.

Jobseekers should find out what these special requirements are for their occupation before planning to migrate or remain permanently in Australia.

A jobseeker's professional skills and qualifications may also need to be formally recognised by the appropriate Australian authority before they 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 with a professional body.