How to Find a Job in Australia: A Step-by-Step Guide for Students, WHV Holders & Newcomers

How to find a job in Australia is one of the most common challenges faced by international students, Working Holiday Visa (WHV) holders, and new arrivals. Whether you’re here to gain work experience, earn some income, or build a long-term career, understanding the local job market and how to approach it makes a huge difference.

This guide outlines the three most common and accessible job types such as retail, hospitality, and office/admin roles and gives you the tools to confidently begin your job search in Australia.

1. Working in Retail

Retail is often the first job sector people look to when arriving in Australia. These jobs are widely available, especially in shopping centres and busy commercial areas. Common positions include sales assistant, cashier, storeperson, and customer service roles.

The advantage of retail is that it doesn’t always require local experience. Employers are often more interested in your attitude, availability, and communication skills. Big-name brands like Kmart, Coles, Cotton On, Uniqlo, and JB Hi-Fi frequently hire casual staff especially during busy periods such as school holidays and Christmas.

Tips for applying:

• Prepare a clean, well-formatted CV and print multiple copies.

• Visit stores in person during non-peak hours (between 10am–11:30am or mid-afternoon).

• Ask to speak directly to the manager, as they’re usually the one in charge of hiring.

• Keep your introduction short and friendly: “Hi, my name is [Name]. I’m currently looking for a [Job] position and would love to work here. Here’s my resume.”

• Follow up within a week to express interest.

While you can apply online through platforms like SEEK, Jora, or Indeed, many retail jobs are filled through in-person applications especially at small to mid-sized stores.

2. Jobs in Hospitality & Kitchen Work

Restaurants, cafes, takeaways, and catering services are always in need of casual workers, making hospitality one of the most student- and WHV-friendly sectors in Australia. These roles offer flexible shifts and fast-paced environments, with many hiring even if you have no prior experience.

Roles include waitstaff, barista, kitchen hand, dishwasher, and all-rounder (a mix of front and back-of-house responsibilities). Areas like Melbourne CBD, Sydney’s inner suburbs, and tourist regions like Byron Bay or Gold Coast are hotspots for hospitality work.

Tips for landing a hospitality job:

• Walk into cafes and restaurants during quiet periods (avoid meal times).

• Ask to speak to the manager and hand them your CV directly.

• Let them know you're open to flexible hours and can start immediately if needed.

• Be prepared for a trial shift often unpaid or low-paid where your skills and attitude will be assessed.

You can also look for jobs online via Gumtree, Facebook Groups (e.g., Jobs for Backpackers Australia), or niche hospitality job platforms like Barcats and Scout Jobs.

3. Entry-Level Office & Admin Jobs

If you're looking for professional experience, entry-level office jobs can provide valuable skills for future career growth. These jobs are more structured, often offering regular hours and potential pathways into long-term employment.

Common entry-level roles include administration assistant, data entry clerk, receptionist, customer service representative, or junior marketing/HR roles.

These jobs are more competitive and usually require a strong resume and online presence. But don’t worry — even if you don’t have formal experience, you can highlight transferable skills like communication, organisation, time management, or digital literacy.

Where to apply and how to stand out:

• Use platforms like LinkedIn, SEEK, and Indeed to search for jobs.Use keywords such as “entry level”, “no experience”, “graduate program”, or “junior admin”.

• Keep your CV tailored for each role. Focus on relevant university projects, volunteer work, or customer-facing jobs that show transferable skills.

• Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date with a clear photo, engaging summary, and recent experience.

• Connect with recruiters, especially those hiring for short-term or contract roles.

You may not hear back from every application, that's ok, that’s normal. The key is consistency and continual improvement.

Need Help Getting Started?

Finding a job in Australia takes persistence, but it’s achievable for international students, Working Holiday Visa holders, and new arrivals alike. Retail and hospitality are often the easiest paths to start earning quickly, while office roles provide more long-term potential.

A well-prepared CV, confident approach, and willingness to follow up will always set you apart — whether you're applying in person or online!