Finding Work On The Go In Australia

Australia is a popular destination for travellers seeking to fund their adventures by working abroad. The country offers a range of job opportunities, from hospitality to farm work, and its Working Holiday Visa allows visitors to stay and work for up to three years. To find work while travelling in Australia, it is recommended to use online job search engines, recruitment agencies, and Facebook groups. Networking and asking around in person can also lead to job opportunities, especially in the hospitality industry. Additionally, working holiday programs can provide ongoing support and guaranteed work throughout one's stay.

Job search online

There are several online tools and job search engines that can help you secure a job while travelling in Australia. Here are some tips and platforms to help you get started:

• Online job boards: Websites like Seek, Indeed, CareerOne, and Gumtree feature job opportunities in Australia. When using these sites, consider limiting your search to short-term or contract roles, which are more likely to hire applicants on working holiday visas.
• Specialist websites: Depending on the type of work you're seeking, there are specialist websites catering to specific industries or regions within Australia. For example, Backpackerjobboard features jobs for travellers, while Rural Enterprises focuses on harvest and farm work.
• Facebook groups: There are numerous Facebook groups dedicated to job postings in Australia, such as "Jobs for Families Travelling Australia" and "Australian Rural and Remote Jobs." These groups can be a great way to find opportunities and connect with other travellers.
• Recruitment agencies: Consider registering with recruitment agencies, especially those specialising in temporary or casual work. They can help match your skills with available positions and provide support throughout the job search process.
• Government resources: The Australian government's Labour Market Information Portal provides valuable insights into the labour market and skill shortages. Additionally, Workforce Australia is a government-supported platform where Australians can search and apply for jobs.
• Online applications: When applying for jobs in Australia, be prepared to submit a CV (resume) and cover letter or complete an online application form. Ensure your application is tailored to each employer and the specific job you're applying for.

Enlist a working holiday support program

If you want to take the stress out of finding a job while on a working holiday in Australia, enlisting a working holiday support program is a great option. These programs can provide you with guaranteed work and accommodation during your stay. Here are some popular working holiday support programs in Australia:

Intro Travel

Intro Travel is a well-known working holiday support program that can help you find work and accommodation in Australia. They offer guaranteed work placements in various industries, allowing you to earn money to fund your travels. Intro Travel also provides support and guidance throughout your stay, making it a great choice for those seeking a hassle-free working holiday experience.

Alliance Abroad

Alliance Abroad is another reputable working holiday support program in Australia. They specialize in connecting travellers with work opportunities across the country. With their extensive network of employers, Alliance Abroad can help you find suitable work placements that match your skills and preferences. They also offer support with accommodation and provide valuable resources to make your working holiday a success.

Australian Working Adventures

Australian Working Adventures is a comprehensive working holiday support program. They offer guaranteed work placements and assist with finding accommodation. Additionally, they provide essential services such as setting up an Australian bank account and applying for a Tax File Number (TFN). Australian Working Adventures ensures that you have the necessary support to settle into your new life in Australia smoothly.

Welcome to Travel

Welcome to Travel is a trusted working holiday support program that understands the needs of travellers seeking work in Australia. They offer guaranteed work placements and provide assistance with accommodation. Welcome to Travel also offers social events and trips, helping you connect with other like-minded individuals on working holidays. Their holistic approach ensures that you have a memorable and rewarding experience during your time in Australia.

By enlisting one of these working holiday support programs, you can take advantage of their expertise and connections to find work and accommodation with ease. These programs provide valuable support and resources, allowing you to focus on enjoying your working holiday in Australia to the fullest.

Meet employers face-to-face

Meeting employers face-to-face is a great way to secure work in Australia, especially in the hospitality industry. Here are some tips to help you make the most of this approach:

Prepare in Advance

Before you arrive in Australia, research the areas you plan to visit and identify potential employers. This could include bars, restaurants, cafes, hotels, and other hospitality businesses. Check their websites or social media pages to see if they have any current vacancies or upcoming opportunities. Knowing this information in advance will help you target your search and save time once you arrive.

Hit the Streets

Once you're in Australia, don't be afraid to pound the pavement. Walk into bars and restaurants and ask to speak to the manager or owner. Introduce yourself and express your interest in any available positions. Be prepared to provide your resume or CV, and highlight any relevant skills or experience you have. Remember to dress appropriately and present yourself in a professional and friendly manner.

Be Flexible and Adaptable

When meeting potential employers, it's important to be flexible and adaptable. You may need to adjust your expectations and be open to different types of roles, especially if you are seeking short-term or contract work. Keep in mind that some positions, such as those involving alcohol service, may require specific certifications or training, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the local requirements.

Network and Build Connections

While meeting employers face-to-face, focus on building connections and networking. Even if a particular business doesn't have any immediate vacancies, they may know of other opportunities or be able to refer you to someone else. Don't be shy to ask for referrals or recommendations. Building a network of contacts can greatly increase your chances of finding work.

Follow Up and Stay in Touch

After meeting with potential employers, remember to follow up and stay in touch. Send thank-you emails or messages to the people you met, expressing your continued interest in the positions. If you don't hear back right away, don't be discouraged. Stay persistent and keep checking in from time to time. Maintaining contact shows your enthusiasm and commitment.

Be Mindful of Cultural Differences

When interacting with potential employers, be mindful of cultural differences and communication styles. Australia has a diverse and multicultural society, and understanding these nuances can help you make a positive impression. Research Australian business culture and etiquette beforehand, and be respectful and open-minded in your interactions.

Use recruitment agencies

Recruitment agencies can be a helpful resource when looking for work while travelling in Australia. They can assist you in finding jobs that match your skill set and can guide you through the application and interview process.

To get started, you'll need to register with an agency by providing your CV and references. They may also conduct an interview, either in person or over the phone, to better understand your career goals and motivations. It's important to build a rapport with your recruiter, so be open and honest about what you're looking for in a job. Ask questions about their experience and how they can help you.

Recruitment agencies have extensive networks and deep insights into the local job market. They can identify suitable positions that align with your skills and aspirations. They also have access to job openings that may not be publicly advertised, giving you a broader range of opportunities.

Agencies can assist with interview preparation, providing insights into the company culture, interview process, and potential interview questions. They can also help with salary negotiations, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your skills and experience.

When using a recruitment agency, keep in mind that they work with multiple candidates and will not be able to place every single person in a job. Be flexible and open to different opportunities, and don't hesitate to reach out to a few agencies to increase your chances of finding the right role.

Some popular recruitment agencies in Australia include:

• The Kingsmen
• Michael Page
• Adecco
• Hays
• Randstad
• Building Partners Recruitment
• Curamoir Healthcare Recruitment
• A.I.R Recruitment

Ask around

Asking around is a great way to find work while travelling in Australia.

If you're staying at a hostel, caravan park, or motel, it's worth asking other travellers if they know of any work opportunities. Other travellers can be a good source of information about which farms are hiring fruit pickers, and they can also give you the insider scoop on wages and working conditions.

You can also ask around at your current site or location. There are always plenty of odd jobs on offer for those looking for them. You'd be surprised at the number of fences that need painting, gardens that need tidying, and dishes that need washing.

If you're staying at a caravan park, it's worth asking the owners if they need any help. You could end up with a free site for your van in exchange for a few hours of work.

Meeting potential employers face-to-face can be a great way to secure work, especially in the hospitality industry. Hit the streets and stop into bars and restaurants that may need bartenders or servers.

If you're staying in a town for a while, it's worth chatting to the locals in the pub. Even just a casual conversation over a beer or two could lead to work.

Don't be afraid to ask anywhere and everywhere if they have work. You could see a busy coffee shop and just ask if they need a hand. This approach often works well in caravan parks, takeaways, and pubs.

If you have a particular skill, such as carpentry, mechanics, or welding, you can cash in on your experience. Keep an eye out for job boards and think about travelling to where the jobs are.

If you have a skill, such as hairdressing, you could advertise your services around the different sites as you go from place to place. Many caravan parks will let you put up a sign to advertise while you're staying there, but always ask the owners first.

If you're looking for bar or café work, it's worth going in person to ask about job opportunities. Print off some CVs and take them into all the bars and cafes. Ask to speak to the manager and introduce yourself, and you'll get a much better response than if you just phone or email. Go in when they're quiet (opening time is always good) so they have time to speak to you.

So, if you're travelling in Australia and looking for work, don't be shy – ask around!

Frequently asked questions