Eligibility to Get a Job in Australia
The eligibility requirements for working in Australia vary by occupation and employer. However, most jobs require candidates to meet the following criteria.
Educational Qualifications
Your educational qualification should match the requirements of the role you're applying for.
- A bachelor's degree is required for most professional roles.
- A diploma or trade certificate is accepted for many vocational and skilled trade jobs.
- International qualifications may be accepted if they are recognized in Australia.
Work Experience
Relevant work experience increases your chances of securing a job.
- Entry-level roles may require little or no experience.
- Mid-level and senior positions generally require 2–5+ years of relevant work experience.
- Australian work experience is preferred for some roles but is not mandatory.
English Language Requirements
Most employers expect candidates to demonstrate English proficiency.
Accepted English language tests include:
The required score varies depending on the employer, occupation, and visa category.
Skills Assessment
A skills assessment is mandatory for many skilled occupations, especially if you're applying for a skilled work visa.
- Conducted by the designated assessing authority for your occupation.
- Assesses whether your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards.
- Commonly required for engineers, IT professionals, accountants, healthcare professionals, and skilled trades.
Professional Registration (If Applicable)
Certain regulated professions require registration or licensing before you can legally work in Australia.
Common professions include:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Teachers
- Pharmacists
- Electricians
- Plumbers
Tip: Always check the specific eligibility requirements for your occupation before applying, as qualification, licensing, and registration requirements vary across professions.
How to Get a Job in Australia
Follow these six simple steps to find and secure a job in Australia.
Step 1: Check if Your Occupation is in Demand
- Search for your occupation on Australia's Skilled Occupation List.
- Look for industries and states with high hiring demand.
Step 2: Prepare an Australian Resume
- Create a resume in the Australian format.
- Tailor it to the job and include a cover letter if required.
Step 3: Apply Through Job Portals
Apply through trusted job portals such as:
- Seek
- Indeed Australia
- LinkedIn Jobs
- Jora
- Workforce Australia
Step 4: Attend Interviews
- Prepare for online or in-person interviews.
- Highlight your skills, experience, and communication abilities.
Step 5: Receive a Job Offer
Review the offer carefully, including the salary, benefits, job role, and employment terms, before accepting.
Step 6: Apply for a Work Visa
Once you accept the offer, apply for the appropriate Australian work visa and submit the required documents.
Tip: Apply to multiple relevant jobs and customize your resume for each application to improve your chances of getting hired.
Best Job Portals in Australia
Whether you're looking for full-time, part-time, graduate, or skilled jobs, these are some of the most trusted job portals in Australia. Most platforms allow job seekers to create a profile and apply for jobs free of cost.
Seek
Australia's largest job portal with vacancies across almost every industry.
- Best for: General job search
- Industries: IT, Healthcare, Engineering, Finance, Construction, Hospitality, and more
- Cost: Free for job seekers
Indeed Australia
One of the most popular platforms for entry-level to senior-level roles.
- Best for: Full-time and part-time jobs
- Industries: All industries
- Cost: Free for job seekers
LinkedIn Jobs
Ideal for professionals looking to network and apply directly through employers.
- Best for: Corporate and professional roles
- Industries: IT, Finance, Marketing, Consulting, HR
- Cost: Free (Premium optional)
Jora
A job search engine that aggregates listings from multiple sources across Australia.
- Best for: Local and regional jobs
- Industries: All industries
- Cost: Free
Workforce Australia
The Australian Government's official employment portal.
- Best for: Government-supported employment opportunities
- Industries: All industries
- Cost: Free
CareerOne
Offers thousands of vacancies across major Australian cities.
- Best for: Full-time and graduate jobs
- Industries: IT, Healthcare, Sales, Administration
- Cost: Free
Adzuna Australia
A job search platform that also provides salary insights and market trends.
- Best for: Salary comparison and job search
- Industries: All industries
- Cost: Free
Tip: Create profiles on 2–3 job portals and enable job alerts to stay updated with the latest openings.
Work Visas Required for Jobs in Australia
To work legally in Australia, you must hold a valid work visa. The right visa depends on your occupation, employer, and eligibility.
Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) Visa
The most common work visa for candidates who have secured a job offer from an Australian employer.
- Employer-sponsored: Yes
- Job offer required: Yes
- Best for: Skilled professionals with employer sponsorship
Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) Visa
Designed for skilled workers who want to live and work in Australia independently.
- Employer-sponsored: No
- Job offer required: No
- Best for: Skilled professionals applying independently
Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) Visa
For skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory.
- Employer-sponsored: No
- State nomination required: Yes
- Best for: Skilled workers nominated by a state or territory
Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) Visa
For professionals willing to work in designated regional areas of Australia.
- Employer-sponsored: No
- State or family sponsorship required: Yes
- Best for: Skilled workers seeking regional employment
Which Work Visa Should You Choose?
- Have a job offer from an Australian employer? Apply for the Subclass 482 Visa.
- Looking for an employer-sponsored visa? The Subclass 482 Visa is the primary option.
- Want to work without employer sponsorship? Consider the Subclass 189 or Subclass 190 Visa, depending on your eligibility.
Note: Visa eligibility depends on your occupation, qualifications, work experience, and whether you have secured employer or state sponsorship.
Conclusion
Finding a job in Australia starts with understanding the job market and preparing the right qualifications, resume, and work visa. With the right approach, you can explore rewarding career opportunities and take the next step towards working in Australia.
Need guidance on your next steps? Book a free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad experts today.
