How to Apply for Jobs in Australia: Resume, Work Rights and Best Job Sites

Australian job search guide: resume tips, work rights and VEVO, Tax File Number, super, police checks, avoiding job scams and 6 trusted job portals.

Looking for work in Australia means getting a few things right: a clear resume, proof that you can work here, a Tax File Number and, for some jobs, a police check. This guide explains each step in plain English, then lists the best job portals to start your search today.

🇦🇺 How job hunting works in Australia

Most Australian employers advertise online, either on big job boards or on their own careers pages. Large employers, such as supermarkets, warehouses and aged care providers, usually have an online application form. Smaller businesses often ask you to email a resume.

A typical hiring process looks like this, although every employer is a little different:

You find a job ad and read it carefully
You send your resume and a short cover letter, or fill in an online form
Some employers ask screening questions or set a short online test
You're invited to a phone, video or in-person interview
The employer checks your work rights, references and any required checks
You get a written offer, then complete your tax, super and bank forms

Casual, part-time and full-time jobs are all common. Labour-hire agencies also play a big part, especially in warehouse, factory and seasonal work.

📄 Your resume: keep it short and clear

In Australia, a CV is usually called a resume. It's a summary of your work history, skills and education. For entry-level jobs, one or two pages is plenty.

Your name, mobile number, email and suburb
A short profile of two or three lines about what you offer
Your work history, most recent first, with dates and key duties
Education and training, such as a Certificate III, first aid or forklift licence
Your availability, for example weekends, nights or school hours
A note that referees are available on request, or their details if the ad asks

You don't need a photo, your date of birth or your marital status. Use a simple layout, check the spelling and save it as a PDF.

✉️ Cover letters

A cover letter is a short note that goes with your resume. It tells the employer which job you want and why you're a good fit.

Keep it to three short paragraphs: the role you're applying for, two or three reasons you suit it, and when you can start. Change it for each job, because a copied letter is easy to spot.

🪪 Work rights and visas

Every employer must make sure you're allowed to work in Australia. Australian and New Zealand citizens and permanent residents generally have full work rights. Visa holders need to check their conditions.

VEVO: the Home Affairs Visa Entitlement Verification Online service lets you check your visa and work conditions for free, and share them with an employer
Student visa holders: generally limited to 48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session, with unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks
Other visas: working holiday, temporary skilled and other visas each have their own conditions, so check before you accept

Be very careful with anyone who offers to "sell" you a job and a visa together. Visa decisions are made by the Department of Home Affairs, not by recruiters.

🔢 Tax File Number and super

A Tax File Number (TFN) is your personal reference number for tax. It's free to get from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). You don't need one to start work, but if you don't give it to your employer within 28 days, they must take tax from your pay at the highest rate.

Super (superannuation) is money your employer pays into a retirement fund for you. The ATO says the super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings from 1 July 2025. When you start a job, you can choose your own fund or use the employer's default fund.

🔍 Police checks and screening for some jobs

Many jobs don't need any background check. Others do, especially work with older people, people with disability or children:

Aged care: a police certificate less than 3 years old, or an NDIS Worker Screening Check clearance
Disability support (NDIS): an NDIS Worker Screening Check for many roles
Work with children: a Working with Children Check, run by each state or territory
Some security, finance and government jobs: extra checks set by the employer or regulator

The job ad usually says which checks you need. Always be honest on your application.

💵 The minimum wage

Most Australian workers are covered by an award, which sets minimum pay for their industry. Others are covered by the national minimum wage or an enterprise agreement. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026:

Rate	Amount from July 2026
National Minimum Wage, per hour	$26.44
National Minimum Wage, per 38-hour week	$1,004.90
Increase to modern award rates	4.75%
Typical casual loading under awards	25%

To check the exact rate for your job, use the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay tools and the award for your industry.

🎤 Job interviews

Interviews can be by phone, video or in person. For hourly jobs they're often short and focus on reliability, teamwork and safety.

Read the job ad again and think of one real example for each main duty
Have your ID, visa details or VEVO record ready
Arrive five to ten minutes early, or test your camera and sound for a video call
Be clear and honest about the shifts you can work
Ask one or two questions, such as how training works or what a usual roster looks like

⚠️ How to avoid job scams

Fake jobs are common, especially on social media, text and WhatsApp. Scamwatch, run by the National Anti-Scam Centre, warns to stop and check any job that asks you to pay money to make money.

Never pay to get a job. Be wary of fees for training, uniforms, starter kits or visas.
Watch for "easy money" tasks. Jobs that pay you to like posts, review products or move money can be scams or money laundering.
Protect your details. Don't send your TFN, passport or bank details until you've confirmed the employer is real.
Get your TFN from the ATO only. It's free, so never pay a website to apply.
Check the company. Look up its official website and apply there or through a trusted job board.

Report scams at scamwatch.gov.au. If you've lost money or shared bank details, contact your bank straight away.

✅ Quick checklist before you apply

Your resume is up to date and saved as a PDF
You have a short cover letter you can adapt
You know your work rights, and have checked VEVO if you're on a visa
You have a TFN, or know how to apply for one
You're applying on an official employer site or a trusted job portal

❓ Common questions

Do I need a TFN before I start work?

No, but give it to your employer within 28 days, or tax will be taken at the highest rate.

Do casual workers get super?

Eligible employees, including casuals, should get super at 12% of ordinary time earnings.

Is a resume the same as a CV?

In Australia, yes. Most employers say resume, and a short one is best for entry-level jobs.

Can I apply for jobs from overseas?

You can apply, but you'll need a visa with work rights before you start. Never pay a recruiter for a job and visa package.

⭐ Best job portals in Australia

These six trusted sites cover most of the Australian job market, from casual shifts to full-time careers. Set up job alerts on two or three so new roles come straight to you.

SEEK

SEEK is one of Australia's best-known job boards, with roles across every industry and state. You can filter by location, work type and salary, and save a profile so employers can find you.

Search jobs on SEEK ➜