Getting your first Australian job can feel daunting, but with the right approach, most students find work within a few weeks of seriously looking.

Where to Look

Online Job Boards

Seek.com.au

• Australia's largest job site
• Filter by "casual" or "part-time"
• Create alerts for your preferred roles

Indeed.com.au

• Aggregates listings from multiple sites
• Good for comparing similar roles
• Easy application tracking

Jora

• Useful for entry-level positions
• Quick apply features

In-Person Approaches

Many hospitality and retail jobs aren't advertised online.

Walk-in applications:

• Visit cafes, restaurants, and retail stores directly
• Bring printed resumes
• Go during quiet periods (2-4 PM weekdays)
• Dress neatly and be friendly

Shopping centres:

• Check notice boards near customer service
• Visit stores individually
• Food courts often have turnover

University Resources

Career centres:

• Job boards specific to students
• Resume reviews
• Interview practice

Campus jobs:

• Library, admin, events
• Often flexible with class schedules
• Good first experience

Networking

• Tell everyone you're job hunting
• International student communities
• Facebook groups for your nationality
• LinkedIn connections

Types of Common Student Jobs

Hospitality (Cafes, Restaurants, Bars)

Pros:

• Flexible shifts
• Tips in some venues
• Social environment

Cons:

• Can be physically demanding
• Weekend/evening work
• May need RSA for alcohol service

Retail

Pros:

• Staff discounts
• Regular hours
• Customer service experience

Cons:

• Standing for long periods
• Holiday period rushes
• Sometimes minimum wage

Tutoring

Pros:

• Higher pay rates ($25-50/hour)
• Flexible scheduling
• Uses your skills/knowledge

Cons:

• Need to build client base
• Income can be irregular
• Requires specific knowledge

Food Delivery

Pros:

• Very flexible
• Quick to start
• Choose your own hours

Cons:

• Need bike/car and phone
• Weather dependent
• Wear and tear on vehicle

What Employers Look For

Key Qualities

• Reliability and punctuality
• Communication skills
• Right to work in Australia
• Flexibility with hours
• Positive attitude

What to Emphasize

• Any previous work experience (even from home country)
• Customer service examples
• Language skills (valuable in diverse areas)
• Availability, especially weekends

Interview Tips

Before

• Research the business
• Practice common questions
• Prepare your own questions
• Plan your outfit

During

• Arrive 5-10 minutes early
• Bring ID and visa evidence
• Be enthusiastic and personable
• Ask about training and shifts

After

• Send a thank-you message
• Follow up if you haven't heard back in a week

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Reality check: Your first job might not be perfect, and that's okay. Australian work experience — even basic roles — helps you get better jobs later. Start somewhere, work hard, and opportunities will follow.