Jobs in Australia by JJ Smith May 3, 2024 written by JJ Smith May 3, 2024 462 Moving to Australia and want to find a suitable job? If you are a New Zealand citizen, you are legally able to work in Australia. You may need to apply for a work visa if you are not a New Zealand or Australian citizen. Hunting for jobs in Australia is very similar to looking for a job in New Zealand. The majority of jobs are advertised online, mostly by recruitment companies but also by individual employers. On this page you will find the helpful information below: Looking for a job in Australia from NZ Current skill shortages in Australia Australian Tax and getting an Australian Tax File Number (TFN) Documentation needed when moving to Australia Main Australian job-hunting websites Increase Your Success in the Australian Job Market Things you shouldn’t put on your resume if you want to get the job Recruitment Agencies for Jobs In Australia Register your interest in Australian Job Vacancies. Looking for a job in Australia from NZ In the past, it was quite hard to land a job in Australia from New Zealand, but since Covid-19, it has become more common for New Zealanders to get employed by an Australian company while still living in NZ. You need to have a thorough CV and be realistic about your move to Australia. So get to know Seek.com.au and regularly check back to view the latest listings in your industry. You can gain a lot of knowledge from job listing websites, e.g. the size of your industry, opportunities, current wages, and the process of how to apply. Searching will give you a realistic view of the current Australian job market and can give you a lot of hope for what your future may look like. Depending on your industry, it can be worth searching Google Australia companies in your industry and approaching them directly. New Zealanders have a great reputation in Australia and around the world as being hard workers. Combine that with the fact that we can’t fall back on government support; we are known as being very reliable. Current skill shortages in Australia A significant shortage of skilled labour across Australia is negatively impacting production, services, and supply chains. While the latest wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the problem, it has been an issue since the beginning of the pandemic and will continue to be one when the virus’s effects wane. Some industries experiencing major shortages at the moment are hospitality, the health sector, engineers, trades, technicians, truck drivers, and digital. Australia has always relied upon skilled migrant workers, e.g., skilled migrants, international students, and backpackers, who haven’t been able to get into Australia due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The skilled worker shortage in Australia is likely to worsen before it gets better. In many of the industries affected, it takes, on average, three to four years to qualify, and that is before developing proficiency. You can read more on the skill shortage in Australia here. As a result, I’ve heard from many more New Zealanders who have already secured jobs from New Zealand before moving to Australia. This leaves a lot of opportunities for New Zealanders looking at moving to Australia! Australian Tax and getting an Australian Tax File Number (TFN) If you want to know about your tax obligations in Australia, you should read our Australian Tax – what you need to know page. On this page, you can find out the current Australian tax rates and how to get a TFN. You need to apply for a TFN number after you’ve arrived in Australia. You are not able to apply from New Zealand. Find out how to get a TFN here. Documentation needed when moving to Australia Don’t get caught out arriving in Australia without the documentation/paperwork you need. It will cause you a whole lot of stress, time and worry! Especially when it comes to the competitive Australian job market. Be prepared and get a better-paid job in Australia. Read more in my documentation needed when moving to Australia post. Main Australian job-hunting websites These are the top Australian job listing websites: SEEK – http://www.seek.com.au Jobsearch – http://www.jobsearch.com.au Australian Government JobSearch – http://www.jobsearch.gov.au Adzuna – http://www.mycareer.com.au JobsJobsJobs.com.au – http://www.jobsjobsjobs.com.au For general information on employment in Australia, career advice, resume templates, salary surveys and more, visit http://www.employmentguide.com.au. Increase Your Success in the Australian Job Market When it comes to moving overseas and finding work, many things will determine your success, but we think the greatest factor is preparation. Read the full post here. Things you shouldn’t put on your resume if you want to get the job Australian recruiters are astounded at how many mistakes job seekers make with their resumes. Here are the key things to avoid. Read the full post here. Recruitment Agencies for Jobs In Australia Registering with an Australian recruitment agency is extremely worthwhile, especially if they specialise in your industry. They will help you find a new job and can even find you a job while you are still in New Zealand. I recommend you search Google for recruitment agencies in Australia that specialise in your industry. Whether it be: Healthcare Recruitment Accounting Recruitment Agencies Information Technology (IT) Recruitment Agencies Executive Recruitment Agencies. You might be interested in… The below posts might interest you: Find a house to buy or rent in Australia Moving to Australia process Everything money Still got unanswered questions? If you’ve read the above content and the answer to your question isn’t there, please write a comment below, and I’ll research the answer for you. Can I help you find something else? If you need advice on moving to Australia from New Zealand, I’ve created a helpful little questionnaire to point you in the right direction. It takes less than 30 seconds, so give it a go! Australian Tax – what you need to knowNZ Student Loan? 117 comments FacebookPinterest JJ Smith previous post Australia Skill Shortages next post Getting Your Tax File Number (TFN) You may also like Moving to Australia Process November 12, 2024 Documentation needed when moving to Australia March 25, 2024 Money – What You Need to Know February 17, 2024 Open an Australian Bank Account November 6, 2024 Foreign Exchange/Money Transfer November 6, 2024 $19,000 exchange fee shocks family January 14, 2025 Australian Tax November 14, 2024 Getting Your Tax File Number (TFN) October 15, 2025 Australia Skill Shortages July 16, 2025 Move from NZ to teach kindergarten October 18, 2024 117 comments Sam February 3, 2020 - 11:20 pm Hello, My name is Sam and I currently live in Christchurch, NZ. I have been thinking about this for a while now and want to move over to Tasmania. My partner and I have been in a long distance relationship for the past 2 years and things are getting quite serious between us. At the moment, I am enrolled to start a course at the end of February but I am unsure if I want to do it. I have looked at TasTafe and have found some interesting courses I could look at doing overseas instead. I am thinking that I can look at getting employment at a local supermarket to help afford a rental along with my partner, while also studying abroad. What kind of advice would you have for me in regards to this? Sincerely, Sam Reply JJ Smith February 3, 2020 - 11:21 pm Hi Sam, Thank you for your email. Your plan does sound viable for sure. Tasmania is awesome! It’s beautiful, cultured, the people are fantastic and the food is delicious. Renting is a bit cheaper and wages are higher. As long as you have good references you should not have a problem. There is one major expense you need to consider, how you will pay for university? Unfortunately kiwi’s moving to Australia on an SCV can’t get student loans. Here is a post you need to read: https://www.staging.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/scv-visa-exclusions/. Here is a post on how to become an Australian Permanent Resident then Australia Citizen: https://www.staging.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/become-an-australian-permanent-resident-and-australia-citizen/, as this is the only way you can get a student loan to study in Australia Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have. Good luck with your move. Reply Michael January 2, 2020 - 1:29 am Hi there, My name is Michael. I’m a 36 year old Kiwi living in Auckland NZ. I’m looking for some advice on moving to Brisbane starting from scratch knowing no one there. I’m looking for advice on where to start, accommodation etc. I’m currently a Business Development Manager working in the NZ construction industry and I intend to apply for work in the same field. I have reached out to one recruitment agency and their recommendation is that I move over first. Can I have your opinion on this? I look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards Reply JJ Smith February 4, 2020 - 1:32 am Hi Michael, Thank you for your email. Sorry for the delay in replying. I do agree with the recruitment company, that you will have more luck finding work when you are in Australia. New Zealanders are valued by Australia employers and we do generally find employment easily in Australia. Even if we need to take on a temporary part time job while you are looking for your ideal job. Here are some posts I recommend you reading: – https://www.staging.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/moving-to-australia-process/ – https://www.staging.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/expats-increase-your-success-in-the-australian-job-market/ – https://www.staging.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/things-you-shouldnt-put-on-your-resume-if-you-want-to-get-the-job/ The recruitment industry is very competitive in Australia and I highly recommend you having all your paperwork ready to go before you move. Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have. Good luck with your move. Reply Rowan Guitry September 17, 2019 - 12:25 am Hi JJ My family and i wish to move to Australia and i am trying to get my qualifications in emergency response recognized in Australia. I am looking at mines rescue type roles but they require a cert 3 in mines rescue, i have most units that make up this cert and understand that i may have to do some specific training in Australia i just don’t want to start from scratch if i don’t have to. Do you have any experience in getting NZQA units transferred to Australian standard? Thanks Rowan Reply JJ Smith September 19, 2019 - 11:13 pm Hi Rowan, Thank you for your comment. Unfortunately I don’t have any experience with transferring NZQA. However, I have read that it possible. I recommend you contact MSS Strategic Medical and Rescue: https://msssecurity.com.au/contact/. They are a provider of premium emergency response and rescue, and health/paramedical services across Australia. I personally get a better response from calling rather than emailing. Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have. Good luck with your move. Reply Jo June 25, 2019 - 2:09 am Hi JJ. My son has been thinking about moving to Aus to take up a building apprenticeship. He has only done a little research on this so far and I will send him a link to your website. (It’s awesome!) Can NZrs get apprenticeships in Aus? I would rather he did his apprenticeship here then moved once qualified and a little older. Free fees for first two years here and hes only 19. Cheers, Jo Reply JJ Smith June 25, 2019 - 2:10 am Hi Jo, Thanks for your comment. Here are some great links to help your son regarding apprenticeships in Australia: – SEEK, search building apprenticeship jobs – https://www.seek.com.au/building-apprenticeship-jobs – Youth Allowance for students and Australian Apprentices, financial help if you’re 24 or younger and a student or Australian Apprentice – https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/youth-allowance-students-and-australian-apprentices – Payment and Service Finder, Helping you find, estimate and compare payments and services you may be eligible for – https://www.centrelink.gov.au/custsite_pfe/pymtfinderest/paymentFinderEstimatorPage.jsf?wec-appid=pymtfinderest&wec-locale=en_US#stay – Student Guides: How To Become A Building & Construction Apprentice – http://www.skillsone.com.au/student-guides-how-to-become-a-building-construction-apprentice/ – Moving to Australia process, outlines what he will need to do before he leaves and when he arrives – https://www.staging.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/moving-to-australia-process/ If you want more info/help, research building apprenticeships in the state your son is planning on moving too. Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have. Reply Kaylah June 5, 2019 - 10:22 pm Hi there, My husband and I are contemplating moving to Australia. I do have 1 question regarding the licences required to get into a construction labourers job as that is my husbands passion. We did send emails out to the agencies we found on Google asking what was required but nobody has gotten back to us yet. Thanks Reply JJ Smith June 5, 2019 - 10:25 pm Hi Kaylah, Thanks for your comment. I’m happy to look into this further for you, but I need more information about what licences your husband currently has and what state you want to move to. This is something I get asked a couple of times a year and I can’t find any answers online and recruitment companies get so many enquiries they never get back to anyone from NZ. Thanks Reply Kaylah June 6, 2019 - 12:03 am Hi so car wise he has a restricted licence. Work wise he only has a site safe passport. So here in NZ he doesn’t need any licences to be a general labourer but a site safe passport allows him to work on alot more sites. But not sure what the requirements are in Australia. We will be moving to Brisbane (so Queensland I think is the state). Reply JJ Smith June 6, 2019 - 12:06 am Hi again, Your partner will need to obtain a ‘white card’ to work on a construction site in Australia. Australia has very strict health and safety rules: ‘To be able to carry out construction work in Australia, a person must complete an introductory safety training course called ‘general construction induction training’. This is also commonly known as ‘white card’ training.’ I recommend he reads the below info, which will take him through to where he can obtain a white card: – https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/construction – https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/licensing-and-registrations/work-health-and-safety-licences/what-licence-do-i-need/general-construction-induction/apply-for-a-general-construction-induction-card It doesn’t take long and I believe it can be obtained online. Good luck with your move. Reply nigel_nz January 18, 2019 - 3:13 am Hi there, I’m planning to move to Australia soon and I have been applying for jobs whilst I’m still here in NZ, as I wanted to take the less risky approach. I noticed that some recruiters aren’t interested once they found out that the application came from overseas. It feels like your application automatically takes a back sit, unless you have local contact details. Most of the people I knew gave up their jobs, went to Australia, applied and got a job. On the other hand, I know a few lucky people (only 2) who got a job in Aus while still here in NZ. I guess it is normal and locals will be given priority over overseas applicants, but this is just my observation and I might be wrong. What do you think? It might really be better to take the risk and go to Aus. Finding a job in Aus while in NZ might be like trying to win a lottery. Reply JJ Smith March 20, 2019 - 10:46 pm Hi Nigel, Sorry for the delay in replaying. Your enquiry got lost over the school holidays. Honestly if I was you I would keep an eye out for cheap flights and I would visit the city you are planning on moving to in Australia and go see recruitment companies that recruit in your industry and discuss your situation with them. This will show you are serious and get someone else helping you find a job. Of course could call some companies first and see if you can get anywhere. However, if you can stay with friends and do really want to live in Australia… then just do it! Make the move and do some serious job hunting as soon as you arrive. Make sure you read this article helping you increase your success in the Australian job market: https://www.staging.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/expats-increase-your-success-in-the-australian-job-market/. Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have. Reply Michelle Middleton May 13, 2019 - 3:13 am Hi, we are an experienced teaching couple with two girls who are aged 11 and 13. We are keen to secure permanent teaching positions either on the Gold Coast or South Brisbane in 2020. Both of us are at reputable primary and secondary schools in NZ. My husband teaches at an all girls Catholic school. I can’t seem to know where to start to get things rolling. Thanks, any advice worth it as I’ve looked on seek.com.au Reply JJ Smith May 13, 2019 - 10:42 pm Hi Michelle, Thank you for your comment. Check out the below links which should help you secure a teaching job in Australia. The first link is the Australian Government website Teach Queensland: – https://teach.qld.gov.au/apply-to-teach/current-vacancies – https://www.teachaway.com/teach-in-australia I recommend this post on improving your success in the Australian job market: https://www.staging.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/expats-increase-your-success-in-the-australian-job-market/. Good luck with your move. I’m here to help if you have any further questions. Reply Ramari January 14, 2019 - 12:56 am Hi I am a qualified NZ Teacher looking to relocate to the Gold Coast Australia. Do I need further qualifications to work in the GC and teach? Reply JJ Smith January 21, 2019 - 9:06 pm Hi Ramari, Thank you for your comment. I’ve looked into teaching in Australia as a New Zealander and have found out that all states have their own set of rules. Have you seen the this site for teaching in Queensland – https://teach.qld.gov.au/? Here is the link to the eligibility page: https://teach.qld.gov.au/apply-to-teach/teacher-eligibility. To be eligible to be employed as a teacher in any Queensland school, you need to obtain teacher registration from the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT). The QCT is a separate authority to the department and manages all teacher registrations in Queensland, including state and non-state schools. Here’s the registration page: https://teach.qld.gov.au/study-teaching/professional-requirements/teaching-registration. This would be a great way to start, as they might be able to help you find employment too. Please let me know how you get on. Good luck with your move. Reply Ata November 10, 2018 - 2:02 am Hi there! I’m not sure if this is still being looked at as the latest replies are from 2013 but worth a shot. I’m looking to move over to Australia (Melbourne) next year in April/May and I was wondering how early I should start looking at jobs. Reply JJ Smith December 3, 2018 - 1:16 am Hi Ata, Thank you for your comment and yes I’m still here helping kiwis moving to Australia. Personally I would start looking now to get a feel of the Australian job market. It is more competitive than NZ, but other than that pretty similar. Most companies will expect you to have to give two weeks to a months notice, depending on the industry you are in, so start at least six weeks before you move. If you haven’t already have a read of this post: https://www.staging.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/expats-increase-your-success-in-the-australian-job-market/. I also recommend listing with recruitment companies in your field, as they will not only be able to help you find a job, but help you along the way. Good luck with your move. Reply CJ August 28, 2018 - 11:36 pm Hi, I am a New Zealand Citizen. I have a B.Ed from an Australian University. Would this help me to find employment in Australia? Thanks CJ Reply JJ Smith September 5, 2018 - 9:29 pm Hi CJ, Thanks for your comment. Possibly. Unfortunately there are too many other variables for me to comment. Make sure you put your best foot forward when appying for jobs and if you are not currently living in Australia start job searching to see what you need to secure the job you want. Good luck. Reply Paea February 23, 2015 - 9:28 am Hi, been thinking about moving to Australia for a few years now but finally decided its time to actually do some research. Im looking at moving some time this year, have been managing a Finance Branch for 3-4 years now. Currently studying to become an AFA. I love my job, boss and staff but at the end of the day, I have a family to support. Are there any vacancies in Brisbane to do with Finance, Credit controlling, customer service, management, call centres. Please advise 🙂 Thank You Reply JJ Smith February 23, 2015 - 9:28 am Hi, Thank you for your enquiry. Unfortunately at this stage we are not partnered with a recruitment company so I can’t help you. However, I recommend you contact Robert Walters in Australia http://www.robertwalters.com.au/. They should be able to help you. Any feedback you could give us would be greatly appreciated. Reply Michael Fisher November 6, 2014 - 7:38 am I might be moving to Australia in August 2015 on a 1 year work visa. I have a Class-A CDL in the state of WA, USA with doubles/triples , and tankers endorsements. I was curious if you knew of any programs that would help me acquire employment before I left the states for Australia? any info would help. Thanks, Michael Fisher Reply JJ Smith November 6, 2014 - 7:55 am Hi Michael, Thank you for your enquiry. Sorry I do not know of any licence conversion type programs you would need to do. However, I do recommend you contact Robert Walters (http://www.robertwalters.com.au/) in Australia and see what they recommend and if they can even help you find employment. Good luck with your move. Reply Georgia April 9, 2014 - 4:30 pm At what point before moving over do you recommend we start applying for jobs? We leave NZ on May 25th. Reply JJ Smith April 10, 2014 - 4:39 am Hi Georgia, It’s a hard question to answer. I recommend getting in touch with a recruitment company that definitely recruits in your industry and covers the location you are looking at heading to ASAP and ask them. Otherwise it wouldn’t hurt to start looking and applying as each job will be different. You would also gain valuable information on the Australian job market, which can only be beneficial. Good luck with your move. Reply Julie Sutton March 10, 2014 - 5:03 am Hello, I heard that Kiwi’s can apply, or aren’t allowed to work for the Australian Government. Is this true or is it just selected government departments Kiwi’s, being non-citizens, can’t work for? Reply JJ Smith March 15, 2014 - 10:09 am Hi Julie, Thank you for your comment. I have not been able to find a definitive answer to your question. I contacted an Australian government department and got the below reply: Dear MTA, Thank you for contacting Australian JobSearch. If you want to migrate to Australia, you can apply through the General Skilled Migration or other migration programs. For information on migration, including having your skills assessed, see the Department of Immigration and Border Protection http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/ You can phone the visa enquiries phone line on 131 881 (within Australia) or visit the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website at http://www.immi.gov.au Alternatively you can contact your local embassy who will be able to assist you with further information: http://www.immi.gov.au/contacts/overseas/ If you have any further questions please call the Department enquiry line on 1300 363 079. Kind Regards, Australian JobSearch Job Seeker Hotline: 13 62 68 Employer Hotline: 13 17 15 I recommend that you call any of the above. Let me know if you find out if you can or can’t for sure. Thanks Reply Doreen June 29, 2013 - 11:56 am HI, I’m planning to Re-locate to Brisbane with my 6 year old son for better career in the future for me and better son and life style both for me and my son. I have worked in the customer services, medical and finance industry. I don’t know where do I start from. How can I secure a job before selling and moving to Brisbane for good. Please help me with some advice. Reply JJ Smith July 3, 2013 - 6:17 am Hi Doreen, Thank you for your comment. The OZ Jobs Expo is coming up again in November. This is always very good for either securing a job or finding a recruitment company that you can register with. Please find below some useful links to their website: Register with OZ Jobs Expo: http://www.ozjobexpo.com/visitor-registration Search Jobs: http://www.ozjobexpo.com/jobs-in-australia Search Exhibitors: http://www.ozjobexpo.com/australian-employers I would search in the exhibitors for recruitment companies, as they would be able to help you find a job from NZ. Also try SkilledMigrantJobs.com. Good Luck. Reply JJ Smith May 7, 2013 - 8:43 am Hi Ellie, Thank you for your enquiry. Yes it would be as tough in Australia as it is in New Zealand to find a job and it is definitely easier for skilled workers to find jobs in Australia. The big difference is between the countries is the Australian government will not support you while you are looking for a job. I recommend you start looking on the Australian job listing websites and contacting recruitment companies and see how you go. If you can find a job in Australia, it is very likely to be better paid than it is in New Zealand. I also recommend moving in or close to family so that you have support if you need it. Good Luck! Reply « 1 2 3 4 » Leave a Reply to Julie Sutton Cancel Reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
