What certificates do I need to work in Australia?

For hospitality serving alcohol you need an RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) for your state — a short course from about $25 online in some states to ~$150 in others. For any construction site work you need a White Card (general construction induction), around $100. Both can be done within days of arriving.

What does an Australian resume look like?

Two to three pages, no photo, no date of birth, no marital status. Lead with a short summary and recent experience with measurable results, and list two referees with Australian phone numbers if possible. Tailor it to every application — recruiters filter hard on keywords.

Can employers check my visa work rights?

Yes — employers verify work rights through the government's VEVO system before hiring. Carry nothing; they just need your passport details and consent. If a job offers cash without checking, treat it as a warning sign about how they'll treat your pay and safety.

Updated July 2026

Live in Oz · Guides

How to Find a Job in Australia as a New Migrant (2026)

Most advertised jobs live on SEEK, Indeed and Jora. Hospitality needs an RSA certificate (from ~$25–150 depending on state), construction needs a White Card (~$100) — both doable in your first week. Use an Australian-format resume (2–3 pages, no photo), and don't underrate community referrals: a lot of first jobs never get advertised.

Where the jobs actually are

SEEK is the biggest board for professional and permanent roles; Indeed and Jora sweep up casual and entry-level listings. Hospitality moves through walk-ins with a printed resume more than any website — weekday afternoons, ask for the manager. Labour-hire agencies place warehouse, cleaning and construction workers fast, often within the week.

Get certified in your first week

Two cheap certificates unlock the two biggest casual industries. The RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) is mandatory for any job serving alcohol — each state runs its own version, online in some states, classroom in NSW and VIC. The White Card is mandatory for stepping onto any construction site. Do both before you start applying and your yes-rate doubles.

Fix your resume for Australia

Australian resumes are 2–3 pages, with no photo, no age, no marital status — including them reads as unfamiliarity with local norms. Lead with a 3-line summary, then recent roles with concrete results. Two referees with local phone numbers close deals; a manager from your first casual job counts. Tailor keywords to each ad — most large employers screen with software before a human looks.

Overseas qualifications and licensed trades

Many professions (nursing, teaching, electrical work, plumbing) are licensed state by state — you can't legally work from overseas experience alone. Start the recognition process early through the relevant assessing authority, and take bridging work in the meantime. Unlicensed experience still counts on a resume; frame it honestly as overseas practice.

The channel nobody prices in: community

Cafés, cleaning companies, farms and small builders fill roles through word of mouth days before anything is posted. Say what you're looking for in your community's WhatsApp and Facebook groups — and when a contact comes through Live in Oz, tell the business "Live in Oz sent me". It keeps the referral chain alive for the next person.

General information only, not personal migration advice.

⚡ Talk to our trusted migration partners

Yulia MoiseevaRegistered Migration Agent · MARN 1066715 · Queensland

RHS Legal — Rustam SandhuMigration Lawyer · MARN 1574649 · South Australia

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