Australia: Job market

What are my chances of getting a job?

The majority of UK graduates who work in Australia will do so on a temporary basis while travelling, under the Working Holiday visa scheme.

For professional and permanent employment, you will need to apply through the competitive General Skilled Migration (GSM) scheme via SkillSelect . This scheme gives priority to people who have skills, qualifications and experience, and applicants are awarded points depending on how in-demand the job is.

It may be possible for a UK/EU graduate working for an international company to work in its Australian branch for a period of time.

Detailed information on all the visas available can be found at Australian Government: Department of Immigration and Citizenship .

• Typical problems encountered: qualifying for a visa to work in Australia, restrictions on the type of work you can undertake on particular visas, unemployment due to the global economic crisis which increases competition for jobs.
• How to improve your chances: consider undertaking a professional qualification or gaining a few years' work experience that would qualify you as a skilled migrant through the GSM scheme, be flexible with your location as there may be more vacancies and less competition in regional areas.
• Language requirements: the main language is English and you may have difficulty securing skilled work unless you speak it fluently.

Where can I work?

• Major industries: agriculture, mining, tourism, manufacture.
• Recent growth areas: tourism, telecommunications, services.
• Industries in decline: construction and mining have seen a downturn due to the global economic crisis.
• Shortage occupations: see the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) - Schedule 1 and 2 .
• Major companies: National Australia Bank, Australia & New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ), Telstra Corporation, Wesfarmers, Woolworths, AMP Ltd, Macquarie Group, Suncorp Group, Qantas Airways, Woodside Petroleum, Westfield Group, BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto Group, Coles Myer.
• Search for more companies: Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry , Forbes Companies in Australia , Kompass , Australian Yellow Pages  
• Major cities: Sydney (largest), Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra (capital), Darwin.

What's it like working in Australia?

• Average working hours: the maximum working week is 38 hours per week, generally Monday to Friday. Hours worked above the standard working week are paid at overtime rates. 
• Holidays: all permanent employees in Australia are entitled to four weeks' paid annual leave per year and ten days paid personal/carer's leave.
• Tax rates: as a non-resident, you will pay considerably higher tax contributions than Australian residents. During 2011-12, non-residents were taxed at a rate of 29c in every dollar earned up to A$37,000, with increasing tax rates for earnings above A$37,000. For more details on tax issues, visit Australian Taxation Office .
• Working practices and customs: Australians are generally laid back and casual in social situations. In business contexts they value punctuality, professionalism, directness and brevity. Business attire and handshake greetings are expected in most workplaces.