Australia : Vacancy sources

 Realistically, most graduates do not start their job search until they arrive in Australia but you should do some preparation before leaving the UK. Your university careers service should have information on working and studying in Australia.

Newspapers

Australian newspapers are a good place to look for current vacancies. All main daily newspapers carry job supplements and are generally state or territory based. Examples include: 

• The Age  (Melbourne);
• The Courier-Mail  (Brisbane);
• Sydney Morning Herald ;
• The West Australian (Perth). 

For a full list of Australian newspapers, visit Australian Newspapers Online. 

Online recruitment services and job listings

Many jobs are advertised online. Below is a list of websites containing information on permanent, temporary and casual opportunities. Many sites also contain job-seeking resources: 

• Byron Employment - job-listing service with an email alerts for candidates, plus a searchable database of recruitment agencies.
• Careerone - large job site.
• Graduate Careers Australia - graduate careers and recruitment in Australia, plus links to employer and careers service sites.
• Graduate Opportunities (Australasia's graduate jobs directory) - vacancies for graduates and links to major employers.
• Jobaroo - for jobseekers returning or going to Australia.
• JobSearch  - national vacancy database, searchable by region, with a section on graduate jobs.
• Jobsearch Australia - specialises in the IT/computer industry.
• jobsguide  - vacancy database searchable by region.
• MyCareer  - links to jobs advertised in the Australian newspapers.
• Positions VACANT  - an online recruitment service for job seekers throughout Australia.
• Travel Jobs Network - classified job advertisements for careers in travel, tourism, hospitality and casual backpacker positions. 

Private employment agencies 

The The Recruitment & Consulting Services Association Ltd (RCSA) is the professional body for the employment services industry. Their website contains a searchable list of accredited recruitment companies. 

Private employment agencies are also listed in the Australian Yellow Pages telephone directory under ‘Employment services’. Many of these agencies have websites advertising vacancies. Most agencies are free and you can register with as many as you like to increase your chances of getting a job.

Other sources

Regional career fairs are held throughout Australia. For more details, visit Graduate Careers Australia. 

Hidden vacancies

As around 70% of jobs aren’t advertised through the media, it is important to understand the hidden job market. You need to be proactive, persevere and be realistic. Take advantage of networking opportunities and expand your networks through joining professional associations and Chambers of Commerce, or by undertaking voluntary work. 

Contact employers direct and ask if they are currently recruiting. It may also be a good idea to follow up an application with a phone call or a personal visit.