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. Start with your university careers service for information on work and study in Australia.

Job websites

• Byron Employment  - job-listing service with email alerts for jobseekers, plus a searchable database of recruitment agencies.
• Careerone  - large job site.
• GradConnection Australia  - graduate jobs and internships.
• Jobaroo  - for jobseekers returning or going to Australia.
• JobSearch - Australia  - national vacancy database, searchable by region, with a section on graduate jobs.
• Jobsearch Australia  - searches 400+ websites.
• MyCareer  - vacancy database searchable by sector and region; includes graduate jobs.
• Positions VACANT  - an online recruitment service for job seekers throughout Australia.
• UniJobs  - Australia's university jobs website.

Recruitment agencies 

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

Private employment agencies are also listed in the Australian Yellow Pages  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.

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 Australian  - national
• The Courier-Mail  - Brisbane
• Sydney Morning Herald  - Sydney
• The West Australian  - Perth 

Other sources

Graduate Opportunities (Australia's premier graduate jobs directory)  is full of careers information for graduates and has links to major employers.

Job Services Australia  is an Australian government initiative aimed at helping people find employment.

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

Hidden vacancies

As many jobs aren’t advertised but are filled via an informal network, it is important to understand the hidden job market. You need to be proactive, realistic and persevere. Take advantage of networking opportunities and expand your networks by joining professional associations and Chambers of Commerce or 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.