Finding a job in Australia when you’re a foreigner
Australia’s unemployment rate is very low thanks to its dynamic economy. As for wages, they are generally higher than in most other countries, and certainly much higher for certain trades. Are you wondering if it’s hard to find a job in Australia ? Let's say that it depends on your motivation and your willpower. Obviously, networking with people, the place where you are, and the type of job you are looking for are also factors to consider.
You can try looking for qualified jobs (new technologies, finance, medicine, etc.) related to your field but you may find it harder to find than small jobs. In fact, it all depends on your goal, whether you’re a working holiday maker or backpacker who just wants to save a little bit of money and travel (short term jobs), or if you want to be hired for a long term job and stay in Australia.
Hospitality jobs
I’m talking about working in hotels and catering (waiter jobs, kitchen assistant, barman, barista, maid, receptionist, etc.). It is one of the sectors that employs the most foreigners in Australia, especially during the summer season. Having a previous experience is not always essential but highly desirable (you don’t want to drop your clients’ plates on them or forget their order !) It is advisable to have a good level of English, especially when you interact with clients and welcome them. Some regions / trades require one or more work certificates to get a job. Salary: about 16 to 28 AU gross per hour as of 2017 when you work in shops, supermarkets, bakeries etc.
Sales
If you want to work in sales, you won’t be asked for a certificate but you will need a good level of English in order to communicate with the customers. You’ll usually work as a salesperson and / or cashier. Salary: about AU$16 to 25 gross per hour.
Factory worker
It’s not the most glamourous job ever, but you have a very good chance to find a job as a factory worker. Packaging and unpacking boxes, assembling equipment, packaging food, cutting meat or fish, etc. could be a good opportunity for you to earn money. It all depends on the products processed by the factory you are working in. The positives? Salaries in that industry are quite good, and your level of English does not really matter. On the other hand, working conditions can be difficult (carrying heavy loads, cold temperatures, repetitive movements, etc.) and you will have to get used to the schedules (day or night). Salary: about AU$16 to 24 per hour.