How to get a job in Australia if you're from the UK

Job stress killing your Australian dream? We got you.

When you apply for JENZA Work Australia, we're on hand to help you get set up, find work and support you throughout your adventure.

So how does it all work? Keep on reading as we take you through how we help you get a job on Australian shores.

Where to start with work in Australia

The prospect of moving to Australia from the UK is obviously pretty exciting. But hold your horses, there are a few bits of key documentation you’ll need before getting a job Down Under. When you book a working holiday through JENZA you’ll be set up with all the essentials you need to work in Australia, like your tax number, bank account and SIM card. Once you’ve got all this, you can start your job search.

Types of work visas available

Australia offers a few different work visas for skilled professionals who want to emigrate or start a business over there. However, if you’re only planning a temporary move to work in Australia from the UK, you should apply for the working holiday visa. That’s what you’ll be applying for when planning your working holiday with JENZA. From application to approval, getting your working holiday visa processed can take up to six weeks. So ensure you leave enough time. But with us on your side, our team can usually process your visa and have it back to you within 2-3 days.

Where to find jobs

We’re well connected (humble brag), so you don’t have to be. Going through us means you’ll have 12 months’ access to a nationwide database to search and apply for jobs from when you arrive, where jobs are regularly posted and have been vetted and approved by our in-country partners. This database features roles to suit a lot of different skill sets, whether you’ve already got a trade in mind or are open to pretty much anything.

The different kinds of work

Typical backpacker jobs are usually working in hospitality, tourism, retail, construction, sales, and seasonal farm work such as fruit picking or working in a vineyard. Of course, if you’re looking for more work related to your current profession, trade or degree, you can do that too. But keep in mind, professional roles have more comprehensive interview processes and referencing to go through, so it will take longer. The wider the variety of jobs you’re willing to do, the easier it’ll be to secure work in Australia from the UK.

CV, application and interview tips

So, now you know how to find a job in Australia, it’s time to learn how to score the role! The good news is, applying and interviewing for Australian jobs isn’t all too different to applying for jobs in the UK. Here are a couple of tips to keep in mind:

• Update your CV to reflect the Australian job market, focusing on your most relevant knowledge and skills
• Swap out any UK-specific terminology for Australian terminology - this shows consideration, care and attention to detail
• Note down any Australian equivalents to your UK qualifications so that they can be easily understood by prospective employers
• Make sure you include your work visa status with your personal details
• Read up on the companies you are interviewing for so you can demonstrate an understanding of the company and job role
• Dress according to the company’s dress code for your interview
• Read up on the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) system that many Australian employers use to assess candidates during job interviews

We’ll act as your Fairy Job-mother and provide extra support and advice during your job search and interview process. If you'd rather find your feet and then tackle the whole job thing - we also offer job workshops on your arrival week. Basically, we’ve got your back!

Most sought after skills in Australia

According to a 2023 list released by Jobs and Skills Australia, the most sought after skilled individuals are:

• Trade workers
• Engineers
• ICT specialists
• Healthcare specialists
• Scientific experts

There are also skills shortages in technology, cybersecurity, accounting and project management, just to name a few. But even if you don’t match any of these skill areas, there are always vacancies in the retail, hospitality and tourism sectors.

How easy is it to get work?

This will vary depending on what sort of job you’re after. If you have a specific role or industry in mind, vacancies might be harder to come by given the six month only rule and could be much more competitive. But if you’re open to lots of different types of work, you’ll have far more opportunities to choose from, so you should get a job quicker.

Do I have to stay with one employer?

On an Australian working holiday visa, you can work for a single employer for up to six months. After this, you need to find a new role unless that employer is keen to sponsor you (in which case you've hit jackpot). It might sound like a bit of a hassle but, on the plus side, it means you get to try new things, see more of Australia and really make the most of your working holiday.

What it’s like to work in Australia

Working life in Australia isn’t all that different from working in the UK. The average full-time employee works 38 hours per week between Monday and Friday, with your hours and schedule changing depending on your job. Most employers offer at least four weeks annual leave, as well as public holidays. All jobs are different though - this is just a rule of thumb for full-time corporate roles.

What’s the average pay in Australia like?

Great news! Australia has one of the world’s highest minimum wages, at $24.10 per hour (2024), meaning even bartending, serving and retail jobs are relatively well-paid in comparison to UK hospitality roles. While Australia can have higher living costs compared to areas of the United Kingdom, this minimum wage certainly helps to make up for it.

So take that 'getting a job fear' off the top of the pile and focus on the spiders and snakes (eek). We’ve got bags of experience with travellers who want to travel and work in Australia from the UK. Contact us and we’ll help you take the first steps towards that Aussie adventure. Head to our Work Australia page to find out more.