Vacationing and working one year long in Australia is a privilege travelers from several countries can enjoy. However, finding jobs may not be as a walk in the park as some backpackers have made it here. Depending on the areas you’re going to land in and depending on the field of work you’re applying for, competitors would be tough. In big cities, although job opportunities are abundant, so do the competitors. Here are some general heads up that are generally applicable when you’re job-hunting during your travel:
You’ll make a living whatever work you landed
Thanks to its relatively high minimum wage compared to many other English-speaking countries, Australians and non-Australians enjoy a wage that actually allows you to live. This is something that actually would make working and traveling in the country entirely possible. With that said, having enough in your savings would make life kinder for you and would prevent you from becoming desperate.
Get a license or training relevant to the field you’re applying
Some work will require you to have a license. These jobs include barista, waitress or waiters, forklift drivers, construction workers, and many others. Get a the RSA license (Responsible Serving of Alcohol) right when you get here before you start applying for such jobs.
If you have a minimum to no experience, consider getting a certification from a training. This would put you ahead of the competitors, especially if you’re looking to land jobs such as a barista. Having some sort of certifications on you would let your employers know that you’re serious about getting this job.
Curate several different CVs relevant to the jobs you’re applying to
Like when you’re applying for jobs at home, don’t dump everything you’ve done in one resume. Creating a resume is not a one-size-fits-all arrangement. Your prospective employers just want to know whether you can do the job you’re applying for:
- Can you make coffee?
- Can you serve food to customers?
- Can you handle customers’ complaints?
- What are your past experiences and training that would support your work?
Network, network, network!
Word of mouth is the oldest way of finding work. And in some cases, still one of the most effective ways for you in finding a job. Especially when it comes to “casual” jobs like jobs of what most travelers have. Even if you’re applying for roles in office jobs They did say that “It’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know.”
Plan your work and travel, then make some adjustments
What’s your goal when you come here on a working holiday visa? Do you want to save as much as possible (and probably travel somewhere else after that)? Or are you only willing to work for a certain amount of time and enjoy your vacations for the rest of it?
Be honest with yourself. Ask yourself about what you want out of your travel in Australia. How is work opportunity once you arrive and how do you fare in landing jobs? Plan your work and travel arrangement using the experiences you’ve had yourself and from people’s experiences. Make adjustments when needed.
