BEFORE DEPARTURE
Don’t underestimate your preparations. Think about what job you want to do in Australia before departing. Consider what skills you already have and/or how overseas experience could compliment them. Typically, the most frequent occupations for students include hospitality and others. Do not underestimate these jobs either. Carrying three full plates of food in a crowded restaurant or making the perfect cappuccino is not as easy as it seems. Learning these skills before leaving for Australia will assist you a lot in finding work.
Think about whether you prefer working during the day or in the evenings. This will help you (and us) find the right school for you. Also think about what you want to get out of the course. For most people, studying in the mornings will most likely result in faster learning outcomes.
Prepare a CV for the job you wish to apply for. Do not assume that one CV will be suitable for all jobs. Prepare a number of CVs before you depart for Australia. Doing it properly can take a days or even a week. Don’t lose precious time in Australia doing this – get them ready beforfe you go.
Organise necessary qualifications from the comfort of your own home!Get your RSA certificate online to work in hospitality. Find out what you need to work in your desired field before you travel.
AFTER DEPARTURE
Organise your Tax File Number (TFN). Everybody working Australia needs a TFN. This includes employees and self-employed. A TFN can be organised online. Let us know if you need help with it.
Don’t waste your time sending CVs by email to potential employers. We recommend finding what jobs are available online and then visiting the business personally with a copy of your CV.
Walk around and give your CV to employers who are not advertising. There is nothing wrong with walking into a business, asking to see the manager and leaving your CV there. Make sure you give your CV to the manager or somebody senior. Don’t rely on the junior employees. Remember – luck favours the brave.
Australian employers - particularly in hospitality – require potential employees to attend a trial. This is a test of your skills. Trials typically last about 2 hours but some are longer. Don’t be scared of the trial. Everyone has to do it. Be confident, smile and try your best.
Don’t be scared to start work with no contract. This is known as ‘casual employment’ and is very common. Make sure, however, you get paid on time and at the agreed rate. If you are not sure, please contact us immediately.
Employers must pay taxes and social insurance (superannuation) for you. Taxes and superannuation can be refunded to you once you leave Australia permanently. Contact us if you need help with this.
The taxation year in Australia runs from 1 July to 30 June. After 30.6 each year you have until 31.10 to lodge your tax return. Because students typically have lower incomes, there is a good chance you will get 100% of your tax refunded. Please check the Australian Tax Office website for more details.
A tax file number (‘TFN’) is required by anyone who wants to work in Australia whether as an employee, freelancer or business owner. Getting a TFN is easy – simply click on the above link and follow the instructions. Please be aware that organising a TFN can take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks so please plan ahead. A TFN is sent by post only so make sure you have a reliable address. Many of you will have no address so we recommend, at least to begin with, using the address of your school. It is reliable and can be changed at any time. Your TFN can only be applied for once your student visa is approved. If you need help organising your TFN, please let us know.
An Australian Business Number (‘ABN’) is required when you want to run your own business or work as a contractor. Every type of business needs an ABN. No ABN is required if your business turns over less than $50000AUD per year but your suppliers or partners may require it. If you need help organising your ABN, please let us know.
This certificate is required if you want to work at a restaurant, bar or other business which serves alcohol to the public. The certificate can be obtained online and costs about $20.00. Don’t get tricked into paying for the certificate in the post. The PDF version sent to you be email is enough. The certificate is needed EVERYWHERE that alcohol is sold. Fines apply if you are caught without the RSA certificate. A must have.
A one day course about safety on construction sites. A white card/green card is a legal requirement to work on a construction site. We do not recommend doing the online course as will not necessarily be recongised.
Teaches you how to make the perfect coffee! This is a one day course which costs $100 to $200. Recommended for anyone who wishes to work in a café or coffee bar. Note: it is common for potential employers to ‘trial’ new employees before they start work – including how to make lattes, cappuccinos and others using one type of milk.
All security guards require a security licence. This is a three week course and costs around $550.00. May include first aid, crowd control and RSA. This course requires a higher initial investment but jobs can be found relatively easily both during the day and night.