Can I work in Australia while I study?

New international students have to apply for work permission to be attached to their student visa after commencing their course. Initial processing of these applications is usually done through the international office at the student’s university. The fee for obtaining permission to work is $60.

Once granted work permission, an international student can work for up to 20 hours per week during semester, and full time during vacations. Vacations are defined as periods when the university is not in session.

The job application process

Australian employers use two main methods to short list applicants for interview - a Résumé/Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a cover letter/letter of application.

1. Résumés- no more than three pages listing education, employment history, relevant experience, skills, personal qualities and carefully selected interests and achievements.

Avoid paragraphs and keep language concise.
Keep it 'clean and clear' – not cluttered with too many fonts and symbols.
Place degree/s first with the name of the institution after.
Place all information in reverse chronological order.
Early secondary school experience is not of great interest.
Help employers see whether you will fit in to their organisation by selecting interests and activities such as playing team sports to show team work and cooperation, voluntary work to show values and community spirit.
Include the names and contact details of at least two referees. Try to have at least one local name, perhaps a university lecturer or tutor, who is prepared to speak on your behalf.

2. Cover letter - no more than one page. Highlight what you have to offer and how you meet the selection criteria. Give brief examples of skills and experience to demonstrate that you 'fit' the job.

Observe letter writing conventions, placing your name and contact details, the details of the person to whom you are writing, the date and any reference numbers on the top left of the page
Address the person by their title and their family name, not their given name. For example, 'Dear Ms Brown', not 'Dear Jenny Brown' or 'Dear Ms Jenny'. Check you know which is the family name.
This is your chance to stand out and to highlight the qualities that make you the best person for the job. Do not be modest and shy. Use verbs to express what you have actually done. For example, 'Designed a system to produce reports efficiently while working at Bloggs and Co.'
Avoid clichés and expressions that may be read as insincere. Rather than using terms such as 'your esteemed company', simply say 'this well respected company' or 'I would appreciate your time' rather than 'your most valuable and precious time'.
You may not hear for up to four weeks after submitting your application. You will either be called to come for an interview or you will receive a letter explaining that you have been unsuccessful in your application.

The interview

You may be interviewed by one person, a panel of two or more people or over the telephone if a personal interview cannot be arranged. You may have to attend an assessment centre to complete tasks individually or in groups.
You should dress neatly and for business. Women do not have to wear skirts, but dress appropriately for the organisation. Make up and jewellery should be minimal and conservative.
In a business environment a firm, but not overpowering, handshake is the appropriate greeting . Women usually indicate whether they wish to shake hands.
Show your personality in the interview, so speak up clearly and with confidence. Be formal but show humour and try to be relaxed.
Answer honestly and in keeping with your views and values. Give examples of skills and experience in response to questions.
Be prepared to ask questions about the tasks, responsibilities and expectations of the job, not just about the pay and holiday entitlements.
You may not hear about whether you got the job immediately. You can call two weeks after an interview to ask and also request feedback about your performance.

Australian workplace culture and behaviour

Most workplaces enjoy four weeks annual leave, with public holidays including Good Friday and Easter Monday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Most jobs are described as being 'nine to five', but many workplaces will expect you to be there as early as 8.00 am and to work into the early evening. This can be negotiated and time off in lieu is given.

Australian workers enjoy benefits such as superannuation with employer contributions, sick leave entitlements, paid maternity leave, paternity leave and, in some situations, study leave

Going to the pub after work is common, particularly on Fridays. Even if you do not drink it is a good way to establish friendships and to help you fit in with your workmates. You will be expected to buy drinks for the other members of your group, called 'your shout'. The office Christmas party is an annual event. It is important to be one of the group, but you do not have to drink. Most people will respect your decision if you do not judge theirs.

The Australian workplace is diverse. Expect a multi cultural mix, single and married women and men, sole parents, people with disabilities, those of various sexual preferences, various age groups, and those who work flexible hours, with generally tolerant attitudes to differences. Religious observance and holidays are generally accepted through special arrangements with management.

Opportunities exist to work part-time, at home and to work longer hours one week with shorter hours the next.

The retirement age is 60 – 65, although there are moves to extend this due to our aging population.

The Australian workplace is usually not overly formal and hierarchical but there are clear lines of authority and decision-making indicated by titles such as foreman, supervisor, coordinator, head of section or department, manager and chief executive officer (CEO). Know who your immediate superior is and their expectations of you.

Unionism is well established and accepted as a right to advocacy.

Promotions in the workplace are made on the basis of merit and sometimes seniority.

Australians generally prefer to maintain a balance between work and their private lives, believing that we should 'work to live' rather than 'live to work'.