Australia has a wide range of industries that offer part-time and casual work. Before you undertake any paid work, you must make sure your visa allows you to work.
On an international student visa (Subclass 500), you are allowed to work up to 48 hours a fortnight when your semester/term is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You should regularly check your visa conditions to ensure your working hours align with that what your visa allows.
Aside from earning extra money, casual work provides an excellent opportunity to be immersed in the Northern Territory culture and community, develop your resume and make new friends.
If you're searching for a job or getting ready to work as an international student, there are a few important things you need to do:
- Open an Australian bank account.
- Register for you Tax File Number (TFN). Read more about your tax requirements as an international student here.
- Tell your employer that you are only allowed to work 48 hours a fortnight during the term time, with unlimited hours during study breaks.
Understand your work rights and responsibilities.
Part time and casual work
As an international student in the Northern Territory, you can seek part-time or casual employment. This allows international students to balance their studies while assisting them with living expenses, meeting new people and gaining experience in an Australian workplace.
There are many opportunities for you to undertake part time or casual work in industries such as retail, hospitality, tourism and office administration.
Where to find work
There are many places where you can look for part-time work in Darwin, including:
- Your university or institution's Career Service Centre
- NTG Job Board - Jobs - Search (nt.gov.au)
- Seek
- Indeed
- Jora
Finding a graduate program/internship
Numerous large organisations and government departments in the Northern Territory offer tailored programs for recent graduates. These programs prioritise on-the-job training and ongoing professional development, providing graduates exposure to a variety of opportunities that offer a comprehensive understanding of different roles within their respective industries.
It's important to note that securing opportunities in graduate programs is competitive, typically requiring applications to be submitted 8-12 months in advance.
Explore graduate opportunities through the following channels:
International students in Australia have the same workplace rights as all other workers in Australia. These workplace rights include protecting your entitlement to:
- A minimum wage and superannuation
- Challenge of unfair dismissal from the job
- Leave/breaks and rest periods
- A healthy and safe work environment
For detailed information on international students' work rights, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman - a government body providing free services to all Australian workers, including international students.
Resumes and cover letters are your go-to for job applications, whether it's part-time or casual or after you complete your studies. They showcase your skills, experience and qualifications to an employer. A clear, concise good cover letter is often required by an employer and helps you to further address the job description.
Best practices for writing your resume
- Clarity is key: ensure a clean and organised layout with clear headings and concise bullet points.
- Tailor to the role: refer to the job description and customise your resume for each job application, aligning your skills and expertise with the specific role.
- Highlight your qualifications and key achievements: focus on accomplishments and experience. Refer to the job description and showcase your qualifications and achievements particularly relevant for the role.
- Crafting a strong summary: begin your resume with a compelling summary that quickly communicates your key strengths and career objectives.
Cover Letter
- Customise for each job: tailor your cover letter to the specific job you're applying for, addressing the company's needs, selection criteria and highlighting how your skills and experience align to the role.
- Concise and impactful: keep your cover letter concise, focusing on key points and highlighting your most relevant experiences and qualifications. Keep the cover letter to less than one page.
- Show enthusiasm: express genuine enthusiasm for the position and the company. Let them know why you're excited about the opportunity.
- Highlight achievements: share specific achievements and experiences that demonstrate your ability to excel in the role.
- Address the hiring manager: Where possible, address your cover letter to the hiring manager or a specific person. It adds a personal touch and shows effort.
While crafting your resume or cover letter allows for some creativity, it's essential to maintain a professional tone. Stick to widely accepted standards by choosing classic fonts like Arial or Times New Roman, usually in font sizes 10 or 12. This ensures a polished and professional presentation for your job applications. Make sure to check your job description carefully for preferred formats or fonts.
It is important to proofread your resume and cover letter before submitting, ensure all grammar and spelling is correct.
References
References play a crucial role in your Australian job application. On an average, you would require two to three references as part of your job application. This could include current or past managers, managers from other departments with whom you’ve worked closely with, external clients, suppliers or colleagues. It is essential to reach out to your references, seeking their permission and willingness to provide a reference before including their details in your resume.