Moving to Australia from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka or other countries can be fun. But finding a job in a new country can be hard. Maybe you are still learning English. Or you do not know Australian work rules. Or you have no local work history. The Australian government and community groups offer job seeker support to help new migrants. For example, the Workforce Australia program has job search tools and free courses to help you find work.
The Indian Support Center (ISC) is a community group that helps migrants from the Indian subcontinent settle and find work in Australia. We offer free or low-cost help with resumes, interviews, and job search. You don’t have to look for work alone. Remember: many people have been in your shoes. ISC’s job seeker support can guide you step by step to start your career in Australia.
Job Search Tips for New Migrants
Check your visa
Make sure your visa lets you work here. You can check your visa details on the government website. If your visa does not allow work, you will need a different visa first.
Try any job to start
Begin with part-time or casual work in shops, restaurants or cleaning. This helps you earn money and get Australian work experience. Even a small job is a good first step.
Use online job sites
Websites like SEEK, Indeed or Jora list many jobs. LinkedIn can help you meet employers and show your skills. Bookmark these sites and check them often.
Ask in your community
Talk to your friends, family or neighbors. They might know about jobs not listed online. You can also visit local shops and ask if they need workers. Community groups often share job leads by word of mouth.
Look locally
Check your local council or library for jobs. Ask businesses in your area if they have openings. You can also write down names of local companies you like and call or email them directly.
Improve your English
The government offers free English classes (Skills for Education and Employment) if you qualify. Good English helps in interviews and on the job. Practice speaking with friends or at community events.
Volunteer for experience
Volunteering in local groups can give you Australian work experience. It also helps you meet people and learn about work in Australia. Volunteering (for example at libraries or festivals) can give you references and skills for your resume.
Write a good resume
Write your resume in simple English. List your main skills and work history, and do not include a photo or personal details. Make sure it matches the job. For each job, tweak your resume to highlight the skills the employer wants.
Get a Tax File Number (TFN)
You need a TFN to get paid at a job. You can apply online for free on the Australian Tax Office website.
Practice for interviews
Learn about common interview questions and practice your answers. Dress neatly and arrive on time for your interview. You can ask a friend to practice with you or do a mock interview with our staff.
Find the right career
Try the YourCareer.gov.au website. It suggests jobs that match your skills. This helps you see what jobs are a good fit for you.
Use government help
Workforce Australia has job search tools and free courses to help you find work. They also offer coaching, training modules, and can link you to local employment services.
These steps can help you search for jobs more easily. For example, always keep your resume up to date and send it to each job you find. Try to send a few applications each week. Stay positive – every application and interview is a chance to learn. You are not alone; many migrants have found jobs in Australia by following these tips and using support services.
How Indian Support Center Helps Job Seekers
At the Indian Support Center (ISC), we know job hunting can be hard for new arrivals. So we offer many kinds of job seeker support to get you ready and find real jobs. We do one-on-one help and group workshops.
Here are some ways ISC helps job seekers:
- Resume and Cover Letter Help: We help you write or improve your resume and cover letter. Australian employers expect clear, short resumes. We show you how to focus on your skills and match the resume to the job.
- Interview Coaching: We practice job interviews with you. We go over common questions and give tips on how to answer. We help you prepare for phone, video, or face-to-face interviews.
- Job Referrals: ISC shares information about local job openings. We have a network of employers and community groups, so we can refer you to companies that are hiring. Our team lets you know about vacancies in supermarkets, factories, offices, etc.
- Workshops: We run free workshops on finding jobs. Topics include how to write a good job application, meeting people (networking) in Australia, using LinkedIn, and knowing your rights at work. These workshops are in simple English and often in Hindi or Punjabi too.
- Volunteer Program: ISC can connect you to volunteer work. For example, you might volunteer at libraries, festivals or schools. This lets you gain real Australian work experience and new friends. Volunteering can make your resume stronger.
- Newcomer Coaching: We provide counseling and mentorship. Our staff include volunteers who understand your culture. They can guide you step-by-step and answer your questions about work.
- Industry Links: ISC maintains a list of employers who like hiring migrants. We tell you about job fairs or recruitment drives when we hear of them.
- Resume and Interview Resources: We can give you sample resumes and practice interview questions in simple language. We even have sessions on “how to answer in English” if needed.
ISC’s job seeker support is for new migrants, students, refugees, and anyone starting their first job in Australia. We especially focus on helping people from India and other South Asian countries feel at home in the Sydney job market. But all migrants and refugees can use our services. Our staff are friendly and speak many Indian languages, so they understand your needs.
Support for New Migrants
Finding a job is one part of settling in. You also need help with everyday things. The ISC provides new migrant support to make your move easier. We connect you with important services for housing, healthcare, education and more. For example, we help you find a home and a doctor, and we can help enroll your children in school.
We also run special programs and workshops to help you adjust:
- Housing and Health: We explain how to rent a house, get a Medicare card (for free healthcare), and use public transport. We can also help you apply for any Centrelink (social security) payments or rental assistance if your visa allows.
- Community Workshops: ISC holds workshops on living in Australia. Topics include local customs, laws, and daily skills (like using computers or applying for ID). These are often in simple English or translated.
- Education and Skills Classes: We offer free classes to improve English, computer, or job skills.
- Tax and Legal Advice: We give simple advice on taxes and legal rights. For example, we can explain how to get a Tax File Number or what minimum wage means.
- Community Events: We organize cultural and sports events so you can meet people and feel at home. This includes festivals for Indian and Nepali holidays, food fairs, and sports days. Meeting other migrants helps you build friends and job connections.
- Health and Benefits: We help you register for Medicare (health care) and explain any jobseeker or rental support you can get.
- Counseling: If you feel stressed, our social workers can listen to you and guide you.
All these services are free or very low-cost, and are here to help you settle in and start work in Australia.
NDIS Services for People with Disability
If you or a family member has a disability, extra help is available through the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme). NDIS can pay for things you need, like special equipment, therapy or personal care. For example, it might pay for a wheelchair, hearing aids, or a support worker to help you get dressed.
The NDIS can also help you at work. For example, if you want to work but need extra support, NDIS may pay for a job coach or support worker on your job. This means you could get paid while someone helps you learn the job.
Indian Support Center is a registered NDIS provider. We can help you apply for NDIS funding and find the supports you need. Whether it’s help at home, transport to work, or equipment at work, ISC can guide you to the right NDIS programs.
Staying Motivated and Connected
Job searching can take time and sometimes feel hard. Remember: you are not alone. Every small step brings you closer to your goal. Many people have been through this and found work here. In fact, ISC’s own guide says “Finding a job in Australia can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone”.
- Stay organized. Keep a notebook or diary of the jobs you apply for. Set small goals, like sending out a few resumes each day or learning a new English phrase.
- Learn and grow. Use free resources to improve your skills. You can watch simple English videos, take free short courses online, or practice basic computer skills. Every new skill makes you more confident and able.
- Connect with others. Talk with fellow migrants or friends who already have jobs. They can share tips or introduce you to employers. Join cultural or hobby clubs (like yoga, music, or language groups). Your friends and networks are a valuable source of information and support.
Keep trying and stay positive. If you feel discouraged, talk to our counselors or other migrants. The ISC team and community are here to help you. With patience and effort, your skills will find a place in Australia.
An Example of Success
Imagine someone named Amit. He moved to Australia from India and had been an engineer back home. He was smart and eager, but he needed help to find a job here. At ISC, we helped Amit improve his resume and practice for interviews. He also started volunteering at a local library to learn how work is done in Australia. Soon, he got a part-time tech support job, and later a full-time engineering role.
Stories like Amit’s show that with patience and the right support, you can use your skills and experience to succeed in Australia.
Getting Started with Job Seeker Support
You do not have to look for work alone. The Indian Support Center is here to help you every step of the way. Our office is in Wentworthville (Greater Sydney) and we help people all over Sydney. You can also call us at +61 480 110 453 or email for advice. You can find more resources on our website, or send us your resume. We can review it and give you feedback. If it’s hard to come to our office, we might be able to arrange online help too.
You can succeed in Australia. With the right help and effort, you can find a job and build a new life here. Remember, ISC’s job seeker support and other migrant services are here to guide you. Keep using these supports – soon you will be working and settled in Australia.