Finding a casual job is one of the best ways to settle into life in Australia. It gives you income, new friends, local experience and better English. It can also feel confusing when you are new: which sites to use, what to put on a CV, what the rules are. This guide covers where to look, what to check first, and how to get your first shift.
This is general information, not legal or migration advice. Visa conditions and workplace rules change and depend on your situation, so check the Department of Home Affairs and the Fair Work Ombudsman for what applies to you.
1. Check your visa work conditions first
If you are in Australia on a visa, such as a student or working holiday visa, check what work it allows. Most visas that allow work come with conditions, such as limits on hours or on how long you can work for one employer, and the rules can change. Before you accept any job, check your own visa conditions on the Department of Home Affairs website. If you are unsure, ask your university's international student service. Never rely on what an employer tells you about your visa. It is your responsibility to follow your conditions.
2. Get your paperwork ready
- Tax file number (TFN). Employees generally need one. You can apply through the Australian Taxation Office.
- Bank account. Your employer will need your details to pay you.
- Proof of work rights. Employers must check that you are allowed to work, so have your visa details ready.
- Certificates for the job. Hospitality roles that serve alcohol usually need a Responsible Service of Alcohol certificate, and some roles need food safety training. Rules vary by state.
3. Write a simple one-page CV
Keep it short and clear. Put your name, phone number, email and suburb at the top. List any work, volunteering or study experience in plain language, and include your availability, such as "available evenings and weekends". If you have no Australian experience, say what you have done at home, at university or in a club. Reliability and a friendly attitude matter more than a long list.
4. Know where to look
No single site has every job, so use a mix.
Crewbase is our own app, so we are naturally biased, but here is what it is built for: casual shift and event work.
- Create a free staff account.
- Discover shifts and join events from your phone.
- Build an identity-verified profile, so businesses can see you are who you say you are.
- Clock in with NFC and see your hours recorded as you work, so you have your own record of the shifts you did.
- Staff use Crewbase at no cost.
Other places to look:
- Seek and Indeed are large job boards. They are good for a wide range of roles, from cafes and retail to warehouses.
- Gumtree has local casual jobs, but check each listing carefully.
- LinkedIn is useful for professional roles and internships.
- Facebook groups for your city or your community often share casual jobs. Be careful about scams.
- Your university's careers or student service often lists part-time jobs and runs job events.
- Walking in. For cafes, restaurants and shops, a polite visit with a CV during a quiet time can work.
5. Apply the smart way
Apply to several jobs a week, not one. Reply quickly, because many casual roles are filled fast. Keep your phone on and answer unknown numbers. Be on time for any interview or trial shift, and ask when you will hear back.
6. Ask these questions before you accept
- What is the rate of pay, and is it paid by direct deposit with a payslip?
- Will I be an employee? Will superannuation be paid?
- How many hours, and when will I get my roster?
- Is there training, and is it paid?
- Who do I report to on my first day?
7. Spot the scams
To be safe, never pay money to get a job, never send photos of your passport or bank cards to someone you have not met, and be wary of jobs that pay far more than usual for little work. Be careful of anyone who asks you to work for free for a long "trial". If something feels wrong, stop and check. You can find advice and report scams at Scamwatch. If you are worried about how you are being paid or treated at work, the Fair Work Ombudsman can help, and its information is available in many languages.
8. Keep your own records
Write down or save the days and hours you work, the rate you were told, and your payslips. It helps you check you are paid correctly. Crewbase records your hours as you work, which makes this easy for shifts you do through the app. You can see how it works on the how it works page and the staff guide.
If you are interested in event work, read our guide on how events hire casual staff in Australia to see what employers look for.
Quick checklist
- Check your visa work conditions
- Apply for a tax file number
- Write a one-page CV with your availability
- Create a free Crewbase staff account
- Check Seek, Indeed and your university's job board
- Apply to several jobs a week
- Ask about pay, super and hours before you accept
- Never pay to get a job