Scenario 1 of 7
Your manager asks for feedback
In a team meeting, your manager asks: "What could we do better on this project?"
Career Calling New to Australia
Your skills came with you. Let's put them to work here.
Practical help for people new to Australia: finding work, getting overseas qualifications recognised, building local experience, writing an Australian-style resume and feeling at home in an Australian workplace.
- Plain English
- Official sources
- Employment and study
We do not give migration advice. For visa questions, speak to a registered migration agent (check the register at mara.gov.au) or the Department of Home Affairs.
Where to start
Help for every part of starting work here
Choose a topic, or build your own plan below. Every page uses plain English and links to the official sources.
Find work
How hiring works here: job ads, recruiters, cover letters, interviews and your rights at work.
Read moreGet your qualifications recognised
Find the body that usually assesses or registers your occupation in Australia.
Read moreBuild local experience
Volunteering, internships and local referees. See current roles on the Volunteer board.
Read moreAustralian-style resumes
What to put in, what to leave out, and a before and after example.
Read moreWorkplace culture programs
Practical programs on communication, workplace norms, safety, teamwork and interviews.
Read moreStudy in Australia
Study pathways that can lead to work, and current courses you can compare.
Read moreYour plan
A good place to start
Answer the questions to make this plan your own.
Apply for a tax file number
You need a tax file number (TFN) to be paid correctly. Apply for it on the official ATO website. It is free.
Read the ATO page on tax file numbersLearn your rights at work
Everyone working in Australia has the same basic workplace rights, including pay, leave and a safe workplace.
Read the Fair Work Ombudsman guideCheck who recognises your qualification
Many occupations have a body that assesses overseas qualifications or registers people to work. Find yours and check its official site.
Use the recognition finderWrite an Australian-style resume
A short resume that shows achievements, not only duties. Leave out your photo, date of birth and marital status.
Read the resume guideGet local experience and a local referee
Volunteering is one of the most practical ways to show your skills here and to meet people who can act as a referee.
See local experience optionsJoin a workplace culture program
Learn the everyday habits of Australian workplaces: meetings, feedback, emails, safety and teamwork.
See the programsStart applying
Search and apply for jobs. Tailor each application to the job ad, and keep a list of where you applied.
Go to Career Calling JobsTrack your first 90 days
Use the checklist to keep track of the practical steps. Your ticks stay on this device.
Open the checklist
We do not give migration advice. For visa questions, speak to a registered migration agent (check the register at mara.gov.au) or the Department of Home Affairs.
Send me this plan
We save your plan with your details, and our team will contact you within one business day to help with the next step.
Your first 90 days
A simple order for the practical steps
Tick each step off on the checklist. Your ticks stay on this device.
Before you start work
Make copies of your qualifications, transcripts and work references.
Weeks 1 to 4
Find the body that assesses or registers your occupation.
Weeks 5 to 8
Apply for a volunteer role that uses your skills.
Weeks 9 to 12
Practise interview answers using the STAR method.
Workplace culture
Try a workplace situation
Every workplace has habits that nobody writes down. Choose what you would do and see plain guidance. There is no single right answer for every workplace.
Local experience
Local experience helps employers see your skills
Volunteering is one of the most practical ways to use your skills here, meet people in your field and gain a local referee.
Career Calling family
Other Career Calling sites that can help
New to Australia works with the rest of the Career Calling family. Each site is built for one part of the journey.
Career Calling Jobs
Find and apply for jobs with verified employers.
VisitCareer Calling Resume
Write an Australian-style resume and cover letter.
VisitCareer Calling Volunteer
Volunteer roles for local experience and local referees.
VisitCareer Calling Courses
Compare nationally recognised courses.
VisitCareer Calling Coach
One to one career coaching.
VisitCareer Calling Advice
Independent career and study advice.
VisitCareer Calling Mentors
Talk with someone who works in your field.
VisitWho is this site for?
People who are new to Australia, or planning to come, and want to find work or study. Also families, community groups and employers who support them.
Do you give migration or visa advice?
No. We do not give migration advice. For visa questions, speak to a registered migration agent (check the register at mara.gov.au) or the Department of Home Affairs. If you ask, we record a request for a referral to a registered migration agent. We do not give the advice ourselves.
Can you promise a job or recognition of my qualification?
No one can promise that. Employers make hiring decisions, and official bodies make recognition decisions. We help you prepare and find the right official source.
Is Career Calling New to Australia part of the government?
No. We are part of Career Calling International, a member of CAQA Groups. We link to official government sites so you can check information yourself.
Talk to us
Not sure where to start?
Tell us a little about your situation. Our team will contact you within one business day.