Looking for Work in Sydney? Here’s How to Start the Right Way

Looking for work in Sydney can be thrilling, but it might also leave you feeling a bit lost, if you’re unfamiliar with the city or switching fields. Whether you just arrived in Sydney or you’ve called it home for a while and want a change, knowing the right places to search, what to get ready, and how to tackle the process can make all the difference. 

Sydney offers jobs across various sectors—from hospitality and healthcare to technology, construction, education, and finance, among others. But landing the ideal position requires doing a few things from the start. This guide will take you through straightforward, practical steps to help you secure a job in Sydney without any confusion or complicated language.

Know What You Want

Before sending out job applications, take a moment to think about the role you want. Are you looking for steady full-time work or something part-time? Are you looking for casual work while studying? Or are you hoping to grow in your career and find something long-term?

Knowing this helps you focus. Sydney has everything—from cafe shifts in the inner city to office jobs in the Central Business District. But you’ll waste time if you don’t first figure out what suits your situation and goals.

Make a short list:

• The kind of job you want (e.g. admin, barista, IT support)
• The locations you’re happy to travel to
• Your available work hours

Fix Up Your Resume

Your resume is usually the first thing an employer sees. So it should be simple, neat, and easy to read. You don’t need a fancy design, but it should clearly show:

• Your contact details
• Work experience (most recent jobs at the top)
• Education and training
• Skills relevant to the job
• Any certifications (RSA, First Aid, White Card, etc.)

In Sydney, most employers prefer a short, clear resume—ideally 1 to 2 pages. Don’t write long paragraphs. Use bullet points and clear headings. Keep it honest, and don’t add anything you can’t explain in an interview.

Get Your Documents in Order

If you’re not an Australian citizen, make sure your visa allows you to work. Most employers will ask about your work rights. You’ll also need:

• A Tax File Number (TFN) – apply through the ATO website
• Superannuation details – so your employer can pay into your super fund
• An Australian bank account – for your salary payments

If you’re working in certain industries like hospitality or construction, you might also need special certificates:

• RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) for bar jobs
• White Card for construction work
• Working with Children Check for education or childcare

Start Looking in the Right Places

There are many ways to find jobs in Sydney. Here are the most common ones:

Online Job Boards

• Seek – one of the biggest job websites in Australia
• Indeed – easy to use and covers most industries
• Jora and LinkedIn – good for office and professional roles
• Gumtree Jobs – great for casual, part-time, and hospitality work

Company Websites

If you know which companies you want to work for, visit their websites and check their “Careers” page. Many post jobs there first.

Recruitment Agencies

There are many agencies in Sydney that help people find work. Some focus on office jobs, others on retail, warehouses, or hospitality.

Examples:

• Hays
• Randstad
• Adecco
• Hudson

You can register with them online or walk into their office.

Walk-In Applications

This still works well in hospitality and retail. Walk into a cafe, restaurant, or store with a printed resume. Dress neatly and be polite. It won’t work everywhere, but some managers do hire on the spot.

Write a Proper Cover Letter

For most office jobs or skilled roles, a cover letter is important. It doesn’t need to be long—half a page is enough. But it should explain:

• Why you applying
• What makes you a good fit
• What you can bring to the company

Keep it friendly, clear, and to the point. Don’t just copy-paste the same letter for every job—change a few lines so it matches the role.

Be Ready for Interviews

If you get called for an interview, that means your resume worked. Now it’s time to show that you’re the right person for the job.

Here are a few tips:

• Arrive on time (or log in early if it’s online)
• Dress in clean, neat clothes (even for casual jobs)
• Be polite and listen carefully
• Speak clearly and answer with examples if possible
• Ask questions like “What does a normal day in this role look like?”

You don’t need to be perfect. Just be real, show interest, and be ready to learn.

Keep Applying and Don’t Give Up

Sometimes you’ll apply for 10 jobs and hear back from only one. That’s normal. Don’t feel bad about it. Sydney is a big city with many people looking for work. The key is to keep trying and not lose confidence.

Follow up politely if you haven’t heard back in a week or two. Keep your eyes open and apply regularly. The more effort you put in, the better your chances.

Extra Help If You Need It

If you’re struggling, there’s help available:

• TAFE NSW offers short courses to boost your skills
• JobSearch lists government-supported job programmes.
• Centrelink and Workforce Australia can also support job seekers
• Local councils sometimes run free resume and job workshops

You don’t have to do it all alone. Many people are happy to guide you if you ask.

Final Thoughts

Create a clear resume, apply, and do not hesitate to seek support. If you’re looking to find a part-time job or progress in your profession, Sydney offers plenty of opportunities. You just need to take it one step at a time.