Work and Travel in Perth

WORK IN PERTH ALL YEAR ROUND

Perth once was an easy place to land a job, however in recent years competition is growing and jobs are becoming harder to secure. If you are looking for professional roles then expect a lot of competition. Some roles also require you to obtain the Australian licence or degree, even if you have one from your home country; hairdressing, nursing and teaching are all examples of this, though requirements can change from country to country. If you are only looking for a short term job, then you should have no issues securing a job in the hospitality industry - the only requirement is to complete an online "responsible serve of alcohol" certificate (which costs about $20). Those with labouring skills will also find work relatively easy in Perth, however may also need to complete a short online test (white card). Perth wages are relatively high, however this does reflects the high cost of living.

Most hostels and backpackers have job boards for short term work. Take advantage of online platforms like seek.com.au and backpackerjobboard.com.au to find work. As seek and other specific job hunting sites become more and more expensive many employers are looking for alternative means of advertising vacant positions. As such Gumtree has become a large way for employers and potential employees to connect, you can even post an ad yourself seeking work. It would be best to not use any site exclusively but to use them in conjunction with one another for best results.

SEASONAL WORK IN PERTH

SPRING

Every fancied working in a vineyard? Well spring in Perth is the best time and place to start looking. The Swan Valley region of Perth is known for it's wineries and Spring is one of the busiest seasons. It is also when the city's famous wine festival "Spring in the Valley" takes place. There are plenty of jobs going during this time, particularly in the lead up to the festival.
Margaret River is another wine region in Western Australia and is a three hours’ drive south of Perth. It’s an enticing mosaic of pristine natural wonders, premium wineries, relaxed microbreweries, world-class restaurants, spectacular beaches, towering forests, inspirational artisans, warm and friendly locals, and a laid-back persona all of its own.

SUMMER

Summer in Perth is sizzling and there is no better way to cool down then heading to one of the many white sandy beaches for a quick dip, followed by chilling out at a pub for a beer. The only downside to Perth, is that it's super expensive! If you are backpacking in Perth, then no doubt you will need to find yourself a job - quick! The good thing about the summer, there are plenty of seasonal jobs up for grabs. Whether it be waitressing, bar tending, or a sales jobs and just picking up the odd job at the summer festivals, the jobs are plentiful and the pay is good. If you are only looking for work for a few months then try for a job on the beautiful, Rottnest Island - jobs usually include discounted accommodation and sometimes even meals and even better than this, you get to spend you summer on a beautiful island - great snorkling, surfing and the island's locals, Quokka's (a small, cute and happy-looking marsupial). Another option might be securing a job with a traveling circus - no joke! There are many circus' that travel around, not only Perth, but the whole of Western Australia, and they are always looking at hiring ride operators to travel with them.

AUTUMN

There are still a variety of jobs available during autumn, though not as many as in summer, but definitely more than in winter. There are plenty of casual jobs at festivals, concerts and sporting events (WACA or Subi Oval) around Perth. As the weather cools down, this is also the season when many gyms start hiring, and people start seeking out personal trainers. If you have experience in kayaking or wind surfing, there may also be jobs available at some of the more popular beaches in Perth, such as Scarborough Beach.

WINTER

Perth is generally quiet during the winter season. There is no snow or ski season, just rain! Jobs exist however there are no typical 'seasonal jobs' during this season. Check out local jobs boards or online, as well as dropping your resume into any nearby shops or restaurants, as many places choose to not advertise online. Fremantle is the most bustling area of Perth, with many funky cafes and restaurants as well as all year markets - this area is likely to be looking for people all year around, including in the winter.

ATTITUDE TO FOREIGNERS WORKING IN PERTH

I like to think that all Perthians are welcoming to travellers, however this is not always the case, particular with the recent increase in backpackers flooding the city in search of jobs and increasing the competition for the locals. That being said, no one will be hostile towards you and most people will be helpful in pointing you in the right direction. Perth is made up of people from all over the world, so generally speaking, the majority of the people you meet (particularly in the northern suburbs) would have been in your position at some stage in their life.