As of the 26th of April 2008 student visa holders are aloud to work up to 20 hours per week. Studying in Australia is time consuming and exciting, if you are financially strained or have the time to work then this guide will help with looking and applying for a job in Australia. It is important to remember though that you are in Australia to study and this should come first. Potential employers need to be aware of your study load, timetables and assessments and exams which may be coming up. If a job does not fit with your study load do not take it.

There are still certain rules to abide by, visa holders can not work until their course has commenced, they can only work 20 hours per week even during holidays.

Before looking for employment, make sure you have an Australian bank account and Tax File Number set up. A bank account can be organised through any branch Monday to Saturday. Tax File Numbers can be organised through the Australian Tax Office, a TFN is required by all employers and this will help international students to be sure they are not paying a higher tax rate.

When applying for a TFN certain documentation is required this includes a birth certificate, visa, passport, confirmation of enrollment and photo identification. Once a year students will need to lodge a Tax Return stating any money earned. To find out more about Tax visit the Australian Tax Office at www.ato.gov.au.

You will also need to set up an account with a Superannuation provider, many employers have their own which they will prefer employees to hold an account with. If not there are many different providers to choose from. Superannuation is where a percentage of the tax you pay goes into a superannuation account, this is help until retirement or if an emergency situation arises.

Looking for work

As students require a more flexible timetable, the most convenient fields of work are usually in the hospitality industry. To find a job, students can look in local newspapers or online. Websites such as www.seek.com.au and www.careerone.com.au have many job listings on them.

Applying for jobs can either be done online, through the mail or in person. You will need to include a cover letter and resume.

Resumes need to include up to date information, including employment history, education and qualifications, references (references are required from previous employers) and your personal details (these include name, address, phone number). Do not include a photograph, height or weight in your resume. It is optional to put your date of birth.

Ensure both resumes and cover letters are written in good English.

If an employer is interested in you they will contact you and organise a time for an interview. During the interview they will talk about the job, ask questions and show you around the place of work. This is a good time to bring up any issues about your timetable and study and work. Dress well, and listen closely. This is your first impression on a potential employer, make it a good one.

If they are still interested they will either contact you at a later date, arrange a trial or another interview. Employers in hospitality will usually require a trial to make sure the potential employee is right for the job. Trials should be paid.

Rights and Responsibilities

It is up to the employee to be sure they do not exceed 20 hours work a week, it is also their responsibility to dress and act appropriately and turn up for work on time.

It is the employers responsibility to pay the employee at the correct rate, they must provide a pay slip, they must pay the employee on a regular basis and provide adequate shifts. If you have any queries on either the workplaces behalf or your own, visit www.workplace.gov.au or call 1300 363 264. Most issues should be sorted with the employer, if issues are still not resolved contact the workplace ombudsman on the above number.

Before starting the new job, be sure to have shifts organised and know exactly what you need to do on the job. If you are unsure ask questions. Shifts should be given to you at the beginning of each week or fortnight. Most meal breaks are not paid for although employees must take them. If you are unable to work a shift be sure that you let the employer know as soon as possible so they can make other arrangements.

Ending your employment

Employees are required to give 2 weeks of written notice when ending employment, this must be given directly to the employer. As must be done if the employer is ending the employment. If an employer is ending a contract, be sure it is for a genuine reason and not on the basis of race, gender, religion, political beliefs, or disability as this is illegal. If you have any concerns visit www.wo.gov.au.