Top jobs for students in Sydney
So you’re studying in Sydney and need a bit of extra income? There are plenty of great casual jobs for students around Sydney’s university scene that can get you by – without taking a toll on your studies! Other than the obvious money incentive – because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t want a bit of extra cashflow? – getting a job is a fantastic way to socialise, make new friends, and brush up on your English skills if you’re an international student.
Being the biggest city in Australia and home to roughly 5.6 million people, there’s a whole lot going on in Sydney. It is a really popular destination for backpackers who often pick up contract work for a few months at a time, so there’s a pretty steady flow of jobs available as people come and go. This type of contract or part time work is really handy when you’re studying, so that you can have flexible hours during busier exam periods and work around your class timetables. Plus, you’ll probably want some free time just to get out and enjoy the stunning Sydney lifestyle.
So, what do you need to do to get part time student work in Sydney? First up, it’s good to know your rights and get your affairs in order so you’re ready to apply for jobs.
Things you’ll need to get work in Sydney
An Australian bank account. Having one of these makes it much easier for employers to pay you, and in fact some employers won’t hire you unless you have one. If you’re an international student, the account you’ll need is called a transaction account and any bank you contact should help you set one up pretty easily.
An Australian Tax File Number (TFN). You’ll need to apply for one of these via the Australia Taxation Office and it basically just helps make sure you’re not over-taxed on your earnings.
Know your rights. Minimum wage in Australia is set by Fair Work and is currently around $18 per hour, but this is subject to change over time. You should brush up on the amount that you are entitled to before applying for a job so you can ensure you’re not being ripped off!
Prepare a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume. This is very important when applying for student jobs in Sydney, and will generally be asked of you by prospective employers. You’ll need to list your previous work experience, training and skills to show your capabilities and help employers assess whether you’re the right fit for the position.
A CV should always include:
- Name and contact details
- Education and qualifications
- Employment history and professional experience
- Technical skills you have relevant to the job
- Personal interests and notable achievements
Depending on the job type, your CV will either be submitted online via the relevant application, emailed through to the employer, or for more social jobs like hospitality and retail, dropped off in person after having a chat with the manager.
Note: as an international student, your Australian student visa allows you to work up to 20hrs per week, so just make sure to respect that! If you’re earning minimum wage, that means roughly $366 per week extra income without chewing too much into your study time. That’s a solid amount for happy hour beers, takeout and fun activities in Sydney.
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