Working in Melbourne

Melbourne’s high quality of life and vibrant culture attract expats from all over the world. In the gold rush era of the 1850s, Melbourne was one of the British Empire's wealthiest mining cities. While these mineral riches are no longer the key driver for its present-day economy, Melbourne still glitters, and it embraces a history of welcoming migrant workers from around the globe.

These days, Melbourne has an exceptionally multicultural workplace where an expat employee is likely to find themselves working in a team with colleagues from a variety of cultural backgrounds.

Job market in Melbourne

In recent years, there has been a rise in the demand for workers in several of Melbourne’s industries. At the top of this list are the healthcare and ICT industries. Science and technology workers are also in demand, as are those in the industries of engineering, education and construction.

Many opportunities exist in regional Victoria for expats willing to live in the smaller towns and cities that have more urgent demand for skilled employees.

Finding a job in Melbourne

A good starting point for job seekers are online job portals and local newspapers. It is also worthwhile to visit the websites of individual companies to check if there are any vacancies listed. Recruitment agencies are another helpful resource when finding work in Melbourne.

Work culture in Melbourne

Energy, capability and a positive attitude are the key personal qualities that will endear an expat to their new work colleagues in Melbourne, far more so than impressive qualifications.

Australian workplace culture reflects the relaxed informality of everyday Australian life. There is no standing on ceremony, and relations between management and staff are informal, though still businesslike. Expats who are used to working in formal environments may take some time to adjust.