Perth is popular with expats due to its great climate, the young-skewing population, and a slightly cheaper cost of living than Sydney and Melbourne. It is also the main base for fly-in, fly-out mining workers (often referred to as FIFO workers), who choose to live in Perth and commute to remote mining sites rather than residing there. A short flight away from Bali and with an excellent outdoors and sports culture, it makes sense that overseas workers are flocking to the City of Lights.
The job market in Perth
Perth is the capital city of Western Australia and, as you might expect based on its geographical location, a lot of the job market there focuses on engineering, mining, oil and gas, and related industries. However, not everything in WA is mining-related – there are still lots of jobs that center around technology, healthcare, education, construction, hospitality, and retail – and basically, everything else that a modern city needs to function.
One of the key advantages for expats in Perth is the demand for skilled workers in areas such as engineering, construction, healthcare, and IT. However, it's worth noting that the job market in Perth can be highly competitive, and many positions prefer applicants to have Australian work experience or relevant qualifications. As an expat, it can be challenging to secure a job in Australia without that local experience or on-the-ground contacts. At the moment, unemployment in Peth is extremely low – the rate has dropped dramatically from 6.3% in 2014 to a half-century low of 3.5% at the end of 2022, which means you may encounter less competition when hunting for a job.
In terms of finding work as an expat in Perth, there are a number of resources available. Online job portals such as Seek and Indeed are popular, as are recruitment agencies that specialize in placing expats in Australian jobs. Networking can also be an effective way to find work, as can volunteering or undertaking further study to gain local qualifications and experience.
Job hunting basics in Perth
Websites
If you are looking for a job in Perth, many online job search websites are available. Seek, CareerOne, and Ethical Jobs are some of the most common websites where you can search for jobs by location and occupation. You can also use LinkedIn to find jobs, and companies may view your profile and get in touch with you.
Some jobs are advertised on multiple platforms, whereas others may be limited to the employer's own website. We recommend joining a few websites to cast your net as wide as possible.
Recruitment agencies
It's a good idea to use a recruitment agency in Perth as they usually specialize in different industries, job types, or levels of positions. It's important to find an agency that specializes in the type of job you are looking for. There are a large number of agencies in Perth, but some of the leaders include Hays Recruitment, Robert Walters, Michael Page, Chandler Macleod and Hudson Recruitment.
CV and cover letter
It is important to make sure your CV and cover letter are up to date and tailored to the job you are applying for. Australian CVs are typically shorter than those in other countries, so aim to keep them to a maximum of two or three pages. Don't just send out a generic cover letter to all employers; there is usually an impersonal tone to such letters. You will be better served by trying to connect your skills with the job being advertised more creatively and personally.
Interviews
Interviews in Perth and Australia, in general, will follow a standard format, where upper-level staff from the organization will ask you questions about your work experience and general suitability for the role. You can find tips for interviewing well on the Australian Workforce website and numerous other job sites.
Overseas qualifications
Qualifications are an essential part of job applications in Australia, and you will need to prove that you have the appropriate qualifications for the kinds of roles you are applying for. Certain types of employment require specific skill levels and certifications, and you may need to bring either your original qualification documents or certified copies. Sometimes your qualifications, even if they are essentially equivalent to the Australian ones, will not be accepted. In Western Australia, the Overseas Qualification Unit is responsible for determining if your qualifications are transferable.
English language skills
Strong English skills are usually essential to working in Australia. If you would like to improve your language skills, many community centers or TAFE educational centers offer free or low-cost English classes.
What is FIFO in Australia?
When hunting for jobs in Western Australia, you are likely to hear the term FIFO (usually said “feef-oh”) thrown around a lot. Perth is known as the hub for fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) employment in Western Australia. FIFO work is a common employment arrangement in the mining, oil and gas industries, where workers fly to remote mining or exploration sites to work for a set period of time before flying back to their home base. Perth is the main departure point for FIFO workers, with its well-connected airport offering easy access to remote sites across Western Australia.
FIFO work can offer high pay rates and benefits, such as accommodation and meals provided on-site, making it an attractive option for many workers. However, it can also be challenging, with long periods away from home and often physically demanding work in remote locations.
Perth has a significant mining industry, which is a major employer for FIFO workers. The mining industry has a strong impact on the Western Australian economy, and mining companies often advertise for FIFO positions in Perth. Other industries, such as construction and offshore oil and gas, also employ FIFO workers based out of Perth.
While FIFO work can offer attractive pay and benefits, it is important to carefully consider the lifestyle and work demands associated with this type of employment. Workers should be prepared for the physical and mental demands of remote work, as well as the potential impact on family and personal relationships due to long periods away from home.
What visa do you need to work in Perth?
To be able to work in Australia, you need a visa that allows for working rights. The Working Holiday Visa (WHV) is a visa valid for one year that allows you to work in Perth (and throughout Australia). There is also a range of more permanent work visas for expats in Australia, which usually require sponsorship.
If you have a student visa, you are entitled to work part-time in Perth for about 20 hours per week. You can work full-time during the holidays. If you are a student living in Perth, your student visa allows you to help supplement the cost of your studies through part-time employment. If your occupation is on the list of skilled occupations that are eligible for sponsorship, then you may be able to find work in Perth and receive sponsorship through your employer. Consult with the Department of Immigration for more information.
Top employers in Perth
Perth is home to several large employers. You'll notice three mining companies near the top of the list. Perth's proximity to iron ore mines, gas reserves, and the large ports of the northern coast make it a suitable hub for mining giants.
- Government of Western Australia: The Western Australian Government is the state's largest employer, with over 140,000 people employed in various departments and agencies.
- BHP Billiton: BHP Billiton is one of the world's largest mining companies, with its headquarters located in Perth.
- Rio Tinto: Rio Tinto is another major mining company that is based in Perth.
- Woodside Petroleum: Woodside Petroleum is an Australian oil and gas exploration and production company with its headquarters in Perth. Wesfarmers: Wesfarmers is a diversified conglomerate with interests in retail, chemicals, mining, and other sectors.
- Coles and Woolworths. Coles and Woolworths are Australia's major retailers and the two competitors dominate the market.
- Royal Perth Hospital: Royal Perth Hospital is one of the largest hospitals in Western Australia and is the state's main tertiary hospital. The hospital employs around 6,000 people, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
