Did you know that about 70 per cent of jobs in Australia are not advertised?

So, how do Australians find jobs? Many people in Australia find jobs through their network of colleagues, family, friends, education institutions, industry association and by developing a good relationship with recruitment agencies. Many employers would rather hire someone through their network than through a lengthy and often expensive advertising process. These unadvertised jobs are often called the ‘the hidden job market’.

In Victoria, there are a number of ways to find jobs in the hidden job market. Government departments, education institutions, industry associations and other professional associations offer employment forums and networks to help you understand the Victorian workplace and find a job. They can also help you manage your career, further your education and connect you with other professionals in your field.

Professional industry associations and networking

Professional industry associations represent the interests of their members and they provide networking opportunities, business advice and support, training and education, as well as advocacy on behalf of the industry.

See our section on Victorian Industries to find the professional associations in your sector. Find out how to become a member so you can start attending networking events and seminars and get the latest information about your industry and potential employers. Connect to your industry before you arrive and learn as much as you can about how the Victorian industry operates.

Online career guides

See our online career guides to help you land a job in one of the following fields:

• Engineering
• ICT
• Biotechnology
• Health

Get job ready for Victorian employers

The following courses are designed for migrants who want to improve their English skills and learn how to find a job in Victoria. These courses all offer work experience placements with Australian businesses. Work experience is a great way to network, gain valuable Australian experience and can help further your career.

• Skilled Professional Migrant Program - AMES
  provides a Skilled Professional Migrant program to help you get the job you want and offer work experience placements with reputable Australian companies.
• Employment Development Program for Overseas Professionals – Box Hill TAFE
  This course is for overseas professionals. It teaches how to explore local job market and transfer your experience and skills to the workplace. This course will help improve your communication skills and help you learn essential job seeking skills. You will do an industry placement and have the opportunity to learn how to communicate effectively in the workplace.
• Certificate IV In English as a Second Language (Employment) - Business Professionals - Holmesglen
  This course is designed for overseas trained business professionals and those trained to work in the IT industry. It focuses on developing students’ workplace English, communication skills and knowledge of practices in a technical and professional work environment, in Australia. A five-week practical placement is a key component of this course.
• Overseas Qualified Professionals Program - NMIT
  Northern Metropolitan Institute of TAFE (NMIT) has an Overseas Qualified Professionals (OQP) course that provides an introduction to the Australian workplace and labour market and the opportunity to undertake an industry placement.