Exams are almost over, the weather is warming up, and your bank balance could use a boost for all the fun you’re about to have over the holidays. Summer is the perfect time to earn some money, build your resume and meet new people.
Here’s how to get ahead of the crowd and land a summer job before the holidays begin.
Head to your university’s career service
Before you open a single job website, book an appointment with your university’s careers team. It’s usually free, and it’s there to help students just like you!
Careers advisers can look over your resume, spot mistakes you may not have noticed, help you write a cover letter and practice interviewing. Many universities also have their own job boards, with employers who are keen to hire students specifically. If your resume needs a quick fix, our free resume template is a good starting point - make sure to keep it short and tailor it to each job.
Start searching
Once your resume is ready, set up accounts on Seek, Indeed and LinkedIn, and take some time to edit your profile. When you’re searching, filter roles by ‘casual’ or ‘part-time’, then turn on email alerts so new jobs land in your inbox straight away. Summer roles can fill quickly, so it’s important to apply as soon as possible.
Don’t send the same application to every job. Spend a bit of time tailoring your resume to each role, using keywords from the job ad.
Look for seasonal and Christmas casual roles
Summer is a busy season for hospitality, retail and tourism, and these industries are among the biggest employers of students. Cafes, restaurants, bars and shops hire extra staff for Christmas and the summer holidays, so you’ll find plenty of casual roles advertised online. For more ideas, see our list of the top 10 jobs for international students.
Walking in can sometimes work too, especially for cafes and retail jobs. If you see a sign in a shop window advertising a job, why not pop in with your resume and say hello.
Can’t find paid work straight away? Volunteering is a great backup. It builds local experience and contacts, and you can find volunteering opportunities in almost any area. You could also look beyond the city. Part-time work in regional areas can be a good option if you’re willing to travel.
Sort out your paperwork and know your rights
Before your first shift, make sure you have a Tax File Number (TFN), so you’re taxed correctly. Read our guide on how to apply for a TFN to make sure you get it right.
Make sure to check your visa conditions. During the semester, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. During scheduled course breaks, there’s no limit to how many hours you can work.
You should be paid properly too. From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 an hour, or at least $33.05 for casual employees, but many jobs pay more. If something doesn’t feel right, read our guide to correct pay or contact the Fair Work Ombudsman.
A summer job can do a lot more than pay your rent! It can give you local work experience, a reference and new friends all before the new semester starts, so book that careers appointment, edit your resume and apply to a few jobs this week. The earlier you start, the more choice you’ll have. Good luck!
