Australia's unemployment has been on a steady downward trend, standing at 5.1% (Australian Bureau of Statistics, September 2005). People considering migrating to Australia are interested in how easy it will be to get a job, and there is no one answer to this question. Firstly there are a number of categories under which you can work in Australia if you are planning on relocating. The Australian Government website http://www.immi.gov.au/work/index.htm provides comprehensive information on those categories and requirements. You can also check http://www.immi.gov.au/settle/work/employment.htm, with information on how to find work, who can help you find work, where to find it, qualifications and skills and how to apply for a job. The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations has produced a toolbox for various categories of job seekers http://portals.dewr.gov.au/toolboxes/

The most important factor for finding work in Australia is your ability to speak English. If you come from a non-English speaking background, participating in one of the Government's Adult Migrant English Programs listed on http://www.immi.gov.au/amep/index.htm is advisable.

Another factor is your qualifications, which may be officially recognized by the Government, but may not be taken seriously by recruiters and employers. UK migrants are in a slightly better position given historic connection between the two countries, as well as the fact that many Australians lived and worked there and are familiar with the British system. For other migrants obtaining an Australian qualification after migrating may make it easier when looking for employment. Most academic institutions will give credit for your overseas studies, or at least a good part of it.