Working in Australia
Australian job application glossary
Plain-English definitions of the terms in Australian job ads, each with an official source.
Australian job ads and application forms use terms that can be unfamiliar if you are new to the market, changing industries, or applying for government work. This glossary explains the most common ones in plain English, with a link to the official source for each.
Application terms
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Applicant tracking system (ATS) | Software employers use to receive, store and search applications. See how to write an ATS-friendly resume. |
| Selection criteria (key selection criteria, capabilities) | The qualities, skills, knowledge and qualifications a person needs for the role. Some applications ask you to address each one in writing. Source: APSC. |
| Pitch | A short statement, often one or two pages, explaining why you are right for an APS role. Source: APSC. |
| STAR | Situation, Task, Action, Result: a structure for written examples and interview answers. See STAR interview answers. |
| Information pack | The document attached to many government ads describing the role, criteria and how to apply. |
| Referees | People who can confirm your work, usually listed at the end of your resume. See referees on an Australian resume. |
| Merit pool | A list of suitable applicants a government agency may offer similar roles to later. |
Work rights terms
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Full working rights | In job ads, usually means the employer wants applicants who can work without visa limits on hours or employer, such as citizens and permanent residents. Ask if you are unsure whether your visa qualifies. |
| Australian citizen | Has unlimited work rights. The Department of Home Affairs notes that VEVO cannot be used to confirm citizenship. |
| Permanent resident (PR) | Holds a permanent visa and can generally work without restriction. Some government and security-cleared roles still require citizenship. |
| Visa conditions | Rules attached to a visa, including work limits. |
| Condition 8105 (student visa) | Limits primary student visa holders to 48 hours of work a fortnight while their course is in session. Source: Home Affairs, Student visa. |
| VEVO | Visa Entitlement Verification Online, the Home Affairs service visa holders and employers use to check visa conditions. Source: Home Affairs. |
| Sponsorship | An employer nominating a worker for a visa. Job ads may say sponsorship is available, possible or not available. |
Checks, licences and registration
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| National Police Certificate (police check) | A summary of your offender history in Australia, often requested for recruitment, volunteering and work with vulnerable groups. Digital certificates usually arrive within a few days; fingerprint checks take longer. Source: AFP. |
| Working with Children Check (WWCC) | A state or territory check for people working or volunteering with children. In NSW it includes a national police check, is valid for five years and is free for volunteers. Source: Service NSW. Other states run their own checks under different names. |
| White Card | The general construction induction card needed to work on construction sites. A card from one state can be used in any Australian state or territory. Source: Service NSW. |
| AHPRA registration | Registration for regulated health practitioners such as nurses, doctors and physiotherapists. Employers check the public register of practitioners. |
| Teacher registration | Teachers register with the regulator in their state or territory. AITSL provides national information on becoming a teacher and registration. |
| Security clearance (Baseline, NV1, NV2, PV) | Australian Government clearances issued through AGSVA. Baseline covers access up to PROTECTED, NV1 up to SECRET, NV2 up to TOP SECRET, and PV covers TOP SECRET including caveated material. Source: AGSVA applicant guide. |
Pay and employment terms
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Award | A legal document setting minimum pay and conditions for an industry or occupation. Source: Fair Work Ombudsman. |
| Enterprise agreement | An agreement between an employer and employees setting minimum conditions, approved by the Fair Work Commission. |
| National Minimum Wage | The minimum for employees not covered by an award or agreement. |
| Super guarantee | The compulsory employer superannuation contribution, 12% from 1 July 2025. Source: ATO. See salary negotiation in Australia for "plus super" vs "including super". |
| Casual employee | Employed with no firm advance commitment to ongoing work, usually with a casual loading. Source: Fair Work Ombudsman. |
| Independent contractor | Provides services to a business rather than being employed by it. Source: Fair Work Ombudsman. |
| Unpaid trial | A short demonstration of job skills. It can be unlawful if it lasts longer than needed or goes beyond a demonstration. Source: Fair Work Ombudsman. |
| Vocational placement | Unpaid placement that is a required part of an education or training course. Source: Fair Work Ombudsman. |
| Pay secrecy | Employees have a workplace right to share, or not share, their pay and to ask colleagues about theirs. Source: Fair Work Ombudsman. |
Using this glossary when you apply
When you read a job ad, mark every requirement that matches a term above. Check three things before you apply:
- Eligibility: do your work rights match what the ad asks for?
- Lead time: do you already hold the check or licence, and if not, how long will it take?
- Evidence: where on your resume does each requirement appear?
Put licences, checks and registrations in a short "Licences and checks" section on your resume, with expiry dates where relevant.
Questions about Australian job ad terms
What does "must have full working rights" mean for a student visa holder?
Student visas usually carry work limits during the course, so many employers asking for full working rights will not consider them. Ask the employer if the ad is unclear, and check your conditions in VEVO.
Do I need a police check before I apply?
Usually not. Employers normally request it after an offer or near the end of the process. Some volunteer and child-related roles ask earlier.
Is a Working with Children Check the same in every state?
No. Each state and territory runs its own check, with different names, fees and validity. Apply in the state where you will work.
Where do I list these on my resume?
Under a "Licences and checks" heading after education, with the card or registration type and expiry. See how to write a resume in Australia.
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