How I Found A Job In Cairns In Low Season (And How You Can Too)
So, you’ve fallen in love with Australia, but your visa is running out. A tale as old as backpacker time. Now you’re looking at doing your 88 days or a six-month stint to stay longer in Australia. The only catch? You’ve landed in Cairns during the low season, and everyone online is either telling you to “just give up” or feeding you unrealistic motivation.
I get it, I've been there! As a backpacker, I know it can be a pretty stressful time. And while it's always a combination of luck, dedication and presentation, I managed to score a job pretty quickly. So, here’s my tried-and-tested guide to help you do the same!
For more information, check out our write-ups on how to get a backpacker job for more visa-specific requirements, and our list of best backpackers jobs in Cairns.
1. Actively Job Hunt: Get Out There!
Sitting in my hostel scrolling through job listings wasn’t going to cut it. Employers in Cairns receive hundreds of online applications, most of which never get a response. Recruiters want to see you in person. They’re looking for people with a great attitude, a strong presence, and a willingness to learn.
That being said, job-seeking websites were still useful! I used them to find out which businesses were hiring, then showed up in person with a big smile and my CV in hand.
- Pro tip: If a manager wasn’t around or refused to take my resume, I asked for their email so I could send my details directly to them (instead of having it lost in a pile of paperwork).
You could even score some tour guide or deckhand work and spend your days out amongst the reef and islands!
2. Make Your Resume Stand Out
If your CV is a plain black-and-white sheet of paper with no colour or photo, don’t be surprised if it gets ignored. Obviously how fun you get with it depends on your profession, however employers see dozens of generic resumes daily, so make yours memorable!
Here’s what worked for me:
- Use colour! A soft pastel makes your resume stand out without being overwhelming. I used pink and my manager still remembers it.
- Include a photo. Choose a professional yet natural shot. I picked one with the beach in the background, it showed my personality and love for the ocean which was relevant to the tourism jobs I was applying for.
- Keep it to one page. Employers won’t read more than that. Being concise shows you can communicate effectively.
- Highlight your language skills. Cairns is a tourist hotspot with visitors from all over the world. Extra languages are a big plus!
- Customise your cover letter. Address it to the specific company you’re applying for. And always, always, put in the effort to write a cover letter!
- Tailor your CV to different jobs. Focus on relevant experience for each role. You’re not lying, you’re just putting the most important skills front and centre.
Pro tip: If you’re a barista, add a second page with photos of your latte art. Many cafés prioritise hiring baristas who can make great coffee!
3. Dress the Part
This might be an obvious one, but first impressions matter! I saw plenty of backpackers walk into businesses straight from the lagoon or a reef trip; shirtless, dripping wet, and carrying a towel. Employers want relaxed, friendly staff, but they also appreciate basic effort in presentation.
Cairns is hot and humid, so I get it, you’re going to sweat. But you don’t need to be dressed to the nines. Just make sure you look clean, put-together, and like someone who cares about their job.
- Pro tip: Hit the streets early in the morning. It’s cooler, you’ll look fresher, and you’ll catch employers before the rush of the day.
4. Leverage Your Community
Finding work is easier with help. I connected with fellow backpackers, especially those from my home country or who spoke my language. They pointed me toward job openings, recommended me to their employer, and even introduced me to managers.
One of the best places to network? Facebook groups! While Facebook isn’t as popular socially these days, it’s a goldmine for finding jobs and housing in Cairns.
- Pro tip: Make a post listing your skills and availability. Some employers actively browse these groups and may reach out to you directly!
5. Job Hunt Solo
It was tempting to hit the streets with my mates, but it would have worked against us. Employers often assume you’re not independent or that you’ll leave as soon as your friend does.
Confidence is key! I walked in with energy and enthusiasm. Even when I was nervous, I faked it till I made it.
- Pro tip: Never pitch yourself as a “package deal” with a friend or partner. Most places only have one job opening at a time, and competition is high.
