As its name suggests, the Working Holiday Visa means traveling to discover a country while having the opportunity to work there. Your dreams of adventures at the ends of the earth will cost you money, and working is the ideal way to finance your activities, gain experience through different jobs, meet people from all over the world, and get a whole new perspective on the destination. However, be aware of certain pitfalls.
Generally speaking, you can never be too careful, as the saying goes. During your job search, you're likely to come across vague but very positive ads promising you a lot of money, very quickly. Sound the alarm! The basic rule: too good to be true is too good to be true. This is especially true if the job description is vague and you aren't given any additional information before starting. Don't feel obligated to commit without really knowing what your job will be, just because the employer (the contractor) is evasive, threatens to find someone else, or becomes defensive. This is often a bad sign, and it's time to turn back and look for something else.
This is actually how contractors recruit for door-to-door sales. For this type of work, some employers don't guarantee a salary, selling you the project vaguely by telling you you'll make a lot of money, but in the end, you're only paid on commission, which doesn't guarantee any income at the end of the day. If a job seems suspicious, don't proceed with the interview or training.
Many Working Holiday Visa holders gravitate towards agriculture simply because it generates numerous job opportunities, particularly in fruit picking. Often, farm owners hire contractors, intermediaries who recruit, train, and pay the workers. If you are paid by piecework (based on your harvest), you need to be vigilant. Normally, in all jobs, you must be paid the legal minimum wage per hour. However, some contractors pay paltry sums compared to the number of baskets harvested, which never amounts to the legal minimum. Reputable contractors will pay you the minimum hourly wage if you are not fast, or by piecework if you are more efficient.
A good way to avoid these scams is to ask other workers or contact our Job Assistance service, check online reviews, and ask as many questions as possible before signing a contract. If the contractor gives vague answers or remains defensive, move on; there will be others.
Similarly, if you're asked to pay to work, walk away! Some unscrupulous employers might try to convince you to pay for a trial day, a scam that is unfortunately still common. A recruitment agency also cannot ask you to pay for its services; they are paid on commission when you are hired. Never agree to pay an employer to hold your position.
To avoid all these pitfalls, we offer our Job Assistance service . This practical support has proven successful in recent years, helping you launch your career in the Australian, Canadian, or New Zealand job market. We can help you find numerous job offers, connect with reputable employers, and contact them while adhering to local procedures. Upon arrival at the Job Assistance offices, you'll also benefit from on-the-job advice, orientation sessions, and training in various professional sectors. This will give you a comprehensive understanding of the local job market and maximize your chances of finding employment!
Cleaning rooms and the entrance, tidying and cleaning the kitchen, washing showers... Working directly in a hostel is common among backpackers. However, be wary of hostels supposedly connected to farms that lead you to expect work on a nearby farm if you stay overnight.
The principle is simple: you stay in a hostel that finds you work. In some Working Hostels, you may quickly become disillusioned, as some owners don't hesitate to take advantage of travelers' urgent need for money to "force" them to stay in the hostel by promising them work.
You're promised work, but they don't tell you how often. Sometimes the hours aren't great, so you work little and earn little. Some employers even use travelers as a reserve, meaning you work sporadically and still have to pay for your room, transportation, and food. This becomes nearly impossible because you're not paid enough.
Some practical tips:
- You can easily find fraudulent working hostels online; a simple Google search, backpacker forums, etc. The key is to do your research!
- Again, never pay a bond or deposit to work. If they ask for one, it's a scam (however, if an employer also offers accommodation, which is often the case in very rural areas, you will need to provide a deposit, which is simply a rental guarantee that you will get back upon departure).
- If the hostel owner asks for your passport, never give them the official document, in case they refuse to return it.
- Always opt for an hourly paid job; there will be less risk of unpleasant surprises.
Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance
Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance
Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance