How to Apply for an Aged Care Job in Australia: 7 Steps (2026)

Step 3 of 3: How to apply

Applying for an aged care job is simpler than most people expect. There's no entrance exam, and from July 2026 a qualified personal care worker earns an award minimum of $36.23 an hour. Follow the 7 steps below, then use the next page to see where to apply.

First, what are you looking for right now?

What kind of role do you want?

📋 Before you start: what to prepare

Having these ready makes the whole process faster:

• A short resume with your work history, plus any caring you've done for family
• Photo ID, such as a passport or driver licence
• Proof of work rights, or your visa details
• Your Tax File Number, or your application for one
• Your police certificate or NDIS worker screening ID, if you already have one
• Copies of any certificates, such as a Certificate III or first aid
• Two referees who have agreed to take a call

✅ The 7 steps to apply

Here's how most people go from searching to their first shift:

1. Choose your setting. Decide between an aged care home or home care, and how far you can travel. Home care often needs a car.
2. Check your training plan. If you don't have a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing), look at TAFE or a provider traineeship. Ask whether Fee-Free TAFE applies in your state.
3. Search genuine vacancies. Use big job boards such as SEEK and Indeed, the government's Workforce Australia site, and the careers pages of aged care providers near you.
4. Tailor your resume. Put caring experience, reliability and availability near the top. Mention any first aid or manual handling training.
5. Apply and answer quickly. Fill in the provider's online form or send your resume. Many providers call or email soon after, so keep your phone on.
6. Do the interview. Expect questions about why you want to work in aged care and how you'd handle a difficult situation, such as a resident who is upset.
7. Complete checks and onboarding. The provider confirms your work rights, references and police certificate or NDIS clearance, then books induction training and your first shifts.

Tip: if you're still waiting on your police certificate, tell the provider. They decide what you can do while it's pending, under the national rules.

Ready to start? The next page shows where to apply safely, plus trusted Australian job sites.

🏛️ Where real aged care jobs are listed

Most aged care providers, from large not-for-profits to local family-run homes, advertise on their own careers pages and on major job boards. Workforce Australia (workforceaustralia.gov.au) is the Australian Government's free employment service, with a job search you can use without signing up.

To check that a provider is real, you can look it up on My Aged Care (myagedcare.gov.au), the government's aged care website, which lists approved services. Then apply through the provider's official website or a known job board.

🕒 What happens after you apply

If your application fits, the provider will usually contact you by phone or email to book an interview. Some run group sessions or video interviews, while others meet you at the home or office.

After an offer, you'll complete your paperwork: tax file declaration, super fund details, bank details and screening documents. Many providers start new workers with induction training and buddy shifts alongside an experienced carer.

Want more choices? The next page lists the top Australian job portals so you can compare roles.

⚠️ How to avoid fake recruiters

Scamwatch warns about jobs that ask you to pay money to make money. Job scams often arrive by text, WhatsApp or social media. Protect yourself:

• Never pay a fee for a job offer, training "bond", uniform or visa sponsorship
• Be wary of offers made without an interview or that seem too good to be true
• Don't send your passport, TFN or bank details until you've confirmed the provider is real
• Apply for your TFN through the ATO only, as it's free
• Check your visa conditions yourself on VEVO, not through a stranger
• Report scams to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au

🙋 Small things that make a big difference

These habits only take a few minutes, but they can help you stand out:

• Share a real story. At interview, talk about a time you helped someone or showed patience.
• Be honest about availability. Saying yes to shifts you can't do causes problems later.
• Ask about pay and the agreement. Check whether the provider pays under the award or an enterprise agreement.
• Ask about training. Find out who pays for mandatory training and whether it's paid time.

Good employers are happy to answer these questions. If a provider won't explain pay, shifts or training clearly, take note before you accept.

❓ Quick answers

On the next page: where to apply safely, plus trusted Australian job portals to compare aged care, warehouse and other jobs near you.

🔥 Other jobs hiring now

Want to keep your options open? These jobs are also worth a look while you apply.

Disclaimer: This is an independent information website. We are not an aged care provider, government agency or employer, we do not hire anyone and we do not collect job applications. Pay, screening rules and hiring steps change and vary by employer and state, so always check the official employer and government websites before you apply. Never pay anyone to get a job.