Work & career.
Returning to work, or finding work that fits your life now, is one of the most powerful steps you can take. It's also one of the most daunting.
Whether you've been out of the workforce for months or years, whether you're starting fresh or rebuilding, whether you need flexible hours or a whole new direction. You're in the right place. This page brings together guides, trusted organisations, practical job-hunting tools and resume tips to help you take your next step at your own pace.
Guides
Find what's most useful for where you are right now.
I'm thinking about returning to work
I haven't worked in a while — where do I even start?
A gentle starting point for women who've been out of the workforce and aren't sure what the first step looks like. No pressure, just clarity.
Read the guide →Rebuilding your confidence before your first application
Confidence takes a hit during hard times. This guide helps you reconnect with your skills, experience and value before you start putting yourself out there.
Read the guide →How to explain a career gap — without apologising for it
Career gaps are more common than you think. This guide helps you frame your time away with confidence, whether it was for family, health, or circumstances beyond your control.
Read the guide →I want to change direction
Starting over in a new field — what you need to know
A practical guide to pivoting careers, including how to identify transferable skills, what retraining looks like, and where to find support in Australia.
Read the guide →Free and low-cost ways to upskill in Australia
From government-funded training to free online courses. An overview of where to learn new skills without the price tag.
Read the guide →I need flexible or part-time work
Finding flexible work that actually fits your life
How to search specifically for part-time, remote and flexible roles, including the platforms and employers most open to it.
Read the guide →Your rights around flexible work in Australia
What the Fair Work Act says about your right to request flexible arrangements, and how to make that request effectively.
Read the guide →Resume tips
Write a resume that gets you in the room.
You don't need to be a professional writer to have a strong resume. These are the things that actually make a difference, especially when you're returning after time away.
Trusted organisations
Support built specifically for women returning to work.
Fitted for Work
A not-for-profit built specifically for women experiencing disadvantage who are trying to enter or re-enter the workforce. Services include resume and cover letter support, interview preparation, professional clothing, confidence workshops, and a mentoring program to help you stay in employment once you find it. 76% of clients report an increase in self-worth after engaging with their services.
Open their websiteDress for Success Australia
An international not-for-profit with multiple Australian affiliates, providing free professional clothing, styling and career development tools to women entering or returning to work. Their online Career Hub is available to any woman anywhere in Australia — 24/7, free — and guides you through getting a job, starting a job, and thriving in it. No referral needed to access most services.
Find your nearest affiliateFlexCareers
Australia and New Zealand's largest marketplace for flexible job opportunities, built specifically for people returning to work after a career break. FlexCareers connects you with employers who have committed to flexible hiring, and offers career coaching, return-to-work programs, and resources for women navigating re-entry. Particularly strong for professional and corporate roles.
Open their websiteWorkforce Australia
The Australian Government's employment service — free job search support, skills assessments, training pathways and connections to employment providers. If you're receiving income support, your provider can also help fund training and work-related costs. A practical starting point if you're not sure where to begin.
Open their websiteWhere to look for work
The platforms worth knowing about in 2026.
The job market has changed significantly. Most roles are found online, and knowing which platform to use — and how — makes a real difference. Here are the ones most useful for women in Australia right now.
The dominant job board in Australia with the widest range of roles across all industries. Set up a profile, upload your resume and turn on job alerts for your search terms. Most Australian recruiters post here first.
seek.com.auMore than a job board — LinkedIn is where professional relationships are built. A strong profile means recruiters can find you, even when you're not actively searching. Over 15 million Australians are on the platform.
linkedin.comSpecifically for flexible, part-time and remote roles with employers who have committed to flexible hiring. The best starting point if work needs to fit around family or other responsibilities.
flexcareers.com.au/jobsAggregates job ads from across the web — including roles not listed on SEEK. Useful for casting a wider net, especially for entry-level, administration or customer-facing roles.
indeed.com.auGovernment-run job board with listings across all sectors, particularly strong for entry-level, community services and government roles. Free to use and accessible without a subscription.
workforceaustralia.gov.auIf you're looking for work in the not-for-profit, community services, social impact or government sectors — this is where those roles are. A strong fit for women looking to find meaning in their next chapter.
ethicaljobs.com.auYou have more to offer than you think.
Time away from paid work does not erase your skills, your experience or your value. Managing a household, supporting children, caring for a family member, surviving a difficult situation — these things build capability that workplaces genuinely need. You are not starting from zero. You are starting from somewhere.
Common questions
Things women often want to know.
Do I need to explain why I left my last job?
Not in detail, and not before you're ready. In an interview, a simple, honest answer is always better than an elaborate one. "I was navigating a significant personal circumstance and am now in a position to focus fully on my career" is enough. You are not obligated to share more.
What if my confidence is really low right now?
That is entirely normal after a difficult period — and it is one of the most common things women tell us. Organisations like Fitted for Work and Dress for Success exist specifically to help rebuild confidence alongside practical skills. Starting small — a short course, a volunteer role, a single application — can make the next step feel more possible.
Can I work while receiving Centrelink payments?
Yes, in most cases. The amount you can earn before your payment is affected depends on which payment you receive and your circumstances. Services Australia's website has an income and assets test calculator, or you can speak with a financial counsellor or your employment provider for personalised guidance.
What if I don't have a current reference?
References can come from people other than recent employers — a mentor, a community organisation you've volunteered with, a course instructor, or a professional contact who knows your work. Being upfront with a potential employer about your circumstances is usually well-received when paired with genuine enthusiasm and other strong application materials.
I've never had a LinkedIn profile. Do I really need one?
For most industries, yes — it's become a standard part of job searching. A basic profile with your work history, a professional photo and a few sentences about what you're looking for is enough to start. You don't need to post content or be active on the platform for it to work in your favour.