You’ve passed your AMC Part 1 and are ready to work in Australia, but figuring out where to begin can feel overwhelming. It's easy to feel stuck between unfamiliar job titles, registration types, and application processes.
Here’s what you need to know to navigate your first job application as an International Medical Graduate (IMG) in Australia, with practical advice from experienced healthcare recruiters and IMGs who’ve done it themselves.
Understanding Australian Job Titles
Australian medical job titles vary between states and hospitals, but most IMGs start by applying for what’s known as a second-year role, essentially, the level just above intern.
These jobs are often advertised as HMO (Hospital Medical Officer), JMO2 (Junior Medical Officer Year 2), or PGY2 (Post Graduate Year 2). All mean the same thing: a doctor with at least one year of clinical experience, typically post-internship.
If you haven’t completed an internship, you may need to explore bridging programs, observerships, or seek an internship role, which can be challenging to secure but not impossible.
What Makes a Strong CV
Your CV is one of the most important tools in your job search. It should clearly show where you’ve trained, what your clinical experience includes, and how you’ve maintained your medical knowledge.
Start with your most recent experience and work backward. Make sure your AMC exam status is easy to find, and include any internships, hospital rotations, observerships, and continuing professional development (CPD). Don’t leave gaps unexplained, and be sure to include referees who have supervised your work.
A poorly structured CV can cost you the chance at an interview, even if you’re qualified.
How to Address Selection Criteria
Many hospital job applications ask you to respond to “selection criteria.” This is a short written section where you need to explain how your experience meets the role requirements.
This step isn’t optional. Don’t simply refer to your CV; take the time to answer the questions thoughtfully. Use real examples from your clinical work or training. It may take effort, but it can be the difference between getting shortlisted or overlooked.
Should You Wait to Pass AMC Clinical Before Applying?
Positions for IMGs are advertised on a range of platforms. Public health job boards like SmartJobs (Queensland), NSW Health Careers, and WA Jobs are useful, as are hospital websites directly. Private job sites like Seek and Indeed are also worth checking - search using terms like “HMO,” “PGY2,” or “RMO.”
Set up alerts to avoid missing opportunities, and apply early, as some vacancies close quickly.
Be Ready with Referees and Registration
Once you start applying, make sure you have referees in place, ideally doctors who have supervised you in a clinical setting. Hospitals often move quickly once you’re shortlisted, so having these details ready is essential.
You’ll also need to understand your registration status. If you’ve only passed AMC Part 1, you’re eligible for limited registration. After Clinical, you can apply for provisional registration. Once you’ve worked under supervision and completed core terms, you can progress to general registration.
Your CV should be clear. Your experience should be easy to follow. And your application should show that you’ve read and understood the job requirements.
Hospitals are often under pressure to fill roles. The easier you make it for them to see that you're ready, capable, and safe, the better your chances.