When you’re deep in the final stretch of your physiotherapy degree — juggling placement reports, practical exams, and that never-ending to-do list — thinking about job applications might feel like too much. But securing a great graduate role doesn’t just come down to luck or good timing. It’s often about being strategic, proactive, and a little bit bold.

We spoke with hiring managers, recent grads, and private practice owners to bring you a real-world view of what can help you stand out — and what might quietly take you out of the running.

Start Sooner Than You Think

Waiting until graduation to start looking is one of the most common regrets among new grads. "The best candidates aren’t always the ones with the top marks," says Melissa, a physio clinic director in Brisbane. "They’re the ones who’ve shown initiative — who came to our info night or introduced themselves during placement."

It’s never too early to start building relationships. Attend networking nights, say yes to student events, and don’t underestimate the value of a thoughtful thank-you email after a good placement experience. One student who sent a short note of thanks after a rural placement? She ended up being hired before the job was even advertised.

Your Placement is Your Interview (Whether You Know It or Not)

Clinical placements aren’t just about ticking boxes — they’re also a four-to-six-week audition. "I always tell students: act like you’re already part of the team," says Joanne, a senior
hospital physio who regularly supervises students. "Be curious, be engaged, and take feedback seriously."

Several recent hires shared how their job offers came directly from a placement site. "I didn’t know they were hiring, but I made a good impression," says Tara, now a junior physio in a paediatric practice. "They approached me in my final week and asked if I’d consider applying."

It’s not about being perfect — it’s about being coachable. If you’re nervous or struggling, that’s normal. But showing willingness to learn, ask questions, and own your growth goes a long way.

Refine Your Application — And Keep It Human

Your resume and cover letter are your first impression — so make them count. Keep your formatting clean, your language professional, and your content tailored. A generic application might get skimmed. A specific, thoughtful one? That gets noticed.

"Tell me why you want to work here," says Dean, who oversees recruitment at a large multi- site practice. "If you’ve looked at our website, know our client base, or mention a treatment
style we use — I’ll remember your name."

If you’re unsure how to structure your application, most universities and the APA offer grad job templates and workshops. But don’t be afraid to inject a bit of personality — especially in your cover letter. Talk about your values, your interests, and what excites you about the role.

The Interview is a Conversation, Not a Quiz

Interviews can feel daunting, but most employers aren’t trying to trip you up — they’re trying to understand who you are and how you’d fit. Expect common questions like:

• Tell us about a challenging case on placement.
• What interests you about this particular role?
• How do you handle feedback?
• What are your goals for your first year out?

Practice helps. Ask a friend or lecturer to do a mock interview. And remember — confidence isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing that you’re thoughtful, self-aware, and willing to keep learning.

Don’t forget: you’re interviewing them, too. Ask about supervision structure, professional development, and team culture. It shows initiative — and it helps you make an informed decision.

What Grads Wish They’d Known

"I thought I had to take the first offer I got — even if it didn’t feel right," says Alex, now a second-year physio. "But it’s okay to wait for a role that suits your learning needs and pace."

Others wish they’d backed themselves more. "You don’t need to know everything in your first job. Employers want to see that you’re teachable, not finished."

Many also said they underestimated the power of soft skills — communication, adaptability, empathy. "One of my interviewers said, ‘We can teach the clinical stuff. What we need is someone who brings good energy to the team.’ That really stuck with me."

Stepping In With Confidence

There’s no one-size-fits-all path into physiotherapy — and that’s a good thing. Whether you’re drawn to hospitals, private practice, aged care, or paediatrics, your first job won’t define your whole career. But it can shape your early growth in powerful ways.

So start early. Stay open. Be reflective. Reach out. And most of all — believe that what you bring to the table matters.

As Dean put it: “We’re not looking for perfection. We’re looking for potential — and someone we’d want to work alongside every day.”

You’ve worked hard to get here — now’s the time to back yourself.