If you're a full-time employee — especially in the government or corporate sector — your job already gives you a great head start when applying for car finance. But one factor that often gets overlooked is how long you've been in your current role.
So, how much does your employment history matter? And what’s considered “long enough” to get approved?
Let’s break it down.
✅ Why Lenders Look at Job Tenure
Lenders want to know that your income is not only stable, but also ongoing. Your employment length is a strong indicator of how secure your job is — and therefore, how likely you are to keep up with repayments.
The longer you’ve been in your job, the more confident the lender feels.
📊 Employment Length vs Approval Likelihood
| Time in Current Job | Lender View | Approval Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 3 months | High risk (probation, uncertain role) | Low to Moderate |
| 3–6 months | Acceptable if other factors are strong | Moderate to High |
| 6–12 months | Seen as stable | High |
| 1+ year | Very stable — ideal for car finance | Very High |
| 2+ years with same employer | Excellent, especially in government or corporate roles | Excellent |
📌 If you're on a fixed-term contract, lenders may still approve your loan if your history shows consistent employment in the same field.
💡 What If You’ve Just Changed Jobs?
Don’t worry — switching roles doesn’t automatically mean you’ll get declined. Lenders will often consider:
- Whether your new job is in the same industry
- If your income level has remained the same (or improved)
- If you’ve had long-term employment prior to the switch
- Whether your role is ongoing, permanent, or contract-based
✅ Providing a letter of employment or contract offer can also help strengthen your case.
🧾 Tips to Improve Your Application Based on Employment History
- ✅ Wait until you're past probation (typically 3–6 months) before applying
- ✅ Highlight any long-term history in previous roles
- ✅ Prepare supporting documents (contract, payslips, bank statements)
- ✅ Use a broker who can present your application strategically
- ✅ Reduce your other debts to improve serviceability
Even if you’ve had short job tenure recently, a good broker can help position your history in a way lenders understand.
🔗 Ready to Apply with Confidence?
If you’re a government or corporate employee, your income history and job security can work in your favour — even if you're new to your current role.
👉 Check your car finance options here
We’ll help you find a broker who understands your employment situation and connects you with the right lender.
🚀 Final Thoughts
Your job title matters — but your employment history matters just as much. The longer you’ve been in a secure role, the better your chances of getting approved with a low rate and flexible terms.
If you're close to finishing probation or have strong job continuity, you're already in a great spot.
DISCLAIMER
The information provided on this website is general in nature only and has been prepared without considering your financial needs, circumstances and objectives and should NOT be construed as financial, taxation or legal advice. For more information, get in touch with our experienced partner brokers today.
