If you're thinking about applying for car finance but have just changed jobs — or are about to — you might be wondering:
“Will this hurt my chances of getting approved?”
The short answer: it depends.
Lenders care about income, but they also care about job stability. If you're a government or corporate employee, a new job won’t necessarily disqualify you — but there are a few things you need to know.
✅ Why Job Changes Matter to Lenders
Car finance providers want to see that your income is ongoing and reliable. When you’ve just started a new job, they may view you as slightly higher risk — especially if you're still on probation or have changed industries.
However, if you’re moving from one secure PAYG role to another, especially within the public sector or corporate space, many lenders will still consider your application.
📊 How Job Changes Affect Approval
| Job Change Scenario | Lender View | Approval Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 1 month into new job | Uncertain, probation risk | Low |
| 1–3 months, same industry, same income | Acceptable with supporting docs | Moderate |
| 6+ months into new role | Considered stable | High |
| Moved to government role from private sector | Viewed as increased stability | High |
| Frequent job hopping in recent years | Seen as risky | Lower |
📌 The more history you have in the same industry, the stronger your profile — even if you've changed employers.
💡 What Lenders Want to See After a Job Change
If you're applying soon after a job change, be ready to provide:
- ✅ Employment contract showing your job is ongoing or permanent
- ✅ First payslip, if available
- ✅ Proof of past work history in the same field
- ✅ Clean credit report and manageable debts
- ✅ Letter from your employer, if on probation, confirming your position
These supporting documents show lenders that your income is secure, even if new.
🧾 Should You Wait Before Applying?
If your new job is your first in that industry, or you’re in a casual or probationary role, it may be smart to:
- ✅ Wait until you're at least 3 months in
- ✅ Build some consistency on your payslips
- ✅ Reduce any existing debts
- ✅ Avoid making multiple finance applications at once
Alternatively, speak to a broker who can assess whether your application is strong enough now — or guide you on the best time to apply.
🔗 Need Help with Your Application?
Whether you’ve just changed jobs or you’re a long-term employee, we can help.
👉 Check out our car finance hub for government & corporate employees
Get matched with a broker who understands your employment situation and can position your application effectively.
🚀 Final Thoughts
Changing jobs doesn’t automatically block you from getting car finance — especially if you’re moving between secure roles in government or corporate fields. Just make sure your documentation tells the full story, and you're not applying too early in a new role.
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.
