Can’t Find a Job as an International Student or Migrant? Here's What to Do

You’ve applied to dozens—maybe hundreds—of jobs. Updated your resume. Rewritten your cover letter. Still, the phone stays silent. No interviews. No offers.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and more importantly, there’s a smarter way forward.

Why You’re Not Getting Hired (and It’s Not Your Fault)

Here’s the truth: most job search advice simply doesn’t work for international students or migrants.

It’s written for locals with permanent residency or citizenship.
It assumes you have a local network and references.
It ignores visa status, career gaps, and language barriers.

That’s why you might be stuck—it’s not that you’re “not good enough.” You’re using a system that wasn’t built for you.

The Four Areas You Must Fix to Get Hired

1. Your Application

Your application—especially your resume and cover letter—is the gateway to every job. If it’s not strong, you’ll never get to the interview stage.

Two hurdles stand between you and the hiring manager:

• The Applicant Tracking System (ATS) filters out most resumes before a human sees them.
• The hiring manager must then be convinced you’re worth interviewing.

With 300+ applicants for a single role, using the same generic resume for every job is a recipe for silence. Instead:

• Customise your resume for each role.
• Focus on value and achievements, not just job duties.
• Use the right keywords so your application passes the ATS.

2. Interview Skills

Landing a job usually takes several interviews—not just one. Yet many candidates walk into interviews unprepared.

Preparation isn’t optional.

• Research the company and role in depth.
• Anticipate the questions you’re most likely to face.
• Practise answers that prove you can deliver results, fit the culture, and address any doubts about your background.

If English isn’t your first language, preparation is even more critical to ensure you communicate confidently.

3. Local Experience

Hiring managers value local experience because it shows you can hit the ground running without needing extra time to adapt.

If you don’t yet have local experience, you can still get it:

• Freelance for local clients.
• Volunteer in your field.
• Take internships or apprenticeships.

Whether paid or unpaid, these roles can build your credibility and make you a stronger candidate.

4. Networking

According to Jobvite, 40% of hires come from employee referrals—double the number from job boards.

Networking doesn’t mean attending awkward events. It means building meaningful relationships with people in your industry:

• Optimise your LinkedIn profile so recruiters can find you.
• Engage with industry content and contribute to discussions.
• Reach out to hiring managers and peers.

Many of my clients landed their jobs through referrals—often faster and with less competition.

Real Results from Real People

The strategies above have helped my clients—international students and migrants in engineering, accounting, marketing, IT, HR, and more—land full-time jobs even on temporary visas, without local experience or networks.

Still Can’t Find a Job? Start with the Right Tools

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start getting results, download the Skilled Job Starter Kit—the free system international students and migrants are using to land interviews and full-time jobs.

You’ll get:

• A resume template proven to work.
• A LinkedIn checklist that attracts recruiters.
• Interview tips that win offers.

👉 Download it free here

FAQs

Why can’t I find a job even after months of applying?
You may be using strategies designed for locals. International students and migrants need targeted approaches that address visa concerns, lack of local experience, and smaller networks.

Can I get a job without PR?
Yes—if you show your value clearly, many employers are open to hiring on temporary visas.

What’s the fastest way to get a job?
Use a targeted resume, connect directly with decision-makers, and leverage networking to bypass crowded job boards.