How to Get a Job in Australia Without Local Experience

One of the most common frustrations for migrants and international students is hearing the phrase, “We’re looking for someone with local experience.” It can feel like an endless loop — you can’t get a job without local experience, but you can’t gain local experience without a job.

The good news? Many migrants have broken this cycle and secured skilled roles, even without working in Australia before. In this guide, you’ll learn practical, proven strategies that will help you stand out, get interviews, and land the job you want — no matter your background.

Understand Why Employers Value Local Experience

Before you can overcome the “local experience” barrier, it’s important to understand why employers ask for it. Often, it’s not about the location at all — it’s about:

Familiarity with workplace culture: Australian offices may have different communication styles, decision-making processes, and meeting etiquette.
Knowledge of local regulations or industry standards: In fields like engineering, law, and healthcare, there may be unique Australian requirements.
Confidence in your adaptability: Employers want reassurance that you can fit in quickly.

Once you know what’s behind the request, you can address those concerns directly in your resume, cover letter, and interviews — even if you haven’t worked locally before.

Highlight Transferable Skills Instead of “Local” Skills

If you lack Australian work history, focus on what you do have:

Global experience: Show how your previous roles required cross-cultural communication, international teamwork, or compliance with global standards.
Industry-specific skills: Use metrics and achievements to prove your capability — “Increased sales by 35%” is impressive in any country.
Adaptability and quick learning: Share examples of how you successfully transitioned to new markets, technologies, or roles in the past.

Pro Tip: Frame your achievements in a way that matches Australian market needs. If you worked on a project overseas, highlight any elements that are relevant locally — such as similar software, processes, or customer types.

Build “Local” Credibility Without a Paid Job

You don’t have to wait for an employer to give you a chance — you can create your own local experience through:

Volunteering in organisations related to your industry.
Internships (paid or unpaid) that give you hands-on exposure to Australian work culture.
Short-term contracts or freelance projects with Australian clients.
Industry events, webinars, or workshops to connect with professionals and stay updated.

These activities can be added to your resume under a “Professional Experience in Australia” section, instantly making your profile more competitive.

Network Your Way In

Up to 80% of jobs in Australia are never advertised — they’re filled through referrals or internal networks.

To tap into this hidden job market:

Optimise your LinkedIn profile with keywords like your target job title + location.
Connect with recruiters, hiring managers, and peers in your industry.
Ask for informational interviews to learn about the company and showcase your enthusiasm.
Join professional associations and community groups related to your career.

Networking helps you bypass strict application filters and get directly in front of decision-makers.

Optimise Your Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Many migrants get rejected before a human even sees their application — because their resume isn’t ATS-friendly.

Make sure your resume:

Uses a clean, simple layout without tables or graphics.
Includes relevant keywords from the job description.
Highlights measurable achievements instead of generic responsibilities.
Lists education, certifications, and relevant Australian training (if any).

An ATS-friendly resume is often the difference between silence and a phone call.

Be Interview-Ready With Strong Local Context

Even if your skills are world-class, interviewers need to see that you can operate effectively in the Australian environment.

Learn about Australian workplace communication styles — usually direct but polite.
Prepare to discuss how your previous experience applies to local regulations, markets, or customers.
Have examples ready that show you can collaborate with diverse teams and clients.

If you’ve done volunteering, internships, or networking in Australia, bring those up to show you’ve already integrated into the local work culture.

Stay Persistent and Track Your Progress

Finding a job without local experience takes persistence. Keep applying, learning, and adjusting your approach.

Track your job applications, interviews, and feedback to identify patterns. If you’re not getting interviews, revisit your resume. If you’re getting interviews but no offers, refine your interview skills.

FAQs

Is it possible to get a skilled job in Australia without local experience?
Yes — many migrants and international students secure jobs by showcasing transferable skills, networking, and building credibility through volunteering or internships.
Should I apply for jobs that require local experience?
Absolutely. Requirements are often flexible, especially if you can demonstrate your value in other ways.
How long does it take to find a job without local experience?
It varies, but with a targeted strategy, many candidates land roles within a few months.
Will volunteering really help me get a job?
Yes. It builds your local network, provides Australian references, and gives you experience to put on your resume.

Final Thoughts

Local experience may seem like a barrier, but it’s really an opportunity to show employers you’re adaptable, resourceful, and ready to contribute from day one.

You already have the skills — now it’s about positioning yourself so employers see your potential.

Ready to start? Download the Skilled Job Starter Kit — the exact tools and templates that have helped other migrants and international students land interviews in just weeks.