How to Get a Job Without References — Especially as an International Student or Migrant

I landed my full-time job in a new country with zero connections.

No references.
No PR.
No local experience.

And I’ve helped hundreds of international students and migrants do the same.

If you're applying for jobs in Australia without local references, here’s the truth: you can still get hired — if you know how to position yourself.

Why Local References Aren’t Everything

Most international students and migrants worry:

“Will employers take me seriously if I don’t have Australian referees?”

Yes — they will, if the rest of your application shows you’re the right fit.

Hiring managers care most about one thing: Can you do the job and make their life easier?

References matter, but they’re not the deciding factor — proof of value is.

Tip 1 — Make Them Want You First

A reference check happens after interviews — sometimes after the final interview.
So if you can’t even get to that stage, worrying about references is premature.

Your focus should be:

“How can I get interviews and pass them?”

When your resume, cover letter, and interview answers make it clear you have the skills, experience, and achievements the role needs, employers will often be flexible about references.

To do this:

Use real achievements in your application (quantify results where possible)
Demonstrate technical and soft skills in your interview answers
Show confidence in your ability to deliver

If they believe you’re the right hire, they’ll rely less on references.

Tip 2 — Focus on a Winning Application

Your resume and cover letter are the “first gate” to the job offer.
If they fail, you’ll never reach the reference stage.

Here’s how to make them strong enough to pass both the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) and the hiring manager’s review:

Match all required skills from the job ad in both your resume and cover letter.
Example: If they want bank reconciliation, financial statements, accounts receivable, and accounts payable — make sure all four appear.
Sprinkle keywords from the job description naturally throughout your documents.
ATS software scans for these terms to decide if you’re a match.
Highlight achievements, not just responsibilities.
Hiring managers already know the duties for your role — they want to see what impact you made.
Customise for each application.
One-size-fits-all resumes rarely pass ATS filters.

Tip 3 — Use Alternative References

If you don’t have local referees, you can still list:

University lecturers or professors
Supervisors from internships or volunteer work
Past overseas managers or clients
Leaders from professional associations you’ve joined

Even if they’re not local, they’re still credible.

Tip 4 — Build Your Network from Scratch

While applying, start building relationships that could become future references.

Ways to do this:

Part-time jobs, volunteering, or freelance work — even short-term roles can lead to strong references.
Join professional associations in your field — attend events, contribute in discussions, and connect on LinkedIn.
Online industry groups — actively engaging in these can make you visible to potential referees.

Real example: One of my clients, a new business analyst in Australia, joined a local BA group with weekly calls. She contributed regularly, built trust, and within months had three local referees — and a job in the public sector.

Tip 5 — Offer Proof Through Your Work

If an employer insists on local referees and you have none, offer a probationary period or a short-term trial project to prove your skills.

This could even be unpaid if you can afford it (such as an internship).

While it’s a short-term sacrifice, you gain:

Local work experience
A professional network
Strong future references

And in most cases, once you’ve proven your value, the employer will keep you.

Real Client Results

I’ve worked with clients who landed skilled jobs in marketing, finance, data, HR, and engineering with:

No Australian references
No PR
No network to speak of

They succeeded by focusing on application strength, direct outreach to hiring managers, and building trust during interviews.

Want to land interviews faster — even without local references?

Download the Skilled Job Starter Kit — the exact system my clients use to get interviews in weeks.

Inside you’ll get:

A resume template that proves your value
A LinkedIn checklist that builds instant credibility
Interview strategies to make employers say yes

👉 Get it free here

FAQs

Can I apply for jobs without references?
Yes. Many employers only request references after interviews, so you can still advance without them.

Who can I use as a reference without local experience?
Supervisors from internships, lecturers, overseas managers, volunteer coordinators — anyone who’s seen your professional work.

Will not having PR affect my chances more than lacking references?
Not always. Many temporary visa holders land skilled jobs by showing they add value quickly.