Jobs in Australia for Migrants — How to Overcome “No Local Experience”

If you’re a skilled migrant, you’ve probably applied for dozens of jobs in Australia, only to receive rejection emails — many of them without explanation. On the rare occasions when you do get feedback, one reason tends to appear again and again: “No local experience.”

It’s frustrating. You might be asking: How can I get local experience if I’ve just arrived? Is it truly about local experience, or are there other, hidden factors at play? While sometimes it’s just an excuse, employers often use “local experience” as shorthand for other concerns — like cultural fit, communication style, or familiarity with Australian work norms.

The good news? You can overcome this barrier. Here are three powerful strategies to help you stand out and secure a job in Australia — even without that elusive local experience.

Sharpen Your Interview Skills

Interviews are your opportunity to turn a “maybe” into a “yes.” For migrants, mastering the interview process is even more critical, as it’s where employers decide if you can fit into their team and adapt quickly.

For example, phone interviews are common in Australia, often as the first screening stage. These can be challenging because:

• You can’t read the interviewer’s body language.
• You have only around 20 minutes to sell yourself.
• The call might be unplanned, catching you off guard.

How to prepare:

• Research the company, the role, and the interviewer (if you know their name).
• Prepare and practise answers to common questions like “Tell me about yourself,” “Why do you want this job?” and behavioural questions using the STAR method.
• Rehearse until your responses feel natural and confident — but not robotic.
• Have a quiet, distraction-free space ready for unexpected calls.

Migrants who practise thoroughly often find they perform better, even without direct local experience, because they can demonstrate confidence, professionalism, and a clear understanding of the role.

Expand Your Network Strategically

It’s estimated that up to 80% of jobs in Australia are never advertised. They’re filled through referrals, recommendations, and word-of-mouth. Australians have a strong networking culture — and if you want to compete effectively, you need to tap into it.

Steps to build your local network:

1. Identify target employers: Create a shortlist of companies you’d love to work for.
2. Find key decision-makers: Use LinkedIn to locate hiring managers and team leads in those companies.
3. Reach out professionally: Send a personalised LinkedIn message or email. If possible, arrange an informational interview (a short meeting to learn about the company, not ask for a job outright).
4. Give before you ask: Share useful resources, comment thoughtfully on their posts, and show genuine interest in their work.

When done well, networking doesn’t just get you noticed — it also builds trust. And trust can be more powerful than any “local experience” listed on a CV.

Understand Australian Workplace Culture

Interviews — and jobs — are about more than skills. Cultural awareness plays a huge role in how you’re perceived. If you’ve recently arrived, take time to learn:

• How Australians communicate (direct but friendly).
• Workplace norms (like flat hierarchies and casual dress in some industries).
• The importance of small talk in building rapport.

You can gain cultural understanding by:

• Attending local events or industry meetups.
• Volunteering in community organisations.
• Joining professional associations in your field.

The more comfortable you are in Australian culture, the more confident and relatable you’ll be in job interviews — helping to ease employer concerns about your ability to integrate into the team.

Bringing It All Together

Landing a job in Australia as a migrant without local experience can feel like an uphill battle, but it’s far from impossible. The key is to focus on what you can control:

• Present yourself confidently in interviews.
• Build and nurture a local professional network.
• Adapt to and embrace Australian workplace culture.

These strategies not only help you overcome the “no local experience” label but also set you up for long-term success in your career here.

Skilled Job Starter Kit

If you’re ready to take action and land your first job in Australia faster, download the Skilled Job Starter Kit. It’s packed with proven tools and templates to help you craft a winning resume, optimise your LinkedIn profile, and approach employers with confidence.