Migrant Job Search – 3 Things You Shouldn’t Do Wrong

Starting a new life in another country is exciting — but when it comes to finding a job, the excitement can quickly turn into frustration. You might be applying to dozens of roles, tweaking your resume endlessly, and still not getting interviews.

It’s not always because you’re underqualified. In fact, many skilled migrants and international students have impressive backgrounds. The problem is often that you’re unknowingly making strategic mistakes in your job search.

Here are three critical mistakes you must avoid if you want to secure a job faster in your new country.

1. Not Adjusting the Level of the Position You’re Applying For

Many job seekers want to continue at the same seniority level they had in their home country — or even aim higher. If you were managing regional operations for multiple countries or leading large-scale projects, it’s natural to think you can handle the same responsibilities elsewhere.

The truth is, hiring managers in your new country don’t just look at your overall experience — they look for proven local expertise. Even if you’ve run projects across Asia or Europe, employers in Australia, for example, will prioritise candidates who:

Have years of local experience
Possess an established local network of clients, partners, or industry peers
Understand the local systems, regulations, and work culture

When competing with candidates who tick all these boxes, your impressive overseas achievements might not be enough to convince them — especially if both candidates command the same salary.

What to do instead:
Be realistic about your market position. While you shouldn’t immediately drop to an entry-level role (as you risk being seen as overqualified), you may need to target slightly lower-level positions than before to break into the market. Once you’ve proven your value locally, you can quickly climb the ladder again.

2. Prioritising Degrees Over Practical Experience

Many migrants believe that adding another qualification — a Master’s or even a PhD — will dramatically improve their job prospects. While higher education can be valuable, it’s not always the fastest route to employment.

Employers care most about whether you can deliver results from day one. And the most convincing way to prove that is with practical examples from real work experience.

If your resume says:

“Managed a project that delivered X% cost savings in 6 months”
… that will speak louder than simply stating you have an advanced degree.

Why? Because results demonstrate capability in a way that education alone cannot.

This is especially true in countries like Australia, where hiring managers are generally pragmatic — they care more about your ability to get the job done than the number of qualifications you hold.

What to do instead:

Seek opportunities to gain local experience as quickly as possible, even if they are short-term or part-time.
Volunteer, intern, or freelance to get tangible achievements on your resume.
Remember: each piece of experience builds credibility and increases your chances of being seen as “job-ready.”

3. Refusing to “Get Your Foot in the Door”

Here’s an insider tip: your first job in a new country will almost always be the hardest to get — but once you have it, things become much easier.

Why? Because securing that first role gives you:

Local experience you can showcase on your resume
A professional network that can lead to referrals
An understanding of local workplace culture and expectations

The mistake many migrants make is waiting only for their “perfect” role — often a full-time position at the same seniority they held before. This approach can leave you unemployed for months, or even years.

What to do instead:
Be open to roles that might not be your end goal but can serve as stepping stones, such as:

Contract positions
Part-time work
Unpaid internships
Volunteer roles

Think of these as short-term compromises for long-term gains. They give you a way into the market, credibility with employers, and momentum in your job search.

Bringing It All Together

Breaking into a new job market isn’t just about how skilled you are — it’s about understanding how employers think in your new country and adjusting your approach accordingly.

By:

Realistically adjusting your target job level
Prioritising experience over additional degrees
Being willing to take strategic stepping-stone roles

… you’ll dramatically increase your chances of landing that critical first role — and from there, your career can accelerate.

Ready to Fast-Track Your Job Search?

If you’ve been applying for months with no results, you don’t need to keep guessing what’s wrong. I can show you a proven system that’s helped hundreds of skilled migrants and international students land skilled jobs — even without local experience, PR, or a professional network.

Download your free Skilled Job Starter Kit to learn the exact steps to:

Optimise your resume for local recruiters
Find hidden job opportunities
Approach hiring managers directly — even without applying online

Get Your Starter Kit Here and start moving toward the job — and life — you came here for.

FAQs

Q1: How do I find a job in Australia as a migrant with no local experience?
A: Target entry‑to‑mid roles, tailor your resume to the job ad, and use LinkedIn to connect with hiring managers. Short volunteer, internship, or contract roles create local proof fast.

Q2: Should I study more or get a job first in Australia?
A: For most migrants, a skilled job builds PR‑relevant experience and income faster than another degree. Consider study later once you’ve established local experience.

Q3: What level should I apply for as a new migrant?
A: Aim one step below your overseas seniority to break in, then progress quickly once you’ve built local achievements and references.

Q4: Is contract work a good way to get my first job in Australia?
A: Yes. Short‑term contracts provide local experience, references, and momentum—often converting to permanent roles.