Real stories of migrants who began with courage and achieved a skilled job & permanent residency

This is Cipi's
Ace A Job^®
success story

CIPI

Senior Brand Manager

Challenges

INTRO.............................................

Transitioning into Australia’s competitive marketing industry from Vietnam and Singapore was one of the biggest professional challenges I’ve faced. Despite having extensive experience in branding and marketing, I lacked the local experience that Australian employers often prioritize. The marketing field, in particular, poses unique difficulties for international candidates like me, as it demands a deep understanding of local culture, consumer behavior, market trends, and industry norms. Competing against 100% local candidates who already possessed this expertise only added to the challenge.

Strategies

LEARNING............................

My journey to success started with the realization that my existing strategies weren’t enough. While leveraging my network secured me some interviews, it wasn’t leading to job offers. That’s when I turned to Thea Ho’s coaching program, which offered specialized strategies designed for candidates with international backgrounds like mine.

One of the first steps was revamping my resume and cover letter. Thea’s strategies helped me tailor my application to highlight my transferable skills, achievements, and expertise in a way that resonated with local employers. These weren’t just cosmetic changes; they transformed how my experience was perceived in the Australian market.

A standout aspect of Thea’s program was the creation of a customized portfolio and proposals tailored to each company I interviewed with. These documents were more than just supplementary materials; they demonstrated my deep understanding of each company’s challenges and showcased my ability to deliver tailored solutions. These strategies went far beyond generic interview preparation and were a key reason why I stood out from the competition.

I also gained invaluable insights into acing interviews, from phone screenings to in-person panels. With Thea’s guidance, I developed clear, structured answers that showcased my skills and aligned with what hiring managers were looking for. This preparation gave me the confidence to handle the most challenging questions.

Results

SUCCESS.................

The results of these strategies were nothing short of extraordinary. Within just three weeks of applying, I found myself in the midst of an interview marathon, with some days having two interviews back-to-back. This level of interest felt surreal, especially given the Covid-19 pandemic, where many local candidates were struggling with layoffs and reduced opportunities.

One of my proudest moments was landing a position as a Senior Brand Manager at a global food company. The role came with an amazing 6-figure salary—far exceeding my expectations—and aligned perfectly with my long-term career aspirations. I even received another job offer but ultimately chose the company that best matched my goals.

Securing a dream job during a global pandemic felt like a once-in-a-lifetime accomplishment. Beyond the role and salary, this opportunity has allowed me to regain confidence in my abilities and prove that with the right strategies, international candidates can thrive in competitive industries.

This job has opened up a new chapter in my life. I’m now preparing for Permanent Residency (PR), which will solidify my future in Australia. The stability this role provides has allowed me to plan more vacations with my husband and enjoy a much more fulfilling and balanced life.

Thank you, Thea, for empowering me to achieve this incredible milestone. Your guidance has made all the difference, and I couldn’t have done it without you!

Ready to secure a full-time job & PR to call Australia home?

_{Results are not guaranteed. Please see the earnings disclaimer for more details.}