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

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

KEVIN

Structural Engineer

Challenges

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

When I first arrived in Australia, I quickly realized that finding a job in my field as a structural engineer would be a significant challenge. Despite having solid professional experience from my home country, I lacked the local experience that Australian employers value so highly. Without this, it was hard to stand out in a crowded job market.

Adding to the difficulty, I was living in a small regional area where job opportunities in the construction industry were scarce. The situation was further complicated by Covid-19, which had severely impacted the industry, leaving even fewer openings than usual. Back home, I had built a strong professional network that opened doors for me, but here, I was starting from scratch with zero connections. It felt like climbing a steep hill with no clear path to the top.

Strategies

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

That’s when I decided to work with Thea Ho, and it was the best decision I could have made. She introduced me to strategies that I had never considered, giving me the tools to take control of my job search rather than waiting for opportunities to come to me.

One of the most impactful strategies Thea taught me was to target companies directly. Instead of relying on job ads, which are often highly competitive, Thea encouraged me to reach out to companies proactively. Using a tailored list of small businesses she provided, I identified companies in my region that might need someone with my skills. This was a complete shift in my approach, and it turned out to be a game-changer.

Before I reached out to companies, Thea worked with me to ensure my resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile were all polished and tailored to highlight my achievements and technical expertise. She also prepared me with interview strategies, so I was ready to confidently present myself if an opportunity arose.

Following Thea’s advice, I took a bold step and even went to a construction site to speak directly with the Site Manager. It was nerve-wracking, but I was determined to try something different. To my surprise, this proactive approach worked wonders. The very next day, I was invited for an interview, and because I had already prepared thoroughly with Thea, I was able to confidently showcase my skills and experience.

Results

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

The results were nothing short of extraordinary. From my initial approach to starting the job, the entire process took just three days. I had applied to a few jobs online and gotten interviews through recruitment agencies, but they hadn’t led anywhere. However, by directly approaching companies, I found success almost immediately.

Initially, the company hired me on a contract basis due to the low demand in the construction industry during Covid. However, within just three months, they offered me a permanent role, recognizing the value I brought to their team. This full-time position made me eligible to apply for Permanent Residency (PR), a significant milestone in my journey.

Looking back, it still feels surreal how quickly everything fell into place. Living in a small regional area, I had doubts about finding a job in my field, especially since most big construction companies are located in major cities. However, Thea’s coaching gave me the confidence and strategies to overcome the odds.

Now, I’m incredibly happy with where I am. I enjoy going to work every day, where I can apply my skills and contribute to exciting projects. My weekends are spent relaxing with my family, and I’m looking forward to receiving my PR soon.

This journey has not only advanced my career but also given me a sense of stability and fulfillment that I wasn’t sure I’d find in Australia. Thea’s coaching was instrumental in making this happen, and I’ll always be grateful for her guidance. This truly feels like the beginning of an exciting new chapter in my life!

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

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