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

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

LONG

Civil Engineer

Challenges

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

Starting my career as a civil engineering graduate in a regional area presented a unique set of challenges. Opportunities in the construction industry were scarce, with only a handful of roles advertised each week. Every job opening felt like a fierce competition, and I often wondered if being in a metro city would have given me a better shot.

The situation was further complicated by the pandemic, which caused the construction industry to slow down significantly. As a fresh graduate, I was competing against candidates with more experience, which felt daunting. While I had gained some part-time and casual experience in construction, I wasn’t sure it would hold up against the extensive backgrounds of other applicants.

Despite these hurdles, I knew that my education and hands-on experience could pave the way for success—I just needed the right strategies to present my case effectively.

Strategies

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

Working with Thea Ho was the game-changer I needed. Her coaching gave me the tools and confidence to tackle my challenges head-on.

With limited job opportunities in my area, I realized I had to stand out from the crowd. Thea’s strategies helped me create a compelling resume and cover letter that showcased my skills and aligned with what hiring managers were looking for. By tailoring my application for each role, I was able to highlight my technical skills and construction experience, making a strong case for why I was the best fit—even as a fresh graduate.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned was how to frame my part-time and casual work experience in a way that demonstrated my technical capabilities. Thea’s approach showed me that every piece of experience counts, and it’s all about how you present it. By emphasizing the skills I had gained, I turned what I once thought was a weakness into one of my greatest strengths.

When I landed an interview, I had only a few days to prepare, which felt overwhelming. But the groundwork I had laid with my application gave me a deep understanding of my professional background. This clarity helped me confidently tackle tough technical questions during the interview. Thea’s coaching ensured I was ready to demonstrate both my knowledge and my eagerness to grow in the field.

Results

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

The results were almost immediate. Just two days after submitting my application, I received an interview invitation. The interview was conducted by three directors of the company, and while the stakes felt high, I went in feeling well-prepared and confident.

It turned out to be the first—and only—interview I needed. Two days later, I received a job offer, marking the beginning of an incredible new chapter in my career.

Today, I’m working in a full-time role as a civil engineer, the exact career path I came to Australia to pursue. My company is conveniently located close to my home, and I’m earning a great salary that has brought both financial stability and personal pride.

This role isn’t just a job—it’s a stepping stone to my long-term goals. With this position, I’ll only need to work for three years to become eligible for Permanent Residency (PR). Knowing that I’m on the right track gives me a profound sense of excitement and motivation for the future.

Looking back, I’m amazed at how far I’ve come in such a short time. The challenges I faced initially felt insurmountable, but Thea’s guidance gave me the clarity and direction I needed to succeed.

If you’re a fresh graduate or facing similar challenges in your career, I can’t recommend Thea’s coaching enough. Her strategies don’t just help you find a job—they help you build a future.

Thank you, Thea, for your unwavering support and expertise. You’ve helped me turn my dreams into reality, and I couldn’t be more grateful!

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

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