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

This is Nathan's
Ace A Job^®

success story

NATHAN

Innovation Manager

Challenges

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

When I arrived in Australia, I was ready to bring my decade of experience in branding and marketing to a new market. But what I didn’t anticipate was just how tough breaking into the local marketing industry would be. Despite my extensive experience, I lacked local experience—something Australian employers prioritize, especially in marketing.

Marketing is a uniquely challenging field for international professionals. It demands a deep understanding of local culture, consumer behavior, market trends, and industry norms. Competing against candidates who grew up immersed in these nuances made me feel like I was always a step behind.

Another challenge was my temporary visa. My wife had come to Australia to study, and I was on her dependent visa. While I was grateful to have the opportunity to work, it added another layer of complexity to my job search, especially in a competitive field like marketing. Most companies preferred hiring citizens or permanent residents.

Language was yet another hurdle. As a non-native English speaker, I was fluent in business English, but marketing requires far more than that. Crafting compelling advertising copy, understanding cultural humor and slang, and writing in a way that resonates deeply with local audiences felt overwhelming at times.

Adding to these struggles was my lack of a professional network. Back in Vietnam, I had an extensive network that had always opened doors for me. In Australia, I was starting from scratch, and I quickly realized how critical referrals and connections are in this market.

Strategies

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

After applying to 10-20 jobs and securing just one interview, I realized that my overseas experience alone wasn’t enough. I needed a new strategy—one tailored to Australia’s unique job market. That’s when I turned to Thea Ho for help, and her guidance completely changed the game.

The first step was transforming my resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile. I initially thought my senior experience back home was a clear advantage. But Thea helped me see that in Australia’s flat management structure, employers often worry that highly senior candidates may not be hands-on enough. She restructured my application to highlight my hands-on achievements and emphasize how I could deliver results independently, without relying on subordinates. This was a game-changer.

One of the most powerful strategies I learned was creating customized portfolios and proposals for each job. These documents weren’t just add-ons—they became the centerpiece of my applications. They showcased my deep understanding of each company’s challenges and outlined specific solutions I could bring to the table. This approach allowed me to effectively “fill the gap” of local experience by demonstrating my expertise in a way that resonated with Australian employers.

Thea’s interview coaching was equally transformative. She helped me craft structured, clear answers that addressed even the toughest questions, from technical queries to those about my temporary visa. Her strategic approach to answering visa-related questions gave me the confidence to navigate these tricky topics without raising concerns.

Results

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

The turnaround was remarkable. After applying to just a few jobs using Thea’s strategies, I started receiving multiple interview invitations. Some days, it felt like I was interviewing full-time! I even made it to the final rounds with the Heads of Departments for several roles, a milestone I hadn’t thought possible just weeks earlier.

Ultimately, I secured a role as Innovation Manager at a global dairy company in Sydney. This wasn’t just any job—it was a perfect match for my 8+ years of experience in dairy branding and marketing. Leading dairy innovation projects for both the Australian and international markets, including Asia, felt like coming home. I was thrilled to bring my expertise to a role that aligned so well with my professional background.

The position came with an incredible 6-figure salary, far exceeding my expectations, and the company’s inclusive culture has been beyond my wildest dreams. My boss has been incredibly supportive, and I feel like I’m part of a team that truly values my contributions.

This role has been a game-changer for my long-term goals. It has provided me with the local experience I need to fast-track my Permanent Residency (PR) application, which I’ve already submitted. My wife, who is still studying, will benefit from this as well, as I’ll be the main applicant.

Now, we’re looking forward to a stable, fulfilling life in Australia. The stability of this role has allowed us to start planning vacations together and enjoying more quality time.

Thank you, Thea, for empowering me to achieve this milestone. Your strategies didn’t just help me land a job—they gave me the confidence and tools to succeed in a market that felt nearly impossible to break into. I couldn’t have done it without you, and I’m forever grateful for your guidance.

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