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

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

THEA

Marketing Manager

Challenges

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

When I started my job search in Australia, the odds seemed stacked against me. Marketing is a highly competitive field that demands deep knowledge of local culture, consumer behavior, and industry trends. As an international graduate, I had zero local experience, which put me at a significant disadvantage compared to almost 100% local candidates.

I also had no professional network and didn’t even have a LinkedIn profile when I arrived. On top of that, English isn’t my first language, and marketing roles require a near-native level of language proficiency to craft impactful campaigns and communications. Finally, being on a temporary visa only made things harder, as many employers preferred candidates with permanent residency.

Strategies

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

Despite all these obstacles, I landed my dream job, and ironically, it came through networking—even though I started with zero connections. This experience taught me that you don’t need an established network to succeed, but you do need to take action to build one.

Before leveraging networking, I made sure my application was top-notch and my interview skills were sharp. I knew that once I approached hiring managers, my application needed to stand out immediately. And it did. My unique portfolio and tailored application got me into interviews quickly.

However, what truly helped me pass five interviews with Directors, Heads of Departments, and the Chief Marketing Officer were the proposals I developed and presented. These proposals showcased innovative ideas and demonstrated my ability to solve real business challenges.

Results

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

Like many others, I faced multiple challenges, but they didn’t stop me from achieving my goals. Initially, I applied for jobs online and received interviews, but none of them led to an offer. So, I decided to take a bolder approach with networking, even though I had no prior experience with it.

I identified a company I was interested in and researched the hiring managers working there. I directly approached one of them with my application, and within one hour, I received an email from him saying he had pitched me to HR. This led to five interviews in quick succession, and I signed the job offer within two weeks.

Because I was referred by a current employee, I skipped the screening rounds like application reviews and phone interviews, going straight to face-to-face interviews. I was also the only candidate being considered, which gave me an almost 100% success rate.

The result? I landed a full-time permanent Senior Manager role, which was one level higher than the position I initially applied for. The hiring team promoted me because my application and interview performance proved that I was ready for a more senior position.

The role came with a 6-figure salary and one direct report—a significant achievement in Australia’s flat management structure. I was also entrusted with managing the company’s biggest brand, contributing 40% of its revenue.

Here’s the most interesting part: Just one week earlier, I had applied to the same company using the same application but received no response. This shows just how powerful networking can be in opening doors that otherwise remain closed.

This job completely changed my life. With a stable role and a 6-figure salary, I started making long-term plans like applying for PR, purchasing a home, and building personal investments. I’m now enjoying the better life this job has brought me, and it all started with taking bold steps and staying persistent.

This journey taught me that even when the odds seem against you, with the right strategies and determination, success is within reach.

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

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