Sellin Zoraya thought finding a part-time job in Perth would be relatively easy.
Instead, application after application went unanswered.
The University of Western Australia international student expected Perth’s cafes and restaurants would provide plenty of opportunities for part-time work.
“But I applied to many places and most of the time I didn’t hear anything back,” she said.
Zoraya believes a lack of local experience is making the search more difficult.
She said employers appeared to prefer applicants who already had work experience, creating a familiar dilemma for newcomers: gaining local experience requires someone to offer them their first opportunity.
Repeated applications without a response have taken a toll on Zoraya.
“I start wondering what’s wrong with me.
“Maybe it’s because I don’t have enough work experience, or maybe the language barrier and my accent that make it harder for employers to understand me.”
Research suggests Zoraya’s experience reflects challenges faced by other international students seeking work in Australia.
The 2024 Student Experience Survey International Report identified limited local experience, fewer professional connections, language and cultural barriers, and visa-related employment restrictions as factors that may make it more difficult for international students to find work.
For employers such as Perth coffee shop owner Lawrens Liu, however, a lack of local experience could mean additional time spent on training.
He said communication was one of the biggest factors he considered when hiring international students.
“The most important thing is language barrier.
“They can write and listen, but speaking is where many struggle, especially in roles like reception where communication is key.”
Liu said strong communication was crucial in his café, where employees needed to understand orders, answer customers’ questions and communicate quickly with colleagues.
He said he would often prioritise an applicant with local experience, even if hiring that person cost slightly more.
“What if I pay for you two to three weeks, you’re still not able to meet the standards,” he said. “So why don’t I pay slightly higher for locals who already has the experience.”
Liu said the challenge went beyond work experience, suggesting international students needed to become familiar with Australian culture and the everyday language used in local workplaces.
“International students need to understand basic local slang, expressions and everyday language commonly used by Australian customers,” he said.
“Before going out to get a job, learn the culture here. They need to adjust to a new workplace culture, different ways of communicating and expectations from employers,” he said.
For Zoraya, however, adapting to an Australian workplace first requires an opportunity to enter one.
“I just wish someone would give me a chance to prove that I can learn, improve and do the job,” she said.
Genyvra Caecillia
Genyvra Caecillia is a Journalism and Broadcast Media student at Edith Cowan University. Passionate about news, politics, and storytelling, she enjoys producing meaningful stories that inform, engage, and connect communities.
