So, you've decided to pursue a job in New York City? Whether you're starting your job search from Australia or are already in the city, there are key differences between job hunting in NYC and Australia that you should keep in mind. Understanding these differences will help you tailor your approach and increase your chances of landing that dream job in the Big Apple!
1. Network, Network, Network
I can’t overemphasize this enough—networking is absolutely crucial. America, and especially New York, thrives on professional connections. In big cities like NYC, people tap into their university alumni networks, previous colleagues, and other professional groups to help them land opportunities. But don’t worry—you’re not at a disadvantage just because you're from Australia!
Before you even leave Australia, start talking to your friends, family, and colleagues about your plans. You never know who might have contacts or friends in the U.S. who could offer valuable connections. Once you're in NYC, remember that Australians love helping fellow Aussies. LinkedIn can be a great tool to connect with people from your university or industry—don’t just focus on job postings, but also look for individuals who might be able to offer guidance. There are also industry networking events you can attend, which may help connect you with companies or people with open roles. Go to the events America Josh offers. While they’re intended to help Aussies find a sense of community as you’re in the job search the more people you meet the more chance you have of getting introduced to the right
The other side of networking is that it truly energizes you and helps you feel connected to the city, like it's a place you belong (important as manifestation and feeling like you belong helps get you closer to realizing and getting a job). If you're at home all day with just a computer, the search can often feel disheartening and hopeless.
Key tip: When networking, approach people with a mindset of gathering advice, not asking directly for a job. For example, try saying, “I’d love any advice you might have about applying for roles in [X industry] in New York.” People are often willing to help and may even refer you to someone who can assist you further. Networking in NYC is like a web of opportunities—one connection often leads to several more.
2. Don’t Rely Solely on Job Sites
In Australia, job boards like Seek.com are popular platforms for finding and applying for jobs. However, the U.S. job search landscape is different. While sites like Monster and Indeed exist, they don’t play as central a role in the job application process in the U.S. As for LinkedIn, while it’s useful for finding open roles, applying cold through the platform can be a tough strategy—these positions often receive hundreds or thousands of applications, making it difficult to stand out.
Tip: Instead of focusing solely on online applications, prioritize networking. Go out, attend events, and strike up conversations. I genuinely believe you’ll have a better chance striking up a conversation with someone at a bar then applying cold to a job on LinkedIn. If you do come across a position that interests you, try to find someone within the company or network who can offer an internal referral. This significantly increases your chances of getting noticed.
If you require an E3 visa, be sure to check out the list of employers who have sponsored E3 visas in the past on America Josh’s site here. This will help focus your search on employers who are likely to be willing and able to sponsor your visa.
It’s also worth noting that many jobs in NYC aren’t publicly advertised. Often, the roles you see online may not even exist or may have already been filled. Building strong connections within companies gives you an insider advantage and improves your chances of being considered.
3. Be Specific About What You Want
While Australians tend to take a more generalist approach to job searching, American employers usually expect candidates to have more specific experience that aligns directly with the role. For example, if you're applying for a marketing role in the beauty industry, having experience in the beauty sector will make you a much stronger candidate.
In Australia, it's common to keep an open mind about the type of role, industry, or level of position. While it’s understandable that many Australians moving to NYC are excited just to gain the experience of living in the city, being specific about the type of role you're seeking can help you stand out and connect with the right opportunities.
Tip: If you have specific experience in an area (for example, marketing within the beauty industry), target roles that align closely with that experience. When applying, tailor your resume and cover letter to mirror the language and requirements of the job description. Prioritize relevant experience and don’t be afraid to de-emphasize unrelated skills. For instance, if you have a background in beauty marketing, focus on that experience even if you also have a strong background in another field, like gaming.
4. Leave Tall Poppy Syndrome at the Door
In Australian culture, there’s often an aversion to self-promotion. We tend to downplay our accomplishments and focus on staying humble. In contrast, the U.S., and particularly New York, has a more overt culture of self-promotion and confidence. This can feel uncomfortable for many Australians, but it's an essential part of the NYC job hunt.
Tip: It's important to learn how to promote yourself confidently without crossing into arrogance. Be prepared to discuss your skills, accomplishments, and the value you bring to a team in detail. Confidence is expected, but you don’t need to lose your authentic self in the process. The key is being well-prepared to articulate why you're a strong fit for the role and doing so in a way that feels authentic to you—and that you truly believe in.
