Saviola

You have a ready made network in the UK here you are starting from scratch. No network, no local experience and there's the uncertainty around whether you will stay. So it can be hard.

You may need to take a role a bit lower (pay/responsibility) than you are used to in order to get things moving but it isn't impossible. Just keep your chin up and plough on.

Just to add some optimism, I was looking for 3 months probably and didn't apply for every job suitable but I have now been offered 2 jobs (like buses it seems) and I have accepted one.

I will say the process has been a pain and I could not understand the reasoning of some employers, one told me he would rather have a candidate with an MCSE and 1yrs exp than someone with 10yrs (for a 3rd line role at 'leading' MSP). I am currently re-certifying that has caused a major issue I think.

I have had some bad luck with recruitment consultants, most of them have been poor (no feedback, sent me someone else's feedback, sent me to the wrong office), in fact the ones that have been good have been expats themselves at some point (maybe that's why they looked after me).

As for applying for jobs from overseas, unless you have a skill that is in very short supply then I doubt you will hear anything back let alone get a role. However, don't let that stop you, never say never

Must admit I am for the first time in my career finding work hard to find, 12 years of sys admin and professional services work. I had a contract that I came over to, the OH had a permanent position to start so it was all I needed. That ended up being a nightmare and eventually it ended early, a poorly managed project where the contractors got by the shafted by the PMs basically.

I have been looking properly for about 2 months and have had a 6-7 interviews (not applying for everything just yet )and i keep getting the 'need more Australian experience' line. I have previously never not been offered a job after an interview. There did seem to be a lot more jobs back in the UK, currently in Melbourne, but I haven't looked for work in a few years so my memory may be off.

Agents seem nice while dealing with that role/job but if you don't get it then its the cold shoulder not even any real feedback, I had to email the HR manager of one company to get any once (they didn't mind and actually felt bad for me).

Just need to keep plugging away I guess.