I Helped 300+ Students Land Sponsored Jobs. Here are the top mistakes to avoid
If you're an international student navigating the UK job markets, or a professional looking to change sponsored jobs, then you've seen it.
Confusing visa rules, endless rejections, and no clear roadmap.
It’s a journey that feels overwhelming, isolating, and downright discouraging.
But what if you had someone who not only understands every obstacle but has mastered how to overcome them?
Meet Anh Nguyen, the guest on episode 8 of Landed.
At just 17, she left Vietnam and set foot in the UK with nothing but determination to build a life on her own terms. She faced the same struggles international students do today: confusion, uncertainty, and the pressure to figure it all out alone.
But instead of giving up, Anh turned her challenges into a mission.
🎓 Career Coach. Mentor. Trailblazer.
Anh didn’t just find her way; she mapped out a path for others to follow.
Starting with informal advice to friends, she built one of the largest job-hunting communities for Vietnamese students in the UK, now supporting 27,000+ members.
From refining CVs to mastering interviews, her structured coaching program has helped nearly 300 students land jobs and sponsorships at top companies like EY, Deloitte, HSBC, Barclays, and the Bank of England.
🚀 Why Anh?
Anh isn’t just another career coach; she’s a dedicated guide who stays by her students’ side through every step of the journey. Unlike many coaches who offer one-off sessions, Anh provides continuous support, ensuring her students feel confident and prepared at every stage of the job search process.
Anh understands the psychology of job seekers better than anyone; she knows exactly how to press the right buttons to motivate, inspire, and push her students beyond their comfort zones. She’s coached students through every scenario imaginable and is equipped to tackle any challenge that comes their way.
She’s not just teaching from a textbook. Anh has lived through the challenges herself and knows exactly what it takes to succeed.
The Brutal Truth About the Current Job Market
Navigating the job market has never been easy, but for international students today, it’s more challenging than ever. Based on real experiences and insights from career coaching, here’s what you need to know:
1. It’s more competitive than ever.
Companies are hiring more strategically. They want long-term value, not just candidates looking for a visa. For international students, graduate schemes are the most reliable (and sometimes only) way into big-name companies, as they streamline visa processing.
But this also means the competition is fiercer than ever—you’re competing with a global talent pool.
2. There’s too much information but not enough action.
With endless advice on YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
The result? Many students research endlessly but hesitate to apply, waiting for the “perfect” strategy.
The truth? The market changes rapidly, and by the time you feel ready, your strategy might be outdated.
The most successful candidates take action—imperfect action—and learn on the go.
3. You don’t have unlimited time.
International students face strict visa deadlines. Miss the hiring cycle, and you’re out for the year.
Timing is everything—graduate schemes and internships have fixed deadlines, and economic changes impact visa regulations.
The most successful candidates know when to apply and plan ahead.
Want to Stand Out in the UK Job Market? Here’s How.
For my video podcast Landed, I’ve been talking to many people who have successfully landed jobs in the UK despite the odds stacked against them.
In the latest episode, I even interviewed a career coach who has helped over 300 people secure sponsored jobs at top companies like EY, Deloitte, Barclays and HSBC.
Here are some insights on the commonalities of people who made it:
1. They invest in themselves.
Successful job seekers proactively refine their CVs, prepare meticulously for interviews, think outside the box to find opportunities, and actively network to gain valuable insights.
They understand that investing in themselves isn’t an expense, it’s an asset that compounds over time. Whether it’s enrolling in relevant courses, joining professional networks, or finding mentors and coaches, they view these as strategic investments that bring them closer to their career goals.
2. They only look forward.
The most successful job seekers are all in. They fully commit to their goals without giving themselves an easy way out.
Without a Plan B, they force themselves to find solutions even when things get tough. This unwavering commitment helps them push through setbacks, adapt quickly, and keep moving forward. They don’t entertain the idea of giving up, which makes them incredibly resilient.
3. They position themselves strategically.
Successful job seekers don’t just list their experiences chronologically. Instead, they master the art of storytelling, turning bullet points on their CV into compelling narratives that clearly demonstrate their value.
They are articulate and communicate clearly and persuasively, making a strong impression during interviews and networking opportunities.
4. They go above and beyond to maximise their chances
Successful job seekers don’t wait for luck to strike, they go above and beyond to maximise their chances. They practice tirelessly, apply aggressively, network relentlessly, and explore every possible avenue to create opportunities.
They are always prepared, so when an opportunity arises, they can seize it without hesitation. They understand that thorough preparation and perseverance are the keys to success.
A reality check
The job market is tough. Even if you do everything on this list, it’s still possible to face setbacks or not get the result you hoped for. If you’re feeling stuck, it’s not just you. Many people are in the same boat. Sometimes, it’s about timing, luck, or circumstances beyond your control.
Keep going. Keep learning. And most importantly, don’t be too hard on yourself. Your worth isn’t defined by the outcome of your job search. You’re doing your best, and that counts.
