We’ve put together a checklist of things to think about when applying for a job in New Zealand. It’s a good overview of the recruitment process and how it may differ here compared to your own country.
- Use the internet to source information about NZ CV styles. You have information available in this book, and you may be able to find samples online
- Write a CV following the NZ requirements, or appoint a local writer to do it for you
- Search job hunting websites like Seek and Trade Me to see what’s available
- Contact friends, family and previous colleagues who are in the country already to see if they can help you to network
- Ensure that your English is to a good level. Investigate lessons if necessary
- Collect together all your certificates and references to take to NZ. In some applications you may need to provide exam results or transcripts so bring those too
- Investigate clubs/societies/professional groups in the area you are locating to. This will help you to settle in to the area, to meet new people, and may provide job leads
- Make sure your Linkedin profile and other social media is up to date and relevant
- When applying for jobs from overseas make it clear in your covering letter when you arriving in the country and when you will be available for an interview. Some employers will consider Skype interviews, especially if you are in a high-demand profession, but others will not consider an applicant who is not in the country yet
- Make it clear in your application that you have the relevant visas or residency status
- Identify and research key employers in your sector that you would like to work for. Check the recruitment/careers pages on their websites and, if nothing is advertised, consider approaching them directly to offer your skills and experience
- Should you fail to gain an interview or job offer, contact the recruiter and ask for feedback so that you can improve future applications. Always be polite and friendly in your approach. I have come across people who were negative in responding to news of a failed interview who lost out on other opportunities that cropped up, because of their attitude
- Continually review your progress and learn from feedback. Remember, what works at home may not work in New Zealand. It’s a learning process and you need to adapt to succeed
- Maintain a healthy work/life balance. Put some time aside to enjoy your new country, to spend time with old and new friends, and maintain healthy lifestyle habits such as good sleep, and healthy diet and some exercise to keep you in a good frame of mind
If you need help with your CV, click here, complete the form and one of our writers will get back to you.