How to find a job in New Zealand

Every year SEEK is contacted by international candidates and students looking to move to New Zealand and secure a job. And why wouldn’t they? It’s a great place to live and work in. 


We’ve compiled a list of killer tips that should help you on your journey – both overseas and in your career.

• Research your market. Some roles and skills are in high demand in New Zealand, and others less so. The more you read, the more likely you are to understand where you fit in to the job market. If you have highly sought after skills such as digital and eCommerce abilities, it may be relatively easy, says Abigail Carradice, Head of Talent Acquisition and Global Opportunities for Michael Page. Or, if you’re willing to work somewhere remote you may have less competition.
  
   
• Sort out your visa. Expect to see mention of the “right to work” in New Zealand job ads. Employers will sponsor high level candidates if they can’t get someone locally, says Carradice. But it’s the exception, not the rule. Only really experienced candidates in talent short industries can expect an all-expenses-paid transfer.
  
  
  Working holiday visas can also be a way to get a foot in the door, says Carradice. The candidate may then be able to convince their employer to sponsor them and provide a full work visa.
  
   
• Tailor your resume and cover letter. Connect your experience to the benefits the company can reap, says Andrew Morris, Director Robert Half New South Wales, Queensland and New Zealand. Don’t assume that local employers have heard of your overseas employer. Include a paragraph in your resume explaining the business and its functions.
  
  
  Address key issues in your cover letter, says Morris. It’s also a good idea to suggest next steps. Your employer may not deal with international candidates every day. But always remember when writing your resume and cover letter for an international job that an employer wants the best candidate for the job, so it remains vital to keep the focus on your qualifications for the role, rather than on where you live.
  
   
• Know your technology. It’s becoming more common for interviews to be carried out on phone, Skype or other digital platforms, but don’t expect employers and recruiters to use the technology that necessarily suits you. Make sure you have an account on all major communication platforms such as Skype and Google Hangouts, says Monroe-Ruth.
  
   
• Be prepared to take a step back. Your first job in New Zealand is unlikely to be a career move, says Carradice. Accept that you might need to take a step back to get a foot in the door and gain the essential New Zealand experience. You may even need to do some voluntary work in the country to get the local experience and contacts that employers want.
  
   
• Understand how to apply. Get your head around applying for jobs on SEEK. It’s easy! SEEK is New Zealand’s largest employment marketplace and if you’re serious about getting work then be sure to create a SEEK profile. With a SEEK profile, you can apply faster with pre-filled application forms, know that only reputable employers can view your details, and set up alerts to ensure you never miss an opportunity.

Start putting your best foot forward. Create a SEEK profile today.

 

Some roles and skills are in high demand in New Zealand, and others less so. The more you read, the more likely you are to understand where you fit in to the job market