Jobs & Money Detail
Getting a job in New Zealand
Getting a job in New Zealand from the other side of the world may seem a daunting task, writes Maike van der Heide
When you're moving to a strange country where you don't even know which shops will sell you pegs, let alone where you will live, it is not surprising that getting a job in New Zealand is a scary prospect for some would be migrants.
But, thanks to the Internet, phone and sometimes even the cumbersome fax, it can, and often is, done. A logical start is to trawl the Internet and find jobs in your area of expertise or interest. Decide if there are places you do or don't want to live and narrow the search down that way because there is no point in applying for jobs in Invercargill, which is always crying out for fresh blood, if you want to live in the more competitive Auckland. Also, think about why you want the job – is it to gain a Skilled Migrant Category visa? If so, best you look at the list of immediate skills shortages in New Zealand because if you find a job, one of those areas then the points will be stacking up in your favour. The list of skills New Zealand needs is long and continuing to grow, from accountants, ski, snowboard and skydive instructors, pig farm managers to yacht riggers and dental assistants. Like a good department store, there's something for pretty much everyone. Have you already got your visa sorted and have been left to simply find a job you want? Then you'd better get emailing.
But before you hit the "send" button, launching your CV across the seas, research what you should be including in this short history of yourself. The website Working in New Zealand has tips on writing your CV for the New Zealand job market so you can be confident that what you are sending to prospective employees is what they are looking for. Tips include keeping your CV short, just two or three pages, on numbered, plain white pages. Information you should include is your name, contact details on which you can be easily reached and relevant job experience. Because you are overseas, be sure to include international dialling codes on your phone numbers, including mobile phone numbers.
Generally, New Zealanders don't want to see a long, drawn-out list of every job you have ever had from feeding the neighbour's dog to sitting in your chair typing up this particular CV. But, again, what is on your CV needs to be researched according to your line of work. A short, sharp summing up of your work history should suffice. Age, gender, ethnicity, marital status and information about health are largely irrelevant unless you are, say, a truck driver and need to complete a medical before you can work.
Call or email New Zealand companies and ask them about available jobs even if they have not advertised for workers. This will not only help you with your CV but you will make contacts which could prove invaluable. In a small country like New Zealand, who you know, not what you know, is a phrase which still proves true in many cases. Speaking to one person who does not have a job to offer will quite often lead to another person who does need someone.
This is also an opportunity for you to speak to people about working in a New Zealand workplace where you can find out about the work culture, what is expected of you and anything else which could make you sound more knowledgeable to other prospective employers. Ideally, of course, you would meet contacts in person but this is not always possible, what with the UK and NZ being on opposite ends of the world. With a CV and covering letter at the ready, it's time to start emailing and making follow up phone calls. The time difference will make the latter difficult at times, but sometimes a phone call can make the impression you need.
If possible, line up interviews or meetings for a fact finding trip if you can afford one. This will not only allow the prospective employer to meet you, but it will give you an idea of what you're getting yourself in to. The job description on the Internet could be quite a departure of what you're really in for: that doctor's position in a remote West Coast town could be more remote than you bargained for.
To make it easier for yourself, write the CV in a simple format which can be easily emailed. Always check the closing date for applications: if it cannot be emailed then you must calculate how long it will take to get to New Zealand by snail mail. Make yourself available. When Kiwis get to work, you will be heading for beer or bed but if they want to talk to you then they will call. Be aware of this in the evening and make sure that the numbers you put on your CV are numbers which you will answer at strange hours of the day. Check out websites about areas where you want to live. Local council websites will advertise their own vacancies but sometimes provide information on local newspapers, who will have vacancies listed plus possibly helpful articles, and links to other local businesses or business bodies.
If you are unsure where you want to live and plan to let the job decide, then visit specific industry websites, Teachers, for instance, can go to teachnz.govt.nz for job vacancies and information for overseas teachers planning to live and work in New Zealand. Other sites such as Teachers Council about the process of teacher licensing in New Zealand will tell you about the qualifications you need and whether they are recognised. While obviously this applies to just one industry, many sectors have their own official bodies, organisations or other points of contact for you to learn about the industry and make initial contact with key people.
The best part is that most of this can be done from your desk, armchair, bed or favourite pub. Thanks to the world wide web, securing a job from the UK is a realistic expectation. It's cheesy but it's true: your new job in New Zealand could be just a few clicks, taps, frustrated groans and bleeps away.
For further information:
NZ Herald
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Career Jet
Seek
Search4Jobs
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