How to land a job in New Zealand

Are you working an unsatisfactory job? Working in fear of retrenchment? Or even, working long hours in tough conditions? That’s no way to live!

Finding the right company, job title, and favourable conditions in South Africa is extremely difficult because South Africa’s unemployment rate is on a steady climb, now at a little over 35%, or roughly 20 650 000 people, with the population growing faster than the economy.

With a remarkably low unemployment rate below 4% or roughly 150 000 people, New Zealand offers an amazing work environment, because the employment market is based upon meritocracy, as well as the economy growing faster than the population.

This means that New Zealand is an employee’s market! As a highly skilled employee, you get to be in the driving seat, and very often choose the employer, job, location, and working conditions that you enjoy, but only if you make it to the interview!

New Zealand employers do not just hire any person who applies. You need to stand out above the rest and arrive at the interview, confident and knowledgeable.

This is why we’re sharing our most effective tips, to help you and your loved ones make it to the interview and be in that driving seat to make the decisions.

Before reading on, if you are one of those rare people who have heaps of experience, are on the Long Term Skill Shortage List and already have all the necessary registrations and score over 160 points then this guide is not for you and you should arrange a meeting with us today to discuss your next steps.

If on the other hand, you are part of the 90% of migrants who don’t fall into this category then please keep reading.

1. Get a New Zealand CVNearly everyone makes the same mistake of thinking that the CV from their home country will be suitable in other countries, but this is not the case.Having a CV with a different format makes it difficult for recruiters to easily read and understand you as an applicant, reducing your chances of being selected for interviews.Here is a tip: Do not be tempted to give too much information.

   A CV is a 2-3-page summary of your qualifications and experienced, the most recent first. It is not a 10-page guide of your whole life leading up to this point.
   Make sure you tailor your CV and cover letter to each job you apply for, as they will not always be the same. In most cases, this means a 30 – 60% re-write.

   Recruiters want quality submissions only. NO SPAMMING.

    

2. Get New Zealand contact pointsNothing says “I am overseas” like a CV with a ‘.co.za’ email address or a phone number that begins with a +27 dialling code. Sign up for a ‘.com’ or a ‘.co.NZ email address, get on LinkedIn and familiarize yourself with online meeting apps such as Skype and Zoom.It is even possible to buy an NZ contact number that redirects calls to your SA mobile number. Just be aware of the time difference (10 Hours).The goal is to get past the first round of vetting and get your foot into the door.

    

3. Build a network of industry contacts in NZ
   Start out by finding out what your job is actually called in New Zealand, as titles and descriptions are likely to differ. Find out what the key tasks are, and whether any registration is needed.Once you know what your job is called and how it is defined, jump onto LinkedIn and make contact with people in your network already in this job, or search for people in NZ that may be able to assist you.Remember to always be polite and friendly when dealing with potential helpers. Do not spam 200 people on LinkedIn with the same long message.Write a short, carefully prepared email that is personalised to 5 to 10 potential contacts asking them a specific question (you need a premium membership to do this).

   For example:

   Hi John,

   I hope you don’t mind, but I found you on my LinkedIn network, we are connected via…I would just like to ask you a quick question.

   I am looking into taking a position similar to yours with a New Zealand company, however, being from South Africa I am not sure what to expect in the work environment, could you give me one tip which you think would help me to be successful in the industry?

   If you add me as a connection I will happily leave you a recommendation.

   Thanks in advance for taking the time to respond.”

   Remember, some people will reply, some won’t, some will give you only one or two words but some will reply and give you an opening to start a conversation. Again, be careful not to bombard them with questions. Focus on building a professional relationship first.

   Over the following, few months develop those relationships progressively, then about 2 weeks before your date of travel to NZ let them know you are coming and ask to meet for coffee and a quick chat.

   It is estimated that 50% of all jobs in NZ aren’t advertised and that the majority of jobs go to someone who is recommended.

   This network, and buying the odd coffee has time and again proven to be what has got people’s foot in the door.

4. Practise for job interviewsOne of the biggest put-offs in recruiting is when a potential candidate shows up to an interview badly dressed, late, knows nothing about the company or what they do, without a copy of the CV in the same format they originally sent, and therefore without a hope of getting the job.Here are 6 tips to help you:a) Research the company needs to fit your personal morals and ethics as well. Think about how your experience and strengths can fit the role you are applying for.

   b) Talk to someone who works for, or has worked for the company in the past if anyone in your network has.

   c) Print the most commonly asked interview questions and ask a friend to sit across from you and ask them, along with the following questions. Get them to be mean. 

   You Should Also Have to Look At this advice article which focuses more on job interviews in New Zealand.

   d) Establish what is the norm for a dress within the company’s culture and dress accordingly! (If they wear jeans and a T-shirt, wear trousers and a shirt instead of a suit).

    e) Make sure you keep a copy of the CV in the format you gave it to them, print it off and take it with you.

     f) Confirm the meeting date, time and location a few days before the meeting. Get on Google maps and find the venue, work out travel time and aim to be there 30 mins early. 

   Then go for a coffee and arrive 10-15 minutes before the interview.

   a)Research the company, and the role – most companies have a website, and big companies also release info on their future plans, strategies etc – have some questions you want to ask. 

We hope that you guys find the above newsletter of some use, it is not meant to be exhaustive, it is simply a summary of the advice we find ourselves giving clients on a regular basis.

If you would like to be in a better position to choose your employer, job, location, and working conditions that you enjoy, then your first step, is to find out where to begin and get all of your questions answered. 

There has never been an easier way to get fully informed!