How Can I Find a Job in New Zealand?
Looking for a job in New Zealand? Did the tales about the dreamy work-life balance, natural beauty, and safe environment there pique your interest? Well, all the fairy-tale-like stories are indeed true. Recent surveys established New Zealand at 6th place in the world for work-life balance. Workers in New Zealand are also eligible for 4 weeks of paid holidays. That, coupled with an easy-going attitude at the workplace, is reason enough for one to find a job in New Zealand.
Looking for a job in a different country though can be a daunting task. Often times, job hunts are a hit or miss, and can leave the seeker exasperated. The dos and don’ts’ are not always the same as in your own home country, and the confusion is enough to drive one up a wall.
However, the process becomes infinite times smoother when you have the right tools! And you’ll find all of them here in this article to help you find a job in New Zealand.
10 Tips on Looking for Jobs in New Zealand
1. Ask the right questions
Ask yourself which industry you wish to apply to, if your desired job role is indeed a lucrative option in New Zealand, and how long you plan to stay there. Your process starts from there. Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for, you’ll be able to filter through the noise on the job sites.
2. Do your research
Learn about New Zealand’s work culture in depth along with popular job sites to look into (we’ve got you covered there. Keep reading!). Learn about the process of recruitment and whether you will need to apply for local licenses or registrations to be considered for the role.
It is also a good idea to look for companies that often hire from overseas. These companies will be more familiar with the process than you and are more likely to hire.
3. Check if you qualify as a skilled migrant
New Zealand actively hires skilled workers, which means that your chances of bagging a job are higher if you have the desired skillset. It is recommended that you do a visa assessment in order to determine if you are eligible to immigrate as a skilled migrant.
4. Consult a trusted immigration advisor to get your application assessed
It would do you good to be assessed by an IAA (Immigration Advisers Authority), registered immigration advisor. They know the tricks of the trade and will be able to make the process smoother for you.
5. Update your CV according to New Zealand industry standards
Make sure you format your CV according to New Zealand standards. Employers will appreciate your efforts because they will see that you are knowledgeable about how to apply for jobs in New Zealand and aren’t simply winging it. It will demonstrate that you are willing to do research on how New Zealand employers want to receive applications you’ll likely make a great first impression!
6. Be available
Online interviews via Zoom, Skype or Google Meet are now a standard. It is therefore essential that you are available on most, if not all, of these online platforms. Being available extends beyond digital fluency. You will have to adjust to the time differences between New Zealand and your country. Interviews might be conducted in the morning or at night.
7. Rev up your LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn is your friend; you want it to say all the right things about you. Employers and recruiters will search for you on LinkedIn. It is important that you make a positive impression, so ensure that your posts are work-related and free of gimmicks.
8. Write a cover letter
While some jobs may not ask for one, the ones that do definitely focus on the content. You could write a formal, traditional cover letter, or you could add a little zing to it and make it more personal. Adapt it to the needs and tone of the companies you apply to instead of copy-pasting the same letter to all opportunities.
9. Update your references
Keep a copy of all updates references handy. Employers hiring from oversees often check if the candidate comes vetted. Strong references will plead your candidacy and strengthen your chances of finding work in New Zealand.
10. Prepare yourself
When you land an interview (Yes, “when”, not “if”. We are certain you can do this!) go in fully prepared. Read up on frequently asked questions related to your role and take notes. Prepare for each possible question, but also don’t forget to be yourself. Employers want a confidant candidate, but also one who’s real and honest.
10 Job Search Websites in New Zealand to Try Today
Here are some vetted job search websites in New Zealand along with their benefits.
Job Site | Benefits |
Grabjobs is one the best New Zealand jobs search websites. It offers automated interview scheduling, which allows candidates to choose the best time slot for them. Additionally, it generates automatic reminders to candidates 24 hours and 3 hours in advance. | |
SEEK is New Zealand’s most popular job site. The site is easy to use and offers Applicant Tracking as well as interview scheduling options. | |
A New Zealand classifieds site that also features job listings. You can find more than 9,000,000 listings at once If you’re looking for a job in New Zealand. | |
Owned and maintained by Tertiary Education Commission of New Zealand, offers free services to job seekers and employers. | |
Smart platform for hiring talent that allows companies to source, screen and hire talent from anywhere in the world. The site is free and also offers tools, insight, and advice from experts for candidates. | |
This platform connects top talent around the world to New Zealand-based businesses looking for international talent for high-demand jobs. | |
Employers can connect with quality candidates by working in New Zealand, which gets traffic from over 60,000 job seekers per month. The site also offers career advice and a moving guide to candidates | |
Job Monster is an immensely popular job searching site in New Zealand. Its marketplace catering to the hiring needs of small businesses. | |
This job site caters to students and fresh graduates and helps them connect with employers all over New Zealand. The job board is free and also offers career advice, cover letter and resume support, interview support and more. | |
Indeed is the largest job-posting site in the world and provides both paid and free job postings. According to Indeed, 250 million people visit the site each month. The platform aims to make job seekers feel welcome by providing them with free access to search for jobs and post resumes. |
Resume and Interview Best Practices in New Zealand
Now that you know the best way to get a job in New Zealand, lets focus on some key Resume and Interview practices which are particular to New Zealand. If you’re still asking yourself – How can I get a job in New Zealand? Then this final tip should cover all those doubts.
- Ensure that your resume is updated with current references and free of any grammatical or spelling errors.
- Keep the resume short and give examples for the skills you’ve mentioned.
- Luckily, job interviews are a breeze in New Zealand and tend to be more casual. So, you needn’t suit-up for your interview. Just dress in smart casuals.
- Answer the questions honestly but don’t criticize your previous employers. It throws off almost every employer and makes a poor first impression.
- Keep your answers to each question between 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
- And finally, research about the company before walking in and ask questions in the interview. You’ll come across as well informed and prepared. Here are some questions you can ask the interviewer.
It’s an uphill climb but you’re prepared and armed with all the right tools now. Are you ready to start your journey?
Head over to Job Search in New Zealand – Search with GrabJobs and find your dream job.
Photo by Patrick Pellegrini on Unsplash
