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Job Search FAQ's

Here you can find answers to common questions we get asked by migrants about job hunting in New Zealand.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Job Search
Finding a Job:
Employment in NZ:
Other

Job Search:

How do I network in New Zealand?

Keep it reasonably informal - we don’t tend to use titles, and prefer a first-name basis, even when we don’t know someone. We don’t call generally call people ‘Sir’ or “Madam”, and rather than feel respected, your NZ listener (or reader) may feel awkward.Maintain a bit of humility - job seeking is, of course, about showing off your skills and achievements, but New Zealanders tend to be put off if this is done explicitly. We can be a bit reserved in this respect.Recognise that most New Zealanders are generally indirect communicators, most requests will be delivered in a very roundabout way, rather than directly. 
Read more about:How do I network in New Zealand?

How can you create an algorithm-screening friendly CV?

Computers scan your application and your CV for keywords that are set up specifically for the position that needs to be filled. To pass through the initial algorithm screening, it is important to use the right keywords relevant to the jobs you apply for on your CV and online profiles.
Read more about:How can you create an algorithm-screening friendly CV?

What happens once you have found a job?

Congratulations, you have found a job in New Zealand! Your New Zealand employer will expect you to start working for them as soon as possible. Now you need a visa. At this stage, the challenge will be to align your job offer with your work visa application, assist your future employer with the necessary formalities and liaise with Immigration New Zealand.
Read more about:What happens once you have found a job?

What kind of employees are New Zealand employers looking for?

New Zealand employers are typically small firms with no more than 20 employees and they need people who can make a positive contribution to their organisations. They typically look for eight things: people who can do the job, commitment, problem solvers, reliability, social skills, English skills, and computer literacy.
Read more about:What kind of employees are New Zealand employers looking for?

Can you volunteer?

Volunteering is a great way to meet Kiwis and to develop new skills and a good understanding of workplaces in New Zealand. However, you need to be fully aware of the relevant visa regulations! ‍If you want to earn money or receive any other gain or reward for your work, you are not considered to be a volunteer and need to apply for a work visa. On a visitor visa, you can do volunteer work while in New Zealand, provided you receive no gain or reward.
Read more about:Can you volunteer?

Are NZ employers hesitant?

Hiring staff is a big decision with far-reaching consequences and obligations for employers. While New Zealand companies look overseas to fill existing skill gaps in our country, there are a number of reasons why they may be reluctant to hire immigrants in particular, particularly when it comes to working through the immigration procedure.
Read more about:Are NZ employers hesitant?

Finding a Job:

How do I use the star technique?

Create answers to sample interview questions based on a template such as “Situation – Task – Action – Result” with specific details from your work experience. This is known as the STAR technique:
Read more about:How do I use the star technique?

Why must my job be 'skilled'?

If you want to apply for your work or residence visa under the Skilled Migrant Category, you will need to prove that you have an offer of skilled employment. For most migrants, an 'offer of skilled employment' is the key to their successful migration. 
Read more about:Why must my job be 'skilled'?

What do you need to know about job interviews?

It is important to have a good understanding of New Zealand business etiquette and be familiar with the expectations towards a job applicant. Good preparation is the key to your successful job interview, as it will empower you to be a confident applicant. 
Read more about:What do you need to know about job interviews?

Can Immigration Advisers help you get a job?

New Zealand employers and recruiters will be a lot more open to considering you as a serious job applicant if your visa matters are in professional hands. When approaching the job market, it is important to assure your potential employer that - while you do not have a work visa yet - your visa application is in professional hands and will not cause any problems or delays for the employer. Using a Licensed Immigration Adviser shows your commitment to finding a job in New Zealand and it makes the employment process a lot easier for your New Zealand employer.
Read more about:Can Immigration Advisers help you get a job?

Can recruiters help?

Most of the time recruiters will reply: "Unfortunately we are not able to consider your application as long as you do not possess a valid work permit or working visa." It is important to note that recruiters work for employers. As long as a migrant does not have the right to work in New Zealand, you will not be an ideal candidate for them to present to their client.
Read more about:Can recruiters help?

Can we guarantee you a job offer?

No professional adviser can guarantee or promise you a job offer in New Zealand. That would be totally unprofessional. Ultimately your job hunt success in New Zealand will depend on a combination of factors, including your personal involvement, but working with our Job Search Coaches will improve your chances significantly. Our success rate is exceptional!
Read more about:Can we guarantee you a job offer?

Can you come to New Zealand to look for a job?

The bottom line is: You are not allowed to work while you are in New Zealand on a visitor visa. When travelling to New Zealand you will need a visitor visa to be in our country as a tourist. If you want to take up employment you must hold a work visa. Even if you are a citizen of one of the visa waiver countries you will have to declare your intentions on your arrival card when you arrive in New Zealand. If Immigration New Zealand suspects that you have provided any false or misleading information about your situation or reasons for coming to New Zealand you will be declined a visa or entry permission on character grounds. Once you have been declined a visa on character grounds, any further visa applications will be decidedly more complicated.
Read more about:Can you come to New Zealand to look for a job?

What are the main job search challenges?

Finding a job in a new country is daunting! While there are a number of challenges that are faced by migrants to New Zealand, the most common will be the Catch 22 Dilemma (no job without a visa, but no visa without a job).
Read more about:What are the main job search challenges?

Employment in NZ:

How much can you earn?

The bottom line is that your income level will depend on how qualified you are, whether your skills are in demand and where in New Zealand you want to work. The most recent data confirmed that IT had the highest paying jobs, with the top five dominated by IT careers: The highest-paid job is IT architect at an average annual salary of $135,000.The lowest-paid were cafe, bar and kitchen staff at an average annual pay of $32,000.
Read more about:How much can you earn?

What is the minimum wage in New Zealand?

New Zealand's minimum wage is currently NZD $20.00 per hour, and has been since 1 April 2021.
Read more about:What is the minimum wage in New Zealand?

Read more about job searching in NZ:

Job Searching in NZ
Writing your CV
Writing your Cover Letter
Using LinkedIn for Job Search
Remote Volunteering
Social Media and your Job Search
5 Worst Things to say During an Interview
How can you become an Accredited Employer?
The 28 Top Job Interview Replies:
Networking the Kiwi Way
Online Networking in New Zealand
New Zealand Work Culture
Nailing the Job Interview

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