Job Search FAQ's

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

Job Search:

How can you create an algorithm-screening friendly CV?

arrow icon
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?

arrow icon
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?

arrow icon
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?

arrow icon
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?

arrow icon
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?

arrow icon
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?

What do you need to know about job interviews?

arrow icon
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 recruiters help?

arrow icon
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?

arrow icon
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?

arrow icon
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?

arrow icon
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:

No items found.

Read more about job searching in NZ:

Search in New Zealand icon
Job Searching in NZ
USA flag symbol

“In contrast to another Immigration consultancy that we contacted, your company offered a free webinar and an assessment, warm, approachable staff that communicates openly with potential customers. I found your website and it was very detailed and informative. I understand that your company is a fee for services provider, but that has not been conveyed as a prerequisite during the decision making process.”

CJ
USA
indonesian flag symbol

At first, Maj kindly explained the whole process and what to expect. I was coached and introduced to New Zealand job market by their Job Search team, and getting assistance until I got a job in the country. The Visa team would also follow me up on my pending documents, so I never felt left out. Truly recommended for those seeking out an option to live in New Zealand. Big thanks from me and my whole family for things NZIC did for us..!

AF
Indonesia
german flag symbol

NZIC helped me in my way to get a Visa and job search. They were always available to talk to and were open to all sorts of questions. No matter how random they were. Very friendly staff. And even when they had changes in employee and advisors, they always stayed professional and up to date. I can only say good things and recommend them highly.

CK
Germany
south african flag symbol

Very pleased and satisfied with the service we received from NZIC. They assisted me and my family from start to finish. Always willing to assist, and communicated our progress every step of the way. With their assistance we managed to obtain permanent resident visa status.

BV
South Africa

Are you looking for a job in New Zealand?

Partner with our Job Search Consultants.