What does it take to find a job in New Zealand?
Your professional background, a sound understanding of the New Zealand job market and business etiquette as well as the personal impression you will make will all be key factors for your chances of getting the job you want.
Being actively supported by a team of New Zealand job search specialists throughout your job search process will give you the critical boost for your job search that will make all the difference.
You will be able to take full advantage of our local knowledge of the New Zealand job market and the job application process.
Addressing the right employers while also highlighting your overseas skills, attributes and experiences to match exactly what the employer is looking for will make a huge difference for your job search.
The three cornerstones for a successful job application and how we can help
In our opinion the success of your job search in New Zealand will depend on a combination of factors which we would roughly quantify in their importance as follows:
Your qualifications and work experience: 60%
Solving the Catch22 dilemma: 10%
Your involvement in the job search process: 30%
Important aspects to consider when looking for a job in a new country
General uncertainties
Rules and regulations are different in your home country and you are not familiar with our country, let alone the job market. You will ask yourself:
- Will I succeed in finding a job?
- Are my skills are in demand in New Zealand?
- What does the perfect job application material look like?
- What do I need to consider for the job interview?
- How important is a local network?
- Will potential employers be reluctant to hire an overseas applicant?
- How much will I be able to earn?
- What is the process of following up my applications?
Professional etiquette
Once you have started your research, you will notice differences in professional etiquette that you might not have expected in New Zealand.
Cultural fit
Personal characteristics
From our many years of experience with working with migrant job seekers, we think that it is possibly the personal impression you make that will have the greatest impact on whether you will get the job you want!
Important personal strengths:
1. Persistence - Perseverance - Commitment - Goal-Focused
The process of finding a job can be daunting and there will be good times and not so good times during the job search.
You have to possess a strong head and a strong sense of purpose to get through. Without persistence, you will give up, get frustrated or stop acting with the commitment required to make it. The job seekers with drive and passion who demonstrate enthusiasm through their words and actions are the ones to succeed.
Our advice: If you’ve been looking for a while without success, don’t lose heart! This is a good opportunity to reevaluate what you’re looking for and broaden your search to other industries, roles or locations.
2. Clarity
You need to know your job search objectives. This is the first thing we develop in the job search strategy process. We help you create clear objectives – so you and others know exactly what you are looking for.
3. Efficiency
You have to create a strategy for your job search.
4. Positive Attitude
Even if things are not going well at times you have to bring a positive attitude each time you step into an interview room or recruiting office. Candidates with a positive attitude will have a clear advantage.
5. Confidence
You need to display confidence. Employers don't hire desperate people. Therefore you need to build and maintain your confidence right at the start of your job search. If you don’t believe in yourself, in your skills, education, and abilities, why should a prospective employer?
6. Follow-through
Employers might need a reminder that they met you in some cases and that you are the right fit for the job.
7. Good communicator
You have to be able to tell your story. Make sure you can tell your story with the appropriate enthusiasm and energy.
8. Hard worker
You have to work on your new job. Lots of networking and research will be necessary to explore the job market, identify the right positions for you and then follow through with your job application.
9. Likability
Employers like people who are warm, friendly, easygoing, and cooperative with others. New Zealand employers are looking for people who can join the team and be part of the work-family.
10.Courage
This is the willingness to accept challenges, the willingness to take on big jobs or even new jobs where there is a high degree of uncertainty and the possibility of failure. Courage also means the willingness to speak up and say exactly what you think and feel in a difficult situation. Employers admire men and women who are not afraid to speak their minds. And you demonstrate this in a job interview when you ask frank and direct questions about the company, the position, and the future that you might have with the organisation.
Our advice: Insider know-how and market knowledge will give you a huge advantage when looking for a job in New Zealand, but the deciding boost for the success of your job hunt lies in ongoing active support and feedback!
Our job search team will work with you during your entire job search, providing you with their insider know-how and ongoing support and feedback.
A tip to make your job search work for you: 'It’s a good idea to make the most of your Trade Me Jobs watch list.'
Read more about working in New Zealand
- Find out how our powerful Job Search Program will boost your search for a job in New Zealand.
- Can we guarantee you that you will find a job in New Zealand?
- What is the next step once you have a job offer?
- If you want to work, you will need a visa.
- Skill shortages in New Zealand.
Are you eligible for a resident visa under Skilled Migrant Category? Find out by using our Quick Self-Check Guide.
Read more about becoming a New Zealand resident through the Skilled Migrant Category:
- How many points will you need to have a realistic chance?
- Will you be able to claim points for your qualifications?
- Will you be able to claim bonus points for your professional expertise?
- Do you have to be registered in New Zealand?
- Will you meet the English language requirements?
Job Search Coaching
If you want to give your job search in New Zealand a powerful boost talk to our Careers Coach Judi Lubetzky.
Free Assessment