For job hunters in New Zealand and those considering the prospect of settling in New Zealand, the idea of job applications, interviews and negotiations can be daunting. There can be a great deal of satisfaction, though, in securing a position that’s perfectly suited to your skills and personality. Whether you’re looking for a temporary job, a long term career position, a step up the corporate ladder, or you’re heading in a new career direction, you’ll find yourself looking for a New Zealand job.
At 3.9%, New Zealand’s unemployment rate is very low by international standards, resulting in a relatively competitive job market. But never fear! Find out about job search in New Zealand and how to find NZ employment:
Read up on NZ jobs and job hunting
For general information on employment and educational requirements for entering the workforce in New Zealand, the Government’s Work Site / PaeMahi website offers comprehensive information. For an overview of careers and information on developing your career direction, the Government’s Career Services site is well worth a visit, offering a Pathfinder tool to help you explore possible career directions. Work and Income is a Government agency involved in assisting people during times of job seeking or unemployment. Find advice and information on finding NZ jobs.
Take a step in the right career direction
Career decision making is a lifelong process and one that requires taking your time, choosing the path that is right for you from the range of options available. Sometimes during the quest for a new job it is hard to stay positive, but it’s important to set goals and keep focused on the task at hand. Talk to friends, try work experience, read online about different career paths or use the services of a career counsellor.
Look all around for NZ employment opportunities
When searching for advertised job vacancies, there are a number of avenues to pursue:
- New Zealand newspapers have employment advertisements listed once or twice weekly. Even if your local newspaper does not yield any results, its job listings will give you an indication of the labour market in your region.
- NZ recruitment agencies operate in most towns and cities. It’s a good idea to register with one or more of these, as it will give you access to unadvertised positions and they will contact you with any positions for which you seem to be a suitable candidate.
- NZ job search sites allow many people to search the Web for jobs in New Zealand. Sites such as SEEK and Jobstuff list jobs in a wide variety of industries and are regularly updated. The Internet also makes it possible to find information on prospective employers and to locate up-to-date information on your chosen industry.
Sell yourself with a fantastic CV
The next step is creating an effective CV or resume, which will sell your abilities to an employer and earn you an interview. There are many online resources dedicated to helping people compile a good CV. Generally, you should include a summary of your skills, qualifications and work history, along with information about what you have achieved and the way you have performed in work situations. Remember to enclose a cover letter with your CV, outlining anything that is particularly relevant to the position for which you are applying. Find out more about putting the best of yourself on your New Zealand CV.
Prepare well for your interview
If you’re selected for an interview, this will provide you with a chance to give your potential employer evidence of the skills, experience and personal strengths outlined in your CV. In preparation, it’s essential to research the company, the position and the skills required, so that you can anticipate possible questions and demonstrate your suitability for the role. It also gives you the chance to form questions of your own, which gives a good impression and may give you further insights into the company and the position.
Consider job offers
Once you’re successful in attaining that sometimes-elusive New Zealand job, you should still take time to consider the job offer. Does it suit your qualifications and interests? Will it fit in with your lifestyle? How does the role fit into your long term career plan? These are all things to consider when entering a new job role. Find a job that suits your situation, fits your career direction and makes for a challenging yet rewarding experience.
This article was kindly supplied by NZS, New Zealand Search. To learn more, click here.