Getting a Head Start On Your Move to NZ: Start Your Job Search

The key to a successful relocation to New Zealand is doing your research and getting to understand how your industry sits in New Zealand's economy and the job market. ‍

It may be that you fit into an area of key skills, have a role vital to our economy, or work in a sector with global shortages like health care. You could also be hired by a particular company that wants to advance its in-house skill levels with your particular experience. By doing your research and knowing this type of information, you are guaranteed more success and less stress looking for a role on these shores. 

If you want to get information about where to start job hunting, types of jobs, requirements, and salaries, we have created this guide as a way of explaining step by step the things you need to consider. ‍

We are also more than happy to help you in the right direction so get in touch with our licensed immigration advisers. ‍

Let’s answer some of the most common questions to get you started. 

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Will I Need a Job Offer to Immigrate to New Zealand?

Yes, to immigrate to NZ most individuals looking to make New Zealand their long-term home will need to have an official job offer before securing work rights. There are many companies that are experienced with taking on overseas workers, so that’s where your research comes in handy. By talking to immigration advisers, you will gain confidence and knowledge of how to make this transition work. 

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How Do I Start Looking for a Job in New Zealand?

Finding job opportunities in New Zealand is always easier if you know how to look for them. For a person who is just starting out, it's worth talking to a licensed immigration adviser first. They will help guide you to relevant websites specifically for migrants looking for work in New Zealand. They also may be associated with employers who are more inclined to take migrants in your field.

If you want to start researching, you can find job opportunities on websites such as Workhere. 

To get a feel of what the New Zealand job market is like for locals, there are other big websites like TradeMe and Seek, where New Zealand employers advertise. Also, talking to the specific recruitment agencies for your industry can help as they can provide invaluable information about employers and are incentivised to find you a role.‍

Another source of helpful information can come from fellow countrymen who have already successfully immigrated, asking them where they found roles, which they found helped, etc. This type of community exists on the web or on social media like Facebook, etc.

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Eligibility Criteria for Getting a Job in New Zealand

There are some conditions and requirements that you have to meet to start a job in New Zealand. Some are:

• You must be a citizen of New Zealand or countries like Australia, Tokelau, Niue, Cook Islands, etc.; OR
• You hold a work visa (work to residence visa or accredited employer) to start the job you have been offered.‍

All employers will ask if you are eligible to work in NZ or hold a relevant visa and document verification from Immigration NZ before hiring you as a worker. You will need to be honest about where you are in the process. Otherwise, this can affect your stay in New Zealand. Hiring companies also face large fines if they are found to employ people without the relevant visas.

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The Next Step - What Visa Do You Need?

Based on what country you live in, the industry you come from, and the role you hold will guide what type of visa you can apply for before considering how to find a job in New Zealand. ‍

Having a skilled job offer is always the clearest route to getting your visa accepted. However, talking to an Immigration adviser can help refine your choices before you start looking, especially as priority is often given to people with essential skills that New Zealand is looking for. You also do not want to burn bridges with potential employers before you are fully prepared.‍

Once you have reviewed the options and understood the process, you will be ready for the next steps. Finding a job and for every job application, you have to submit your CV along with your experience. ‍

Now, what is needed for a CV? Let's have a look. 

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Preparing a CV

Preparing an attractive CV is an essential step for getting any job. As you are seeking job opportunities in New Zealand, make sure it's relevant and appealing to employers in this country. ‍

It may help to find a service in New Zealand that can help review and restructure your CV so you can be confident it is as strong as possible. Recruitment agents can also give you feedback as they see hundreds of CVs each year. ‍

There are many types of CVs, but the two main types that are most commonly used in New Zealand are the following:

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Work-Focused CV: ‍

This type of CV is the most important one and focuses more on your work experience and career progress. This should include a summary of your key achievements within each role and be set out in chronological order with the most recent employment. 

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Skills-Focused CV: ‍

Also known as a “Functional CV” is a type of CV that concentrates mainly on your talents, skills, and credentials rather than your work experience. This type of CV is suggested for you if you are searching for a first-time job in New Zealand or if you are changing your career. 

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Required CV Documents

Irrespective of the type of CV, the documents required for your CV to be accepted are:

• Your full name and authentic contact details.
• Information about your personal or technical talents.
• Details about your work experience with additional volunteer and social experience.
• Qualifications.
• Education.
• References (includes contacts of referees).

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Other than the above-mentioned documents, you can also include:‍

• Goal or a personal message. 
• Interests or hobbies.
• Accomplishments.

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Other than these, nothing else needs to be included in your CV to make it look attractive. Photos, marital status, age, and religion are not required.

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Do I Send a Cover Letter With My CV?

Yes, It is definitely an advantage to attach a well-written, personalised cover letter with your CV to justify why you are eligible for this job and position. The suitable format for your cover letter should include the following stepwise:

• Introduction.
• Details about why your skills and/or work experience are relevant.
• Eligibility to the job and position.

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Your cover letter shouldn't exceed a couple of paragraphs. Ensure your cover letter is formal and convincing, and refrain from boasting too much. 

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Make an All-Star Profile on LinkedIn

LinkedIn has more than 750 million users worldwide, and most recruiters and hiring managers search for interviewees first on LinkedIn before they meet.‍

So, it is an advantage for you to make a well-structured and professional profile on this platform.

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Salaries in New Zealand

Salary depends on the person's qualifications, studies, experience, and many other things. Looking at New Zealand job sites for the roles you are interested in will give you a good idea of the range. Otherwise, talk to a recruitment agent who manages your field of expertise. 

• As a highly skilled worker with years of experience, the salary band can be around $100,000 to $400,000 NZ per year. 
• For a low-skilled worker or in a training phase, the adult minimum wage is $22.10 per hour.

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But, every company and employer has different ways to award their workers. So, salaries can vary from company to company and region to region.

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Labour Shortage in New Zealand

With labour shortages due to border closures during the pandemic, many industries in New Zealand are lacking workers. However, some jobs as well are in high demand like:

• Civil Engineer.
• Architect.
• Software Engineer.
• Specialist Physician.
• Finance Manager.
• Mechanical Engineer.
• Health Professionals (doctors, nurses etc.).

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If you have essential skills missing in New Zealand, this can help fast-track your immigration process. 

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Tips to Get a Job in New Zealand

Talking to recruitment agents and immigration advisers is the first step, as they are the ones in the know about your industry and how to make your application smooth as possible‍.

Here are some tips that may help you to get a job easily:‍

• Always be positive and know how to promote your skills and experience effectively.
• Keep your CV updated and make it attractive.
• Always submit original documents quickly to ensure your job offer and visa application can run as smoothly as possible.

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New Zealand is no different from any other country in the case of an interview, your behaviour matters, so:‍

• Do your research on the company, look at their website, and read the reviews to get a feeling of who they are. 
• Talk to interviewers in a professional and friendly way. 
• Be confident while describing your qualifications, skills, and abilities. 
• Don't be immodest or arrogant while talking to interviewers. 

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A Few Takeaways

This is only a bite-size summary of how to get into the New Zealand job market, where to learn about your industry, and how to hunt for a job. ‍

As any immigration process will be stressful and full of unknowns, we suggest you keep up to date by reading immigration NZ news newsletters and getting in touch with top-notch immigration advisers with any questions. 

‍Contact us today for immigration advice.