Getting any job can be tough.  When you’re applying internationally, you have distance, time and the fact that your experience is outside New Zealand often working against you.

We chatted to several local employers and recruiters to assemble a list of practical tips to keep in mind as you apply and interview for jobs in New Zealand.

Before you begin:

• Update your Curriculum Vitae (resume) – “New Zealand style”.  In New Zealand, most employers and recruiters prefer to see a CV that is 5 pages or less.   When listing job titles yours may not be applicable.  For instance the title “Vice President” is not used in New Zealand, so make sure you describe each role in terms of responsibilities, management and authority.
  • Add a thoughtful, forward-thinking statement that shows why you’re considering a move to New Zealand and what you’ll bring to this country
  • References.  You will be asked for them so have names and contact details handy.  You may even have written references available to forward

“Recruiters will take maybe 13 seconds per CV, so make yours memorable and easy to follow in terms of your skills and your strengths,” noted one executive search company.

For more information on CV writing, check out Seek for helpful hints and examples: www.seek.co.nz/career-resources.
 

• Do research.  If you see a job online that appeals, look at the company’s website.  If the role is advertised with no company name, don’t be afraid to contact the recruiter and ask who the company is – or at least what sector it’s in.  If you reassure the recruiter you will not contact that company directly, they may be more open with you, especially considering you are an offshore candidate.
  
  • Talk to industry organisations about opportunities for people with your background
  • Ask what your sector is paying for people with your experience.
     
• Set the stage.  Know what the time differences are, and be willing to talk to New Zealanders at either end of your day. 
   
• Know about the hurdles.  You may know more about appropriate visas than anyone you talk to, which means you can reassure them.  “To the best of my knowledge, I’ll be approved for a work visa with a job offer from you.”
   
• Do regular searches.  Jobs come up frequently, and are often only advertised once. Likewise, if you find an article about a company that looks of interest, contact them directly.  Or if you have a recruiter you are working with, send the article to them and ask them to apply directly to that company on your behalf.

Getting into the head of a New Zealand Employer:
With a country of just 4 million people – and a workforce of half that – it’s important to keep these points in mind:

• Relationships are everything.  In the workforce, New Zealand employers are looking for people to fit their company culture - even if the question is never asked.  It may be one of those issues about which you should be pro-active and address in a positive way.
   
• Be humble while tooting your own horn.  Local employers need to know about your accomplishments, but it’s how you state them that will make you attractive – or not.
   
• Kiwis will help you.  Even if you don’t fit the job, if you ask for help, New Zealanders will usually try to be of assistance.  They may offer you the name of colleagues in another company, or give you advice about other skills you have that may be useful to others. 
   
• See each contact in New Zealand as a networking opportunity.  When someone is helpful to you, consider them as someone you may want to stay in touch with.  Contact them every two to four weeks and ask if they’ve heard of any job that might be right for you.  A short email will suffice.  Kiwis will pass along your name to others when they believe you offer something their industry needs.
  
  • Ask who else they would recommend you speak to
  • Ask who else is hiring.
     

Once you get to the interview stage:

• Sell yourself and your experience.  How you translate your experience to a New Zealand employer is key.
   
• Ask, ask, ask.  There are a lot of questions that will give you insights into the company and your fit for them.
  
  • Ask how many migrants they have on staff.  That will let you know if the company is aware of the timings and steps needed for work visas, versus how much of the effort you’ll need to make on your own.
  • Ask about the company itself: its history, competitors, company culture, etc.
     
• Salary.  You’ll be asked what your expectations are, or what you’re currently earning.  Your current salary is probably irrelevant, what with the differences in cost of living.  Instead, try to frame your answer so your potential employer knows you will negotiate and that you are coming to have a life – but that you expect to be paid commiserate with market rates for someone with your experience.
  
  • Relocation packages.  Be sure to ask about relocation packages, but be aware that some companies will offer and others won’t.
  • Sell yourself some more.  Before the end of your interview, be candid and ask your potential employer if they have any reservations.  If you receive answers such as “no local experience” or “your skills are not what we need”, probe.  You may have to think laterally to get a job. Here’s where your research will come in handy.
    • Offer to pay for a phone interview with the manager, or to the person you would report to.  That will be appreciated.
    • Ask what would enhance your chances to get the job.  It may well be a trip to New Zealand that’ll put you at the front of the available pool.  Or it may be a course of study.  Something you can address.
  • Say “thank you”.  Not only will you be remembered, it’s good, courteous behaviour.

Some final advice about getting the perfect job in New Zealand:
Frankly, finding the perfect job in a new country is unlikely.  If that’s what you want, take the time to scope out the market, making lots of contacts.  Some tips:

• Travel to New Zealand.  Face to face meetings go a lot further than a phone call.  The fact that you have taken the initiative to visit will impress Kiwis and make you memorable.
   
• If you do plan a trip here, tell everyone.  Even if it’s a holiday, the fact you’ll be here will impress local recruiters and employers.