New Zealand Job Hunting Tips

We asked Stephen Baker from Enterprise Recruitment to provide expert answers to some common questions about New Zealand CVs and what to expect from a New Zealand recruitment agency.

1. What should a New Zealand CV look like? How is it different from a UK CV?

"Curriculum Vitaes should ideally be specific to the position for which you are applying. A UK curriculum vitae shouldn’t differ from a New Zealand CV – however be careful if using colloquialisms.  You need to ensure you follow some simple rules, as most CV’s will only be given between 10-15 seconds attention – so you need to engage the initial decision maker very quickly. The first page must tell them what they want or they won’t be engaged and read on.

• Ensure your key competencies are covered on the front page and match the job description as closely as possible. Every key competency should have an example reinforcing it - e.g. A skilled Business Development background and ability - Lifted business development activity by x% over the past six months from y to z.
• The CV should reflect the fact that you have done some homework - ensure all key requirements included in the job description are covered in your key competencies.
• Ensure all your points of contact are appropriate and current.
• Ensure the format of the CV matches the requirements of the decision maker - you need your CV to be easily accessible and readable.
• Ensure the quality, detail and length of your CV reflects the level / stature of the position for which you have applied.
• Ensure your CV includes your best case scenario of what you can offer, your career positions, company and achievements in each role. It also pays to not assume the reader knows the organisation, so a quick summary of the company can assist here also. Positions should ideally be in chronological order, detailing your most recent experience first. Your most recent experience is highly relevant so ensure adequate detail is provided for assessment purposes. Details older than ten years are best noted in a brief summary or position titles only. It is vital that you keep your CV truthful, as embellishments are usually uncovered at your expense.
• Finally it is essential that you ensure your CV is 'alive'.Review it regularly for content, layout and relevance."

2. If I send my CV to a New Zealand recruitment agency, what will they do with it? What should I expect from a good recruitment agency?

"Recruitment within New Zealand is generally more relationship based than transactional in nature.  A good New Zealand Recruitment Agency will show great interest in you from the first point of contact. Most will be interested in quality candidates and will populate their databases with your details quickly. However they will probably only contact you should an opportunity arise.

If you are a quality candidate – and remember this will be determined either from your CV or your first point of contact – you can expect a relationship based approach. That is they will contact you and try and make things as easy as possible for you, in the hope that they can market you into a company they already have a relationship with."

Broadbase International will work with you every step of the way to help you make a confident start to your new life in New Zealand. Please contact us if you have any questions about the financial side of life in New Zealand, and don't forget to order your free copy of our comprehensive New Zealand Guide.