Prepare an NZ-style CV and start your job search

Why it matters

• Tahatū, the government's careers service, says to keep a CV simple, short and reworded for each job, so it's easy to read and gets through the software some employers use to screen applications.
• Immigration New Zealand says employers can offer a job to someone overseas before that person has a visa, but the person must hold a visa that lets them work by the time they start.

Steps

1. Open Tahatū's How to write a CV page and download the template and example that suit you.
2. Use a plain black font, bullet points and short sentences, and don't use images.
3. Include your name and contact details, a personal statement, your key skills, your work history (most recent first) and your education.
4. Keep your CV to 2 pages if you can.
5. Reword your CV for each job ad, using the ad's keywords.
6. Write a cover letter of 1 page that shows how your skills and experience match the job.
7. Search job websites and recruitment companies, and contact employers directly. Immigration New Zealand calls a direct approach accepted and often successful.
8. Follow each ad's application instructions exactly, and check your application was sent and received.
9. Before you accept a job, read the written employment agreement and ask about anything you're unsure of.

Documents you'll need

• Tahatū's CV template and example for the type of CV you need
• Your CV as a PDF named with your first and last name and 'CV', with a Word copy ready if an employer asks for one
• Contact details for at least 2 referees

Common mistakes

• Sending the same CV to every employer instead of rewording it for each ad.
• Leaving images, text boxes or tables in your CV. Tahatū's workbook checklist says to remove them.
• Listing referees without telling them first.

Watch out for

• Tahatū says to check online CV builders for fees or hidden costs and for where they store your data (New Zealand or Australia preferred), and not to share sensitive personal data such as bank account numbers or passwords.
• Immigration New Zealand says some jobs need registration with a professional body before you can get the job and a visa.
• Immigration New Zealand says New Zealand employers can't charge you fees for a job.
• Own Your Online says a genuine employer won't need your bank account details until you've accepted a job.
• Own Your Online lists warning signs of a job scam, including an unexpected job offer and being moved quickly to instant messaging.
• Employment New Zealand says it's unlawful for an employer to ask job applicants questions that suggest an intention to discriminate, on grounds that include age and marital or family status.

Cost

• Immigration New Zealand says you don't need to pay a recruitment company or agency: the employer pays them when they place someone in a job.

When to get advice

• Employment New Zealand says you can get professional advice on an employment agreement before you agree to take the job.

Sources