A step-by-step guide to finding a job

How you look for and apply for jobs in New Zealand may be different from what you are used to. This guide will help you to take the right steps to prepare for working in New Zealand – and to find a job that suits you.

Step 1: Find out about jobs

Things to think about are:

• Will your job be the same in New Zealand? Try to talk to someone who is doing the job you want to do. They can tell you what type of job you could get in New Zealand with your skills and qualifications. They could also help you set up some informational interviews with people working in your area of interest. These can tell you more about the job, as well as put you in touch with potential employers.
• What job opportunities are available in different areas of New Zealand? Research labour market and regional information online to find out what job opportunities there are and in what regions. (Regional information tells you what industries there are in different areas of New Zealand.)
• Where you would like to live? Do you want to live in the country, a small town, or a city? What activities do you like to do, and are they available in the areas where you are looking for a job?
  

Working out what job you will be able to do
Research living and working in different areas of NZ

Step 2: Write or update your CV

Gather information for your CV

Write down your skills. Give examples of how and when you used these skills. Make sure you have copies of any awards and certificates you've received.

Bring written references and their contact details. A referee can be:

• an employer
• a voluntary work co-ordinator
• a religious official (such as a minister or priest)
• a Justice of the Peace
• a personal friend who is working in New Zealand.

Tips

• Ask referees for their permission before you put their details on your CV.
• Get an English speaker to check your CV.
• New Zealand Qualifications Authority can assess your qualifications.
  

Use CV 4 Me to make your CV
NZQA website - find out how to get your qualifications recognised

Step 3: Search and apply for suitable jobs

Check for job vacancies by:

• talking to family, friends and neighbours
• looking in local newspapers
• signing up to job websites
• contacting employers directly
• signing up with a recruitment company – there is no charge for this.

Tips

• It pays to ask around for a job – many jobs are not advertised and people find out about them from friends and family.
• Get independent, professional help. Remember, most recruitment agencies work on behalf of employers (who pay them to find suitable applicants).
• Find out what the average salary range is for the jobs you are interested in.

Applying for jobs

• Keep a list of jobs you have applied for.
• Always send out a cover letter with your CV. This is a very important. Get an English speaker to check your cover letter for errors.

Get your cover letter right first time by using our template

Step 4: Prepare and practise for job interviews

Think about:

• What kind of questions will an employer ask you?
• What questions can you ask them?

Tips

• Write down your answers to possible questions.
• Practise answering interview questions with friends.
• Search the employers' website to learn about their organisation. This means you can show that you know what the organisation does, and can refer to this knowledge in your interview.

Questions employers ask
Questions that you can ask employers

Step 5: Attend job interviews

You won't be offered an interview for every job that you apply for, so don't worry. If you are offered an interview, well done! Here are some tips to make things easier:

• Arrive early for the interview.
• Have a notepad with your questions on, and to take notes.
• Have a realistic idea about the salary you would like.
• Dress appropriately for a job interview.

Dress for Success website - organisation that helps women find appropriate business clothes for job interviews
Work and Income website - find out about getting a clothing grant through the Transition to Work programme

Step 6: Get a job offer

It may take at least six months before you get a job offer. When you do accept a job, some things to find out from your new employer are:

• starting dates
• working hours
• type and period of employment agreement (eg part time, casual, fixed)
• pay
• holidays (annual leave)
• training
• employee benefits.

Tips

• When you get offered a job, you have the chance to negotiate your pay and conditions.
• If you have more than one job offer, you can compare one against the other.

Find out what you can expect to be paid by searching for your job title

Step 7: Negotiate an employment agreement

You have the right to negotiate the terms of your employment with an employer.

Tips

• Ensure you (or someone else) reads the employment agreement before you sign it.
• If you are unsure of something in the agreement, ask your employer about it.
• When you are offered a job, the employer must make a written offer, and give you the opportunity to get advice about it.
• Your employment agreement will specify conditions like wages or salary rates, work hours, sick leave, annual leave, parental leave and performance reviews.
• There are statutory holidays that all workers are entitled to, normally in addition to annual leave.
• You can negotiate varied working conditions, such as part-time and flexible hours.
• If you are having difficulty understanding the employment agreement, ask to have the details explained in your first language.

Step 8: Begin working

Well done! You have a job.

Before your first day of work, you may want to see how long it takes to travel from your house to your new workplace. You may need to check public transportation schedules or driving times.

You also will want to find out who you'll be reporting to, and if anyone on the staff has been assigned to be your workplace buddy, to help you settle into the job.

Tips

• Take a notebook with you to write down things you need to remember.
• Ask if you don't understand something.

Complete our quiz to see how much you know about working in NZ