Whether you’re considering relocating to New Zealand or you’ve already started looking for work, finding a job in New Zealand shouldn’t be difficult with the right tools and resources under your belt. If you’re looking for work in this little slice of paradise down under, we’ve got you covered.
There are several steps migrants should take prior to landing in New Zealand. Use this step-by-step guide to prepare yourself for employment in New Zealand so you can relax and start practising your Kiwi slang!
1. Check current job vacancies in New Zealand
The first step before arriving in New Zealand is to ensure you have a job offer. Many New Zealand visas require you to have a job offer before applying for a visa. Check the Immigration New Zealand website to see whether this is a requirement for the visa you’re applying for.
When researching job opportunities, it might be helpful to understand how in-demand the role is within New Zealand. Take a look through the job profiles section on the Careers.govt website to understand the current demand and what you can expect salary-wise.
Then, take a look through job listings, speak to a recruitment agency, and get an understanding of the skills and requirements of the role you’re looking for.
2. Check your qualifications are relevant in New Zealand
Employers might need assistance verifying your overseas qualifications to make sure they’re relevant in New Zealand. Immigration New Zealand has a list of common international qualifications that have already been assessed and deemed suitable in New Zealand. If your job is on this list, you won’t require further assessment. If your job isn’t on the list, you may need to have your qualification assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
Try these helpful links:
- Qualifications exempt from assessment | Immigration New Zealand
- Get international qualifications recognised for immigration | NZQA
- Understanding New Zealand qualifications | NZQA
3. Check registration requirements within New Zealand
Many jobs in New Zealand require occupational registration in order to obtain a visa and carry out work. Immigration New Zealand has a helpful list of jobs that require official registration. If you’re applying for a work or partner visa, it’s wise to start the registration process as soon as possible. To do this, get in touch with the appropriate registration authority to check whether you meet their requirements, then submit an application for registration.
5. Apply for suitable roles and await a job offer
Once you understand how your skills, experience and qualifications can transfer to New Zealand, you can start preparing your CV and applying for jobs. You can either apply via a job website, directly to the employer or via a recruitment agency. Speaking to a recruiter is a good idea as they can assist you with understanding the current state of your relevant industry and walk you through the employment process, connecting you with relevant employers for your background.
Always send out a cover letter with your CV, explaining why you’re a good fit for the role. If English is your second language, make sure to have a native English speaker check your cover letter for any errors.
6. Complete your visa application
Once you have a job offer, you’re ready to finalise your visa application and start making travel arrangements. You can apply for a visa directly through the Immigration New Zealand website. Visa processing times vary depending on the visa you apply for, and can typically take between 1-6 months.
Once you receive your visa, you can start getting NZ Ready using this free online tool to help plan your move to New Zealand, ensuring you understand how things work here.
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Ready to make the move to New Zealand? Our recruitment experts are equipped to make your move down under as seamless as possible! Reach out to us today.