For expats and Kiwis relocating to New Zealand after an extended time overseas, searching for a job can serve as a reminder that things are done a little differently in Aotearoa. But savvy job seekers can be on their way to a bright career in New Zealand with a few key adaptations.
Revise your CV
The first, and perhaps most obvious, thing you need to do is get your CV in shape.
Swap out your resume for a polished CV. Revise your complete work history into a concise list of relevant experiences. Edit job titles like “Director” in favour of job titles like “Head of ___.”
Make your credentials clear and easy for the reader to understand.
While you’re at it, be prepared to show that you have or are seeking relevant experience or knowledge specific to New Zealand, whether it be local law, culture, or technology.
If in doubt, you can check with a recruiter who frequently works with expats.
Meet people of interest
Networking is where the magic happens in a New Zealand job search.
Returning Kiwi and Change Practitioner, Emily Boyce, recently moved back to Auckland after more than a decade in the US, which included a career shift.
When she returned to New Zealand, she joined her field’s local professional association, which turned out to be a great way to meet other change managers. She found the experience very collaborative, even though she was sometimes meeting people competing for the same work.
Another way that Emily connected with potential employers was by combing LinkedIn to identify people who she found interesting or who were doing work of interest to her.
“I got a really good response from people who were willing to meet with me, even in person a lot of the time. If they couldn’t help me, they would introduce me to someone who might be of interest,” she said. “In general, people are much more likely to hire someone who they’ve met, so those initial meetings were really helpful.”
Bring your whole self
While interviews in New Zealand resemble the rest of the world - ranging from casual and simple to formal and involved - the interview conversation might not.
Networking and interview conversations are more likely to cover broad, thorny topics early on. You may be engaged in discussions about politics, religion, and family shortly after meeting someone. Emily shared, “after so long in the US, at first, it was awkward to be pulled into ideological conversations, but people seemed to really want to get to know me rather than judge me based on my responses.”
Similarly, Emily encountered open minds in terms of work arrangements with potential employers initiating conversations about flexible work hours and less than full time schedules. She said that it was nice for people to not make assumptions about her availability and wait for her to indicate that she wanted a full-time role.
New Zealand routinely runs a skill deficit, so the opportunities are out there. Translate your expertise to Kiwi and meet interesting people in your field, and you’ll soon be off on your next career adventure.
Wondering what you need to consider beyond a job when moving to New Zealand? Our free Move to NZ checklist can help you think about the various pieces of relocating internationally.
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Bridget is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India. After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience, she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent. bridget@mobile-relocation.com
Amanda is a former US immigration attorney who moved to NZ with her Kiwi partner and three children during COVID. She enjoys making the journey easier for those following a similar path and providing the perspective of someone who’s recently been there. amanda@mobile-relocation.com
Special thanks to Emily Boyce for contributing to this article. Emily focuses on understanding people, clarifying goals, and clearing paths for progress. Using creativity, reliable data, and genuine care, she prepares groups for upcoming changes and supports individuals through unique transition processes. Emily maintains strong ethical principles and the belief that diverse and inclusive environments offer the most benefit to all. She is a Certified Change Practitioner, with a background in psychotherapy and business. She has lived, studied, and volunteered in England, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and around the United States.
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