Emmy & Phil

Thanks Paula,

Strange, but no sign of that on the HP website job section....or anywhere
else!
Doesn't really match my existing skills, but I sent her my CV anyway!!
Nothing to lose etc.
Thanks for the pointer )

Phil

--
"There Are No Stupid Questions, But There Are A Lot Of Inquisitive Idiots."
Please remove "NOSPAM" when emailing.
"Watt Dabney" wrote in message
news:446545.1034858165@britishexpats-
.com...
    > Hi Phil & Emmy,
    > As we are arriving in NZ in 3 weeks I have always looked forward to your
    > posts. So sorry to hear of your frustrations in the job market, we feel
    > for you big time.
    > I am currently looking at a copy of The Press 5/10/02 that we had sent
    > over to us. Now my knowledge of the IT industry could be written on the
    > back of a postage stamp in bold print so if i am way off the mark excuse
    > my ignorance but I saw this job ad and wondered if it would be of any
    > use. I know its in Christchurch but I thought you may be interested
    > anyway at the moment.
    > software development opportunities at HP New Zealand.Seeking people with
    > experience in one or more of the following,
    > Object oriented design & development in a microsoft enviroment
    > business Analysis
    > Microsoft development skills- VB6,ASP,SQL Server, NET
    > C++ programming skills
    > Centura
    > Testing
    > Carolyn Jackson
    > HP New Zealand
    > PO Box 25-155
    > Christchurch
    > [email protected]
    > Phone 03 962 5734
    > Closing date 19/10/02
    > Hope this helps if not just ignore me
    > Paula
    > --

Emmy & Phil

Yep...trying all over the place.
The one interview I got was through an agency in Wellington, with a company
looking to hire on aptitude and train (ideal).
I'm aware that some places may not advertise widely, and I check company
websites as well as job sites etc.

Networking can be a trciky one, but I'm trying. I have a couple of people
looking into possibilities within their companies.
I'll look up this NZ Job Expo - maybe my mum (lives in London) can pop along
for me - give my CV to everyone!!

Thanks,
Phil

--
"There Are No Stupid Questions, But There Are A Lot Of Inquisitive Idiots."
Please remove "NOSPAM" when emailing.
"The American" wrote in message
news:446750.1034871250@britishexpats-
.com...
    > Didn't realize you're in Wellington. Have you tried Christchurch or
    > Dunedin at all, or anywhere else in NZ? And how are you going about your
    > job search? How did you get the one interview you had for instance?
    > Presumably you're aware that some potential employers like Universities,
    > hospitals may not advertise positions widely.
    > I'm sure you're aware too that you've got to find a way to network -
    > you've got to meet as many people as you can and you've got to let every
    > person you meet know that you're looking for a programming job (having
    > first made a favorable impression of course). Networking is supposedly
    > the main way people get jobs in NZ (same as everywhere else). Puts you
    > at a slight disadvantage, but a big effort can overcome this. You have
    > to put yourself in the way of meeting people, day after day after day.
    > Even just travelling around on weekends you can pick up a lot of
    > information if you make the effort to talk to people. People KNOW
    > people, you know?? And people generally like to help you if they can.
    > Seems you might have done well to attend this NZ job expo in London this
    > weekend - I mean these companies must be somewhat serious about hiring
    > Britons if they're going to the trouble and expense of showing up there.
    > I don't know what firms are going to be there, can you look them up on
    > the website given in the NZ Job Expo posting on this forum? Do you have
    > any friends/relatives who can attend for you to ask questions/find out
    > what jobs are going/note down potential employers, etc.?
    > Meant what I said before - a positive attitude is really important.
    > Another weekend's coming up, so make the most of it!
    > TA
    > --

Jaj

The problem is that finding a job (especially a skilled one) in New
Zealand is not easy, even if you have PR from the start.

I generally counsel people thinking of going to NZ on the 6 month work
visa to think very carefully in advance about their exit strategy if
things don't work out. Especially if they're more than 2 points
adrift from the pass mark, in which case a non-relevant job won't do.

In some cases this should involve the main applicant going to NZ alone
and sending for the family if things work out. Even if the whole
family leaves, people should be very cautious about selling their home
and shipping possessions to New Zealand until they can see a clearer
future there.

For all immigrants there's the question of do you like the country,
those going on the 6 month work visa have to face the issue of whether
they'll be able to stay whether they like it or not ...

To Emmy & Phil, hope something does work out for you. Keep plugging
away at it.

Jeremy

    >On Thu, 17 Oct 2002 04:04:05 +0000, The American wrote:
    >Please don't apologize for whinging, this is very useful info. Can
    >really feel your pain! Now that NO-ONE can get points for the coveted PR
    >without a job offer, we're all in pretty much the same boat I think in
    >terms of having to risk it, and even the cost of plane tickets alone
    >makes it a pretty scary loss if it doesn't work out (for some of us
    >anyway - like you and us!). When you say you're stressed out, I can
    >REALLY sympathize.
    >Oops, just saw the clock, had some (probably useless because they
    >involve moving to California) ideas, but will have to leave them
    >until tomorrow.
    >Meanwhile, hope someone else out there can shed some light on the IT
    >situation and why the reality appears to be quite different from the
    >rosy picture painted across the NZ job sites??
    >And how about some SUCCESS stories in the NZ job search arena to lift
    >everyone's spirits up?! Now's a good time for you lurkers to step in
    >and save the day...
    >Meanwhile, keep those chins up - positive attitudes are supposed to
    >beget positive outcomes, really!
    >TA!
    >--

Terry R Brooking

Phil,

    > My background is pretty good - just finished working for IBM in the UK for
4
    > years, I'm a good programmer and have alot to offer - but nobody seems
    > interested.

Have you tried IBM NZ? Possibly use your last manager as a reference - if
you left on good terms! :-)

Cold calling companies is tough, but always pays results in the end.
Research some companies you think you might like to work for and then give
them a call. You'll get plenty of outright rejections, but you only need one
acceptance. Persistance pays. Avoid HR departments - talk direct to the
people you are likely to be working for. The idea is to create a job, rather
than applying for an existing one. Also the approach should be you offering
them something, not asking for a job - 'I have these skills, let talk about
possiblities for mutual benefit'. If you get a rejection. then ask if the
person knows of anyone else who might be interested in your skills.

You may also consider voluntary work. It may not pay anything, but you tend
to find that if your already employed you're more in demand and it will give
you some local experience (whatever that is ).

Best of luck...

Regards
-Terry

Black Sheep

I hesitated to suggest this myself, but it's definitely the proactive way to go. (I can't quite figure out though if by 'cold-calling' Terry means phoning, or walking in off the street. Personally, I think the latter approach is preferable, but depends on you and your personality really. It has worked for me). Could be *especially* beneficial for you at IBM - you should certainly feel more comfortable walking in off the street (or phoning if you prefer) there than anywhere else. I agree w/ Terry about avoiding HR depts if possible.

I wonder about these search firms. We personally avoid them, they are last last LAST resort only, for us. I've never known anyone who found a job through a search firm. I have a feeling they mostly 'steal' people already employed with other firms... this could be different in NZ, and maybe I'm TOTALLY wrong (anyone have experience to the contrary?).

p.s. I'm elated to hear that HP is in Christchurch, didn't know that - worked for them some years ago, maybe I can get a job with them if we make it through!

Sudden thought: when I was at HP, a lot (maybe most?) of their programmers were contract workers. They worked through 'temporary work firms'. Fact, I was a contractor myself. The deal was, although I was a 'contractor' (or temporary worker) for HP, I was a PERMANENT employee of my contract firm, Manpower. Have you looked into contract work firms (or whatever you call them)? Is there any chance that you could get an offer of employment with one of them as a contractor that would satisfy NZIS??

Luck!
TA

Watt Dabney

[QUOTE][SIZE=1]Originally posted by The American:

p.s. I'm elated to hear that HP is in Christchurch, didn't know that


Pleased to see that a well intended although possibly clumsy attempt to help may have actually been of benefit to someone

Paula

Esther

Good day all,
I have been reading this thread with interest this morning. Hubby and I are
in the same boat - arrived on 14/09/02 from South Africa with a 6month work
deferral visa for hubby and me on a 6 month visitors visa. After a 2 week
tour of the country including South Island we are now based in Auckland and
staying with family.
I wish you all the best with the job search, don't give up and stay
positive. Also network as much as possible - this is what hubby has been
doing and although no job has materialised yet, he has met a lot of people
in his industry (Electrical engineer/building services engineer), been given
tips on how to improve his resume and generally found a lot of help.
Try everything - personnel agency, cold calling, job ads in the paper and
join an society/club relevent to your industry in order to network further.
Be prepared to work anywhere in New Zealand and start at a more junior level
than your previous job.
Luckily we were only 1 point short so a nonrelevent offer would also work,
but for the first 2 months he is going to try and get something relevent to
his line of work. Thereafter anything will do eg:
truckdriver/waitor/labourer, etc...
I would advise anyone else in the same situation (ie Work deferral visa) to
think carefully before packing up everything and coming to NZ. I cannot
work until hubby finds a job and our PR's arrive. Fortunately we are
staying with his cousin and thus it was an option for me to come with and
have a bit of a holiday. Also, we do not have any kids to worry about -
just the two of us. Our furniture is packed and in storage back in South
Africa until our PR visas come through.

Keep your chin up and enjoy the weekend!
Regards
Esther


"The American" wrote in message
news:446750.1034871250@britishexpats-
.com...
    > Didn't realize you're in Wellington. Have you tried Christchurch or
    > Dunedin at all, or anywhere else in NZ? And how are you going about your
    > job search? How did you get the one interview you had for instance?
    > Presumably you're aware that some potential employers like Universities,
    > hospitals may not advertise positions widely.
    > I'm sure you're aware too that you've got to find a way to network -
    > you've got to meet as many people as you can and you've got to let every
    > person you meet know that you're looking for a programming job (having
    > first made a favorable impression of course). Networking is supposedly
    > the main way people get jobs in NZ (same as everywhere else). Puts you
    > at a slight disadvantage, but a big effort can overcome this. You have
    > to put yourself in the way of meeting people, day after day after day.
    > Even just travelling around on weekends you can pick up a lot of
    > information if you make the effort to talk to people. People KNOW
    > people, you know?? And people generally like to help you if they can.
    > Seems you might have done well to attend this NZ job expo in London this
    > weekend - I mean these companies must be somewhat serious about hiring
    > Britons if they're going to the trouble and expense of showing up there.
    > I don't know what firms are going to be there, can you look them up on
    > the website given in the NZ Job Expo posting on this forum? Do you have
    > any friends/relatives who can attend for you to ask questions/find out
    > what jobs are going/note down potential employers, etc.?
    > Meant what I said before - a positive attitude is really important.
    > Another weekend's coming up, so make the most of it!
    > TA
    > --

Don

Phil - sorry to hear you've had no success yet mate. Keep plugging away - you only need to get one job, after all, and that 'goodie' might be just around the corner. That's what we keep telling ourselves with our no-go house sale - we can't let lack of viewings get us down, after all we only need to find one buyer.

Keep your pecker up (but not up too many!) Good luck for next week.

Cheers - Don

Emmy & Phil

Well well - given my last comment, this looks like "big news" then....
I've just been offered an interview!
Not giving anything away, in case the lurking jobless get a sniff of
opportunity!! p

Suffice to say, it seems I know only a portion of what they require, but
they are still interested, so fingers crossed.

I'll let you all know how I get on....
Phil

--
"There Are No Stupid Questions, But There Are A Lot Of Inquisitive Idiots."
Please remove "NOSPAM" when emailing.
"Emmy & Phil" wrote in message
news:YTxr9.10581$b5.1226292@news0-
2.tsnz.net...
    > Thanks Nicki - it's nice to have some support !!
    > You'll all be the first to know if I get a job! Come to that, an
interview
    > might be big news right now!
    > Phil
    > xxx
    > --
    > "There Are No Stupid Questions, But There Are A Lot Of Inquisitive
Idiots."
    > Please remove "NOSPAM" when emailing.
    > "Nicki" wrote in message
    > news:[email protected]
    > .com    ...
    > > On Thu, 17 Oct 2002 14:09:09 +1300, "Emmy & Phil"
    > > wrote:
    > >
    > > >Hi all,
    > > >
    > > >Just a quick winge about the IT market over here. Before emigrating, I
    > was
    > > >told the market over here is quite good, and many people told me I
    > wouldn't
    > > >have any difficulty finding some work.
    > > >
    > > >
    > >
    > > Hello!
    > >
    > > No advice I'm afraid, but I just wanted to wish the three of you the
    > > best of luck. We've been following your story in the newsgroup - and
    > > we're really hoping things turn out fine for you.
    > >
    > > Love,
    > > Nicki.
    > > xxx

lizzie

Well, I'm sure we all wish you the best of luck with the interview.

Like so many others I have been watching yours and Emily's progress over the past two months, my hubby heads out on 18/11 on 6 month work deferral visa.

It seems that, for once, we have done the right thing, i.e. I'm waiting back home (supposedly selling the house) with the children whilst he checks things out. It looks like we could have a very long separation though!

We ideally would love to find a job in Christchurch but do know as a last resort that a job anywhere is better than going home, if staying is so really important to us. Your posting has certainly put the wind up us!!! He wasn't going to approach any companies till he gets there, but I think a rethink on this may be in order.

I do hope you have some good news to tell us very soon!!!

Lizzie

Terry R Brooking

    > (I can't quite figure out though if by 'cold-calling' Terry
    > means phoning, or walking in off the street.

Either! Telephoning tends to cover more ground in less time, but probably
results in more rejections as well. I would spend a day telephoning,
followed by a day of walking in - beats the monotony.

Regards
-Terry

guyguy2003

I am from Israel. there was a HUGE immigration by russian jews and their families in just a few years (about 5-6 years ago). something like 1 milion ppl came. most of them were very educated, first and second degrees for most of them.
however, most of them did cleaning and other 'black' jobs to survive, for atleast two years.
why? because they are new, its hard to find a job when you are new to a country and simply there were no jobs for them.
but they survived, and now all the good and ambisious ones are in every major sector, in key positions.

i hope you understand what im saying, dont give up!!!

cheers


Guy.

cinderella

Dear Phil,

Have been following your story with interest and empathy. Best wishes for your interview, I hope it goes well.

Regards,

Cinderella

guyguy2003

hehe )

colin.helen

Any News? We are on the edge of our seats!

Good Luck

Helen and Colin