Marcus Aurelius

Hello all,

I would like to get a software job in New Zealand. However, after
doing some searching around I get two distinct, contrary, messages:

1. Because of the global economic slowdown, jobs in IT in New Zealand
are hard to come by. The NZ immigration rules have become more
stringent, seemingly to reduce the number of people coming to New
Zealand.

2. There is an active attempt to attract people to New Zealand from
expos on working in New Zealand such as the one being organised in
London in October. This implies that some companies are still unable
to fill jobs and are anxious to attract migrants. This seems to
contradict message 1. The website of the expo is
http://www.smallworldmedia.co.nz.

So if these companies are actively seeking migrants then there are
opportunities for skilled migrants. This suggests that there is hope
for me and others like me. The problem is finding the companies that
want migrants.

I'd like to hear what others think of this.

Neil Raines

It is true that there is a huge shortage of skilled staff, just not in "IT".
When my company advertised recently for Peoplesoft support staff, we got few
replies. When we advertised for IT helpdesk, they were so flooded with
replies they cut-off the internet nzjobs advertisement early.

I advertised for a Health and Safety Administrator and did not get any
replies from people who had credible experience. Colleagues have had the
same lack of response for civil engineers.

    > Hello all,
    > I would like to get a software job in New Zealand. However, after
    > doing some searching around I get two distinct, contrary, messages:
    > 1. Because of the global economic slowdown, jobs in IT in New Zealand
    > are hard to come by. The NZ immigration rules have become more
    > stringent, seemingly to reduce the number of people coming to New
    > Zealand.
    > 2. There is an active attempt to attract people to New Zealand from
    > expos on working in New Zealand such as the one being organised in
    > London in October. This implies that some companies are still unable
    > to fill jobs and are anxious to attract migrants. This seems to
    > contradict message 1. The website of the expo is
    > http://www.smallworldmedia.co.nz.
    > So if these companies are actively seeking migrants then there are
    > opportunities for skilled migrants. This suggests that there is hope
    > for me and others like me. The problem is finding the companies that
    > want migrants.
    > I'd like to hear what others think of this.

southerner

If you had written "...seemingly to reduce the number of people coming to New Zealand who are unlikely to get a relevant job and settle successfully" then this would more accurately reflect NZ Immigration's proposals.

NZ is not trying to reduce immigration, but is hoping to be a bit more selective. Rather than take the first 45000 who apply, they wish to take the 45000 who are most likely to succeed and to fill local skill shortages.

Still, at the moment it is more difficult to get most IT related jobs. But it is not impossible! I would suggest that unless you have an absolutely wonderful CV, you might need to be out there to maximise your chances of getting a job offer.

Marcus Aurelius

"Neil Raines" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
    > It is true that there is a huge shortage of skilled staff, just not in "IT".
    > When my company advertised recently for Peoplesoft support staff, we got few
    > replies. When we advertised for IT helpdesk, they were so flooded with
    > replies they cut-off the internet nzjobs advertisement early.
    >
    > I advertised for a Health and Safety Administrator and did not get any
    > replies from people who had credible experience. Colleagues have had the
    > same lack of response for civil engineers.

So the problem is, how do skilled would-be migrants such as myself get
in contact with those companies. Is it a good idea to pack a suit, hop
on a plane, and start cold-calling? This would be an expensive option,
but I would try it if I thought there was any chance of success.

Neil Raines

Start by doing research from UK. Sites like nzjobs, seek and netcheck would
give you an idea if you skills are in demand. No use coming if no one is
advertising for what you are good at.


    > > It is true that there is a huge shortage of skilled staff, just not in
"IT".
    > > When my company advertised recently for Peoplesoft support staff, we got
few
    > > replies. When we advertised for IT helpdesk, they were so flooded with
    > > replies they cut-off the internet nzjobs advertisement early.
    > >
    > > I advertised for a Health and Safety Administrator and did not get any
    > > replies from people who had credible experience. Colleagues have had the
    > > same lack of response for civil engineers.
    > So the problem is, how do skilled would-be migrants such as myself get
    > in contact with those companies. Is it a good idea to pack a suit, hop
    > on a plane, and start cold-calling? This would be an expensive option,
    > but I would try it if I thought there was any chance of success.

Marcus Aurelius

"Neil Raines" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
    > Start by doing research from UK. Sites like nzjobs, seek and netcheck would
    > give you an idea if you skills are in demand. No use coming if no one is
    > advertising for what you are good at.

I've already been doing this - no success so far, but it's early days
yet. I started this thread because I wasn't sure what the "big
picture" was. At first I thought that there wasn't much happening in
the job market, then I found out about this expo in London where
companies are coming looking for migrants. This suggested to me that
there is demand for skilled workers but that the companies looking to
hire them can't find them through the normal channels, or maybe they
aren't looking on job websites.

Neil Raines

They come to the job fair so they can meet the candidates in person, (and
have a tax paid trip to England)
    > I've already been doing this - no success so far, but it's early days
    > yet. I started this thread because I wasn't sure what the "big
    > picture" was. At first I thought that there wasn't much happening in
    > the job market, then I found out about this expo in London where
    > companies are coming looking for migrants. This suggested to me that
    > there is demand for skilled workers but that the companies looking to
    > hire them can't find them through the normal channels, or maybe they
    > aren't looking on job websites.

southerner

The ones I know who are coming over are flying economy class, and will work their asses off all weekend answering potential immigrants every question, and interviewing job candidates on behalf of NZ companies.

One local govt team had 4 people over last year, and almost entirely through the 2 day expo, got 15-20 families to emigrate to their area. They would have had more had NZIS been able to process applications in good time.

This year, I would expect them to have even more interest, as this expo will for many be the best opportunity of getting job offers short of travelling to NZ.



[QUOTE]Originally posted by Neil Raines
They come to the job fair so they can meet the candidates in person, (and
have a tax paid trip to England)
[q1]>