donnynz

Hi,

I'm in the process of looking into moving to NZ and wondered how people have managed to get a job out there? For instance, is it best to go through an Agency? Do you have to travel out there and if so, how do you usually try to schedule several interviews whilst you are out there? Do NZ employers usually hold the jobs open for, say 3 months, whilst you move your family over there?

I'm basically a Software Engineer, looking for Jobs in the Christchurch area. I know that there are more jobs in the north island, but I have family in Christchurch.

Any hints, tips or experiences greatly appreciated!

donnynz

happynz

If I may ask, how have you found jobs in the past?
I imagine there are some agencies that specialise in the placement of professionals in high tech jobs. www.seek.co.nz may be a good place to start.
If you are some IT hotshot with loads of qualifications and experience you may be able to secure employment without having to come here for interviews. Video conferencing may work.
If you are in demand they may well be amenable to holding the job while you get yourself and family sorted.

Donny - I'm sure that many companies here are flooded with CVs from prospective immigrants. It must be hard to get yourself noticed. Really, a trip here and getting interviewed in person would increase your odds.

Sorry, I can't give you any concrete help other than stating the obvious above.

Good luck with it all.

simonmarkellis

Have a look on www.seek.co.nz and do a search for all IT jobs that fit your skill set, then send your CV direct to the company recruiting for those jobs. They probably won't put you forward for many jobs as you're not in NZ, but follow up the sending of your CV a few days later by phoning them direct. This way you can have a chat, they'll then take you more seriously and so it starts with a questions and anwsers session, so they know what you're looking for in a job and whether you're right for what they have. Being in the UK it'll depend on how badly your skill set is required by anyone to see if you'll get a phone interview or webcam interview, but worst case scenario you'll have to get yourself out here and sit in front of people (That's what I had to do).

Simon

donnynz

Hi,

Thanks both of you for your comments. I do have good qualifications/experience, so hopefully I'll be able to drum up some interest out there. I'm prepared to go out there, be interviewed and take technical tests etc. but I suppose I'd like to know that there is a good chance that I'd get the job before I fly out there.


Cheers

donnynz

P18PPS

My advise is to look at seek etc and choose a couple of agencies that seem to appear regularly in the posts over a period of time, then approach them armed with the knowledge that you've been watching them for a while - and basically massage their egos a bit, keep in contact with them (by phone) over a period of time - eventually you'll win a couple of agents over that you really are serious about emigrating and they'll be more inclined to sell you to their best clients.... in my opinion the best jobs don't even get to advertised status they get filled by someone who knows someone - if it's a big company who has the trust of an agent (who in turn has your trust and trust in you) it may not even be necessary to go for a face to face interview and you may be able to get sorted via internet/video/teleconference.

Good luck.

donnynz

thanks for the tips. Better start massaging...

BEVS

Oo er

Wiz'n'Ton

Hi there. If you search for The Press on google nz, and then search for 'Jade' you will find a recent article about Jade Software hiring in overseas software engineers and developers to assist with their current contracts. I'd suggest that they would be a great place to start. Otherwise do a search for software companies in ChCh on the NZ yellow pages site (google again) and then spend an evening from 10pm (UK time) onwards on the phone to all the companies and ask for their HR dept. International dialling is 00 64 then knock off the 0 from prefix 03 then the local number in full. Tell them when you will be arriving and then ask WHEN would be a good time to meet them. DO NOT ask 'are you hiring' as it'll be an instant NO and the phone will go down. Open questions, give them specifics of what you intend to do and when you intend to move here then offer to email over your CV with a covering letter detailing all of what you discussed but now in writing.

Every time: phone call first - THEN email. If you just email you will be one of 100's. Make that call, you'll be 1 of 1.

Good luck - you'll have no worries.