Heading out for interviews before move
#1
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Joined: Feb 2006
Location: Sutton-in-Ashfield, UK
Posts: 20
Heading out for interviews before move
Hi all
We have now had a few positive phone calls from potential employers in NZ, including an agency in Auckland and one in Palmerston North. I am thinking about possibly going out for a week at the end of April for interviews, and contacting a few more agencies before I go to try and arrange some face to face meetings.
I know for contract work this won't really help, but my thinking is it might help me to get something permanent lined up.
The only thing is it's a big gamble, it's costing about £500-600 for flights and it might not result in being any closer to having a job offer.
Has anyone done this and would they recommend it?
Thanks in advance!
Noel.
We have now had a few positive phone calls from potential employers in NZ, including an agency in Auckland and one in Palmerston North. I am thinking about possibly going out for a week at the end of April for interviews, and contacting a few more agencies before I go to try and arrange some face to face meetings.
I know for contract work this won't really help, but my thinking is it might help me to get something permanent lined up.
The only thing is it's a big gamble, it's costing about £500-600 for flights and it might not result in being any closer to having a job offer.
Has anyone done this and would they recommend it?
Thanks in advance!
Noel.
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Heading out for interviews before move
Originally Posted by Noel and Rachel
Hi all
We have now had a few positive phone calls from potential employers in NZ, including an agency in Auckland and one in Palmerston North. I am thinking about possibly going out for a week at the end of April for interviews, and contacting a few more agencies before I go to try and arrange some face to face meetings.
I know for contract work this won't really help, but my thinking is it might help me to get something permanent lined up.
The only thing is it's a big gamble, it's costing about £500-600 for flights and it might not result in being any closer to having a job offer.
Has anyone done this and would they recommend it?
Thanks in advance!
Noel.
We have now had a few positive phone calls from potential employers in NZ, including an agency in Auckland and one in Palmerston North. I am thinking about possibly going out for a week at the end of April for interviews, and contacting a few more agencies before I go to try and arrange some face to face meetings.
I know for contract work this won't really help, but my thinking is it might help me to get something permanent lined up.
The only thing is it's a big gamble, it's costing about £500-600 for flights and it might not result in being any closer to having a job offer.
Has anyone done this and would they recommend it?
Thanks in advance!
Noel.
good luck
tt
#3
Re: Heading out for interviews before move
Originally Posted by Noel and Rachel
Hi all
We have now had a few positive phone calls from potential employers in NZ, including an agency in Auckland and one in Palmerston North. I am thinking about possibly going out for a week at the end of April for interviews, and contacting a few more agencies before I go to try and arrange some face to face meetings.
I know for contract work this won't really help, but my thinking is it might help me to get something permanent lined up.
The only thing is it's a big gamble, it's costing about £500-600 for flights and it might not result in being any closer to having a job offer.
Has anyone done this and would they recommend it?
Thanks in advance!
Noel.
We have now had a few positive phone calls from potential employers in NZ, including an agency in Auckland and one in Palmerston North. I am thinking about possibly going out for a week at the end of April for interviews, and contacting a few more agencies before I go to try and arrange some face to face meetings.
I know for contract work this won't really help, but my thinking is it might help me to get something permanent lined up.
The only thing is it's a big gamble, it's costing about £500-600 for flights and it might not result in being any closer to having a job offer.
Has anyone done this and would they recommend it?
Thanks in advance!
Noel.
What sort of work are you doing? are the interviews with agents or actual employers?
Have flown out myself twice. On both times got a job but needed to start that week. Consider this if they do offer you a position are you ready to forego the return trip and start straight away or within the month?
#4
Re: Heading out for interviews before move
Originally Posted by thebears
You may still get asked "when are you actually arriving permanently?".
What sort of work are you doing? are the interviews with agents or actual employers?
Have flown out myself twice. On both times got a job but needed to start that week. Consider this if they do offer you a position are you ready to forego the return trip and start straight away or within the month?
What sort of work are you doing? are the interviews with agents or actual employers?
Have flown out myself twice. On both times got a job but needed to start that week. Consider this if they do offer you a position are you ready to forego the return trip and start straight away or within the month?
#5
Banned
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,551
Re: Heading out for interviews before move
Originally Posted by Noel and Rachel
Hi all
We have now had a few positive phone calls from potential employers in NZ, including an agency in Auckland and one in Palmerston North. I am thinking about possibly going out for a week at the end of April for interviews, and contacting a few more agencies before I go to try and arrange some face to face meetings.
I know for contract work this won't really help, but my thinking is it might help me to get something permanent lined up.
The only thing is it's a big gamble, it's costing about £500-600 for flights and it might not result in being any closer to having a job offer.
Has anyone done this and would they recommend it?
Thanks in advance!
Noel.
We have now had a few positive phone calls from potential employers in NZ, including an agency in Auckland and one in Palmerston North. I am thinking about possibly going out for a week at the end of April for interviews, and contacting a few more agencies before I go to try and arrange some face to face meetings.
I know for contract work this won't really help, but my thinking is it might help me to get something permanent lined up.
The only thing is it's a big gamble, it's costing about £500-600 for flights and it might not result in being any closer to having a job offer.
Has anyone done this and would they recommend it?
Thanks in advance!
Noel.
I'd be inclined to send a cv with a video clip (if you have that sort of technology) outlinging why you want the position and why you think you are the best candidate (qualifications, skills, experience, knowledge, references).
Then tell them that while you are serious about moving to nz you want a trial period/fixed contract, the terms of which can be negotiated as your commitment to relocate is serious but you are looking to find an employer who is equally commited to their staff as a positive working relationship is a two way street.
Personally I wouldn't fly half way around the world for any job interview. If you were in uk and flying to holland or germany, that's different.
Also do your research and make sure your quals, skills etc are in some demand.
Check these websites out:
www.worksite.govt.nz
www.stuff.co.nz
http://www.workingin.com/
Hope that helps
#6
Re: Heading out for interviews before move
I flew out to NZ for a 3 week period before we emigratated. I set up interviews before I arrived and my 'goal' was to secure work before I left again. This I managed. It helped that I had a firm start date (2 months later) - so once work was secure I bought cars, secured rental etc etc before returning to blighty to pick up the family and come back.
It was well worth the couple of grand the whole trip cost as things were so much more settled / secure when we finally landed in Welly for good. Even arranged for the car to be delivered to the airport for us!
All the advice I'd been given was not to even bother applying for jobs until 2-3 months before ready to start. So if you can't get a job without having to be physically present then: either make a special trip with lots of interviews prescheduled, or wait till you've got here. I wouldn't make a trip for one interview without having a firm idea of when I was going to be permanently here.
It was well worth the couple of grand the whole trip cost as things were so much more settled / secure when we finally landed in Welly for good. Even arranged for the car to be delivered to the airport for us!
All the advice I'd been given was not to even bother applying for jobs until 2-3 months before ready to start. So if you can't get a job without having to be physically present then: either make a special trip with lots of interviews prescheduled, or wait till you've got here. I wouldn't make a trip for one interview without having a firm idea of when I was going to be permanently here.
#7
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2006
Location: Sutton-in-Ashfield, UK
Posts: 20
Re: Heading out for interviews before move
Hi all
Thanks for your replies. I have had a bit more interest now and I have booked flights down there for the beginning of May. I've bitten the bullet and booked it - now I can start telling potential employers the dates I'm there, and the initial reaction is good - they suddenly open up a lot more when you give them fixed dates.
I rang the agency in Palmerston North tonight, the guy there said now he has dates he can get me some interviews for that week for permanent work, and is confident he can get me plenty of interviews. Apparently a guy went over for 6 days from the UK last week and he got him 5 interviews and was offered all of them! I know it's an agency but he seems like a really nice guy and has kept in touch - trying not to get too swept up though as I know what you've all said! :-)
I have applied for another one in Palmerston North with the health board so fingers crossed on that one - again with dates they seemed a lot happier.
So fingers crossed all round now - will keep you updated!
Noel
Thanks for your replies. I have had a bit more interest now and I have booked flights down there for the beginning of May. I've bitten the bullet and booked it - now I can start telling potential employers the dates I'm there, and the initial reaction is good - they suddenly open up a lot more when you give them fixed dates.
I rang the agency in Palmerston North tonight, the guy there said now he has dates he can get me some interviews for that week for permanent work, and is confident he can get me plenty of interviews. Apparently a guy went over for 6 days from the UK last week and he got him 5 interviews and was offered all of them! I know it's an agency but he seems like a really nice guy and has kept in touch - trying not to get too swept up though as I know what you've all said! :-)
I have applied for another one in Palmerston North with the health board so fingers crossed on that one - again with dates they seemed a lot happier.
So fingers crossed all round now - will keep you updated!
Noel
#8
Re: Heading out for interviews before move
Originally Posted by Noel and Rachel
Hi all
Thanks for your replies. I have had a bit more interest now and I have booked flights down there for the beginning of May. I've bitten the bullet and booked it - now I can start telling potential employers the dates I'm there, and the initial reaction is good - they suddenly open up a lot more when you give them fixed dates.
I rang the agency in Palmerston North tonight, the guy there said now he has dates he can get me some interviews for that week for permanent work, and is confident he can get me plenty of interviews. Apparently a guy went over for 6 days from the UK last week and he got him 5 interviews and was offered all of them! I know it's an agency but he seems like a really nice guy and has kept in touch - trying not to get too swept up though as I know what you've all said! :-)
I have applied for another one in Palmerston North with the health board so fingers crossed on that one - again with dates they seemed a lot happier.
So fingers crossed all round now - will keep you updated!
Noel
Thanks for your replies. I have had a bit more interest now and I have booked flights down there for the beginning of May. I've bitten the bullet and booked it - now I can start telling potential employers the dates I'm there, and the initial reaction is good - they suddenly open up a lot more when you give them fixed dates.
I rang the agency in Palmerston North tonight, the guy there said now he has dates he can get me some interviews for that week for permanent work, and is confident he can get me plenty of interviews. Apparently a guy went over for 6 days from the UK last week and he got him 5 interviews and was offered all of them! I know it's an agency but he seems like a really nice guy and has kept in touch - trying not to get too swept up though as I know what you've all said! :-)
I have applied for another one in Palmerston North with the health board so fingers crossed on that one - again with dates they seemed a lot happier.
So fingers crossed all round now - will keep you updated!
Noel
#9
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Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2006
Location: Sutton-in-Ashfield, UK
Posts: 20
Re: Heading out for interviews before move
Originally Posted by Biddy
Good for you Noel - hope it all goes well. What sort of jobs are you applying for?
I work in IT, technical support to be more precise. Palmerston North seems to have quite a bit of demand for IT work at the moment, he said they struggle to sell it as it's not one of the big cities. Excellent for us though - cheap housing and plenty of work!
Cheers,
Noel
#10
Re: Heading out for interviews before move
Originally Posted by Noel and Rachel
Hi Biddy
I work in IT, technical support to be more precise. Palmerston North seems to have quite a bit of demand for IT work at the moment, he said they struggle to sell it as it's not one of the big cities. Excellent for us though - cheap housing and plenty of work!
Cheers,
Noel
I work in IT, technical support to be more precise. Palmerston North seems to have quite a bit of demand for IT work at the moment, he said they struggle to sell it as it's not one of the big cities. Excellent for us though - cheap housing and plenty of work!
Cheers,
Noel
#11
Re: Heading out for interviews before move
Originally Posted by Noel and Rachel
Hi Biddy
I work in IT, technical support to be more precise. Palmerston North seems to have quite a bit of demand for IT work at the moment, he said they struggle to sell it as it's not one of the big cities. Excellent for us though - cheap housing and plenty of work!
Cheers,
Noel
I work in IT, technical support to be more precise. Palmerston North seems to have quite a bit of demand for IT work at the moment, he said they struggle to sell it as it's not one of the big cities. Excellent for us though - cheap housing and plenty of work!
Cheers,
Noel
#12
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 99
Re: Heading out for interviews before move
Hi guys,
Well what ever you decide it is a BIG step! I came out here eight years ago, and spent a whole month trying to get a job. Agencies were a complete waste of time, all they seemed to do was talk about there OE experiences or pump you for questions about the UK before they went for their OE. I spent two weeks mucking around with these jokers, and I saw at least 20 of them! I finally got a job by cold calling via the phone book.
As for coming out here for a week, sorry but that's not going to work. It'll take you at least half of that time to overcome the jet lag. Even a month seemed too short, I only got all the t's crossed in the last couple of days.
I'm assuming you haven't got residency. if so, as in my case, most potential employees seemed interested until you told them you didn't (as yet) have a work visa, then the shutters went up. It is a bit of a nightmare for them to convince the powers that be, that you are more suitable than someone who is already living here.
Hope I haven't put you off. As I said, I went through it with a wife and two kids, and came out the other side, without too many scratches!!
I would suggest either use the internet for an interview, or spend more time over here.
Kooga
Well what ever you decide it is a BIG step! I came out here eight years ago, and spent a whole month trying to get a job. Agencies were a complete waste of time, all they seemed to do was talk about there OE experiences or pump you for questions about the UK before they went for their OE. I spent two weeks mucking around with these jokers, and I saw at least 20 of them! I finally got a job by cold calling via the phone book.
As for coming out here for a week, sorry but that's not going to work. It'll take you at least half of that time to overcome the jet lag. Even a month seemed too short, I only got all the t's crossed in the last couple of days.
I'm assuming you haven't got residency. if so, as in my case, most potential employees seemed interested until you told them you didn't (as yet) have a work visa, then the shutters went up. It is a bit of a nightmare for them to convince the powers that be, that you are more suitable than someone who is already living here.
Hope I haven't put you off. As I said, I went through it with a wife and two kids, and came out the other side, without too many scratches!!
I would suggest either use the internet for an interview, or spend more time over here.
Kooga
Originally Posted by Noel and Rachel
Hi all
We have now had a few positive phone calls from potential employers in NZ, including an agency in Auckland and one in Palmerston North. I am thinking about possibly going out for a week at the end of April for interviews, and contacting a few more agencies before I go to try and arrange some face to face meetings.
I know for contract work this won't really help, but my thinking is it might help me to get something permanent lined up.
The only thing is it's a big gamble, it's costing about £500-600 for flights and it might not result in being any closer to having a job offer.
Has anyone done this and would they recommend it?
Thanks in advance!
Noel.
We have now had a few positive phone calls from potential employers in NZ, including an agency in Auckland and one in Palmerston North. I am thinking about possibly going out for a week at the end of April for interviews, and contacting a few more agencies before I go to try and arrange some face to face meetings.
I know for contract work this won't really help, but my thinking is it might help me to get something permanent lined up.
The only thing is it's a big gamble, it's costing about £500-600 for flights and it might not result in being any closer to having a job offer.
Has anyone done this and would they recommend it?
Thanks in advance!
Noel.