NZ FORMAT CV
 

After writing many replies on another thread, I was asked by BEVS to start a new one on the layout for a NZ CV. So here goes:

General points to note:

...More than 2 pages, but no more than 4 they like loads of info, unlike UK where 2 pages are the max - include bullet points to highlight

... Include MONTHS plus YEARS on your work experience, if you need to 'jig' your months a bit for 'older' work experience dont worry (its unlikely it will get noticed), what prospective employers want to see is CONTINUITY OF WORK.

... Go back as far as you can, even if years ago, it might be relevant

... Remember to include any 'training' courses etc as well as your qualifications, even if it was only a day course

... On your telephone number, remember to include the international dialing code

... Interests, write loads, they want to know everything about you, what your hobbies are, activities etc etc, the more the better

... References, just put 'available upon request' no point at this stage in listing names and addresses

... Include your school and and any higher education names and also qualifications (no matter how old you are)

... Finally PROOF READ your CV, no one likes spelling errors or gramatical errors either - i've known HR people reject a CV just due to bad spelling!!!


EXAMPLE: (MAIN TITLES ONLY)

CURRICULUM VITAE

Name:
Address:
Telephone: 00 44

Date of Birth:
Nationality: British


PROFILE

KEY SKILLS

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

QUALIFICATIONS

WORK HISTORY
Feb 03-Present (EXAMPLE)
Company Name:
Title
(date inc month)

EDUCATION
1974-1979 (example)

INTERESTS

REFERENCES


Hope this helps, if anyone wants a msword download of this, private msg me with your email and I will send you a copy.

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

PLEASE NOTE:

My offer is for a BLANK MSWORD CV format for you to fill in yourself, I won't do your CV for you!!!

Thanks:thumbsup:

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

Great post and really useful for people looking for jobs, thank you :thumbsup:

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

People have very different ideas about what constitutes a good CV or not and never the twain shall meet. It usually depends on how old the reader / writer and where they come from.

The 'Old Skool' Kiwi CV is a long and tedious one including your cub scouts fire making abilities and the one day Health & Safety 101 training you did in 1983. You need to target the audience carefully; one blanket CV will not satisfy the masses I am afraid. The 'olde worlde' personal style will be fine for applying to staunch Kiwi type owner operated businesses but won't cut it in the Corporate world. If you're appealing to the more wordly modern employer then your CV should reflect this, where the two pagey shorter style will go down far better.

You should be looking to give as little reason to be discriminated against as possible and one of the reasons most go into the no hope pile is because of age and nationality. You shouldn't be putting either your date of birth or nationality on the CV. It might be fairly easy to guess your age from your history - but wouldn't be so obvious if you only gave the last ten years.

Almost any education or work experience more than ten years old is not really relevant to the current work environment, so filling space with what you did in the school holiday job twenty years ago isn't required and should be left off.

Nobody has the time to read your life story and you must consider they've usually decided whether you're in or out, long before they even get to the end of the first page.

What you should have on your CV is some reference to your visa or residency status, a must if you already have this sorted.

As for bullet points (often referred to a as 'dot points' here) a few are fine, but too many are not a good thing; you need to show that you are capable of constructing a sentence or two.

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

Another handy place for this is

http://www2.careers.govt.nz/how-to-g...a-nz-style-cv/

One thing I will add though is if you have the section for REFERENCES ......... never use the "upon request" far better to leave this field out all together

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

+1

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

Having interviewed and employed several people since moving to NZ I agree with Bo-Jangles and their comment on CV format. On one occasion I received 120+ applications for one part time role and trust me the longer CV's end up being skipped over as they take too long to read, long is not always best. You need to show what you can offer to your prospective employer and expand on this once you get to interview :) How your past roles relate to the job specification is a must and a blanket CV does not cut the mustard.
"Nobody has the time to read your life story and you must consider they've usually decided whether you're in or out, long before they even get to the end of the first page".
Good valid point, highlight at the start what skills and atributes you have to offer and then go into your employment history.
Good luck with the job hunting
From Sunny Nelson:)

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

If you are looking for a teaching position and are used to the CV, letter of application etc in the UK then I have it on good authority that keeping you CV to the point and two pages long is ideal. As many people have said no-one wants to read your life story. Be clever and look at the key points in the advertisment and tailor your CV to address them.

There is a good format for teaching CV plus letter of application on the Times Educational Website too!
Good luck everyone!!

:thumbup:

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

Good thread this, and some accurate tips. I'd just like to add the necessity of a covering letter. Regardless of whether you are applying from the UK, or from within NZ, this is a CRUCIAL part of your application, the importance of which is overlooked by far too many.

A CV is saying what you have done, but a covering letter allows you to say what you would like to do, why you are the best person from the job - and most importantly - why you should be given a shot despite the fact you live in Newcastle/ Aberystwyth/ London. So, ensure that you spell out the facts around your intention to move to NZ, what visa you hold/ will hold if they offer you, how long it will take you to get out to NZ, when you intend to arrive - all the factual stuff they they are otherwise guessing at. Answer those questions straight off in your covering letter, and you will increase your chances significantly.

Finally, if you are applying via an online system (many corporates here use them), there is sometimes no facility to add a covering letter AND a CV. So, incorporate your covering letter as the first page of your CV and job done.

Good luck to all you job seekers out there! :fingerscrossed:

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

This thread has been very useful, thanks to everyone who has posted! I'm just in the midst of writing a CV and covering letter for prospective employers in NZ.

Wiz n Tom - thanks for the pointers with the covering letter. It hadn't crossed my mind to tell them when I intend to arrive in NZ! Something I now realise is glaringly obvious to mention.

Also I've been reading up online about what to include in your CV. The general advice has been to give out information about citizenship and if you have the right to work in NZ but after reading a post on here I am now not sure. What have other people done with this? Have you included your nationality? I would like them to know I'm a Pom but I also do not want to be discriminated against!

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

If you already have PR or citizenship, think its important to mention it. If not, I wouldnt. Your address will give your location away anyway, so if you have an arrival date you should include that so they know what sort of time-frame you are working to.

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

I imagine it will be fairly obvious from your education and employment details, however it's not really beneficial to make a big point of it and sometimes it can be used against you. Even returning Kiwis have similar issues finding jobs, as many NZ managers can be scared off by fancy pants new ideas from overseas.

There are huge discrimination issues for people who look or sound 'foreign', so if your name is Mohammed Ali or something, then I would definitely make it absolutely explicit that you are British. ;)

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

I can absolutely second the part about references. If you expect an employer to ask you to give the information necessary for them to contact your references, that's grounds for them to wonder what you're hiding. Also, the name of one of my references was enough to get me an interview and subsequent job with my current employer. I was hired straight into my old job from overseas, so was a complete unknown (not good!).

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

I beg to differ

It is not appropriate for people to bother your trusted referendes until such point is your close to being offered or have in such been offered a position.

Having your references hounded by several prospective employers to early in the process is not appropriate.

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

I'm currently re-writing my CV/resume to the Kiwi style. There's some contradictions in this thread, so I'm trying to follow the better points more closely.

I was wondering if anybody in this thread (preferably with prior experience of interviewing people/checking CVs) wouldn't mind looking over my own and pointing out where it could be improved? I'm not asking you to write it for me, just for some tips! :)

PM me if anybody is interested! It would be a great help to have more 'personal' guidance on the issue.

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

Hi

With regards to teaching CV's I paid to have mine done professionally and 2 years later still no interview!

We were shown some examples at uni - I've never seen anything like it ! Full of photos, twee little qoutes from children, one even had a little hand weaved basket on the front! We were told that these were all successful so maybe I should make some paper flowers and out some glitter on it!:confused:

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

I'm a professional CV writer and we don't get training in the vagaries of teacher CV's. Fortunately my mum is Principal of a primary school in Auckland so I went through a bunch she got and discussed with her what she was looking for.

Photos: ok if they show the results of your work. Pretty children are not relevant.

Teaching philosophy: put a short para or two. Make sure it matches the general guidelines for the approved approach to teaching in NZ.

Mention extra curricular activities and interests. Heads like ones that could enhance the extra curricular and school programme.

Mention qualifications and skills in specialist areas like literacy, numeracy and ESOL. Cultural sensitivity etc.

The basket is probably a flax kit and very culturally appropriate so don't mock it. I probably wouldn't recommend you using it though.

My mum received one with a chocolate and a sachet of coffee wrapped in a bow on the front. The person wasn't shortlisted but it did catch her eye and she read it.

Photos of you: not generally accepted in NZ, but in teaching it is common to provide one. My mum asks for one.

Bear in mind for CVs, so long as they are easy to follow, well written and free of mistakes you are half way there. Details like whether or not you provide a list of personal interests are much argued about but probably not a big issue when it comes to shortlisting.

My main tip is, try to imagine the sort of person who is going to shortlist and write it for them.

Hope that helps

Jo

Edited to add: UK teachers have a reputation for 'teaching to the test'. Bear this in mind when you phrase your achievements. You need to show that you can teach the wider curriculum.

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

What profession you are applying for ???

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

Rordering and kiwifying your cv s well worth it. oH applied for same job in same place on two different occasions. The first time, with a UK CV, no interview. The second time, a restructud KIWI style CV: interview, offered job, full time permanent.

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

Old thread I know but this is tricky. I'm going to be updating my CV over the holidays and I may well be applying for jobs while still employed in the UK. What I'd be hiding by not listing referee contact details is the fact my current employer isn't too friendly towards staff who show an interest in leaving.

It's one of the reasons why I'll probably only start looking for work once husband has a job and we know we're definitely moving, especially as I hope the reputation of my previous work for current employer would push me towards being short listed.

The problem is that most future employers don't care about applicants IME. When I moved to my current post I explicitly said NOT to contact my current employer until after interview as I'd lose my job if they did. Despite saying references would only be taken up if the applicant was offered the job they wrote to my employer pre-interview and, as a result, my temporary contract wasn't renewed despite the fact I'd been told it would be. Thankfully I was offered the job here otherwise I'd have been out of work.

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

Here in NZ they tend to seek references to help them to shortlist for interview in my experience. Saying dont contact won't make any difference.

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

That's a shame as it would mean I can't apply for any jobs in NZ without being made redundant from my current post.

Emigrating is looking further and further away. I'm beginning to wonder how ANYONE manages it :(

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

How come?

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

I have recently re-structured my UK-style C.V. to fit an NZ -style based on advice provided by an NZ Recruiting agent. It has got me further into the recruitment process with some employers who ignored my previous attempts. I can send you a template if you like.

Steve

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

That's really kind Steve, thanks. I'll send you my email address via private message.

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

Have emailed you.

Stephen

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

That's not my experience in NZ. I advise my clients not to put references on the CV, but to provide them on a separate sheet when asked for. Usually this is at or after the interview. Most often, it is prior to an actual offer. If you are asked to provide a reference earlier than you would like, contact the recruiter and explain the situation. Offer to supply a 2nd reference (from a previous employer) with the first reference to be provided once an offer is in place (subject to references). Recruitment consultancies are the worst offenders when it comes to over enthusiastic reference checking - I suspect it's the job given to the temp or junior who just sends out stock emails.

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

You don't have to give full contact details, you can keep it vague or can simply put something like References: Available on Request

This gives you the control as to who has the details. NZ employers usually want to talk to someone rather than write or fill in a form. I agree it's the agencies that are the biggest PITA they want to take up references before they even consider sending you for interviews. Its annoying as it wears very thin if you're applying for lots of things and relying on one person as your main referee and most likely you will be. It can be very hard yards trying to manage this and you do need to be on good terms and upfront with the reference provider and give them a thousand apologies in advance for possibility of being bailed up in the middle of the night to talk in quite intimate detail about you.

Quite honestly I think you are wasting your time if you're not the primary visa applicant and not yet definite about moving.

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

Just catching up on this thread and some interesting points, as someone who has been in recruitment for 10+ years I thought I would add a couple of thoughts;

Definitely include the visa status or at least plan - shows your serious and prepared! Biggest push back I get from clients is "how serious are they to move here, what research have the done?"

You don't need in-depth detail about work experience 20 years ago and no one likes lengthy CVs, but for me I like a brief snap shot to fill in the blanks i ie 1995-2000 Trained as a Bricklayer, 2000-2003 backpacked in Europe....then get into the detail for your recent jobs.

I only recruit management roles in construction so for me I really need context of what people have done recently, and my NZ clients really appreciate this as they wont have heard of the companies and projects people in the UK have worked on; eg: Project Details (could be a one page appendix), Employer website or one line description of them etc,

Achievements Achievements - brave to do but always good to state what you have achieved.

Hope that's some help and I think the thread has got some excellent points.

Good luck

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

Interesting comments smfield23. I removed the British reference, the reference to any type of visa or inkling that i was foreign. I got a job interview, and subsequently a job immediately afterwards, after 30+ applications getting nowhere, prior to that.

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

I've been trying to put together a CV, I've used the information in this thread and some other stuff I found online. Would anyone with experience in the NZ job market be able to give it a once over for me?

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

Hi Aplogies for the delay in replying

Message box me and I'll look it over if you like.


Stephen

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

Some good advice on this thread I would concur with most of what has been said. Having lived in New Zealand a while back, my personal impression was that employers are relatively laid back in terms of format and appearance. It's not as strict on conventions. If it looks professional and has the key items on there, it is usually fine.

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

This thread is a bit old and things have moved on. I have seen a lot of CVs lately and I would say to people really don't stress about the so-called Kiwi format - it is pretty old skool and seems to have died a death, thankfully.

All the CVs that I am seeing are short and to the point, no need to add any superflous fluffy things; but just make sure you tailor it and your cover letter to fit with the actual role you are applying for. Look for and make sure your CV and cover letter includes lots of references to the key words and responsibilities otherwise you won't get past the first filters and will be screened out by the HR department before the hiring manager even gets a look.

The cover letter is your opportunity to shine; it needs some thought and a plausible explanation of what lead you to apply for the role and why you want or think you are suitable for that specific role - not just any old role, the specific role that you are applying for. If the cover letter doesn't cut it then your CV isn't even gonna get read.

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

I'm currently based in the U.K. and I'm looking to move over to NZ. I'm considering putting together a video CV. Is this a good idea for the NZ job market? I'm a mature student studying Media and my partner is an Engineer but only a year into her career, would a video CV be good both of us?

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

possibly for you application add one or put a link to it online.
for your partner as an Engineer I wouldn't bother but again you could put a link to it online.

Most employers just want to see you have the desired qualifications/pass work/ etc so wouldn't want to spend a lot of time shifting through all the applications.

If the job is through an agency they may well be very interested in seeing a media CV but again I would link it through a straight forward email/paper copy.

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

No, not unless you are asked for one.

1. CVs are often photocopied and sent round to interviewers who may not be online
2. CVs are often printed out so the shortlister/interviewer can write notes on
3. CVs that can be printed out have more multi-media potential that a media file the requires specialist programmes and a computer to see.
4. Do not include photo or video of yourself because you could be introducing potential for negative impressions - your 'edgy' outfit and use of 'relevant' vocabulary may be a turn off to the CEO of the business. Some people don't like certain physical characteristics - e.g. dumb blonds.
5. Video CVs are the sort of thing a student would do - grown ups provide a proper CV.

The only time you should provide an 'alternative' CV is when you are asked for one or are auditioning for a TV role, and even then the video would accompany a proper CV.

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

Hi Everyone.

This thread is awesome. some really great idea's for layout and information.

I am going out to NZ towards the end of the year and I'm going to jazz my CV up a little to try and catch Employers eyes in the IT industry.

My query is about skills...
Doesn't it go without saying they want someone 'Hardworking' 'Team Player' 'Punctual' 'Reliable' etc etc.
Surely we could go on for a lot more than 2 pages about how much a 'Model' employee we are?

I was considering starting my CV (After Address, Visa, Skype, Mobile, etc) with a Personal Statement. To give an example of my skills.

What do you think?

Thanks
Stephen

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

I wouldn't bother with a personal statement on the CV just put it in the covering letter. CV to long and they may not even end up reading it

Re: NZ FORMAT CV
 

I really don't know about NZ yet, but generally using subjective descriptions is not looked upon very well

I want to see facts.

E.g. instead of waffly good team player sentences in a personal statement, better to actually state that in your job history - I was a member of a 10 person team delivering a new system. Or I managed a 10 person team etc.