Phone call 'out-of-the-blue'
#31
Re: Phone call 'out-of-the-blue'
The only thing we saw that shocked us when out in NZ fact finding was a bathroom toilet costing more than we'd normally pay for a whole bathroom suite. It was in a specialist bathroom shop though and we tend to buy from B&Q or builders trade places when refurbishing houses.
#32
Just Joined
Joined: Feb 2016
Location: Auckland.
Posts: 2
Re: Phone call 'out-of-the-blue'
A median price (not average) home costs 9 times median income in Auckland Supercity. As with any city, the further out one goes, the cheaper it gets, but the roads are pretty congested from 7am.
If you work in the south of the city, live south...etc.
If you work in the south of the city, live south...etc.
#33
Re: Phone call 'out-of-the-blue'
Thanks for all the information - really useful at this stage.
Quick update....
Now have 3 inteviews organised - first one was last night (Tuesday a.m. NZ). So I was sat at home with my Skye all organised, laptop ready, notes everywhere, all prepared..........................and no call!!
After waiting for an extr half-an-hour, I called to find out what was happening. Turns out that the interviewer had been called to an urgent meeting, (but didn't think to inform is PA or me!!) and the interview is now being rearranged.
Bit disappointing to say the least.
Still, I am staying positive, and fingers-crossed, he will attend the rearranged interview date!!
Next interviews are due next week......
Quick update....
Now have 3 inteviews organised - first one was last night (Tuesday a.m. NZ). So I was sat at home with my Skye all organised, laptop ready, notes everywhere, all prepared..........................and no call!!
After waiting for an extr half-an-hour, I called to find out what was happening. Turns out that the interviewer had been called to an urgent meeting, (but didn't think to inform is PA or me!!) and the interview is now being rearranged.
Bit disappointing to say the least.
Still, I am staying positive, and fingers-crossed, he will attend the rearranged interview date!!
Next interviews are due next week......
#34
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2016
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 743
Re: Phone call 'out-of-the-blue'
Thanks for all the information - really useful at this stage.
Quick update....
Now have 3 inteviews organised - first one was last night (Tuesday a.m. NZ). So I was sat at home with my Skye all organised, laptop ready, notes everywhere, all prepared..........................and no call!!
After waiting for an extr half-an-hour, I called to find out what was happening. Turns out that the interviewer had been called to an urgent meeting, (but didn't think to inform is PA or me!!) and the interview is now being rearranged.
Bit disappointing to say the least.
Still, I am staying positive, and fingers-crossed, he will attend the rearranged interview date!!
Next interviews are due next week......
Quick update....
Now have 3 inteviews organised - first one was last night (Tuesday a.m. NZ). So I was sat at home with my Skye all organised, laptop ready, notes everywhere, all prepared..........................and no call!!
After waiting for an extr half-an-hour, I called to find out what was happening. Turns out that the interviewer had been called to an urgent meeting, (but didn't think to inform is PA or me!!) and the interview is now being rearranged.
Bit disappointing to say the least.
Still, I am staying positive, and fingers-crossed, he will attend the rearranged interview date!!
Next interviews are due next week......
If they are so disorganised/uncaring that they can't even do simple things like notify you that the interview has been cancelled then (unless you are prepared to take any job to get to NZ) the working environment there may not be ideal.
Best of luck!
#35
Re: Phone call 'out-of-the-blue'
[COLOR="Navy"]It does make you wonder if this is an organisation you would like to work in.[/COLOR]
If they are so disorganised/uncaring that they can't even do simple things like notify you that the interview has been cancelled then (unless you are prepared to take any job to get to NZ) the working environment there may not be ideal.
Best of luck!
If they are so disorganised/uncaring that they can't even do simple things like notify you that the interview has been cancelled then (unless you are prepared to take any job to get to NZ) the working environment there may not be ideal.
Best of luck!
#36
Just Joined
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 20
Re: Phone call 'out-of-the-blue'
Hi again Richard, oh dear how unorganised. I have to say that this comes as no surprise to me, you will see on other threads people saying 'lower your standards' and it's true. There is very a laid back attitude here and in my experience as a customer/consumer/employee an impression that companies are doing you a favour for just doing business with you. I suppose you could say it's part of the lovely laid back way of living however to me it is often more about being lazy and rude. You will probably also find that NZ'ers can't understand why you wouldn't want to leave the UK to come, afterall the UK is sooo awful! (from people who've either never been there or only done their OE in London).
Just to comment on the posters re costs of things. I would agree some things aren't more expensive, they are roughly on par but how often do you buy a new iphone 6?. Going out for coffee is an example of this - it really is a nice experience over here, there are lots of independent cafes etc which are much nicer than Starbucks, Costa etc. However I find supermarket food more expensive, not so much choice and not such good quality. Clothes are either cheap rubbish or really expensive (not fun for a teenager shopping), quality electrical (European brands) stupidely expensive.
Just to comment on the posters re costs of things. I would agree some things aren't more expensive, they are roughly on par but how often do you buy a new iphone 6?. Going out for coffee is an example of this - it really is a nice experience over here, there are lots of independent cafes etc which are much nicer than Starbucks, Costa etc. However I find supermarket food more expensive, not so much choice and not such good quality. Clothes are either cheap rubbish or really expensive (not fun for a teenager shopping), quality electrical (European brands) stupidely expensive.
#37
MODERATOR
Joined: Oct 2011
Location: Wellington - I miss Castles, the NHS & English school system
Posts: 9,077
Re: Phone call 'out-of-the-blue'
Thanks for all the information - really useful at this stage.
Quick update....
Now have 3 inteviews organised - first one was last night (Tuesday a.m. NZ). So I was sat at home with my Skye all organised, laptop ready, notes everywhere, all prepared..........................and no call!!
After waiting for an extr half-an-hour, I called to find out what was happening. Turns out that the interviewer had been called to an urgent meeting, (but didn't think to inform is PA or me!!) and the interview is now being rearranged.
Bit disappointing to say the least.
Still, I am staying positive, and fingers-crossed, he will attend the rearranged interview date!!
Next interviews are due next week......
Quick update....
Now have 3 inteviews organised - first one was last night (Tuesday a.m. NZ). So I was sat at home with my Skye all organised, laptop ready, notes everywhere, all prepared..........................and no call!!
After waiting for an extr half-an-hour, I called to find out what was happening. Turns out that the interviewer had been called to an urgent meeting, (but didn't think to inform is PA or me!!) and the interview is now being rearranged.
Bit disappointing to say the least.
Still, I am staying positive, and fingers-crossed, he will attend the rearranged interview date!!
Next interviews are due next week......
#38
Re: Phone call 'out-of-the-blue'
Promise me that one day you will say something positive about NZ - instead of a constant stream of negatives - there must be something you like or you wouldn't be in NZ?
#39
MODERATOR
Joined: Oct 2011
Location: Wellington - I miss Castles, the NHS & English school system
Posts: 9,077
Re: Phone call 'out-of-the-blue'
see it as I live it, nothing is made up so if you don't like what I write just ignore it.
#40
Re: Phone call 'out-of-the-blue'
That's annoying, but do give the company a second chance. Although annoying and unprofessional things do pop up that need urgent attention. If it happens again then maybe feel concerned!
I don't think it's fair to tar all companies with the same brush, not all are incompetent wastes of space! If it helps both my partner and I have had nothing but good experiences with NZ employers, hopefully you will experience the same as well.
I don't think it's fair to tar all companies with the same brush, not all are incompetent wastes of space! If it helps both my partner and I have had nothing but good experiences with NZ employers, hopefully you will experience the same as well.
#41
Re: Phone call 'out-of-the-blue'
Now have 3 inteviews organised - first one was last night (Tuesday a.m. NZ). So I was sat at home with my Skye all organised, laptop ready, notes everywhere, all prepared..........................and no call!!
After waiting for an extr half-an-hour, I called to find out what was happening. Turns out that the interviewer had been called to an urgent meeting, (but didn't think to inform is PA or me!!) and the interview is now being rearranged.
Bit disappointing to say the least.
Still, I am staying positive, and fingers-crossed, he will attend the rearranged interview date!!
Next interviews are due next week......
Bit disappointing after getting set up but at least it has been rearranged. Better than being told there is no longer a possible opening.
Yup. A firm job offer is what is needed to make an NZ move viable . As you are talking Auckland then much will depend on the salary and the package.
With regard to your wife as a secondary school teacher. Just be aware that there is something of a glut of teachers all over NZ at the moment , so if you do choose to come she might find herself volunteering at a school first or doing supply for a while.
Would you be looking at this as a bit of a family adventure for a while - and why not - Or would you be thinking this would be a permanent move.
Y'know. Nothing has to be written in stone at all. If you go to Auckland and it doesn't suit then you could move area , work depending of course.
When it comes to kids education it does seem that people are split right down the middle on this. Some say it is no good . Others say their kids thrive.
What pulls you to NZ out of interest? Are the kids excited at the thought?
#42
Re: Phone call 'out-of-the-blue'
Thanks for all the messages.
I won't be getting too upset about the failed Skype call...in fact I think it puts me in a stronger position for when I do eventually have the interview. Perhaps starting a conversation with apologies from a prospective employer isn't a bad thing? My thoughts are also that I have skills that they need, and there are 3 companies wanting to talk to me, so they can fight amongst themselves, and I'll manoeuvre myself into the best financial position possible...I only get one stab at this so will ensure get the best deal from the outset.
We are looking at the potential move as a permanent one with a hint of adventure! My wife will want to teach at some point no doubt. Supply is a definite option.
I have no issues about a move. We are a very close family and we've had a few good discussions over the dinner table, crunched plenty of numbers and so will be going for a move with our eyes open.
I'm looking forward the coming weeks to see what is on offer from prospective employers.....and if it works then great, and if not....so be it. But it won't be for the lack of drive from us.
I won't be getting too upset about the failed Skype call...in fact I think it puts me in a stronger position for when I do eventually have the interview. Perhaps starting a conversation with apologies from a prospective employer isn't a bad thing? My thoughts are also that I have skills that they need, and there are 3 companies wanting to talk to me, so they can fight amongst themselves, and I'll manoeuvre myself into the best financial position possible...I only get one stab at this so will ensure get the best deal from the outset.
We are looking at the potential move as a permanent one with a hint of adventure! My wife will want to teach at some point no doubt. Supply is a definite option.
I have no issues about a move. We are a very close family and we've had a few good discussions over the dinner table, crunched plenty of numbers and so will be going for a move with our eyes open.
I'm looking forward the coming weeks to see what is on offer from prospective employers.....and if it works then great, and if not....so be it. But it won't be for the lack of drive from us.
#43
Re: Phone call 'out-of-the-blue'
Interview rearranged for Monday 7th March. .....fingers crossed
#45
Re: Phone call 'out-of-the-blue'
'Laid - back' is one of the reasons we want to come to NZ...I'm good at being 'laid-back'!!!