Just goes to show that it is wise to stay away from generalisations in a message board like this, don't you agree, Campbells?

I too have worked for a recruitment company where dozens of cvs arrive each week from people around the world. To stand out, and to come across as a genuine jobseeker who is not going to waste the company's time, you really have to go the extra mile. Just emailing in your cv is just not going to get you a job - unless on the offchance you are an exact match for the job and they are happy to wait for a few months while you sort yourself out- but if you go the extra mile, do your research and follow up with phone calls etc, then it might just work.

Thanks everybody for the information, will let you know how we get on.

Steph & Mike

I agree.

Tell it like it is and don’t try to people-please. Generalising that New Zealand is all good is certainly not something I do, I prefer the balanced, more realistic approach whilst offering my opinion regarding the skills shortage problem. As I said, I am not in the recruitment business but certainly feel that whilst the country is suffering in its economic growth due to lack of available skills there SHOULD be a general attitude of what can be done to improve the situation.

I guess I will be responded to asking what I am going to do to solve the skills shortage next.

Rule No 1 – don’t generalise

Practice what you preach then mate!

I used a recruitment agency. They had my NZ lisence to practice completed and found me a job within a few weeks. They even went to locations to meet with potential employers and viewed the sites. I had several offers and was able to pick the area and one that I wanted.

They have been great. They sent use pre-filled visa applications to copy.(which are still being processed argh...) and guided our family so far in the right direction. They have sent us school and housing info and even offered to pick us up at the airport. I have been very pleased. I think it makes the process a little less daunting, to know someone has a genuine interest that you make it to NZ. Unlike my friends at the visa office

Good Luck

Wow, that is very refreshing and is really a great example of people going the extra mile. You must be in a sought after profession. Even a pick-up at the airport that really is fantastic. If you don’t mind can I ask what is your profession and who the agency is. If you are not happy to respond to that in the open forum you can PM me.

When are you due to land in NZ and where are you settling?

Cheers and good luck.

Sure thing, careful where your digging mate ....