When to start the job search?
 

I now physically have my residence visa secured in my passport, and have booked our flights to arrive in Wellington early December 2018. Hoping to be able to start a new job January 2019, but just wondering when is a practical time to start speaking to recruiters and applying for work.

Background: For the last 5 years, I've been working for a web design and development agency and I specialise in search engine optimisation. Ideally, I'd like to carry this on but I can be flexible if I'm required to re-skill in other areas in order to find employment.

Can anyone here share their experiences with looking for NZ work whilst still in the UK?

• Job searching tips?
• Interview tips?
• How far in advance to start looking/applying?
• Job market seasonality?

Re: When to start the job search?
 

Wellington shuts down over Christmas/Jan as it's our main summer holiday. I would start looking Oct/Nov. As you've booked your flights it should make things easier as employers will know for certain that you are coming and that you have a visa in place - make sure you mention that in your applications. You may find that new jobs will start in late Jan/early Feb once people come back from holidays.

NZ is very small, and in Wellington everyone knows everyone (2 degrees of separation and all that), so make as many contacts as you can (maybe FB groups?) and try to meet as many agencies as you can - and follow them up. Also contact potential employers and suggest meeting for a coffee and chat - this is a very common way to end up with a job. There aren't many jobs advertised, word of mouth is much more common.

Re: When to start the job search?
 

Linkedin is the way to go; beef up your profile, follow some Kiwi companies and recruiters that you are interested in and you will get a regular feed of suitable jobs and a feel for what's out there. Late January after the holidays is typically when new roles are advertised, so if you can afford to take a break I would be inclined to wait until you get here before getting serious. November is on the down slow as nobody wants new staff coming on board before holidays and minds are on other things.

Re: When to start the job search?
 

Thank you both for your advice.

I'll start worrying more about work come October/November time then, and work some LinkedIn magic in the meantime connecting with people in the local industry.

My partner's parents have said on multiple occasions that they are happy to have us live with them until we get settled, so I'm sure they'll be understanding if I don't start working until late January to February time.

I had coffee last year in Wellington with the director of a development company, so here's hoping he won't have forgotten me if I get back in touch. I remember he was keen (offered me a job and a letter supporting a work visa, before I decided to go the residence visa route), but it will have been a long while since we met for coffee that one time... I also don't want to just go home with the first person to meet me for coffee!

So, from what I understand from your replies, job searching in New Zealand is more social and less formal?

Re: When to start the job search?
 

It's a bit mixed to be fair but often what appears to be a formal process to the outside world is run in parallel with the informal deals being struck with internal candidates and in the shadows of the local coffee shop with friends and friends of friends in high places.

Re: When to start the job search?
 

How formal are these coffee shop meetings? When I accidentally had one last year, I was just in a T-shirt, skirt and flip flops. I just happened to be wearing a T-shirt featuring an industry-related company branded on the chest that day, and it came up in conversation that he too follows that "industry influencer" and liked my T-shirt. Wondering if it's usually that casual, or if you're expected to be in more formal attire rather than T-shirt and flip flops.

Basically, something that I hadn't even considered before, will I need to buy "interview clothes" and pack these into my suitcase? (It's just occurred to me that I've never had to buy office wear before, so it never struck my mind that I may need it...)

Sorry, I feel like I'm making you dress me :rofl:

Re: When to start the job search?
 

smart casual for a coffee meeting I would say.
Linked In would be a great start so I would say get onto that asap and promote that you will be ready and able to go in January.
Companies will be looking at forecasts for next year so budgeting is on the cards in the next few months.

Re: When to start the job search?
 

I agree with this.

Re: When to start the job search?
 

You're going to Wellington so you may as well stock up on the 'uniform' Welly Workwear black opaque tights and boots with everything, including summer dresses. :rofl:

Re: When to start the job search?
 

haha Thanks, I'll bear this in mind. 90% of my wardrobe is plain black, so I guess I better hit Primarks for some summer dresses and I should be all set for the full uniform. Reluctant to cut my hair short, but we'll see how the wind goes... :rofl:

Re: When to start the job search?
 

In the UK its quite common to go through an agency but NZ'ers perfer to 'go direct' to the marketplace. Job searching in NZ is more social, but I'd warn against being too casual in any meeting (even if it is a coffee shop or "just a chat"). First impressions are important so dress to impress. As others have said, talk to as many people in the industry as you can and make contacts. Best wishes for the move.

Re: When to start the job search?
 

That's good to know. My family and I are looking at Aug/Sep 19 (As long as my trade stays on the skills shortage list, gamble I know) and I am already starting to contact potential employers.

Re: When to start the job search?
 

I agree with this point too.

It is the reason that it is valuable to make contacts. See if there are any meet-up groups in Wellington that are related to your field of work. Once you are there go along to some events and network!