There are many options available for those who are trying to find work in New Zealand. There are a number of good job websites which are ideal for those who are looking for work but who are not yet in the country. There is a government job site for work in the public sector and there are other sites for specific careers such as accountancy or the medical sector. There are also numerous newspapers which advertise available jobs, usually on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

New Zealand does have an equivalent to the UK job centres. These are the employment offices of the department of Work and Income, although the jobs which are usually advertised there a mix of non-professional, unskilled and skilled work. These offices are the ideal starting point for those who are looking for temporary work or who just want to get an idea of the type of work that is available. The offices have a website and job seekers can use these to hunt for work, as well as register their CV so that they can be matched to future vacancies. Common types of temporary work in New Zealand include bar work, farm work and hotel work.

New Zealand has a number of recruitment agencies which can give advice for those who want to move to the country but can normally only help a person to find work once they have a visa arranged and are living into the country. Advice can also be sought from professional organisations, particularly if you are in a profession that requires registration before you can begin work.

As English is the main language in the country it is important to be able to speak it well. Non-English speakers should ensure that they have a good level of fluency before they begin looking for work as it will be hard to get a job otherwise. Those who are applying to international organisations may need to have other language skills but without English it is unlikely that they will be considered.

Applying for most jobs is fairly straightforward. As with the UK and the US it is a case of completing an application form or sending a CV and cover letter. It is a good idea to send unsolicited job applications to companies that you are interested in working for although you are not guaranteed results this way. Many companies are happy to keep details on record for future vacancies.

The system has been arranged so that it is difficult for people to work illegally. All workers need to be registered with the tax office and it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that they have the correct documentation. If a worker is working without the correct visa then they can be deported and the employer can be prosecuted for employing illegal workers.

The rate of unemployment in New Zealand in March 2011 was 6.6%, which is slightly higher than March 2010. It has been estimated that the job market has been significantly affected by the earthquake in Christchurch as there are several sectors in which recruitment has been affected, including the construction industry. Unemployment does vary between regions and there are some areas in which it is higher than the national average.

New Zealand has its own Chamber of Commerce with branches all over the country which acts as an advisory service to members who are able to attend networking functions and workshops, allowing them to develop their own businesses. Networking is considered to be a good way to find new opportunities in the country, particularly if you are working in a skilled profession.

There are active recruitment programmes for workers in certain areas. These include teaching and the medical profession. The requirements change regularly and the department of Immigration has a list of skilled workers that are required, both long and short term. If you have the necessary qualifications and experience then finding work can be easier if you are applying in an area where there is a significant shortage.

Useful Resources

Public Sector Jobs
www.jobs.govt.nz

IT Jobs
www.itfutures.co.nz

Medical Jobs
www.moh.govt.nz

Teaching Jobs
www.teachnz.govt.nz

Enterprise Recruitment Auckland office
Level 14
CTS House
175 Queen Street, Auckland
PO Box 1799
Auckland 1140
Phone: (09) 306 2160
Fax: (09) 307 1285
Email: auckland@enterprise.co.nz
www.enterprise.co.nz

Adecco Recruitment
Head Office New Zealand
Level 8, Qantas House
191 Queen Street
Auckland
Telephone: (09) 309-7572
Fax: (09) 309-4197
Email: enquiries@adecco.co.nz
www.adecco.co.nz

New Zealand Chamber of Commerce
100 Mayoral Drive
PO Box 47
Auckland 1015
New Zealand
Phone: (09) 309-6100
Fax: (09) 309-0081
Email: akl@chamber.co.nz
Website: www.aucklandchamber.co.nz