If you’re thinking of relocating to New Zealand for work, or maybe even to settle down you’ll need a work visa or resident visa. The exception is if you’re eligible for another sort of visa, such as residence, working holiday, or a partner visa. In these circumstances, you can get your visa first, however, if not you will have to apply for a job.
While researching it would be a good idea to check the New Zealand skills list to get an idea of the jobs they have any shortages in and how this aligns with your CV. It’s perfectly acceptable and legal to apply for jobs before you get a visa. Employers generally understand the situation, and when you get a job offer it, will help you with your visa application. Just remember you won’t be able to start working, and earning, until your visa is approved.
Here are a few tips for finding a job in New Zealand:
Job websites
There are a number of websites designed to connect offshore workers with employers in New Zealand. Employers listing jobs on these websites may have more experience in hiring migrants. Two to consider are Work here and Working In.
You will be able to see all of the vacancies listed on these sites and apply for jobs from the UK.
Industry specific websites
There are a number of industry specific websites that list many of the jobs available within an industry.
Healthcare jobs | Kiwi Health Jobs
Dairy farming jobs | Farm Source jobs
Education jobs | Education Gazette
Engineering jobs | IPENZ job hunt
Crown Research Institute jobs | Science New Zealand
General job sites
The two most popular websites for job seekers in New Zealand are called TradeMe and Seek. These sites list a lot of vacancies, so they are useful for looking around but if you’re searching from overseas you may find some employers aren’t always open to hiring.
You can also find a list of other job vacancy websites, including industry specific websites on Careers New Zealand.
Careers New Zealand
New Kiwis employment service
New Kiwis is a free service for migrants. When you register on their database, one of their team will guide you through the process of finding work in your industry. They can also help you format your CV and prepare for interviews.
Christchurch work visa
Visit the Chamber of Commerce to get some help with matching up your skills to available jobs in your region.
Newcomer skills matching in Wellington
Newcomer skills matching in Christchurch
Recruitment companies
New Zealand employers often use recruitment companies or agents to screen candidates and find suitable employees, particularly for specialist and high-level jobs. These agents get a ‘finder’s fee’ from the employer when they successfully place someone in a job.
The Careers New Zealand website has a comprehensive list of recruitment companies and specialist job vacancy websites.
You might want to register with more than one recruitment agent. That’s generally fine, but don’t overdo it. Being put forward for the same job by more than one recruitment agent makes you – and the agent – look unprofessional. The New Zealand employment market is small, so it’s especially important to keep track of who you’ve contacted about jobs, and when.
Job vacancy and recruitment websites | Careers New Zealand
Finding work in the Canterbury rebuild
If you think you might be able to find work in the rebuilding of Christchurch and Canterbury following the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, the first place to look is the Canterbury Skills & Employment Hub.
Employers are able to use the Hub to offer jobs essential for the rebuild, even if those jobs aren’t on Immigration New Zealand’s official skills shortage lists.
If there are no suitable New Zealanders on the database, employers using the Hub can get faster approval from Immigration New Zealand for a work visa for an international applicant.
The Canterbury Skills & Employment Hub | Opportunity Canterbury
If you would like to find out more about living in New Zealand under a work visa check out our destination guides or click here for a free moving quote.
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