[Ana&Steve]

Hello everyone,
I know this subject's been done, but hubby is now ready to send out his CV and actively seek an oversees job offer or set up interviews for April. I have been trying to do the ground work for Steve, to ease up on his stress level. I've been collecting recruitment agencies, absorbing everything I can from the experiences of others, and tracking down actual businesses to send CVs to, but now that it's time, I have lost confidence in gaining recruiter interest and in encouraging Steve in the right direction. (He is working full time, going to school, and helping me work on the house, he needs a pep talk:D)
We will be looking at Wellington and surrounds, as we really felt the the most connected to the area. We have already signed up at Wellies and Positively Wellington Business, but the recruitment sites are very daunting in the way they state that you must have a right to work in NZ to apply. We were thinking to send Steve's CV and a general cover letter to all the recruiters, as well as attempting to apply for specific jobs through the recruiters. We will send CVs with more personalized cover letters to companies, in the hopes that they handle their own hiring.
Are these steps a waste of time? Is there a better way? Any advice on attracting Employers or tackling this process would be appreciated! Encouragement will also not be turned away!:o

Ana and Steve

[pinkpiggy]

Ana, Steve

This is exactly what OH is doing. Some companies are willing to look at overseas applicants but it's best to let them know what stage you are at with the whole emigration process and if you have an idea of when you will be arriving in NZ.

OH has occasion, if applying for a job directly, send an email to the company asking if they will accept overseas applicants. Some will, some won't, but at least you won't waste your time, or theirs.

So far he hasn't had much luck but don't let that deter you. As we were told when selling our house, you only need one person to say yes.

Good luck.

[Natalieb]

Hiya,

If your partners IT experience is on the skills shortage list then you have a better chance of getting a job offer from the US, if not I would say go over there.

If you plan to send your CV with covering letter dont send the letter as an attachment, send it in the body of your email or they may just delete the whole email before reading it.

Send you CV to all recruitment agencies, I did. Even if they say you must have residency, a potential employer could approach them at any time saying they dont mind someone from overseas.

Go through the NZ Yellow Pages Online and get as many company emails as possible to send to.

Worked for us :yes

See example email below which might be of interest:-

Dear Sir/Madam

Please find attached a copy of my curriculum vitae which I hope will be of interest for any -------- vacancies which may arise.

I am currently living in US and am hoping to move to New Zealand in April 2007. Myself and my family are applying for residency via the immigration service. This can be a lengthy process but with a firm job offer things can speed up considerably. Telephone interviews/references and a trip over would not be a problem for the right position. I would also be happy to work unpaid for 3 days on trial as I am confident you would be impressed.

'In this section sell yourself as much as possible, highest achievement, what you are proud of - this will make them interested, dont see it as bragging, sell yourself'

I hope you have time to read through my CV and hopes its of interest to you,

Thanks -------


Good Luck :nice1

[Trigirl]

I would also be happy to work unpaid for 3 days on trial as I am confident you would be impressed.

my own personal opinion would be do not ever put this in a letter to a company you want to employ you. it screams out that you do not have confidence in your ability to get a job and are desperate.

especially don't put it in if you are applying from overseas - what are you hoping for - a job interview that you go over for and then do three days unpaid work before coming back to put in your EOI? or a job offer thats conditional on them being happy with your 3 days work when you eventually get there? (NZIS will not be impressed I think!)

IT skills are sought after in NZ. know what you are worth in the NZ market, speak to a number of recruitment consultants (not just one!), and don't necessarily take the first job you are offered.

[incredible hulse]

What IT role are you after and what skill set does Steve have? The market is relatively small in some areas and technical immature in many areas. You may find that there only a small set of employers who would be interested in the skills you have so would be worth doing some research on which companies out there fit your CV.

[mwongho]

Hi Ana and Steve,

I'm in the same position as you. Make sure your Cv is in New Zealand format. The companies want to do face to face interviews, so if you can get down there. I also notice that you only start getting real interest from about 4 weeks before your arrival date.

I'll be in New Zealand in March, most of the interest i got was from Auckland

[eternalkiwi]

IT is possibly one of the easier areas to get work before coming to NZ.

While many companies and some recruitment agencies are cautious about people being overseas, I personally know of one agency that regularly recruits people from overseas for IT contract work and have heard of others. This is mainly for programming, development or project management work, though can also encompass other IT areas.

So I would also recommend sending applications directly to agencies and also Government departments, I know of a few govt departments who are recruiting for IT roles at the moment. (http://www.jobs.govt.nz).

Shawn

[mwongho]

Hi eternalkiwi,

Can you mention the one agency ?, as i do java development.

[stu70]

I would also be happy to work unpaid for 3 days on trial as I am confident you would be impressed.

It shows you are so confident of you abilities that you don't care if they don't pay you from day 1 (they will want you once they see what you can do). This is the true spirit of entrepreneurship. That is what being an immigrant is all about (under SMC that is);desire to go to a new land and bring with you a "can do" attitude. All the best.
Cheers

[Andy-Dee]

I agree with Trigirl about the offer of 'free employment', I speak as a recruiter of many years standing in the UK for many ftse 100 companies and the public sector..
It may be different in NZ but this would turn my clients off - if they like the look of your skills they will interview you. If not they won't.
Happy to stand corrected by those in NZ with more experience of their markets.
D

[M&J]

Hi

We are in a similar position but have arranged a definate date when we are going out for a reccie, I think this helps loads. OH is also in IT and is in the process of contacting recruitment agencies ready to meet with then in March. I think he has had a better response by talking to them first, some have been really helpful and keen to meet up, others not so. He followed the call up with a e-mail and copy of CV. No interviews as yet but a positive response from most with helpful tips too.

Good Luck

M&J

[Ana&Steve]

Thanks everyone for the help! When Steve gets home we're going to sit down and read through all your advice, tweak some bits on the CV, and start sending:) I just what to say how helpful this forum is, not just for advice, but to cheer me up when I need it, too!:D
Ana
PS Steve is a Senior Manager at a Pharmaceutical company, he keeps 600+ computers happy and runs the IT team. I know he just finished an Oracle project, and talks about software upgrades and the like, but I have to admit, most of it goes right over my head:o