[rosco]

I'm looking for advice on the jobmarket and our situation.

I'm a project manager of 5 years within financial services industry with business change/IT project background. Prince2 qualified.

I have been contracting for 3 years. My last contract ended in Jan this year. I have had some time off to do up our flat and get things sorted for our move to NZ (PR visas obtained already).

I'm not sure whether I should get another 3-6 month contract over here and go early next year, or just come straight to NZ.
- Would it look better on my cv if I filled the gap between my last role and arriving in NZ (that gap will be 9 months if we move this year) by getting another contract here?
- What are my realistic prospects of employment in Auckland or Wellington? I get vacancies emailed from Seek.co.nz and they seem plentiful. Are you a PM? What was your experience getting a job?
- Were you able to set up interviews for your arrival?
- Did you get a job through an agency or direct with the employer?

Some general advice would be good but its this shall I/shan't I thats bothering me at the moment.

thanks

[KerryS]

I'm a PM and also working in the financial services industry at the moment (but have worked in primary industry and utilities too). I'm contracting as well, so can only really offer advice on that - haven't had a perm role for a few years now.

To answer your questions, and this is solely my experience and opinions:

- Would it look better on my cv if I filled the gap between my last role and arriving in NZ (that gap will be 9 months if we move this year) by getting another contract here?
I really don't think this matters either way. I have a couple of gaps in my CV, and all I say to employers is that I was travelling (I was) or whatever. Will you be able to get a short term contract prior to coming over here? What time of year do you intend to arrive in NZ - both these could impact your chances of securing a contract here.

- What are my realistic prospects of employment in Auckland or Wellington? I get vacancies emailed from Seek.co.nz and they seem plentiful. Are you a PM? What was your experience getting a job?
I'm in Auckland and have no problems getting employment. I am in touch with several agencies and they call me when they have something they think I may be suitable for. I've always managed to line something up for when a contract ends. (I only use Seek as a last resort, as I've found agencies will contact me before they advertise roles - it pays to be nice to the recruiters!)

- Were you able to set up interviews for your arrival?
Doesn't apply as I changed career after being in NZ. I guess it wouldn't hurt to contact some agencies and start making arrangements. They may only have anything for the immediate future though, rather than lon term future, so it may be difficult.

- Did you get a job through an agency or direct with the employer?
I've only had one job directly through an employer. All the rest are through agencies. It doesn't make that much difference though to be honest - just means the agency skim some extra money out of the employer...

[mgbridges]

I would agree that there are plenty of jobs for Project Managers in Auckland. I had 3 offers from 7 interviews.

Martin

[eternalkiwi]

The financial services industry is currently going through a major legislative change phase, with the introduction of KiwiSaver, New Investment Entity tax regime, and Foreign Investment tax regime.

So at the moment there is a lot of project work for a wide range of people from project managers, analysts, investment fund specialists and accountants.

Outside of the Financial Services industry there is also a strong demand for PMs in other industries.

Shawn

[rosco]

thanks very much for the info folks - much appreciated.

Ross