[kendravixie]

Lots of interviews. No jobs. Nearly 4 months now and I still don't have a job.

I'm on the short term skills list! I have a Bachelor's of Science in Computer Information Systems, worked for a helpdesk for 2 years, been at each job -the longest possible amount of time I could-.

I worked as a Faculty Assistant at my University, helping students. Have been pursing helpdesk positions for about 2 mos, tried pursing non-helpdesk for the previous 2 mos.

I'M STILL NOT FINDING A JOB. I get tons of interviews, sometimes 2 to 3 a week, but they always choose a different candidate despite my references, despite my well organized CV, despite my smile, my knowledability, my friendliness, and my permanent decision to move!!!

What gives?

Are any other migrants from the US experiencing HEAVY DISCRIMINATION!?

DESPERATE for a job in the Wgtn area, and I've ran out of funds! If I didn't have a partner I'd be forced to return home!

WHAT'S HAPPENING?

[Angelonthemove]

You maybe need some interviewing coaching for here in NZ. Or you are just unlucky. have you actually asked in your interview if they have any reservations as to why you coudl not have the job? Good line for overcoming objections.

Call back some of them and ask for a VERY honest opinion. I am in Welly and more than happy to meet up and pretend I am an employer and tell you what you are doing wrong. I have had similiar problems and have been told, over qualified, no NZ networking exp, too direct in my approach, or I have not even got an interview. You will find someone who is willing to take you on eventually but it can take time, 2 months to get my second role. I am on my 3rd in 1 year.

My OH got told he talked toooo much and went off on tangents, so I coached him all weekend for next interview. He is extending another 1 year with them.


PM if you like.

[suebeenz]

Angela, just wanted to give you props. That's really very kind of you to offer.

Kendra, not sure that I could be as much assistance as Angela (I mostly interview developers), but could do a trial phone interview if you're keen. Can PM me if you like.

Either way, all the best to you!

[barryp]

What do you mean by 'tons' of interviews? If you're past 20, then it's not bad luck but indeed a sign you are doing something(s) wrong.

I'll second post #2; get some honest critique of your total presentation (CV, interviewing style, comp requirements, etc.) If you've had interviews arranged through agencies, the agency owes you no explanation but will probably offer one if asked. (That's actually an opportunity to turn a disadvantage to your advantage with the agent for future roles.)

I will say that there is a widespread prejudice regarding Yanks - namely that we're arrogant and don't listen. So if your personal style reflects pushiness or loudness, that might serve to confirm prejudices. Self-deprecation is my defensive tactic, but it's not for everyone.

I'm also flummoxed that the standard of dress for interviews in IT, even for the most junior roles, is so high here. I dress pretty casually at work now, so it's not necessarily a 'forever' thing, but bankers' attire is definitely in order for interviewing. I am not trying to patronise you, but I've seen that dress code bite candidates a few times already. Make sure it doesn't bite you!

Finally, have you made sure your compensation expectations are within the market range?

[miep]

Hi Kendra,

I would say you've just had bad luck. All you need is a first job offer and once you have that elusive NZ experience you'll be fine. If I were you I'd take up Angel's offer and practice an interview and see what she says from a Welly perspective. Yes there is some discrimination to Americans, if you act like a "know it all" for just one second you won't get the job. Anyone ( from any background) who sounds righteous or who comes accross like NZ owes them won't get anywhere.
On a more practical level; have you tried Axon? They are always looking for people and they generally don't use recruitment agencies. They are well used to foreigners and are known not to have too many biases. Same goes for Datacom. Pm me if you need more info, I'm not on here a lot but do occasionally check my messages.

[clg]

Barry raises some very good points and I think he is dead on. The one addendum I would add is that the Americans are arrogant and don't listen stereotype also seems to apply to Aussies! You have to be careful to sell yourself well without going too far. I don't think it is antiamericanism per se but more a matter of not liking some traits common to many Americans. I was applying for jobs a while ago and found I was going too far the other direction and was not promoting myself enough, at least that was the feedback I received. You also need to be very sure you are applying for appropriate roles so getting some feedback from someone with local indsustry knowledge would be a very good thing for all of the issues here. Recruiters will give feedback, they have to me at least.

Good luck!

[tigerlily]

How about doing some volunteering for a non-profit organization while you wait for something better to come along? They might be happy to have some tech help and they might be your first NZ reference.

I forgot to add-
I've worked help desk jobs before too (in the USA). I noticed that in NZ they seem to be advertising for help desk people who don't have much experience, who they can train (and abuse?), and who are very flexible on work hours. Though you are a skilled IT professional, it's still not the same boat with a programmer or a person who has massive server admin type experience.

[eternalkiwi]

Another company in Wellington that could be worth trying is Unisys.

Another avenue could be Government departments.
While they may outsource a lot of their IT helpdesk, they often have a small inhouse team or have helpdesk people for projects.

IRD have an in-house IT helpdesk team for their KiwiSaver Programme, so I would expect other Government Departments would be similar.

Shawn

[kendravixie]

Yes--

To all. I've had the trial interview, I've had feedback. All say -nothing-. Heavenly praises, vague wonderfulness, nothing specific on why or why I did not get a job. I'm still not getting a job.

Most say I'm suited for a larger corporation. That took one interview to find that out. After that, I pursued larger corporations to sell my skill set to. No one's taking.

Self deprecating? Maybe. I'm quite confident, have a Bachelor's degree and experience to back it up. I usually wait for the interviewer to ask questions and then fill them in on what I've done and why it exactly. fits. their role. Experience with programs (exact names, exact software titles) etc and no tangents.

I've had my CV rearranged and suited to exactly fit NZ standards as far as terminology, experience, and keywords that they would be looking for. I've had 3 courses of career development and international standards were part of those courses... I shouldn't be missing any beats with that!

Could it be the Work Holiday Visa that's holding me back? Immigration NZ has been favorable saying that I'd have no problems but it seems that it's been NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS?

[sarahjones]

Could it be the Work Holiday Visa that's holding me back? The WHV is designed for short term casual work while holidaying in NZ. I would expect this to be an issue with some companies when seeking full time employment. It might be that what you want, and what you are offering an employer in terms of commitment, don't match too well when having just a WHV.

[kendravixie]

I just spoke to a friend of mine who did HR a few years ago, NZ national.

Apparently, while talking to her I brought up possible discrimination based on nationality.

She stated that it is not illegal to discriminate based on nationality.

At all. Only religion, sex, disability, and etc are considered illegal discrimination.

[slw]

It's not illegal to hire a NZ resident over someone who has no WP or PR, and maybe that's what your friend meant. But to discriminate solely on the basis of nationality?


The Human Rights Act 1993

The Human Rights Act 1993 is aimed at giving all people equal opportunities and preventing unfair treatment on the basis of irrelevant personal characteristics. The Human Rights Act covers discrimination on the grounds of sex, marital status, religious belief, ethical belief, colour, race, ethnic or national origins, disability, age, political opinion, employment status, family status, and sexual orientation. It is unlawful to discriminate on these grounds in the following areas of public life: employment, education, access to public places, provision of goods and services, and housing and accommodation.

So you see, it is illegal, and I find it alarming that your friend who worked in HR believes otherwise.

Many people have posted giving you some good advice as to why you may not be getting job offers. Some have even generously offered their time to meet with you and give you some coaching. Have you considered any of these options? It seems you've already made up your mind that you're being discriminated against because you're American. It's not impossible but I have a hard time believing that you've experienced discrimination every time in the 'tons' of interviews you've been on.

Please consider taking some of the kind people up on their offer if you haven't already.

[CjChris]

It's not illegal to hire a NZ resident over someone who has no WP or PR, and maybe that's what your friend meant. But to discriminate solely on the basis of nationality?


The Human Rights Act 1993

The Human Rights Act 1993 is aimed at giving all people equal opportunities and preventing unfair treatment on the basis of irrelevant personal characteristics. The Human Rights Act covers discrimination on the grounds of sex, marital status, religious belief, ethical belief, colour, race, ethnic or national origins, disability, age, political opinion, employment status, family status, and sexual orientation. It is unlawful to discriminate on these grounds in the following areas of public life: employment, education, access to public places, provision of goods and services, and housing and accommodation.

So you see, it is illegal, and I find it alarming that your friend who worked in HR believes otherwise.

Many people have posted giving you some good advice as to why you may not be getting job offers. Some have even generously offered their time to meet with you and give you some coaching. Have you considered any of these options? It seems you've already made up your mind that you're being discriminated against because you're American. It's not impossible but I have a hard time believing that you've experienced discrimination every time in the 'tons' of interviews you've been on.

Please consider taking some of the kind people up on their offer if you haven't already.

Yes, take note...These are some very good points!!!! :nice1 It is often easy to make one's mind up about something and carry that attitude unwittingly into every room one enters.

Something to think about....sometimes it takes the perspective of complete strangers to figure these things out!

Good luck...hope some of this advice will turn things around for you.

[Nathan]

Yip. It looks like something more is going on than discrimination. The poll results don't seem to support discrimination as a huge factor. ...altho' it's kind of a small sampling.

Christine is right about the attitude. She catches me at that on a regular basis and straightens me out. (Side of my head usually has a big welt on it. ;) ) I think you'd be well off to take some of the free advice and help offered. It might land the job for you, and if it's worthless, at least you've got what you paid for.

Good luck.

[stu70]

Why don't you ask the employers who did not offer you the role to provide you some feedback on what were the main reasons your candidacy did not fly? Be honest and tell them you are committed to improving and their feedback is one way to bring about positive changes. You never know, they might even offer the role to you down the road if they feel you are turning a negative experience into a positive one! Good luck

[kendravixie]

Actually, when stating "yes to all" I've literally been through every piece of advice on the site.

When stating "discrimination of nationality," she was referring to the LEGAL discrimination of no NZ work exp. No NZ work exp usually includes migrants and that discrimination -is legal-.

I've been on mock interviews with reps, family, friends, and even pulled _more_ recommendations from coworkers.

I'm literally at my wits end. I keep getting interviews, rave responses, but no jobs.

_Something_ is up and I think it has to do with the NZ work experience.