[Lara Croft]

I've been asked by a couple of agencies if I am willing to fly to NZ (at my own expense) for interviews. I guess the answer has to be yes, so if it comes to this, I'm going to try and line up as many, in as few days as possible.

My questions are:
- what is the minimum amount of time I could practically spend in NZ on a work-finding tour, if I just based myself in Wellington? i.e. is a day enough to recover from jetlag? And then 2 days for interviews? I am self emplyed at the moment, so want to keep outages to the minimum!
- in addition to my passport, do I need any kind of Visa, or do I just buy a return ticket and turn up?
- any recommendations for which airline to use? Since it would just be a reccy, I would be alone, and wouldn't have masses of luggage.

Thanks,
Jane

[Chiba]

I just did this. I'd say you need two week's absolute minimum, ideally four. I don't see that you need a visa - you're just looking, not actually working. No idea on airlines from the UK, sorry.

One thing - agents need time, and they don't seem to really focus until you're sat in front of them, hence my four weeks recommendation. Use the first few days to get face time with as many agents as possible. Wear a suit, sell yourself, get them to introduce their colleagues. Be very specific in your requirements, keep mailing them, get yourself an NZ mobile phone and don't be fobbed off. Another excellent idea I had from a couple of agents was to do a lot of homework from the UK. Ask agents for a client list, pick companies you're interested in, find other companies you like the look of. Ask the agents to approach them for you - there are often roles that company's are considering but haven't got round to formalising yet.

PM me if you want more hints.

[emaino]

I have contacted some agencies and they said they could arrange a job offer for me in less than 2 weeks after i set my foot in Wellington. Since I work in the IT area and have seen tons of ads for Java developers, I think that this is true.

Just one extremely important advice: In the airport NEVER say that you are in NZ for a job interview if you don´t have the right visa/permit.

[Cardy]

i DID TWO WEEKS i landed on a saturday ,recovered from jet lag as much as i could sat /sun and then started interviews on the monday. I didnt just see agencies i arranged to see lots of employers direct and it was easy to see them once they new you were coming to nz they were very flexible with times some just saying give me a call and come down. Flew via singapore on singapore airlines and stayed at kiwi international on queen st auckland (basic but cheap)
Had a job offer in 2/3 days and turned it down when i saw how easy it was. Good luck:nice1

[Kerry and David]

We are flying out in April with Air NZ found them cheapest direct on their website.
Hubby is staying for two weeks to fit in interviews and also look at areas etc.

[mgbridges]

I did it all in a week. Landed in Auckland on Sunday morning, first interview on Monday morning. I managed 9 interviews (I think) in the week (and it had the Anzac Day public holiday in the middle of it!) and ended up with 3 job offers.

I didn't have a problem with jetlag, but maybe that's just me. I'd lined up 2 interviews before I left the UK and spoken to 3 or 4 agencies who all lined up interviews while I was in the country.

Obviously if you've got more time then you can do it in a more relaxed fashion, but don't feel that 2 weeks is the minimum. You do need to do some preparatory work before you arrive, however, and be ready for a full-on week.

Martin