[Sisir]

Hi All,
This is my first post to this forum even though I have been actively looking into this forum for a while ( Member since Jun 2009 ;) )... Also noted that there are a quite a few helpful guys around who provides useful info..Guys, will need a bit of your advise , if possible please...

My EOI was selected on 7th Apr 2009 and I did receive ITA on 12th May 2009 for both of us ( Me and my OH). I have already submitted required documents and keeping my fingers crossed.

Was wondering that whether it will be a good idea to travel to NZ for a short trip (Approx 2 weeks) and look out for a job there , since the processing of ITA will surely take some time ? I am a project management professional with 11 years experience and with expertise in retail banking, financial domain and government sectors.

What do you all think ?
Thanks in advance...

[Ana&Steve]

Hmmm, I've seen people handle this one in so many different ways.... I feel you should do what your gut tells you ie: job reccie, moving then searching, trying from where you are, etc. then give the plan everything you've got.
What works for one doesn't necessarily work for another.
Just my two cents:nice1

[Sisir]

Hi Ana,

Thanks for your reply :)
Yeah agree with you completely...

However, I thought to drop in a note in case people over there who have seen the environment have a better idea rather than us who are far from there and planning ahead...

Yeah, I guess I need to listen to my heart and move on ..with what I feel is correct :) .. thanks again and wish you a wonderful weekend ahead:cheers

[JandM]

Welcome to the forum, and the best of luck with whatever you decide. :):nice1

[Paul & Rach]

I'd suggest getting all your ducks in a row first making yourself 100% available for work. Then do your 2 week reccie trip with meetings lined up for several agents and employers if possible. Employers are not interested in candidates who aren't ready for work yet.

[Kiwi Mac]

If you want to do Project Management, PRINCE 2 qualifications will be pretty much mandatory for almost all government or quango work.

It's the "in" thing just now.

[Sisir]

Thanks Paul & Rach:)
Agree, we have the 100% intention to move over and settle over there.
However, moving from here, always takes a while and its always better to have a confirmed job before I move over...

Thanks Kiwi Mac..
Appreciate your suggestions.
Well, I am PMP certified though and practicing Project management for last 5 years...

[winka]

If you want to do Project Management, PRINCE 2 qualifications will be pretty much mandatory for almost all government or quango work.

It's the "in" thing just now.

Has been for years in Public sector in the UK and is being widely adopted here and in Australia these days.

[mcleanja]

Hi Sisir

I personally don’t believe 2 weeks will be enough time to meet enough employers as the recruitment process does take longer here. As other also have said the employers here are really only interested in people who are available to start soon, and are willing to make the commitment.

We took the plunge and packed our stuff in SA and moved here with enough savings to sustain us (rent, food, transport) while we were looking for work. It took me just over 2 months to find work and I am counting myself lucky! I know of others who have been out of work for 6 months. I also feel people must be prepared to lower there standards when coming over, as you don’t have market knowledge and experience.

My views of course.
Regards,
Jamie

[Sisir]

Hi Jamie,

Agree with you completely. Personally, I also feel that 2 weeks might be a bit short in order to look for an option there.

Well I have been discussing with few of the agencies as well and I believe coming 2 months might not be a good time to try my luck as well ( Especially coz of Xmas and New year breaks). And yes, we are also having serious thoughts on moving over there permanently and looking out for options.

Glad to hear that you have found a job and congrats as well and thanks so much for your suggestions , which is pretty useful as well. Btw, May I ask ( if you dont mind) are you into IT as well or any other profession ? Thanks

Regards,

[mcleanja]

Hi Sisir

Yes I am in IT (as well as my wife, she got employed a couple of weeks after me), I am a .NET Developer with 5 years experience. I found permanent work at a big IT company here (on my own steam, agencies could only get me short contracts not perm roles). We feel NZ is def good for us (lifestyle compared to South Africa) and loving it so far, the move is already well worth it. Your situation might be different to ours tho.

If you are serious about the move I would suggest to do it mid/end Jan.

Keep well
Jamie

[Sisir]

Hi Jamie,

Thanks so much for your suggestions and yeah, we are pretty much serious about moving. Well , as for my case I did start my career in IT as well and at this point of time , primarily in project management in Retail Banking as well Government / Financial Sectors. I have around 11 years experience as well mostly in Singapore itself ( Approx 9-10 years).

Good to hear that you are well settled there and yeah agree too that its a nice place to live in. It was good knowing you. Pls do keep in touch.

Thanks for all your info.

Regards