adamsat
22nd June 2005, 08:24 PM
I'd thought I'd put this under a seperate post as I thought it might help those looking for work, especially in Christchurch.
I really want to highlight the different experiences I've had looking for work in NZ. I first came over on a solo job hunting trip back in February / March, just after we were granted PR. At that stage we hadn't sold the house and didn't have a definate date for when we would be here permanently.
I'm in telecoms / IT and although laterly a project manager was happy to try anything in that area from the most basic technician role upwards. On the trip back in February the response was pretty lacklustre with most agencies (although not all) more or less telling me I was wasting my time and I should be trying Wellington or Auckland. This was backed up by an agency in Wellington who told me they could me a job inside a week if I went there.
Despite all this we resolved to give Chch a go when we were in the position to move out permanently, with the fallback plan of moving elsewhere should I not be able to get a job.
I'd continued to apply for roles from the UK after I returned with the usual, "thanks but no thanks" email responses.
When we did arrive at the start of last week things were certainly different. Admittedly there wasn't a stampede for my services, but at least there was some interest and agencies were saying positive things about finding me work. I think the real difference was being able to say "available for immediate start". I've managed to pick up a job offer and turn down another couple of interviews all inside the first week and a half.
Hope this helps encourage those who are struggling to get any response while applying to jobs from the UK.
I really want to highlight the different experiences I've had looking for work in NZ. I first came over on a solo job hunting trip back in February / March, just after we were granted PR. At that stage we hadn't sold the house and didn't have a definate date for when we would be here permanently.
I'm in telecoms / IT and although laterly a project manager was happy to try anything in that area from the most basic technician role upwards. On the trip back in February the response was pretty lacklustre with most agencies (although not all) more or less telling me I was wasting my time and I should be trying Wellington or Auckland. This was backed up by an agency in Wellington who told me they could me a job inside a week if I went there.
Despite all this we resolved to give Chch a go when we were in the position to move out permanently, with the fallback plan of moving elsewhere should I not be able to get a job.
I'd continued to apply for roles from the UK after I returned with the usual, "thanks but no thanks" email responses.
When we did arrive at the start of last week things were certainly different. Admittedly there wasn't a stampede for my services, but at least there was some interest and agencies were saying positive things about finding me work. I think the real difference was being able to say "available for immediate start". I've managed to pick up a job offer and turn down another couple of interviews all inside the first week and a half.
Hope this helps encourage those who are struggling to get any response while applying to jobs from the UK.