[Anita & Marco]

Hi all,

I thought it might be a nice idea to contribute to this forum regarding ‘Working in Wellington’. I recently emigrated to New Zealand and experienced some issues around finding a job. To give you some background, more than 3 years ago my partner and I decided to emigrate to New Zealand. With our extensive backgrounds in Human Resources and Office Management respectively we were confident that securing ourselves a nice job would not be too difficult. After we rounded off the emigration process to gain a Permanent Residency Visa in the Netherlands we left at the end of 2005. On arrival in New Zealand we did not have jobs; after some traveling, a little more research, conversations with recruitment agencies and visits to several cities, we decided to settle us in Wellington.

Although on the internet you find a lot of information on recruiters and jobs, it became pretty clear to us that it takes a special approach to find the specific job for yourself. In particular the first 6 months have been a very valuable period. We dare to say that we have a much better understanding of the job market now and learned some basic tips and tricks. Because of my HR experience of more than 20 years in the Netherlands I can pretty well compare the differences that exist between the New Zealand and European job markets and cultures.

Would anyone on this forum be interested in working in New Zealand, especially in the Wellington area, please feel free to send me a private message. The more information you have beforehand the better you will be prepared on arrival in this beautiful country on the other side of the world.

Cheers,
Marco

[sarabear]

Hi Marco,

Thanks for your thoughtful offer. I've just been offered an excellent job in Wellington, but my husband would be looking for something if I were to accept it. He's currently working as an administrative assistant (creating, formatting, and proofing documents, organizing travel, arranging conferences and meetings, minor tech support) while going to school in the evenings for a degree in design. Perhaps we could chat about it offline? I wasn't able to easily find your contact info, but I'm at mikaloff(at)princeton.edu.

Thanks again!
Sara

[Anita & Marco]

Hello Sarabear

Can you send me a private mail via this forum or otherwise provide me with your email address.

Cheers

Marco

[sarabear]

Thanks, Marco! I'm at mikaloff(at)princeton.edu.
Sara

[Danlondono]

Hello Marco,

I am definitely interested in moving to New Zealand, especially beautiful and windy Wellington! :)

I've been having a lot of difficulty with job offers (the ol' ping pong effect.. need work visa before they offer the job, etc).

There doesn't seem to be any private message option on this forum so here's my email address: danlondono@earthlink.net

[Smiler]

Hi Dan

I'd edit your post and cut your email addy. If you want to PM someone just click on their screen name at the top left of the post and a couple of options come up. One of them is to send a PM! :yes

Oh and Welcome to the forum too! :cheers

[IanW99]

Hi Dan

I'd edit your post and cut your email addy. If you want to PM someone just click on their screen name at the top left of the post and a couple of options come up. One of them is to send a PM! :yes

Oh and Welcome to the forum too! :cheers

But you can only edit a post for a limited time, so would need an admin to edit it now.

Also, don't forget that PMs don't work on this forum until the user has done 5 posts.

Ian

[Danlondono]

Maybe that is why I did not see any option to PM. Thanks! :cheers

[Smiler]

But you can only edit a post for a limited time, so would need an admin to edit it now.

Also, don't forget that PMs don't work on this forum until the user has done 5 posts.

Ian

Thanks, I'd forgotten that new fangled ruling! :uhoh

[Danlondono]

its ok. that email address was created for immigration to NZ.

[nicknick75]

Hello
my name is Nicola and i'm from rome Italy....
In these days i've received a job recruitment in new zealand...above all in aukland i think, but is not important for now....i`d like to have some informations more about this country above all regarding Visa and life style :-)
i'm new in this forum so i can't send you a PM anyway i leave my email
nicola.blasi(at)gmail.com so we can't discuss about this my new adventure in other side of the world (from my point of view:-)
thanks
regards
Nickk

[Annierobrigado]

hello marco,
i've been lurking around this forum since we started our migration process in 2004; now we're finally here in wellington and fortunately for us I have a job with the CCDHB, but i am not the principal applicant; my husband is. we came over on a Skilled migrant category work-to-residence visa, and since my husband is the principal applicant, he is obliged to get a job that is similar or within the field of his previous work experience back in our country (Philippines). he arrived here in july '07; my kids and i arrived in october. although we have a 2-year wtr visa (expires 2009), we would probably breathe a little easier if he would be able to land a job, something that will lead to permanent residency visa, coz our visa officers are quite strict about that.
He's had quite a no. of interviews, and have been shortlisted in various positions, but he still hasn't quite got past that stage where he would be interviewed by the company itself. he was the university registrar (student records etc) at the de la salle health sciences campus in the philippines, as well as a lecturer in biochemistry and medical informatics, and he held a no. of admin positions as well. student advisor, regional quality assurance something (sorry, i forgot) on curriculum of nursing and midwifery schools, that sort of thing. actually he was told by one of the HR recruiters that his job in the phils is actually 3 different jobs here in nz, which is why they get quite confused as to what he actually did back home. well, in short, he multitasked, his basic job is university lecturer, but he was appointed to all sorts of admin positions at the same time, so it seemed as though he was juggling a no. of jobs but they were all at one university.

Now that you know HR here in nz, maybe you could advise us how to get on with getting that all important job offer so that we can apply for PR soon? or, if it's not being cheeky, maybe you can help us look for a job? you might know of something.:nice1

beg your pardon if this is too forward. :o but will appreciate any help you may have for us - well, even just reading about this i'll be grateful!

thanks;)
annie

[Annierobrigado]

hi smiler,

i didn't know about that new ruling! no wonder i couldn't find the send a private message icon or something. but i've been a member since 2004, and really! i wonder if my category still remains the same...

annie:o

[Smiler]

hi smiler,

i didn't know about that new ruling! no wonder i couldn't find the send a private message icon or something. but i've been a member since 2004, and really! i wonder if my category still remains the same...

annie:o

Oh WOW Annie you're here!!! That's fantastic news.

Welcome to New Zealand even if I am a little late wishing it to you...:D

How are you settling in? I'm sure you could write a book on your immigration experience...

Email Douglas about your PM thingy. You should be able to PM, it may be inactive if you've been off for a while.

Congratulations to you all. :cheers

D x x x

*sorry to hijack the thread everyone, I couldn't contain myself!*

[tigerlily]

Hi Annie!

My husband is a lecturer as well, and we've really been out of luck with jobs in that area. Mostly just because there are so few universities. If you are commited to being in Welly then I would suggest that he look at government jobs that would be related. Maybe working for the Ministry of Education or the Higher Ed commission or the Health people? Something that would use his same knowledge, but be available where you are. Even something like health policy might be something he could do? I know policy jobs pay pretty well.

Making contacts seems to be an important thing- could he go in for an informal meeting with someone doing the sort of job he wants? Attending a conference could help as a way to meet people.

If all else fails, see if someone needs a little free consulting work done, at least he would get out there and show off his stuff!

Best of luck to you and your family.

PS. I remember you! Glad you are back!

[Annierobrigado]

hi smiler!

so glad you remember, it's been quite a while, isn't it? maybe it was quite a long wait, but generally i'm glad i'm here... and hope to stay here! the pr thing is now our concern, but we're still hoping that maybe it's really just bad timing - december holiday mode and all - and that january will bring better luck on the work front.

thanks, hope we meet up someday, if you're in welly i'm probably bumping into you and don't know it yet!:D

cheers and thanks
annie

[Smiler]

Annie

I've PM'd you twice lol! Because I forgot to add something the first time.

I hope you can receive PM's.....:uhoh

[Annierobrigado]

yup, thanks for the advice, we'd do anything and everything to secure a job offer that will lead to PR. what does your husband do now, if he hasn't been accepted as a lecturer? was he the principal applicant? if so, was his job enough to get your PR?

sorry for all the questions. anyway, it was a long process of migration for us, but now that we're here, everything seems like a blur already. i'm really enjoying new zealand, it's all that i expected and more, especially the cold weather! got quite a shock when we got out of the airport on our arrival, seemed like someone stuffed me into a giant freezer with no "off" button! i shivered the whole time, and couldn't wait to dive under a duvet! my husband Ric came in winter so the october weather was milder already to him, and he was laughing at me. problem now is i've itched and scratched my dry skin too often, i now have red patches of itchy dry skin that look like polka dots on my legs and can't go out in the sunshine with just shorts. so even if i feel warm i still have to wear long pants to cover up, and when i see kiwis in their shorts and sleeveless blouses i feel overdressed! hahahaha. nah, this is just a joke, i still feel quite cold but am getting used to it. have to slather on loads of lotion to keep my skin moisturized.

anyway, thanks for your message, will try to do those things that we haven't tried, and hopefully we'll land a job for ric and get that PR soon!

cheers
annie

[Anita & Marco]

Hi there,

The month of December is not the best time of the year to secure yourself a job in NZ. At this time of the year everyone is busy with having Xmas morning teas, Xmas lunches, Xmas afternoon teas, Xmas dinners etc., so the focus is not really on working or hiring people. Also January can be a bit slow still.

However, it is a good time to make informal contacts when you are out in town, f.i. in the pub or restaurant and then contact these people early next year. A good idea is to have your own business cards and as mentioned earlier, to attend seminars and conferences (but of course at this time of the year this will be difficult).

With regards to your CV you should focus on the skills/experiences that are asked for in the position you are applying for and sometimes it is good to have a few different CV's for different type of positions.

Maybe the most important thing is to get a foot in the door within in an organisation. You should not be too picky about the roles, but it is neither a good idea to start at a level that is way below your skills/experiences, since it will be hard to move upward from there.

Feel free to drop me a PM.

Cheers,
Marco

[tigerlily]

Annie,

We were lucky enough to get PR without a job offer- but it was easier since we were applying under the old system. We've taken almost as long as possible to do this process. In that time he's seen almost no academic jobs in his field, and he has no publications so he wouldn't be competative anyway. He's moving into consulting work, which he began at home and hopes to find something similar when we arrive in January. We've heard that even January is slow! But I'm hopeful that as people come back from holidays they will start posting more positions.

[Annierobrigado]

hi marco

i tend to agree with you... everybody is in holiday mode these days! so we kind of accepted the fact that maybe january will shed some light on us. hopefully!

thanks
will pm you later
annie

[ali_kamalov]

Hello Marco,

So grateful for your offered support and decided to benefit from it.

I received my ITA in September '07 and lodged my application in November.
I am corporate/project finance professional with more than 10 years experience with development institutions. I also consider to settle down either in Auckland or Wellington. I would apprecite for your sharing of your experience in job hunting since I have no clue about NZ specifics.

Cheers and thanks a lot,
Ali.

[vijay_ren]

Hi

I am looking for job in IT field at Wellington. I am unable to send you private message.
I am arriving at Wellington on 18th Jan 2008. Can you please contact me on vijay_ren [at] hotmail.com

[Anita & Marco]

Hello Ali

With the information you provided me I can not give you the one and only solution. However, important to know if you want to secure yourself a job in New Zealand is:
without a joboffer you must certainly change your CV in the New Zealand style and make it tailormade (every time you apply for a role).
If you have got enough points to enter the country without a joboffer this will be less important because you will be able to come over to New Zealand and find your way around.
Recently I noticed more and more potential migrants come over to NZ on a holiday and try to find a job while they are here. Is no quarantee but you can introduce yourself to organisations etc. and you can have a look around and decide in which area you prefer to live.

Cheers

Marco

Hello Marco,

So grateful for your offered support and decided to benefit from it.

I received my ITA in September '07 and lodged my application in November.
I am corporate/project finance professional with more than 10 years experience with development institutions. I also consider to settle down either in Auckland or Wellington. I would apprecite for your sharing of your experience in job hunting since I have no clue about NZ specifics.

Cheers and thanks a lot,
Ali.

[ourquest]

. I am unable to send you private message.

If the forum rules require you to have posted five times to send a PM, then post five times. Surely this way the member you want the information from will know that at least you are serious (as much as 5 posts proves this) and have become something of a contributor yourself before they spend their time giving you personal advice which is not visible to others on the forum?

Thanks for your input Anita and Marco, and the insight into the real job market. It would be truly beneficial to see you post a concise list (as a new thread) of your suggestions to job seekers.

[dugdug]

Hi

I am looking for job in IT field at Wellington. I am unable to send you private message.
I am arriving at Wellington on 18th Jan 2008. Can you please contact me on vijay_ren [at] hotmail.com


Are you going there on an interview trip ?

[Zeeta]

Hi everyone,

pretty much in the same shoe here. I'm trying to arrange job interviews for the time I get to Wellington (15 January), but so far only managed to book in at recruitment agencies. And even they have concerns. I just got an email from one of them saying:

"Thank you for your enquiry.
Unfortunately our potential candidates must be legally eligible to work in New Zealand, and most of our clients request that potential candidates have New Zealand work experience. At this point of time it would be difficult for us to find a suitable placement for you. I hope you appreciate our honest approach and not wasting your time."

I must admit I was a tad surprised, not for the turndown, but because reading this message board it never occurred to me that NZ experience makes such a big difference to employers.
Does anyone else get this kind of explanation from them?

[eternalkiwi]

Hi Zeeta

To a certain degree it does depend on the type of job you are seeking.
I have heard from a few employers and recruitment agencies that have found overseas experience is not always transferable to the NZ workplace.

Though I know some agencies will still avoid helping you when you have gained NZ experience to demonstrate your overseas experience.

Shawn

[raghujadhav]

HI Anita & Marco I have sent a PM to u .

[texasted]

Hi Anita & Marco,,

I am interested in getting a job in Wellington but I haven't been able to PM you my email address is nichola-e@hotmail.co.uk I would appreciate some help in the job search.

Many thanks
Nicky:cheers

[JandM]

You'll be able to PM when you've made 5 posts - in case you want to get to that point and take your email address off public view.

[theSingsons]

Hello,

Nice to see a fellow Filipino in the forums (kababayan). Well, as for us, the principal is my wife... she's got all the degrees and stuff and she has been a practicing Executive Recruitment Consultant for more than 8 years in the Philippines. You are in the Wellington Area I suppose? I think the best course is still to keep posting your hubby's resume online. That is the hardest thing working here in the Philippines... they bleed you dry for all the service you can do for the organization.
Anyway, my wife and I are dropping by Welly sometime late Aug. for our job interviews. We've been working on this immigration for the past two years.We would have made it there this year... but a pleasant surprise came along... a baby girl.
Hope to see you in NZ pretty soon.

Cheers!!!