Applying for Jobs in New Zealand from Overseas: Key Factors to Keep in Mind

If you've reached this point and clicked on this article, it's clear that the title has struck a chord with you. Applying for roles in New Zealand from overseas can sometimes feel like a daunting process. Dealing with negative responses or being ignored altogether might leave you wondering what you're doing wrong.

As someone who works in recruitment, receiving resumes from overseas candidates occurs weekly. While I make an effort to provide feedback on why their approach might not be ideal (given my specialization in contract recruitment), I thought it may be a good idea to draft up a more comprehensive resource that outlines the key considerations for applying to roles in New Zealand as an overseas candidate.

Keep reading, you may find some valuable information here!

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Know the market you are applying in. Currently, the New Zealand tech job market is suffering, with hundreds of great talents immediately available and with rights to work in New Zealand applying for positions. The probability for an overseas applicant to be successful for a Systems Engineer position or a Testing position is close to zero if they do not hold any rights to work and are not in New Zealand.

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Identify your strengths and the gaps in the market, as this is where your opportunity lies. New Zealand is a small country, which means that some skills will be hard to find. For example, COBOL or Informatica BDM are incredibly hard-to-recruit skill sets in New Zealand, and therefore, there will be opportunities for sponsorship and clients will be more open to considering overseas candidates with these skills.

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Understand the roles you apply for. Contract or temporary positions are just that - temporary. They require candidates who are not only immediately available but can also hit the ground running from day one. This means there is no time for training or getting up to speed. These positions also do not typically offer sponsorship, so they are only open to candidates who are already in the country and meet the criteria mentioned above.

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Identify who you should be talking to. Sometimes, recruiters may not be the best point of contact, and an immigration agent might be more helpful. If you really want to move to New Zealand but do not have the right to work and do not necessarily have a rare skill set, there are still options. In such cases, it may be beneficial to reach out to an immigration agent who can guide you through the visa application process. They will have expertise in navigating the complexities of immigration laws and can help you explore different visa options that may be available to you. Getting a visa first, moving to the country, and then starting your job search can be a viable approach for those who are determined to relocate to New Zealand.

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Network and build connections. Networking is crucial in New Zealand, and the preferred tool for networking here is LinkedIn. Use it to connect with professionals in your industry and area of expertise. Join relevant industry groups and engage in discussions to expand your network. Building connections can help you gain insights into the job market, learn about job opportunities, and even receive referrals from professionals already working in New Zealand.

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Stay resilient! Even though this isn't listed as a point to consider, it is still another good piece of advice. Times are tough here at the moment and even local candidates are struggling. Keeping these considerations in mind and leveraging the resources available to you, you can increase your chances of success when applying for roles in New Zealand, but keep in mind that there is time and context and that your success will also be dependent on this.

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Finally, it's important to note that these considerations are specific to the New Zealand job market and may not apply universally. When changing countries or working in a different country, there are many other factors to consider, such as cultural differences, visa requirements, and local employment laws. It's always advisable to conduct thorough research and seek guidance from professionals who specialize in international job searches or immigration. By taking a holistic approach and considering all relevant factors, you can navigate the challenges of working in a different country more effectively.

All the best!