BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT

Your have the qualifications and experience but still don’t seem to be able to find your dream job. Why?

I hear this sad story all the time from migrants who have given up their secure jobs back home, left their friends and family, spent tens of thousands of dollars to come to New Zealand, only to find their hopes and dreams dashed.

As an employment coach, I am presented with this problem by my clients. I tell them that I have to give them an honest answer. So I ask them to answer two questions.

1.???? What are the barriers that are stopping you from getting the job you want?

I then facilitate a brainstorming session to identify the barriers. The common ones are:

a.???? No New Zealand experience

b.???? CV and Cover Letter not working

c.???? Visa status or type

d.???? Waiting on Immigration New Zealand for visa or a response

e.???? Overseas qualifications

f.????? Overqualified and over-experienced

g.???? IELTS requirements

h.???? English not good enough

i.????? Lack of network

j.????? No registration or certification for certain jobs

k.???? Underemployed

l.????? Bad experience with current employer

m.?? Got the wrong advice

?2.???? What should you do to overcome these barriers?

Then I help the client to identify solutions to overcome these barriers. Some require effort and time while others need investment of money. Most could be resolved by taking the appropriate actions.

Let me comment on each of these barriers:

No New Zealand experience – How do you gain New Zealand experience if not given a chance to prove oneself? Taking on a slightly lower position is one option to gain that experience and to prove to the employer that you are good at it. Doing some volunteer work or any part time work in a related or unrelated field is also a positive move e.g. customer service, hospitality or project-based work.

CV and Cover Letter not working – This is a significant problem. Sending a General CV that does not match the job description or the employer’s requirements can result in a rejection by the Applicant Tracking System - the usual "Unfortunately...., Sorry to advice..... We found a candidate who better matched....."

You need to create a Target CV and Cover Letter that matches the employer’s job description and person specification. If you are not able to market yourself in your CV, then you may need to consider paying a professional to help write your Target CV and Cover Letter. You have already spent thousands to get here. Consider the payment as an investment and not an expense.

Visa status or type – If you don’t have the correct work visa or the right type e.g. work visa, open job search visa, Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa(MEPV) etc., then you do have a problem. You need to talk to your Immigration Lawyer or a Licensed Immigration Adviser to help you. Many online job sites require you to state your visa type including its expiry date.

Waiting on Immigration New Zealand for visa or a response – You have to take this up with Immigration New Zealand or complain to your Member of Parliament. Form a group and talk to the media to publish your complaint.

Overseas Qualifications – This could be a barrier in some cases. If you can demonstrate your personal and technical skills on your CV, at the interview and at work, then it should not be a problem. If your employer requires verification of your overseas qualifications, you can submit these to NZQA for International Qualification Assessment (IQA) but it will cost you hundreds of dollars.

Overqualified and over-experienced – This is a very common barrier. Migrants who come here are generally highly skilled and with great overseas qualifications. We are proud of our academic qualifications and achievements. But qualifications could be a significant barrier and may not be a ticket for getting a job in New Zealand as it could in your country. You may be over-qualified for the jobs you are applying for. Or your qualification may not be relevant for that job. So, tone it down. Only state your qualifications if they match the job requirements.

IELTS requirements – Some jobs require a certain level of English competency. If you cannot demonstrate your English level, then you may be asked to sit the IELTS test at your cost. The minimum level is IELTS 6.5 Academic Band. Also remember, your IELTS test result is only valid for 2 years.

English not good enough – Sounds like an affront to your dignity. Strong communication skills and competency in English is a must. So ask yourself how well you can perform in a Kiwi workplace environment. You may be good in speaking but not as good in writing. Mix with Kiwis and learn their pronunciation, slangs and build your confidence. If you need some help, enroll in some English language classes or hire a private tutor. There are many free English classes available in your location. Soon you will be talking like Kiwis.

Lack of network – This is a major problem. It is natural for migrants to find comfort by spending more time with other migrants and live in migrant communities. Many of them may be struggling just like you to find jobs. If you want to find job opportunities quickly, then you must build your Kiwi network. Join your Neighbourhood Watch group, attend the local church, find out what industry groups you can join, attend industry events (you may even get a free lunch), become a member of your professional association or start a group yourself.

No registration or certification for certain jobs – Many jobs require certification such as engineers, electricians, plumbers, nurses, doctors, lawyers and teachers. You may have all the qualifications and experience, but these may not be enough until you gain registration or certification. Find out what you need to do. Most of this can be found online or by contacting the right agencies.

Underemployed – You need money to survive until you find your ideal job. Many migrants take on jobs that are not what they are qualified for. These are generally customer service, administration or blue-collar jobs. I know of many migrants who work in the restaurants, retail shops, work as traffic controllers, security guards, Uber drivers and take on other labour jobs. Sadly, many experience exploitation, depression and other problems. Unfortunately, you may have to do such jobs to support yourself. But don’t get stuck in this rut. Actively seek employment to secure your dream job. Being underemployed is not all bad. You are gaining New Zealand experience in the process. So do state this in your CV and explain why you are doing it.

Bad experience with current employer – Almost every week I have migrants coming to me for advice and help. They have been bullied, exploited, cheated, harassed, sacked and abused. Many find that they have no way to escape as they need the income. We have very good Employment and other laws to protect you. You don’t have to suffer in silence. You must speak up. Call me, talk to the CAB, discuss with an employment advocate or lawyer. Contact MBIE, Immigration New Zealand and other agencies and report your problem. You can report exploitation anonymously. You can get another type of visa if you are exploited. So take action. Evil thrives when good people say nothing.

Got the wrong advice – Many migrants have come here on the advice they got from a friend, an overseas agent or because the heard something positive about New Zealand. Many paid tens of thousands of dollars overseas to unscrupulous agents who promised them fame and fortune on arrival in New Zealand. Now many feel conned. Yes, we need advice but be careful who you choose. Never pay an agent or an employer to get you a job in New Zealand. The best person to find out is YOU. Do the research yourself. Information is available at your fingertips by clicking all the New Zealand Government websites. If you need Immigration Advice, make sure you hire a registered New Zealand Immigration Advisor in New Zealand.

So what next?

Can you identify with one or more of the points raised here? What are you going to do about your situation? You chose to come here. Is it working out for you?

Don’t give up yet. I have given you some tips to overcome your barriers. New Zealand does offer you and your family a great life and future. New Zealand needs migrants like you. You have a choice to make it happen. So take the right action, make the necessary changes, seek help, report exploitation and be willing to start a couple up notches below your job ladder. Soon you will look back and rejoice and say, “It was all worth it”.

What do you intend to do as a result of reading this article? Don’t leave till tomorrow what you can do today. It is possible.