New Zealand has a strong demand for skilled workers in many sectors. Here's how to find a job and make your application stand out.
Major Job Sites
- Seek NZ (seek.co.nz): The largest job board in NZ. Most professional and trade roles are listed here.
- Trade Me Jobs (trademe.co.nz/jobs): A strong competitor with many listings, particularly in trades and retail.
- LinkedIn: Widely used for professional roles. Many recruiters actively search LinkedIn for candidates.
- Indeed NZ: Aggregates listings from multiple sources.
- Government jobs: Jobs.govt.nz lists public sector roles.
- Kiwi Health Jobs: For health sector roles (nurses, doctors, allied health).
- Education Gazette: For teaching and education roles.
CV Tips for New Zealand Employers
- Keep it concise: 2 — 3 pages maximum. NZ employers prefer focused CVs over long career histories.
- Use a NZ-style CV: Include a brief personal statement at the top, then work experience (most recent first), education, and skills. No photo needed.
- Include your visa status: Be upfront about your right to work. If you have a resident visa, say so. If you need employer sponsorship, state that clearly.
- Localise your experience: Explain any international qualifications or experience in NZ terms. If you worked in a role that's similar to a NZ occupation, mention the NZ equivalent.
- References: Usually 2 professional references. Have them ready but don't include their details on the CV unless asked.
- Cover letter: Customise it for each application. Explain why you're moving to NZ and what skills you bring.
Qualifications Recognition
Your overseas qualifications may need to be assessed for equivalency in New Zealand:
- NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority): Assesses overseas qualifications for NZ equivalency. This is essential if you're applying under the Skilled Migrant Category or for registration in regulated professions.
- Registration bodies: Some professions require NZ registration: Nursing Council, Teaching Council, Engineering NZ, New Zealand Institute of Architects, etc.
- Start early: The assessment process can take 4 — 8 weeks or more.
Recruitment Agencies
Several agencies specialise in placing skilled migrants:
- Randstad: large agency covering many sectors
- Hays: professional and technical roles
- Robert Half: finance, IT, legal
- Beyond Recruitment: construction, engineering, IT
- Trade recruitment: Tradestaff, OneStaff, AWF for building and industrial roles
Salary Expectations (2025)
- Median wage: NZD $31.61/hour (approx. NZD $65,750/year for full-time)
- Software Engineer (mid-level): NZD $95,000 — $130,000
- Registered Nurse: NZD $75,000 — $100,000
- Secondary School Teacher: NZD $55,000 — $95,000
- Electrician: NZD $80,000 — $110,000
- Civil Engineer: NZD $85,000 — $140,000
- Retail/Hospitality: NZD $23 — $30/hour
Job Interview Tips
- New Zealand interviews are generally informal and conversational.
- Be prepared to discuss your visa situation and timeline.
- Show enthusiasm for moving to NZ: employers want people who are committed to staying.
- Ask about relocation support: some employers offer help with flights, shipping, or temporary accommodation.
- Follow up with a thank-you email within 24 hours.