Tips for Migrant Job Seekers
For most migrants, finding a job is not only a key to a new life, but the cornerstone of a Visa application, and so there is a lot to be said for how this process works, what doesn’t work and some of the most commonly made mistakes.
We have assisted a lot of people over the years to secure Residence in New Zealand and as part of that, we have figured out a few useful tips when it comes to the job search process. If you are planning on a move here, or are already here and seeking a job offer, to then pursue various Visas, the following might just be useful in tackling that rather large task.
The Job Market
One very common mistakes, migrant hopefuls make is to assume that the job market in New Zealand (and therefore the job search) works in the same way as the country they are coming from. Whilst things are similar, in many respects, there are some subtle differences that, once you have your head around, can make a big difference to how you approach the search.
In many countries, your CV is the key to securing a job offer, particularly in very populated locations, where there are a much higher volume of applicants. In these markets, CV’s are generally longer, contain a lot more history and are often used by potential employers and recruiters as the main assessment tool. In New Zealand, for most roles, a CV is generally only useful in getting you to the interview. The interview itself is where you will sell yourself, your skills and your suitability for the job.
Employers in New Zealand can often be quite slow to respond, and then when they finally do, there is a mad panic to fill the empty seat. Don’t be disheartened if you apply, or are interviewed and hear nothing for days or sometimes even weeks. A gentle follow up, is also useful, but two emails a day, puts you in the “stalking category”.
New Zealand is also very big on networking and a lot of job-seekers find success through building networks within their respective fields, using LinkedIn or other social media as a basis to do so. Attending local industry events is also a good idea as it helps you to see who is out there, who might be employing and who you should be talking to.
Obviously a really key part of your strategy is being in the market (physically). Despite the proliferation of online meetings during the Covid era, rather predictably, as creatures of habit, employers still prefer the face to face engagement. Also being in New Zealand to undertake the search, demonstrates a level of commitment that puts you head and shoulders above all the other migrant job seekers, trying to achieve this from afar.
Preparation & Strategy
In the same way that you need to prepare for the Visa process, you also need to prepare for the job search process. Having a good clear and well written CV is crucial, and having the right approach and strategy is also critical - without good preparation, you are better off just buying a lottery ticket. Here are some key things to consider when preparing your job search:
CV’s need to be tailored for each job you apply for. Start with a good basic outline and then for each job, adjust the CV to highlight the skills that employer would find relevant.
Cover letters are the same, have a basic starting point, but then modify each one for the role you are targeting. Your cover letter should also explain why you want that job, not just any job.
Do your homework - make sure you are applying for the right role, and in the right industry - a spray and pray approach is very rarely successful.
Treat the job search, like a job - have a start and end time during your day, be strategic about what you are applying for and carefully prepare and consider each application.
Spell-check - it might sound simple, but making sure that the documents (CV etc.) and communications you send for each application are polished, correct and sent with the right tone and voice is really important. Nothing sends your CV to the trash can faster, than a spelling mistake.
Some simple but clever preparation and using a little strategy will increase your job search prospects exponentially. Having some local market knowledge will also help and it is something we offer our clients throughout the process as well. If you are planning on travelling to NZ to undertake the search (which we recommend) then some upfront preparation can make the onshore search so much more worthwhile.
Quality over Quantity
When you start this process and particularly if you have travelled here to undertake the search (boots on the ground sort of stuff), there is a natural tendency to fire out your CV and cover letter (without much tailoring) to everyone and to anywhere. There is a mad rush to find a job, any job. Understandeable.
The key however is to focus on the quality of your applications, versus the volume you send out. Four, very carefully researched, curated and prepared applications in a day, will trump 100, shotgun style approaches, every day of the week. Take some time to understand the role, what the employer is looking for and then presenting an application that shows you are the best fit. Tailor your CV and cover letter, to speak to the right audience. When an employer sees you have put some effort in to the application, understand the role on offer and can demonstrate why you are the best fit, then you have a much better chance of success.
Remember your CV is your advertising pitch for the job, so it has to stand out, but also be clear, concise and to the point. A good, well prepared and customised CV isn’t going to get you the job, but it hopefully going to get you the interview.
Spend some time understanding the local market for your expertise…what are the current trends within your industry, are there any relevant news stories or industry news articles that you can speak to or reference when you engage with the employer. These are all things that demonstrate you are not just skilled, but you are passionate about your work and that goes a long way to attracting an employer to want to know more.
Try calling the prospective employer (if you know who they are) first, before you send in your application. Ask some questions about the role, leave your name and see if you can get the email address for the hiring manager. This shows you are proactive, but also leaves your name as a standout from all the other applicants, sending in CV’s.
Think creatively and then apply that creativity to each application - how can you approach each role, in a different way, to set yourself apart.
Final Thoughts
There is a lot more we could offer, in terms of tips and advice to the potential migrant job-seeker, but that would make for a much longer blog (although some good ideas for future articles)…the above however are some really key points that are often overlooked and can make a pretty big difference. The challenge is a significant one and many a migrant has failed to reach the summit on the job search, but those who are well prepared and take a more strategic approach are far more likely to be successful.
There is no magic formula or secret sauce to this process, and despite the numerous companies online selling the “six-steps to success” (or other similar promises), all you need is some common-sense, grit, determination and commitment. The job search process is grueling, frustrating and the sort of thing that has you banging your head against the desk, but remember even with 99 “No’s”, just one “Yes” is all you need.
For more advice on the job search process and how this all fits together with the overall Visa strategy, contact us today. We can assess your options to make the move and provide some additional job-searching wisdom, along the way.
Until next week.
