What’s life like in Whanganui?
“Whanganui chose me!” smiles Nikki Ni. Nikki moved to Whanganui to work for the Whanganui District Council’s water services team in mid-2019. Newly married to Simon Zhang, who she had met while studying, Nikki looked for work in regional New Zealand after struggling to find work in Auckland after graduating.
Who can help you?
Job hunting can be a challenging process. Trying to do it on your own, with no support from family, friends or contacts, can be even harder. One way to stay motivated is to ask a group of people to support you with your job search.
Make sure you have a support crew
You’ll need a CV and a cover letter
When applying for a job, you’ll be asked to submit a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a cover letter. These may look different from what you are used to.
Finding Referees
A referee is someone who can answer any questions employers have about your skills, attitude, work experience and work habits. You usually need at least two referees for a job application.
Your skills
Your skills are the things you can do well. It is a good idea to identify your skills and write a list of these before you apply for jobs and write your CV. If you know what you can do well, you will find it easier to promote yourself to prospective employers.
Work experience
There are a number of ways you can gain work experience during your studies and while you are seeking work.
How work experience can help you get a job
Develop your English skills
When you apply for jobs with New Zealand employers, they will expect you to have good English language skills. Great English language skills will give you a competitive edge when looking for work.
Here’s how to improve your English skills
The Treaty of Waitangi?
The Treaty of Waitangi /Te Tiriti o Waitangi is the founding document of New Zealand. There were two versions signed – an English version and a Māori version, which have some differences. It is an agreement that has made between the British Crown and many Māori chiefs in 1840. The Treaty influences legislation, education, resources, language and culture in New Zealand. Because of the Treaty, New Zealand considers itself a bicultural country – the two cultures being Māori and non-Māori.
What is the Treaty of Waitangi?
Your personal brand and online presence
When you are looking for a job, you will need to communicate your knowledge, skills and experience to potential employers in a way that interests them in hiring you. This is like advertising yourself.
Getting to work
This checklist is designed to help you prepare to get work in New Zealand during and after your study.
New Zealand slang
Slang, jargon and communicating in the New Zealand workplace. Most languages have ‘slang’ words. Slang is informal language that is usually spoken rather than written.
