Finding a job - employment information for newcomers

If you haven't arranged a job before arriving in New Zealand, there are several ways to find employment in Auckland. But you need to be patient and keep trying to find work. You will also need to be qualified and experienced for the job you are looking for.

HOW CAN I REGISTER AS A JOB-SEEKER?

All adults who work in New Zealand must have an Inland Revenue Department (IRD) number before they start. This is so your employer can pass on the taxes on your earnings to the IRD. You can download the application form ('IR595') from the IRD website or telephone and ask to have a form posted to you. After filling out your application form, take it with the documents required to an Automobile Association (AA) agent or a Post Shop for processing.

WHAT WILL I NEED TO GET WORK?

If you are a skilled migrant, your qualifications should have been evaluated by the New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA) before you left for New Zealand. If not, you need to contact them as soon as possible. Some skilled jobs also need professional or trade registration. Contact NZQA online or by telephone for a list of the different registration authorities.

You will need a 'CV' (also called a resumé) listing your work experience and qualifications. You will also need a good understanding of what Auckland employers are looking for in a new employee.

WHERE CAN I GET THE JOB SEARCH HELP?

There are a number of free workshops available that can help you to learn 'job-search skills'. For example, Auckland Regional Migrant Services runs workshops in its Three Kings, Northcote and Manukau offices to give people a broad picture of the New Zealand job market and how to make connections in your chosen career. ARMS also runs workshops for some professions, such as Accountants, Health Workers and Engineers. Contact them for the latest workshop information.

Career Services and the Auckland Regional Chamber of Commerce can give you free advice and support in gaining job search-skills and finding a job. Both organisations have excellent websites to help you with your job search.

WHAT KIND OF JOB SEARCH SERVICES CAN I GET?

A number of free job search-services are available. These include job-search, skills training, creating a CV that will attract a New Zealand employer, mentoring schemes and job-search clubs. By using these services you will get a picture of the Auckland job market, tips on how to make your job search successful and an idea of the most effective way to search for jobs. Contact the Citizen's Advice Bureau, Auckland Regional Migrant Services or your local Settlement Support co-ordinator for details of workshops, courses and groups.

Auckland Regional Migrant Services runs workshops in its Three Kings, Northcote and Manukau offices to give people a broad picture of the New Zealand job market and how to make connections in your chosen career. ARMS also runs workshops for some professions, such as Accountants, Health Workers and Engineers. Contact them for the latest workshop information.

Careers Service and the Auckland Chamber of Commerce 'New Kiwis' service will give you very practical help and advice on how to search for jobs in the Auckland job market - and it is free. Both organisations have excellent websites to help you with your job search. Both offer workshops and faceto-face support.

WHERE CAN I FIND EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION?

When you are searching for a job, it is a good idea to look in the 'Situations Vacant'section of The New Zealand Herald (an Auckland-based newspaper), look in the free local newspapers that are delivered to your mailbox, go to job vacancy websites or sign up with a private employment agency (these are listed in Yellow Pages under 'Employment Agencies'). Also look for job search websites like www.seek.co.nz, jobs.nzherald.co.nz and www.trademejobs.co.nz.

Usually, employment (or 'recruitment') agencies do not charge job-seekers a fee. The employer is expected to pay any costs. If an Employment or Recruitment Agency says it will charge you for their service, you should contact the Citizen's Advice Bureau and find out if the fee is fair.

IS LOCAL EXPERIENCE IMPORTANT?

New Zealand employers value people with local work experience and/or New Zealand qualifications.

When you first arrive, you may need to take a job at a grade lower than your qualifications or a different job from one you had before. You can use this experience to learn about the 'Kiwi' workplace, learn how to treat your colleagues and managers and find out what the Auckland job market is like.

Another way to get Kiwi experience is to work as a volunteer (that is, working but not for pay). For advice on this, contact Auckland Regional Migrant Services or Volunteering Auckland.

WHAT IF I'D LIKE TO GET NZ QUALIFICATION?

If you are thinking about getting a New Zealand qualification, one option is to train or retrain in your chosen area. Always get plenty of advice on what skills are in demand and which businesses have job vacancies. Career Services (an independent, Government-funded organisation) can give you free advice and support.