As a recent immigrant to New Zealand, it’s understandable that you don’t have much work experience. It’s also understandable that you might be worried that means you won’t be able to find a job.
But as we say in New Zealand, “No worries!”
That is to say, don’t panic! Just because you have no direct work experience in New Zealand, it doesn’t mean you don’t have a wide range of skills that an employer would find attractive.
Let’s take a look at four tips for figuring out what your job skills are that can help you secure a job in New Zealand.
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Think if Your Culture Will Help You in a Job
Okay, so English might not be your first language, and the New Zealand culture and way of life might still be a little bit new to you. But that doesn’t mean your culture should be an obstacle when it comes to gaining employment.
It could be an advantage!
For example, if Hindi is your first language, that would be a massive advantage if many of an employer’s customers also spoke Hindi.
New Zealand has a very diverse population, and that means that businesses have customers from all walks of life.
Think if you can be the bridge between your employers business, and people from your home country!
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Review Your Technical Skills
Also known as hard skills, technical skills are the skill required to do particular tasks in any given job role. It could be anything from project management to photography.
Essentially, please think of the skills you have developed, whether it’s from your studies, hobbies, or everyday life.
Even the most basic computer skills such as Microsoft Word are essential for an employer to see, so write down every gift you can think of, and then narrow them down to your top skills that are relevant to the job you are applying.
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Know Your Skills
While it may be very tempting to focus on your technical skills, you will find that New Zealand employers generally don’t find technical skills to be the sole indicator of a prime job candidate.
Employers will also want to know about your communication skills, leadership skills, and how you work in a team. What is your personality like? Will you fit in with the culture at that workplace?
They will also want to know that you can use good time management, and can work independently.
Luckily, New Zealand employers regard international students as very hard workers, so don’t forget to remind your potential employer that you will always work hard for them!
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It’s Not All About What’s Written on Your CV
Now, of course, the skills on your CV are critical, but what we mean here is that an employer will also want to know who you are as a person, rather than just a list of skills.
After all, if you are to become part of their team, they want to know that you are a well rounded human being, who has wholesome values and will get on with other people in the workplace.
It could be as simple as talking about your passion for sports, movies, the outdoors, any other shared interest you think you might have with your prospective teammates.
You can use your story as an advantage — the fact that you were born overseas and have moved to New Zealand shows that you can be flexible and adaptable. New Zealanders love people that can “go with the flow”, so remind your potential employer that you are comfortable with changing environments and situations.