What do NZ
employers look for?
There
is no one specific
thing employers look
for that is more
important than
another. It depends
on the organisation
and the particular
job. Employers look
at all the factors
below and make up
their minds about
the entire 'package'
(which is you!) as a
whole.-
English
competence - The
requirements
employers have,
differ from the
University
entrance level
requirements.
Your English
will need to
match that of a
native speaker
and needs to be
suitable for a
more formal work
environment.
Remember that
English
competence
refers to
proficiency in
listening,
speaking fluency
and accuracy,
writing and
reading.
Employers also
report they feel
more comfortable
with applicants
that speak
English without
a very foreign
sounding accent.
You need to
start early on
during your
studies to
improve your
competency.
Create
opportunities to
practice your
English with
native speakers.
Relevant part
time work
experience is an
excellent way to
pick up language
that is more
career focused.
-
Cultural 'fit'
Demonstrate to employers that you have integrated into New Zealand life culturally. You need to familiarise yourself with some of the basic differences in etiquette and behaviour in work settings. Relevant work experience would be an excellent way of getting started. Also research the organisational culture and identify common ground.
-
Knowledge
You should be able to describe and talk about the knowledge you gained during your studies that is relevant to the job and how it will add value to the organisation. Good grades also help! If your qualification was obtained abroad, you may need to get it assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) to verify its equivalence to a NZ qualification.
-
Work experience,
Skills, Personal
Qualities
Many international students find it hard to get work because they have no New Zealand work experience. It is therefore crucial that during your studies, you use the opportunity to work part time and during holidays by doing work as closely related to your career plan as possible, so that when you graduate you will be in a better position to find full time work. Start working for a smaller organisation where your ethnicity could be an advantage or get your foot in the door by doing volunteer work. Contact us for more information on how to access these.
- Employers also want to know what you can do for them on a practical level. Remember that NZ is a relatively small and growing economy with the majority of organisations having only 5 or less staff, so besides job specific skills, employers also value general skills like multi-tasking, teamwork, a 'can-do' attitude, and communication skills. Find opportunities to develop these so you have evidence to show employers by the time you start job searching. You m
