How to find a job

Now that you know more about the job market in New Zealand and the types of available occupations, you’re ready to start looking for a job! If you’re not sure what job you’d like to do, don’t worry. Start with the most common sectors for working holiday makers: tourism, hospitality, horticulture, construction, etc. Go with the flow: the people you meet through your travels may lead to job offers, and being willing to move around to try seasonal work in different locations makes it easier to find a job in New Zealand.

In this section, we give you detailed advice on job hunting. You’ll need to be strategic, efficient, and use a variety of search methods.

The different search methods

Job adverts

Posted job ads are the easiest way to find out which employers are looking for workers. They can be found online, in newspapers, in shop windows, on billboards in hostel reception areas, etc.

However, it is estimated that 70-75% of available jobs in New Zealand are not advertised; this is known as the hidden job market:

So, while you should always start with job ads, you’ll also have to try some other methods.

Online

The two main websites to find job ads in New Zealand are Trade Me Jobs and Seek. You’ll find more useful links in the last chapter of this guide, but most of the offers published in New Zealand will be on these two websites.

New Zealanders also love using Facebook. Join local Facebook groups; some are specifically dedicated to job offers. You’ll be able to find more casual or temporary offers on Facebook.

Newspapers

Every region and town has its own local newspaper. In smaller towns especially, these newspapers are full of classified ads. Here are a few examples:

• Auckland: The New Zealand Herald
• Wellington: The Dominion Post
• Christchurch: The Press
• Hamilton: Waikato Times
• Dunedin: Otago Daily Times
• Tauranga: Bay of Plenty Times
• Nelson: The Nelson Mail
• Rotorua: The Daily Post
• Hastings: Hawke’s Bay Today

Note that the libraries often stock newspapers if you don’t want to pay for them.

Going door-to-door

Going door-to-door and handing out your CV can be the best solution for many casual jobs. It’s also an opportunity for you to explore and discover a new city! You don’t usually need to include a cover letter for casual work.

Avoid visiting restaurants and cafes during the lunch and dinner rushes. Interrupting busy workers to give them your CV is not a good look! It may be best to go door-to-door in the morning or mid-afternoon.

You will be one of many working holiday makers handing out CVs, so here are some tips to try and beat the competition:

• Consider approaching smaller businesses or searching in more remote towns. If you only hand out your CV in the biggest shopping mall in the biggest city, it’s unlikely that you’ll find a job. You’re not just competing with backpackers, you’re also competing with local students and young New Zealanders looking for their first job.
• Dress smart and presentable to make a good first impression.
• Ask to speak with the manager. Employees on the floor are not always aware of the company’s recruitment policies or responsible for hiring new employees. If the manager isn’t in, ask when is a good time to come back. You might even be able to have an informal interview on the spot if the manager is interested, so make sure you are prepared to answer basic questions.
• Make sure you have tailored your CV to the relevant position; a CV for a dishwashing job will look different to a CV for a retail assistant. Don’t hand out the wrong CV to the wrong company or they will not take you seriously.
• If the company isn’t really hiring right now but you have built a good rapport with them, don’t be afraid to ask if they can keep you on file or if they know any other similar companies hiring right now. Networking is always important!
• Make a note of each company you hand your CV out to, as well as any relevant information (e.g. the manager’s name) that could be useful to you if you get a call back. This will also enable you to follow up with these companies if you don’t hear back at first.

Contact companies directly

If you’re looking for a specific job (either a specific role, industry, or individual company that you are determined to work for) don’t wait for a vacancy to be advertised before approaching companies. You can Google search for companies that interest you or use the helpful websites provided throughout this guide to find companies you want to approach.

If the company doesn’t have active listings on their “Job opportunities” or “Careers” page, try to find the name and contact details of the person in charge of recruitment for the department you want to work in. Direct contact shows that you’ve taken initiative, done your research, and reached out proactively.

Recruitment agencies

You can also register with recruitment agencies. There are general agencies like Adecco, Kelly Services or Manpower, and there are also agencies that only recruit in specific fields.

You can search this page of the RCSA website to find the names of recommended New Zealand recruitment agencies.

The primary mission of a recruitment agency is not necessarily to find you a job, but rather to find a good match between candidates in their database and their clients. Depending on your previous work experience, they may find you a job very quickly, or you may not hear back from the recruitment agency that often. It’s one of many strategies you can adopt, but don’t rely on an agency to do all the job searching for you!

Networking

In New Zealand, networking is important. The people you meet throughout your travels in New Zealand may be able to provide you with job leads. They may know someone looking for an employee that matches your skillset! But if you’ve just arrived and don’t have many contacts, how do you go about meeting new people and networking?

• Ask your professional circles and your circle of friends back home if they know anyone in New Zealand (either a local or a foreigner).
• Attend meet-ups with other working holiday makers. You might come across someone who is leaving their job and knows the company is about to recruit again. Or, you might make a new friend who wants to look for work with you (horticulture or volunteering positions often take on backpackers travelling in groups, for example).
• Join professional networks such as industry associations, specific groups on LinkedIn, or trade associations.
• Join an association related to a subject you’re passionate about, e.g. a sports club, a languages exchange group, a book club, etc. These get-togethers help you to socialise and get comfortable talking with strangers, but without the pressure of professional networking. Even in an informal setting, you never know who might know someone useful if you casually mention you’re looking for work!

Don’t forget that networking is a two-way, give-and-take relationship. You should also share your tips with other people who are looking for a job. It doesn’t cost you a thing to be kind, and sharing your experience will help others in your position!

Beware of scams

Finally, watch out for scams when you’re looking for a job. Read Common scams to avoid during your working holiday abroad for more info.

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