Writing a CV
A well written and presented CV can be your ticket to your ultimate job in New Zealand.
How are New Zealand CVs different?
Compared to other countries such as the UK, in New Zealand CVs (or resumes) are longer and less structured with no set format – although most include personal details, work experience, qualifications and achievements.
Key points to CV writing
- Keep your CV to 2-3 pages and number each page
- Use a basic font such as Times New Roman, Garamond or Arial
- Be consistent with formatting, font and headings throughout
- Use plain, clear language and avoid long wordy sentences
- Check your spelling (and don’t trust the computer spell-check!)
- Use bullet points or key phrases
- Remove any slang/jargon that is specific to your country
- Use “action” verbs such as ‘achieved’, ‘negotiated’, ‘accomplished’
- Check the format of your CV is capable of being printed off and e-mailed easily (Microsoft Word is one of the easiest programs to write your CV with)
- Don’t use tiny font/italics/clip art/photos/cover page
Starting your CV
Head the first page with your name, contact phone numbers (don’t forget international calling codes), address and email (only if you’re able to check it daily).
What to leave out
Age, gender, marital status, ethnicity or health are no longer required on your CV as they’re considered irrelevant to your ability to do the job. However you can include these details if they are relevant to the specific job.
CV content
Employment: Detail your employment history, giving the most space to your current job. Include your company name and position held. Emphasise your achievements.
Qualifications: Normally you should list your most recent qualification first. The type/name of qualification, date graduated, institution, majors and any scholarships are sufficient.
Awards, interests and professional memberships: Only list these if it strengthens (and is relevant to) your application.
CV layout
There are three ways to display your CV:
Chronological: Lists employment and education from the present backwards
Functional: Lists work experience by skills and strength.
Hybrid: A combination of the above two styles. Begins with a profile and skills section followed by work history
Referees
Usually written references are no longer required to be attached with your CV. Instead you should list 2-3 referees at the end of your CV. Alternatively it is common to write “referees available on request”.
Writing a Cover Letter
How to write a great cover letter
A cover letter is your first introduction to the employer and should be attached to every job application or expression of interest you make. You want the employer to pay attention to your application and convince them to give you an interview.
There’s no universal agreement on how a cover letter should be written but aim to keep it short.
Key points
- Address the letter to an actual person (eg Mr Smith) rather than Sir/Madam to make it more personal – even if it requires ringing the company.
- Identify the position you are applying for.
- State when, where or how you heard of the vacancy or, if you are not applying for a specific job clearly state what your job objective is.
- Identify what skills and experience the employer has asked for, then clearly relate how your skills and experience match and are relevant.
- Show you’ve ‘done your homework’ by displaying your knowledge of the company/industry.
- Focus on what you have to offer and why a position interests you, then identify two to three “selling points” explaining why you’d be good in the particular role.
- It will be helpful to the employer to know when you will be available for work in New Zealand, where you are in the visa process, and perhaps why you want to move here.
When concluding the letter adopt a confident tone, but don’t be too pushy. For example “I look forward to discussing this opportunity with you”.
The next step: Finding a job in New Zealand
Good luck with writing your CV and finding your new job in New Zealand!