Creating a CV /Resume for New Zealand

Under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, Australians and New Zealanders are free to visit, live and work in each other’s countries for an indefinite period.  What this means is, that as an Australian, you don’t require a visa and you don’t need to get sponsorship, or pass the labour market test to work.

For other nationalities, New Zealand generally requires that you be sponsored and that you pass the labour market test (a test to determine that no New Zealand citizen or resident is available to fill the vacancy).  Occasionally you can obtain an open work permit without going through the labour market test. 

A resume for New Zealand, is very similar to an Australian resume, so you won’t need to completely rewrite your resume to fit in with New Zealand recruiters requirements.  However you will need to change the name of your document, as in New Zealand a resume is referred to as a CV, or curriculum vitae.

More detailed resumes are the norm

Length varies within New Zealand, depending on the seniority of the position you are applying for.  Although the strict rules about length as found in the USA don’t apply, as with all resumes, only provide information relevant to the position you are applying for.  As with Australian resumes, Kiwi’s like their space, so more detailed CV’s of 3 to 4 pages is usually required by recruiters. 

Chronological work history rules

Most kiwi recruiters prefer that you list your work history in chronological order (most recent experience first).  Cover your most recent jobs in more depth and earlier experience more briefly. 

Personal details

A lot of kiwis still add personal information, but this trend is dying out, so don’t include personal details in your CV, such as age, marital status, sex and religion, as this can work against you.  Only include details such as hobbies and interests, if this detail is going to add value to your document.  For example you list your passion as conservation and you are applying for a position at the zoo.)

Focus on your achievements

As with an Australian resume, make sure you focus on your achievements and contributions in your CV for New Zealand. 

Referees

It is fine to include the names and contact details of your referees, or alternatively use the term “referees available upon request”.  As with referee selection in Australia, include only work related referees, not character referees and don’t attach written references – wave these for the interview. 

Relevant articles and resources

• Going global - marketing yourself for an international audience
• How to write a resume (curriculum vitae) for the United Kingdom
• How to write a resume for the United States (US)
• Resumes for Australia
• Resumes / CV's for lawyers