I have been working for a while, but there is no career progression for me where I am currently working. I‘d like to do something else but am not sure what. Where do I start?
This question is a really common question for our staff, and one which some people struggle with. You could begin by speaking with the career services team at your campus. You can also have a look at our job finder recourses links, most of these links have tools for job seekers that can really help you understand the job market.
I want to find a job, but all the advertisements say “must have experience”, can you help me get work experience?
Yes, here at NSIA Connect we have established great relationships with a variety of businesses to be able to provide you with work experience. Generally they are 10 days in length; however we do have some placements that last for up to 6 months!
I am not very confident about my interview skills, will connect help me?
Connect is here to help your transition into the New Zealand Hospitality Industry. We work with you to help you gain the confidence you need to successfully gain employment. We can give you practice questions, role play with you, and give you tools to make the interview go well!
Can Connect help me after I graduate?
Yes! We can certainly help you to find work after you graduate with us. Many students who have graduated come to see our staff to help find them jobs that are not advertised in all the usual places.
I have heard from my friend that it is hard to get a job in New Zealand, is this true?
New Zealand Hospitality work undergoes a seasonal shift each year, at certain times of year, more people leave their jobs in search of a “better” job, which means there are vacancies for others to fill. Things that can effect this are, climate, tourism, weather, time of year, immigration announcements, economic policies, and Foreign policy announcements. We are always here to help you to look for work, we can show you when to look, where to look.
Can I work in New Zealand once my studies are over?
It is possible for you to work in New Zealand after graduation if you meet the current criteria set out by the New Zealand Immigration Service. It is strongly recommended that you access this criteria through their website or by contacting them directly.
When do I need to talk to Immigration New Zealand or a licensed immigration advisor?
You will generally find it easier to secure employment (and the required visa) if you are seeking work in an occupation within which there is a skill shortage in New Zealand. As a result, it is vital that you research the New Zealand labour market.
Can I work in New Zealand during my studies?
Again it is vital that you check the current Immigration New Zealand regulations before seeking work during your studies.
What do New Zealand employers look for in job applicants?
It should be stressed that the factors that are important will depend upon the organisation; the role and the people deciding who to interview and appoint. These factors could, however, include:
- Your competence in spoken and written English
- Your subject, level of qualification (Level 3, Level 4 or Level 5, or City and Guilds)
- The relevance of your knowledge and skills to the job concerned
- Whether or not you have work experience and, if you have, the relevance of it to the role you now seek.
- The extent to which you have integrated into New Zealand society (would you fit in with the current team?)
- Where possible, you should try to find work experience whilst you are studying. This could be part-time; vacation work or voluntary (i.e. unpaid) work. Employers value this experience and it can be a useful way for you to make contacts; to demonstrate that you have had contact with New Zealanders; to develop your skills; to try out different work practices and environments; to generate and explore career ideas and to practice your English.
- English competence must be seen as proficiency in speaking, writing, reading and listening. Any opportunities that you have to develop this proficiency must be taken up - e.g. work; by joining clubs and societies; my mixing with native speakers of English;. It is worth noting that many New Zealand employers have a preference for job applicants who do not have a very foreign sounding accent.