Many international students choose their study destination based on their career opportunities after graduation. New Zealand is a destination that many students grow to love and want to continue living in. If you’re considering studying in New Zealand and want to know how to find a career once you’ve graduated, keep reading.
Finding a career in New Zealand post-graduation: Follow visa rules
Before looking at the finer details, you must follow the visa requirements. We've got a quick summary of the options available to you.
If you have already completed a bachelor’s degree in New Zealand or have applied for a student visa before 11 May 2022, you can apply for a post-study work visa to work in the country for up to three years.
If you apply for a student visa after 11 May 2022, the exact period you can stay in New Zealand on a post-study work visa will vary with your qualification level. Check out our article about how to apply for a post-study visa in New Zealand for more information.
It’s also important to remember that as an international student studying in New Zealand, you can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during term time. You can work unlimited hours during study breaks.
We encourage you to maximise your student work rights. Read on to find out why.
Gain work experience in New Zealand before you graduate
When you apply for jobs after you graduate, employers will always prefer candidates with relevant work experience over those with none. Use the part-time and full-time work allowance on your study visa to gain relevant work experience in the industry you're interested in.
If you can’t find a part-time job in your desired industry, consider volunteering instead. Any experience you gain, whether paid or unpaid, will help you stand out from other graduates applying for the same jobs.
Another option is to pursue an internship or directly contact a company you’re interested in working for and inquire about work experience opportunities. This will bring you valuable insights, allowing you to determine if it's your dream job or if it isn’t something you’d like to pursue in the future.
This approach will also help you make contacts in the industry, find mentors and expand your professional network. Networking is crucial when it comes to finding employment.
Make the most of your university's career services
Your university’s career centre is a valuable resource, offering support at every stage of your job search journey. From CV writing and interview preparation to connecting you with potential employers, they provide the tools and guidance you need to succeed.
Many universities, like the Victoria University of Wellington, host regular events, expos and workshops, where you can network directly with employers and industry professionals. You can also book one-on-one sessions to have your CV, job applications and cover letters reviewed by career experts.
Many universities in New Zealand have signed up for NZUni Talent, a job board connecting graduates and employers in New Zealand. This gives students and recent graduates round-the-clock access to job listings, internships and volunteer opportunities.
So, before you start your job hunt, don't forget to take advantage of your university’s career services—it could be the key to finding your dream graduate career.
Prepare an attractive CV and cover letter
To help yourself appeal to a prospective employer and stand out from other graduates, you must create an attractive CV and cover letter highlighting your skills and experience.
Your CV should contain the same keywords found in the job advertisement and job description. Employers often use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), which scans CVs for specific keywords, skills, experience and qualifications. If you don’t include these keywords in your CV, your application may automatically be rejected.
If you lack the required work experience for a particular role, consider writing a ‘functional CV’ instead. A functional CV or skills-based CV emphasises your skills and how they can be applied to the job you are applying for. It does not list work experience in chronological order.
Indeed, a leading global recruitment website, provides useful information on how to write a functional CV.
When writing a cover letter, make sure you:
- Use words from the job advertisement and job description
- Include both the soft skills and hard skills you possess
- Highlight some of the most in-demand skills in 2024
- Emphasise your achievements and how they are relevant to the job in question
- Demonstrate your knowledge of the industry
- Show that you have researched the company
- Customise each letter for each job you apply for
Register with recruitment agencies
In New Zealand, recruitment agencies play a crucial role in connecting businesses with potential employees. When searching for jobs, consider uploading your CV and registering with a few agencies.
Registering with employment agencies is typically free and it allows you to receive notifications for job openings that match your qualifications. You can find recruitment agencies online or through job advertisements.
Additionally, there are several online job search engines available in New Zealand, such as Working in New Zealand, Seek.co.nz and Job.co.nz. You can also explore job opportunities on the New Zealand government website.
Final tips for securing graduate employment in New Zealand
Here are some final tips to help you land your ideal graduate job in New Zealand:
- Know your strengths and weaknesses: Understanding what you bring to the table will help you target the right opportunities.
- Start early: Begin applying at least three months before you graduate to give yourself a head start in the competitive job market.
- Always include a cover letter: Even if it isn't requested, a well-written cover letter can set you apart from other candidates.
- Highlight your key skills: Make sure your CV has a clear section that showcases your core strengths and abilities.
- Pay attention to details: Ensure your CV and cover letter are well-formatted and free of spelling or grammatical errors.
- Create a LinkedIn profile: It's a must-have tool for building your professional network and attracting potential employers.
- Check your social media presence: Employers often review social media profiles, so make sure yours reflects your professionalism.
- Leverage social media: Post content that demonstrates your knowledge and interests in areas that matter to potential employers.
- Be prepared for interviews: Ask good questions and show that you’ve thoroughly researched the company.
- Follow up: If you haven’t heard back within a week of your interview, send a polite follow-up email or call to express your continued interest.
After investing so much effort in your studies, securing graduate employment in New Zealand may feel like the next big challenge. While it can be demanding, the rewards of starting your career in such a vibrant and beautiful country will be well worth it.
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