Job Readiness

Practical guidance to help you prepare for your job search and present yourself with confidence in the New Zealand market.

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CV Tips

• Keep it to 2 pages — This is the strong consensus among NZ recruiters. One page is often too brief; three or more pages suggest a lack of focus
• Tailor it for each role — Adjust your CV to highlight the skills and experience most relevant to the specific job description
• Start with a professional summary — Write 2–3 sentences at the top that capture your core value and what you bring. Make it compelling
• Focus on achievements, not duties — Do not just list what you were responsible for. Show results with numbers

  Before: “Responsible for managing the company database” After: “Redesigned database queries, reducing report generation time by 40% and improving end-user satisfaction”

• Use clear formatting — Simple fonts, consistent headings, plenty of white space. Avoid tables, columns, or graphics that automated screening systems (ATS) cannot read
• Include contact details — Full name, NZ mobile number, professional email address, and LinkedIn profile link
• Professional voicemail — Re-record your voicemail greeting to sound clear and professional. Recruiters will call, and first impressions matter
• Proofread ruthlessly — In a detail-oriented market, a single spelling error can raise doubts about your attention to quality

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Skills-Focused vs Work-Focused CV

Choose the format that best represents your situation:

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Interview Preparation

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Before the Interview

• Research the company, their products, and the role thoroughly
• Prepare answers to common questions (see below)
• Prepare 3–5 thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer
• Plan your outfit and travel route the day before

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”Tell Me About Yourself”

This is almost always the opening question. Do not recite your CV. Use the past–present–future framework:

1. Past — Briefly mention your relevant background (1–2 sentences)
2. Present — What you are doing now and what you are most proud of
3. Future — Why you are excited about this role and this company

Example: “I spent five years working in customer service, where I developed strong problem-solving and communication skills. Over the past year, I have been upskilling in web development through the HER WAKA programme and building projects with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. I am excited about this junior developer role because I want to combine my customer-facing experience with my new technical skills to build products that genuinely help people.”

Keep it under two minutes. Practise until it feels natural, not rehearsed.

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The STAR Method

For behavioural questions (“Tell me about a time when…”), use the STAR method:

• Situation — Set the scene briefly (where, when, what was happening)
• Task — What was your specific responsibility or challenge?
• Action — What did you personally do? (Spend 70% of your answer here)
• Result — What happened? Use numbers or positive outcomes where possible

Example question: “Describe a time you had to learn something new quickly.” Example answer: “When I started volunteering at Code Club, I was asked to help children learn Scratch — a tool I had never used. I spent the weekend going through the official tutorials and built a small game to test my understanding. By the following week, I was confidently guiding students through their projects and even helped one student debug a tricky animation loop. The experience taught me that I learn fastest by building something real.”

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Common Behavioural Questions

Prepare answers for these — they come up frequently in NZ interviews:

• “Tell me about a time you had to work with someone difficult”
• “Describe a situation where you had to meet a tight deadline”
• “Give an example of when you showed initiative”
• “Tell me about a mistake you made and what you learned from it”
• “Describe how you handled receiving critical feedback”

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Cultural Fit Questions

NZ employers care deeply about how you will fit into their team. You may be asked:

• “What kind of team environment helps you do your best work?”
• “How do you handle disagreements with colleagues?”
• “What does diversity and inclusion mean to you?”
• “How do you stay motivated when work is repetitive or challenging?”

Be genuine. Show empathy, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. Avoid clichéd answers like “I am a perfectionist” — interviewers see through these.

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Questions to Ask the Interviewer

Never say “no questions.” This is your chance to show genuine interest and evaluate whether the role is right for you:

1. “What does a typical day look like in this role?”
2. “What are the team’s biggest priorities over the next six months?”
3. “How does the team support learning and professional development?”
4. “What do you enjoy most about working here?”
5. “What would success look like in this role after the first three months?”

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During the Interview

• Arrive 10–15 minutes early
• Make eye contact and greet everyone with a smile
• Be honest — it is okay to say you are still learning a skill
• Show enthusiasm for the role and the company

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After the Interview

• Send a thank-you email within 24 hours
• Reference something specific from your conversation
• Reflect on what went well and what you could improve

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LinkedIn Optimisation

• Professional photo — Use a clear, friendly headshot
• Compelling headline — Go beyond your job title (e.g., “Aspiring Data Analyst | Career Changer | Passionate About Technology”)
• Summary section — Write 3–5 sentences about who you are, what you are looking for, and what you bring
• Skills and endorsements — Add relevant skills and ask connections to endorse them
• Activity — Engage with posts, share articles, and connect with people in your industry

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Cover Letters

• Address it to a specific person where possible
• Open with why you are interested in the role
• Highlight 2–3 key skills or experiences that match the job description
• Keep it under one page
• End with a clear call to action (e.g., “I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this role further”)

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Upskilling Resources

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Career & Tech Platforms

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Soft Skills Courses