How to make a resume to work in New Zealand
Do you want to secure a job opening during your exchange in New Zealand but don't know how to adapt your resume to local standards? The New Zealand labor market has specific characteristics that may be decisive for its approval. Understanding how to structure a CV in the New Zealand format is essential to stand out among candidates and guarantee that opportunity that can transform your experience abroad.
What makes a New Zealand CV different
The curriculum in New Zealand follows a more direct and objective pattern than the Brazilian one. New Zealand employers value clarity, conciseness, and relevance above all else. Unlike Brazil, where CVs may be more extensive, In New Zealand the ideal is to keep between 2 and 3 pages, focusing only on the information most relevant to the specific vacancy.
Local business culture values adaptability and practical experiences, especially for international students. This means that transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, and the ability to learn quickly can compensate for a lack of specific local experience.
Essential structure of the New Zealand CV
Mandatory personal information
Your personal data section should only include information that is essential and relevant to the job:
- Full name
- Contact phone (preferably New Zealand number)
- Professional email
- Current address in New Zealand
- Work visa (if applicable)
Important: Avoid including a photo, date of birth, marital status, or personal information that is not directly related to the job. In New Zealand, this information is considered unnecessary and may even make a negative impression.
Organization by strategic sections
A well-structured New Zealand CV should follow this order:
- Professional Summary (Professional summary)
- Key Skills (Core Skills)
- Work Experience (Professional experience)
- Education (Education)
- Additional Information (Additional Information)
- References (References)
Specific adaptations for international students
As an international student, you have unique characteristics that can be major differentiators. The secret lies in transform your academic and cultural experiences into competitive advantages.
Highlighting academic projects
Transform university projects into relevant experiences:
- Group projects: Demonstrate the ability to work in a multicultural team
- Presentations: Evidence communication and leadership skills
- Academic research: They show analytical capacity and dedication
- Volunteer work: Reveal commitment to the community
Valuing international experiences
Your international journey is a valuable asset. Include:
- Cultural adaptability: Ability to adjust to new environments
- Multilingualism: Fluency in Portuguese, English and other languages
- Global Perspective: Broad vision acquired through international experiences
- Independence: Ability to solve problems autonomously
Professional formatting and presentation
Essential visual guidelines
The look of your CV is just as important as the content. Follow these guidelines:
- Professional font: Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
- Font size: 11 or 12 points for the body of the text
- Spacing: Use bullet points for easy reading
- Margens: Maintain uniform margins of at least 2cm
- Consistency: Use the same format for all sections
Strategic use of bullet points
Bullet points are essential in New Zealand formatting:
- Start each dot with action verbs (achieved, managed, developed)
- Quantify results whenever possible
- Keep each dot between 1-2 lines
- Use direct and objective language
- Avoid long paragraphs
Practical examples of sections
Professional Summary
International student with strong communication skills and multicultural experience.
Demonstrated ability to adapt quickly to new environments and work effectively in different teams.
Seeking opportunities to apply academic knowledge and develop professional skills in a dynamic work environment.
Strategic Key Skills
Organize your skills into relevant categories:
Technical Skills:
- Microsoft Office Suite (Advanced)
- Data analysis and research
- Social media management
- Basic accounting principles
Interpersonal Skills:
- Multilingual communication (Portuguese, English, Spanish)
- Cultural adaptability
- Team collaboration
- Customer service orientation
Official resources and tools
The New Zealand government offers valuable resources through the Careers.govt.nz, including:
- CV Builder: Free tool to create CVs in local format
- Specific templates: Models for different professional areas
- Detailed guides: Guidance on each section of the curriculum
- Practical examples: model CVs for reference
For students of the program Study and Work in New Zealand, these resources are especially valuable for ensuring that your curriculum meets local standards.
Personalization for each vacancy
Analysis of the vacancy description
Before submitting any resume, please take the time to:
- Identify keywords in the vacancy description
- Adapt your experiences to reflect specific requirements
- Rearrange sections According to the relevance to the position
- Quantify achievements related to the requested competencies
Complementary cover letter
In New Zealand, Cover letter is frequently requested. She must:
- Be specific to each vacancy
- Complementary, don't repeat the CV
- Demonstrate knowledge about the company
- Explain your motivation for the specific position
Important cultural differences
Employers' expectations
New Zealand employers value:
- Honesty and transparency: Be direct about your limitations
- Learning ability: Show willingness to grow
- Cultural fit: Demonstrate alignment with company values
- Clear communication: Use simple and objective language
Hiring process
The typical process includes:
- Initial analysis From the CV and cover letter
- Telephone interview or video conferencing
- In-person interview with behavioral questions
- Verification of references And background check
- Job offer with specific terms
Validation of qualifications
For some professions, you may need to validate your Brazilian qualifications. O New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) offers:
- Evaluation of international credentials
- Recognition of foreign qualifications
- Guidance on necessary complementary courses
This process is particularly important for students seeking universities abroad and wish to use their New Zealand qualifications globally.
Networking and references
Building a Professional Network
In New Zealand, networking is essential:
- Attend events of your area of study
- Use LinkedIn to connect with local professionals
- Volunteer in relevant organizations
- Keep in touch with classmates and teachers
Preparing references
Prepare a list of 2-3 references that can attest to:
- Your professional skills
- Your work ethic
- Your ability to adapt
- Your growth potential
Be Easy
A Be Easy offers full support for students who wish to work during their exchange in New Zealand. Our specialized team provides practical guidance on the local labor market, curriculum preparation, and job search strategies. Contact us and discover how we can help you maximize your professional opportunities during your experience in New Zealand, ensuring that you make the most of this transformative journey!
