Migrant Job Seekers

Yes indeed, it is time to tackle the migrant job search puzzle again, except this time, I have managed to bring in the big guns - in the form of some sage advice from Dawn Headey, an employment specialist who works closely with migrants, specifically to tackle this almighty mountain. I roped Dawn in to contributing to this post, because like me, she has a pretty clear understanding of the challenge migrants face, but she also speaks the same language in terms of how to address that challenge.

There is no shortage of people out there, offering “CV preparation” packages to would-be migrants, but in my experience Dawn is one of the only people who actually understands how this process works, and wont just deliver you a template. On that basis, I asked Dawn to add her tips and tricks for migrant job seekers, which I will share below.

Before we get to that however and for those who have yet to tackle this process head on, we will take a quick look at why this challenge is so large - after all, before you go in to battle, it pays to know your enemy and in this process, the enemy is a chicken and an egg…or rather deciding which one of those needs to come first. Confused - let me explain.

Chicken or the egg

For anyone that has started this process (to secure work in New Zealand, whilst being overseas), there is no doubt that it is akin to climbing Mt. Everest in your underwear. It is exceptionally hard work, usually a little chilly and the summit seems so very far out of reach. The reasons as to why the migrant job search is so complicated (and frustrating) is largely due to the fact that in order to secure a Work Visa (or Residence) you need the job offer, but most employers want you to have a Visa (Work or Residence) before they will offer you that job. Hence the chicken or the egg, scenario.

The new(ish) Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme has probably made a lot more employers aware of how this process works, than ever have been in the past, and it’s pretty logical if you are an Accredited employer, as to the process involved to bring on a migrant employee. However you would be surprised as to how many of these employers (including those who are already Accredited with INZ) still dont understand the general order of events.

Which came first?

Most employers are not overly familiar with how the Work Visa process unfolds and hence you will usually see a “Work Visa” as a key requirement in most job adverts.

Those employers will still go out to market, for a role they know they can’t fill locally and on the various job advertising platforms will confirm that in order to apply, applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand.

Of course that right to work, only comes once the offer is made. Chicken and egg.

For some employers this contradiction happens, not because they won’t entertain a migrant applicant, but simply because they didn’t uncheck the relevant box when the advert was posted. For others, its a useful way of screening out candidates and only engaging with those who are serious (and visa-ready). A large chunk however still just dont get it at all.

This of course means that for any migrant relying on a job offer (which is everyone in the skilled visa camp), the odds are already stacked against them and working out how to ‘crack’ this particular problem (pun intended) is a mixture of strategy, wit, determination and battle-hardened patience. The key (at least in my view) is that you need to be smart about the process and you need to deploy as many tricks, tips and tools as you can find to make this work.

Sitting online, on your computer, firing out applications, left right and centre (otherwise known as the shot-gun approach), hoping something will eventually hit the mark, is not really going to get you very far. Instead, you need to leverage every contact you have, make yourself visible everywhere and be smart in how you use social media. I would also advocate strongly for thinking about being here in New Zealand to stand a much better chance and of course being ‘visa-ready’ so that when that job offer finally lands in your inbox, you are primed and ready to go with the visa process.

Tips, tricks and other clever ideas

When it comes to how you actually undertake the search and which tools you have available, that is where someone like Dawn comes in to play. I have my own ideas on this process, which I have procured over two decades of assisting people through the process, however Dawn brings a very similar approach with a few additional nuts and bolts for the migrant job-seeker tool belt.

I have only managed to sample a few of her suggestions in the content below, and she has many more to share, but these are some that aligned very closely to the advice I offer my clients on a regular basis.

Be clever

Sending off stacks of online job applications is not going to get you very far and so you have to be smarter, quicker and use as many tools as you can find.

Getting a job, becomes a job - If you treat the job search process as seriously as you might a work project or a full-time job, you are on the right track. Prepare, be mindful of your time management and focus on the end result.

Use your networks - New Zealand is a small place (still a bit bigger than middle-earth) and as a consequence, networks are really powerful. There are also a good number of professional networks for each and every industry that you can join, to help you grow your valuable contact list. Join up (even if there is a small cost) and then get involved. Engage with people in NZ, doing what you do.

Employer not Accredited? No problem - many migrants tend to stick just to the Accredited employer list, but there are plenty of companies looking for work, who would go down that path with INZ if they find the right person. You can also approach companies in your industry, even if they are not advertising - there is an entire “hidden job market” where employers are looking but not advertising the fact.

Your CV wont get you the job, but it will get your foot in the door - while no one hires anyone in NZ because of a fancy CV, it is the first impression you are going to make on your future employer and so it needs to be tight, professional and tailored. There is no such thing as a “NZ style CV” but there are lots of do’s and don’ts when it comes to preparing one. Consider using someone who can work that out for you (shameless plug for Dawn here), because it is a really sound investment.

Location, location, location - Dawn and I are on the same page here as well. Being in New Zealand to attend interviews, network or just to understand how our labour market works, is a really significant advantage for any migrant job seeker. This process however needs to be approached carefully, because you aren’t exactly coming here to play golf.

The key message here from Dawn and myself, is to think more broadly in terms of how you approach the job search. We have all become accustomed to doing everything online and its easy to think that you will magically land your dream NZ job with a few clicks of the mouse, but that usually isn’t the case. You have to be the Usain Bolt amongst the other job seekers, ready to go, quick off the mark and coming with something different and unique that the employer wants to see.

Persistence, patience and a thick skin

The final part of the migrant job-seeker formula is being able to develop a really thick skin or coat of shiny armour, because this process will test your resolve in more ways than you can imagine. It is tough and not everyone wins in this process, but the more persistent you are, the more tools you use and the more strategic your approach, then the better your chances are.

Be prepared for the battle

For most migrants, seeking out a job offer, it will feel a bit like a fight to the death (or to the job offer). A thick skin (suit of armour) and some persistence are the key.

As you embark on this process, remember that no matter how hard it becomes you are not the first and certainly wont be the last to have attempted it.

Many a migrant before you has experienced exactly the same challenges and there will be plenty more who have yet to find out just how hard it can be. Be prepared and ready to take some breaks, because the minute you run out of steam, your job search efforts will suffer. You need to work at it for a period of time each day, then put it aside and not think about it at all - come back fresh, motivated and ready to try again. Be persistent and follow up with every possible lead that you have (but dont become annoying). Develop a bit of a follow up plan and then after the third attempt, draw a line and move on.

Remember that all you need is one job offer, so even if you receive 99 rejections, that one acceptance means you are victorious. Even though the odds might appear to be stacked against you, you are actually in a better position than you might think.

Before you go…

If you are seriously considering the move, then think about bringing in the big guns…which apart from including the team at Turner Hopkins Immigration Specialists, you might also consider engaging with someone like Dawn to assist with the CV preparation, interview techniques and just good, sensible advice as to how to tackle the market.

When you build a house, you employ all the different trades you need to make sure your water is running, the lights come one and your garage door opens and closes - migrating is really no different. Whilst we can manage the visa logistics for you and also offer general advice on the job search process, a specialist like Dawn, gives you those extra tools to make sure your new dream home, becomes a reality.

To contact me, just follow the links or use the button below, and to get in touch with Dawn, email her directly: Email Dawn (Click Here).

We hope you found something useful in this weeks article or perhaps something comforting if you are already struggling with the migrant job search puzzle.

Until next week!