CV Template & Interview Tips

## Creating a NZ-Style CV ### CV Format for New Zealand **Keep it Simple:** - 2-3 pages maximum - Clear, professional font (Arial, Calibri) - No photo needed - No date of birth or marital status - Focus on relevant skills and experience ### CV Structure ``` YOUR NAME Phone: +64 XX XXX XXXX Email: your.email@example.com Location: Auckland, NZ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yourname (optional) --- PERSONAL STATEMENT (2-3 sentences) Brief summary of who you are, your experience, and what you're looking for. --- KEY SKILLS • Skill 1 • Skill 2 • Skill 3 (relevant to the job) --- WORK EXPERIENCE Job Title | Company Name Dates (Month Year - Month Year) • Achievement or responsibility (use action verbs) • Quantify results where possible • Focus on relevant experience --- EDUCATION Qualification | Institution | Year • Relevant courses or achievements --- REFEREES Available on request (Or include 2 referees with contact details) ``` ### CV Tips for Migrants - **Translate qualifications** - explain overseas qualifications - **Use NZ terminology** - "CV" not "Resume" - **Include NZ contact details** - NZ phone and address - **Get NZ referees if possible** - volunteer work counts - **Explain gaps** - briefly mention visa/relocation transition ### Interview Preparation **Before the Interview:** 1. Research the company - website, news, values 2. Prepare examples using STAR method: - **S**ituation - What was the context? - **T**ask - What was your responsibility? - **A**ction - What did you do? - **R**esult - What was the outcome? 3. Prepare questions to ask them 4. Know the location and arrive 10 mins early 5. Dress appropriately (smart casual is common in NZ) **Common Interview Questions:** - "Tell me about yourself" - "Why do you want this job?" - "What are your strengths/weaknesses?" - "Tell me about a time when..." - "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" - "Why should we hire you?" ### NZ Interview Culture - Kiwis appreciate **honesty and humility** - Don't oversell yourself, but don't undersell either - Show you can work in a team - Demonstrate cultural awareness - Be punctual - arriving late is a big negative - A firm handshake and eye contact are expected - It's OK to ask about salary at the right time ### After the Interview - Send a brief thank you email - Follow up if you haven't heard back in a week - Ask for feedback if unsuccessful ### Free CV Help - Careers NZ: careers.govt.nz - Work and Income: workandincome.govt.nz - Local libraries often have CV workshops - Settlement support services for migrants