Introduction
Christchurch is a beautiful city located on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island. As one of the largest cities in the country, it offers a wealth of job opportunities to people from all walks of life. Working in Christchurch is exciting and rewarding, with diverse industries and plenty of options to explore. From start-ups to established giants, the city is home to a wide range of employers, making it an excellent place to build a successful career.
Understanding the job market in Christchurch
The job market in Christchurch is expected to be strong over the next few years, with steady economic growth projected by the government’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). GDP growth of about 2.7 per cent and 2.5 per cent is expected over 2018-23 and 2023-28 respectively, driven by factors such as household spending, residential investment, and a resumption of tourism. This growth means that nearly 40,000 new workers will be needed each year. Some of these jobs will even be filled by people coming from overseas.
Working in New Zealand has its set of benefits such as:
- KiwiSaver is a voluntary savings program open to all new employees aged between 18 and 65. This plan is designed to help employees save for retirement, with a default employee contribution rate of 3%, which can be extended to 10%. The employer also contributes 3%. Employees are automatically enrolled but can choose to opt-out within the first eight weeks of joining the company.
- Employers also provide accident insurance for all employees covering workplace and non-work related injuries. This coverage is usually about 0.72-1% of the employer’s monthly payroll.
- Non-mandatory benefits in New Zealand are also quite common. For example, many tech startups offer employees an extra paid day off on their birthdays.
- Flexible working practices are also common, allowing employees to work remotely or from a physically flexible workspace. This is beneficial for achieving a better work-life balance.
- Lastly, Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) are free and confidential counselling and support services for employees. These services provide practical advice across a range of personal and work issues that affect life and well-being.
Finding Job Vacancies in Christchurch
Finding job vacancies in Christchurch is easy and there are a number of ways to go about it. The first way is to look for online job postings on the websites of various recruitment agencies such as NZ Recruit. Other ways include applying for the job on the company’s website and using LinkedIn and other job recruitment portals.
Approaching a Recruitment Agency
Approaching a recruitment agency is the best way to find a job in Christchurch. With their vast network of employers and knowledge of the local job market, recruitment agencies such as NZ Recruit can help to match you with the right opportunity. Recruitment agencies have access to a wide range of roles and job vacancies, so they can quickly identify suitable candidates for particular roles. They also provide additional services such as career advice and guidance, CV writing, and interview preparation.
Using LinkedIn
Another great way to find a job in Christchurch is to use LinkedIn. This resource is a great tool for networking with potential employers and colleagues. By creating an online profile and connecting with professionals in the city, you can find out about job opportunities in Christchurch that may not be advertised. You can also use LinkedIn to research current employers and develop your professional network.
Applying on the Company’s Website
Applying on a company’s website is another way to find a job in Christchurch, though it can take a lot of effort. You need to research the company’s available positions, create a tailored CV and cover letter, and submit your application. Before applying for a job in Christchurch, it is important to know what the company is looking for in a potential employee. Make sure you are up to date with the latest industry trends and understand the skills required for the position.
Preparing for Interviews for Christchurch Jobs
Research
To get the most out of a Christchurch job interview it is important to do your homework. Spend a few hours learning all you can about the company’s history and current news, and even talking to people in your network that are familiar with the company. Additionally, take the time to read through the job posting and note which skills they are emphasising, as well as the problems they are looking to solve. When possible, try out their product or service to get a better understanding of their business and how you can contribute. Doing this will not only show that you are interested in the job, but also that you are prepared and understand the company’s needs. By taking the time to do this research, you will be better positioned to make a great impression and land your dream job in Christchurch.
Polish Your Communication Skills
Brush up on your interview skills and practise common interview questions. Take time to identify your key selling points for the job, and make sure that you’re able to tell the interviewer about yourself in a positive and informative manner. Also, make sure you know why you’re interested in this particular job and company, and that you can back this up with relevant skills or experience. Practise mock interviews and answers to common questions, and come up with a few questions of your own that you can ask the interviewer. This will show them that you’re interested and engaged in the role.
Make Sure You Dress Nicely
Unless it is a phone interview, your physical appearance will be judged. Ask a contact at the company or take a look at their social media profile and dress to the same standard. For a casual environment, opt for business casual. Additionally, make sure the outfit is clean, ironed and tailored for a modern fit. Shine your shoes and check for loose hems. A little pampering can go a long way, so treat yourself to a haircut, facial or shave before the interview.
How To Network For Jobs in Christchurch
Networking is a highly effective tool for finding job opportunities in Christchurch. Attend networking events, join professional associations, and use platforms such as LinkedIn to connect with people in your desired field. Researching companies and attending industry events is a great way to increase your network and introduce yourself to potential employers. Introduce yourself to recruiters in Christchurch by sending them a personalised email or LinkedIn message and ensure that your communication skills are polished. Make sure you have polished your CV and cover letter and that you have any relevant reference letters ready. Additionally, make sure to use any contacts or references you have when applying for Christchurch jobs, as this can help improve your chances of getting an interview.
Tips for Landing Christchurch Jobs
The first step into the workforce in Christchurch is an exciting one after years of study or school. Getting stuck in the real world is a big step. However, one of your greatest challenges may be highlighting your experience and capabilities, when you’ve had little or no work experience.
Here are some tips that will help you stand out:
- Carefully read the job description to make sure you understand what the Christchurch business is asking for. Regardless of how strong your resume is, if you’ve neglected to include a cover letter or not tailored your resume to the job you’re applying for in Christchurch, you’ll be cheating yourself of an opportunity to get an interview. When the job advertisement asks for a cover letter, be sure to include one.
- Be sure to read the job advertisement and research the company thoroughly, and then, make the cover letter highly tailored. This is the first impression the Christchurch company will have of you so make the effort to impress!
- Highlight the experience and skills you have which align with the job you’re applying for in Christchurch – this makes it easy to see why you could fit into the role, and shows that you’ve taken the time to understand the role.
- Don’t overlook project groups and competitions. Highlighting your academic achievements is important, but be sure to emphasise the project groups and competitions you’ve been a part of through school or extra-curricular activities too. Describe what you did in these groups and competitions, the skills you applied and what you learnt as a result.
Conclusion
Landing a job in Christchurch is an exciting and daunting prospect. With the right strategy and a bit of practice, you can make sure you stand out from the crowd. There are many opportunities to find jobs in Christchurch if you know how to look. Networking, researching companies and attending industry events, tailoring your resume and cover letter to the job you’re applying for, and highlighting any projects or competitions you’ve been a part of are all good ways to stand out in the job application process. Make sure you are well prepared for any job interview and practise your answers to common questions. Be sure to showcase your skills and knowledge that relate to the job you’ve applied for.
All the Best for your dream Job in Christchurch!
