Jobs & CVs in New Zealand

The Job Market

The New Zealand Job Market

NZ actively recruits skilled migrants. These sectors have the strongest demand and best opportunities for new arrivals.

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Construction & Trades

NZ is building fast. Electricians, plumbers, builders and engineers are in shortage nationwide. Trade skills are highly valued and often fast-track visa eligible.

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Technology & IT

Auckland and Wellington have thriving tech sectors. Software engineers, data analysts, cybersecurity professionals and DevOps engineers are in strong demand.

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Healthcare

Nurses, doctors, physios and allied health professionals are consistently on the long-term skill shortage list. Registration with the relevant council is required.

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Finance & Accounting

Chartered accountants, financial analysts and CFOs are well rewarded. NZ operates IFRS standards — similar to most countries outside the US.

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Education

Teachers — especially STEM and primary — are in shortage. Overseas teaching qualifications can often be recognised through the Teaching Council of Aotearoa.

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Agriculture & Food

Dairy, horticulture and viticulture are major employers. Management roles in food technology and agribusiness are in strong demand.

Salary Guide

What to Expect

NZ salaries vary by region and sector. Auckland pays 10–20% more on average. These are indicative 2025 mid-range figures.

Software Engineer$90–$140k

Registered Nurse$65–$95k

Electrician$70–$110k

Accountant (CA)$80–$130k

Primary Teacher$55–$90k

Project Manager$100–$150k

Marketing Manager$80–$130k

Civil Engineer$85–$130k

Figures are indicative. Actual salaries depend on experience, employer and location.

Your CV

Writing a NZ CV

NZ CVs differ from UK, US and European formats. Get it right and you'll stand out immediately.

NZ CV Essentials

Keep it to 2–3 pages maximum — NZ recruiters prefer concise.
Start with a 3–4 line professional summary tailored to the role.
Reverse chronological order — most recent job first.
Include achievements with numbers, not just responsibilities.
No photo required and generally not recommended.
No date of birth, marital status or religion required.
List your visa status clearly — Open Work Visa or NZ Permanent Resident.
Include a NZ phone number and NZ address, or state your arrival date.
"References available on request" is standard — 2 professional referees.

Job Search

Where to Find Jobs

New Zealand's job market is active online. These are the best platforms for skilled migrants.

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Seek.co.nz

NZ's largest job board, covering all industries and experience levels. Set up job alerts for your field to get notified immediately when roles are posted.

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Critical for professional roles. Update your profile with NZ-relevant keywords. Recruiters search LinkedIn actively — a strong profile gets you inbound enquiries.

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Recruitment Agencies

Robert Half, Hays, Madison, Randstad and Michael Page all operate in NZ. Registering with one or two in your field gives access to unadvertised roles.

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Network First

30–40% of NZ jobs are filled through networks before being advertised. Attend industry events, join professional associations and connect with expat groups in your sector.