New Zealand

CV templates for New Zealand

New Zealand employers read CVs in a particular way. They want to know early on whether you can legally work here and where you are based. They expect two or three pages of A4, plain language and a modest tone, and most expect named referees at the end. Photos, dates of birth and other personal details are left out.

The templates below include formats made for New Zealand: a tradie CV with a tickets and licences table, an academic CV for NZ universities, a school leaver CV with NCEA results, and a graduate CV. Every template works on A4. Edit free online, then download a PDF and an editable Word file, with a matching cover letter.

Free to edit online. US$12 (about NZ$20) one-off to download, with no subscription.

What NZ employers expect

Length: Two to three pages of A4 is normal. School leavers can use one or two pages. Academic CVs can run as long as your record needs.
Work rights and location: Near the top, say whether you are a citizen, a resident or on a work visa (and its type), plus the town or region you are based in. Recruiters often check this first.
Referees: Two or three named referees, usually recent managers, with their role, phone and email. Employers in New Zealand do call them, so always ask permission first.
No photo or personal details: Leave out your photo, date of birth, marital status, religion and health. The Human Rights Act 1993 means employers shouldn’t select on these, and most prefer not to see them.
Tone: Kiwi employers respond to plain, honest language and evidence, not big claims. Say what you did and the result, and let that speak for you.
Driver licence: If the job involves driving or travel between sites, give your licence class, for example “Full Class 1 licence”. It matters for trades and regional roles.