How to write a CV when you are new to New Zealand

Moving to New Zealand often means rewriting a CV that worked well at home. Kiwi employers look for different things, and they need to understand your visa, your qualifications and your experience quickly. These changes make the biggest difference.

State your work rights clearly

This is the first thing many recruiters check. Put one line near the top, under your contact details:

• “New Zealand resident, based in Auckland”
• “Open work visa valid until March 2028, based in Wellington”
• “Will need an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)”

If you need sponsorship, it is better to be upfront. Some employers are accredited and happy to support a visa, and being clear saves everyone time.

Change your CV to the NZ format

• Remove your photo, date of birth, marital status, nationality and religion. These are standard in some countries but not expected here.
• Use A4 paper and NZ English spelling (organise, centre, programme).
• Keep it to two or three pages. Cut older roles down to one line each.
• Add two or three referees at the end.

Explain your overseas experience

NZ employers may not know your previous employers or how big they are. Add a short line under each employer to explain what they do and their size, and use numbers to show the scale of your work.

Overseas qualifications

Give the qualification, the institution and the country, and add the nearest NZ equivalent if you know it. If an employer needs proof of level, NZQA offers an International Qualification Assessment (IQA), and having one can help for regulated or technical roles. Some professions, such as nursing, teaching, engineering and electrical work, also need New Zealand registration, so mention where you are in that process.

Build local experience

Employers often ask for “NZ experience”. You can start building it quickly through volunteering, short contracts, temping through recruitment agencies, or industry groups. Even a few months of local experience, listed with a local referee, can make other employers more comfortable.

Match the Kiwi tone

New Zealand workplaces tend to be informal and modest. Big claims can come across badly, so let results do the talking. Plain, clear sentences are better than formal language. Mention teamwork, being practical and getting on with people. These are valued highly here.

Checklist for newcomers

• Work rights and location in the first few lines.
• No photo, date of birth or personal details.
• A short description of each overseas employer.
• Qualifications with NZ equivalents or IQA where relevant.
• Registration status for regulated professions.
• At least one referee reachable in NZ hours.

The Classic · Nurse résumé template

A simple, widely accepted layout that works in every NZ industry.

Use this template

The Modernist · Modern CV template

A modern option with your profile across the top of the page.

Use this template