Finding a job in New Zealand - What an employer wants in a CV.

This is an actual conversation between me and a friend who is a senior finance professional here in New Zealand. I had asked to evaluate the CV of a client who is planning to move to New Zealand. These were the comments:

I have had a quick look at the CV and my initial thoughts CV looks very impressive, hardworking and have good experience. What will help her CV is if she can present the same info in concise format. This is what I look for when I am interviewing and going through CV’s:

·         I need an excellent cover letter to get me to look at CV. 4 pages is too long for me, aim for 2.5

·         Table looks funny – type it

·         Skills – elaborate more

·         Employment history – way too detailed, cut it down and use sharp and short phrases. Refer to the job description and focus on the area they are looking for.

·         Cover letter should say why she is moving to NZ.

·         Has she used any accounting software in uni – like MYOB, Xero. QB – if so, state it?

Hope this helps. 

So that is real feedback from a real person who is a real employer! While this feedback pertains specifically to the financial sector I guess the general principles can be applied to any industry. So make your CV to match what the employer wants to see and not what you want to show off :) This I have seen is an issue with CVs from overseas who are trying extra hard to please prospective employers in New Zealand.

All the best with your New Zealand job search and if you want more guidance, do not hesitate to contact me.

Nga Mihi (regards)

Arun 

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