Testimonial Posts

Aqeelah Salie Testimonial

“By the time I had my first meeting with Tate, I had already applied to over 100 teaching positions without receiving a single positive response. Most of the time, I received generic rejection emails like, “Thank you for your application, but you were unsuccessful,” and in some cases, I didn’t even get a response at all.

I explained to Tate that I was confident in my skills for the job listings and knew I was the type of teacher these schools were looking for, but I was struggling to effectively showcase my abilities on my CV. We got to work immediately. The revamped CV, video CV, and interview preparation were incredibly helpful.

On the very first day of phone calls, I secured an interview. Although it wasn’t the right fit, just 10 days after finalizing the job-seeking process with Tate, I had another interview and was offered the job on the spot. As a primary teacher in a role that’s notoriously hard for foreigners to land, I was amazed at how quickly everything came together. This is a true testament to the effectiveness of Tate’s process.

In just two months, I came to New Zealand, revamped my CV, received an interview and job offer, and secured my AEWV. The process was much quicker and smoother than I ever expected. Thank you, Tate!”

Aqeelah Salie
Primary & Secondary School Teacher


Thanks, Aqeelah, for your kind and detailed testimonial! The original challenge you described — applying to over 100 teaching positions without a single positive response — is something I hear often from job seekers in both New Zealand and Australia. Resolving such challenges is always rewarding because, in your case, we now have a school with a dedicated new teacher who brings valuable experience and achievements to the school, the admin staff, the students, and the parents, while also creating a long-term positive impact on the community.

There were many winners and no losers when you filled this important job gap. Well done!

Practical Advice

The Dynamic CV: A Key to Unlocking Job Opportunities

In today’s competitive job market, a CV is more than just a document. It’s a tool that must captivate attention in seconds and also withstand the scrutiny of an in-depth review. This dual purpose is what sets an excellent CV apart from a merely “good” one. Let’s explore this concept using a real-world example — the transformation of a Civil Engineer’s CV from “good” to “exceptional.”

The Problem with “Good” CVs

The 2024 version of this Civil Engineer’s CV could be described as “good” by most people. It included:

  • A list of duties and responsibilities.
  • A professional summary.
  • Ten years of work experience in various roles.

However, these elements alone don’t suffice in today’s competitive market. A “good” CV might include the right sections, but it lacks depth—it’s flat, uninspiring, and fails to stand out.

The Transformation: From Good to Exceptional

By 2025, the same Civil Engineer’s CV had been completely revamped. It became a dynamic document that balanced attention-grabbing highlights with in-depth substance. Here’s a snapshot of the improvements:

The Seven Categories of Excellence:

1. Relevance of Information

  • Good CV: “Worked on various engineering projects.”
  • Exceptional CV: “Directed multimillion-dollar LEED-certified construction projects, achieving 20% faster completion times.”

2. Clarity and Conciseness

  • Good CV: Paragraphs outlining general tasks.
  • Exceptional CV: Bullet points such as:
    • “Optimized project workflows, improving efficiency by 30%.”
    • “Managed stakeholder engagement across 10+ large-scale projects.”

3. Use of Metrics

  • Good CV: “Oversaw project budgets.”
  • Exceptional CV: “Managed a $50M budget, delivering a 15% cost saving through efficient resource allocation.”

4. Professional Presentation

  • Good CV: Dense text blocks with basic formatting.
  • Exceptional CV: Modern design with strategic whitespace and ATS-friendly formatting, ensuring readability and system compatibility.

5. Demonstration of Core Strengths

  • Good CV: “Ensured compliance with regulations.”
  • Exceptional CV: “Implemented compliance protocols that passed audits with zero discrepancies, securing $10M in funding.”

6. Topline Features and Prioritization

  • Good CV: “Experienced engineer with a history of project management.”
  • Exceptional CV: “20+ years of experience leading high-stakes construction projects, delivering measurable outcomes in compliance and cost efficiency.”

7. ATS Analysis

  • Good CV: “Civil engineering, project management.”
  • Exceptional CV: “LEED-certified, compliance, resource optimization, large-scale project management, stakeholder engagement.”

The Core Concept of a Dynamic CV

An exceptional CV is not a biography; it’s a targeted marketing document. Its purpose is to:

  • Secure a spot on the shortlist.
  • Inspire curiosity about your value, leading to interviews.

To achieve this, a CV must:

  • Capture attention with bold, impactful highlights.
  • Offer depth through specific, quantifiable achievements.

Conclusion about CVs

The transformation of this Civil Engineer’s CV exemplifies the power of a dynamic document.  Job seekers are wasting their time with too many tasks and not enough benchmarkable content, too many opinions and not enough proof.  By moving from flat descriptions to value-driven accomplishments, the CV not only stood out but also achieved its ultimate goal: securing job opportunities. In today’s market, an exceptional CV isn’t just an advantage—it’s essential for success.

Moving Beyond CVs

The CV is essential it is standard, it can make the difference between getting shortlisted or not getting shortlisted.  But a CV is rarely a powerful document on its own.  Othe influencing factors involve the application process, multi-media content and using the power of story examples in the interview.  Psychologists have known since the 1960’s that a word document only communicates a tiny part of a message.  Most of the message is communicated by feelings, attitudes, body language, tone of voice.  (Rule of 7%)

What if you could present directly to employers and receive 80% personalized feedback consistently using the power of multimedia with content that ties your core strengths and achievements into the needs of the employer?  Ask Tate “How can I level-up my job search experience?”

Testimonial Posts

Lesley Nyoni Testimonial

“I’m actually amazed with you. When I come to New Zealand, I would like to meet you in person.

Because, you see, I have tried to take quotations from people for the services that you’ve done for me. According to my judgment, it’s very good what you have done for me. I really appreciate it. With all my heart, I know that the honour lies with me to make it happen. It’s not that you are going to do everything for me, but as long as you are guiding me along the way, I really appreciate it. Because I’ve even checked some combos for other services that are offered by those people who call themselves agencies, they charge a lot of money just to do what you have done for me.

You are already on top. It’s only maybe the issue that people might not know about what you can do, your capabilities, but if people can know about your capabilities, especially the ones who are in the category of artisans and who are willing to make things happen for themselves, you are the best person to use.

I want to appreciate everything that we have done so far. I am actually happy.”

Lesley Nyoni
Mechanical Fitter


Lesley is a Mechanical Fitter with over 20 years of experience with diverse experiences in 4 countries. In his career so far he has trained over 30 apprentices. I was honoured to work with Lesley in developing a smart profile that he deserves for securing work.  I am happy with the outcome. We achieved this result together.

Practical Advice

If Suspect a Scam – Use This Checklist

Scams are becoming more sophisticated, and vulnerable groups like migrant job seekers are often targeted. This is because migrating for work is an expensive, unfamiliar process, and scammers exploit that uncertainty.

The good news is that you can protect yourself by following this comprehensive checklist. With these steps, you’ll gain confidence in evaluating job offers, verifying company legitimacy, and ensuring your hard-earned resources are safe.


Typical Profile of a Scammer

When seeking work abroad, it’s essential to recognize the telltale signs of a scammer. Scammers targeting migrants often exhibit these characteristics:

  1. Unregistered or Fake Companies
    • Operate under newly registered or unverifiable company names.
    • Use vague or incomplete business details, such as generic email addresses or missing physical office locations.
  2. Promises That Sound Too Good to Be True
    • Offer unusually high salaries or guaranteed visas with minimal effort.
    • Claim to have special connections with immigration authorities or employers abroad.
  3. Requests for Upfront Payments
    • Demand fees for visas, application processing, or job placement before providing proof of their legitimacy.
    • Insist on using untraceable payment methods like cryptocurrency or wire transfers.
  4. High-Pressure Tactics
    • Push you to act quickly by creating false urgency, such as saying “this is a one-time offer.”
    • Threaten to revoke the opportunity if you don’t comply immediately.
  5. Poor Communication
    • Use unprofessional or poorly written messages, often with spelling and grammar mistakes.
    • Provide vague answers or avoid direct questions about their legitimacy.
  6. Frequent Changes in Company Details
    • Alter their company name, email address, website, or phone number frequently.
    • Lack a long history of operating in their field, often closing operations quickly to evade detection.
  7. Target Vulnerable Individuals
    • Focus on people in desperate situations, such as migrants looking for work abroad.
    • Exploit unfamiliarity with the job market, immigration systems, or local regulations.

By identifying these red flags, you can steer clear of fraudulent schemes and protect yourself from financial and emotional harm. 


Here is a Simple Checklist

1. Start with Basic Research

  • Google search: Enter the company name and owner’s name along with keywords like “scam,” “fraud,” “reviews,” or “complaints.”
  • Social media presence: Check LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram for activity. A lack of genuine interaction can indicate fake profiles.
  • Review platforms: Use Trustpilot, Google Reviews, or Yelp to read feedback. Be cautious of repetitive, overly positive comments.

2. Verify Company Registration

3. Investigate Owners and Directors

  • Search the names of owners or directors using:
    • Google Advanced Search: “Name + fraud/lawsuit/bankruptcy.”
    • Public records: Look for connections to dissolved or flagged companies.
    • LinkedIn: Verify their experience and professional background.

4. Check Criminal and Legal History

  • Use available public records:
    • Australia: National Police Checks.
    • New Zealand: Court records or judgments.
    • Google News: Search for lawsuits or criminal investigations.

5. Evaluate Online Presence

  • Website domain age: Check using Whois Lookup. Scam sites often have newly registered domains.
  • Website quality: Look for spelling errors, vague descriptions, or stolen content. Check for plagiarism using Google.
  • Security: Ensure the website uses HTTPS and has an SSL certificate.

6. Assess Job Offers and Advertisements

  • Be cautious if:
    • Salaries seem too high for the role.
    • There are no qualification or experience requirements.
    • They request upfront payments or sensitive information.

7. Confirm Physical Presence

  • Use Google Maps or Street View to verify the office location.
  • Avoid addresses that appear to be residential or shared workspaces.

8. Watch for Behavioral Red Flags

  • Look out for:
    • Vague or sudden changes in policies.
    • High-pressure sales tactics or unprofessional communication.
    • Non-functional contact details.

9. Explore Migration-Specific Resources

  • Support services: Look for government or NGO services for migrants in your destination country.
  • Community forums: Join social media groups or forums where other migrants share their experiences and tips. 

Closing Encouragement

Taking these steps may seem like extra effort, but they’re worth it to protect yourself and ensure your job search is successful. Remember, scammers thrive on urgency and fear—by staying calm and following this checklist, you can make informed decisions and focus on genuine opportunities.

If you have doubts or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out to trusted advisors or migration support services. Together, we can make your job search safer and more successful.

Testimonial Posts

Flavien Charpentier Testimonial

Well, there’s lots of value in it [in your services], and different ones. 

One of them is that you offer a service which is of really really high quality. It’s a rare service. It’s not something you can get everywhere. 

And, you not only offer that service, but I think it’s delivered brilliantly and it helps me to offer myself, if you like, to the market in a much more favourable way. 

Also I even learned about myself!  And it’s also important when it comes to actually doing an interview. Because now, looking at you, I’m looking at myself on the screen, and it helps me as well, moving in a better way. It’s learning. And then, so, not only you help me to find a job, but you also help me to behave better in front of a camera, you know, so, I’m understanding my career better. 

And also you’ve got qualities. You’re sensible enough to see where there is a difference to be made and where your candidate can actually sell his skill set better.  And that you see. You’ve got that vision of people and of the market, which allows you to show the candidate in the best possible way.  

So yeah, great! I’m really happy with your services, Tate. Thank you so much! 

Flavien Charpentier
FMCG Financial Director
[Transcript of the Video]


This is a testimonial from 2021 – the year of uncertainty, lockdowns and no international travel and a low rate of hiring world-wide.  In spite of all this, Flavien was able to advance and get a better job in his country of residence (Switzerland), and I’m proud to have helped him in this process during this challenging time. 

How is this relevant now? The answer is simple – don’t wait for the crisis to motivate you to move in a better direction. If your life goal is to migrate permanently, the best time to take control of your destination is always now.  And if you are ready to migrate permanently to New Zealand, Australia or any other English speaking country – your small steps today can lead you to success sooner than you might think. 

As a first step, I always begin with your resume and a short description of your immigration goals.  Send to me personally at tate@employmentforimmigration.nz for a helpful response, usually on the same day. I will offer meeting options to qualifying candidates in my response.

Market Updates

The New Reality of Finding Teaching Jobs

A Practical Guide

In today’s teaching job market, challenges have grown significantly, even as demand for qualified educators remains high. Based on my direct involvement with clients actively seeking roles, I’ve identified key shifts and strategies to improve your job search success.

Why the Teaching Job Market is Tougher Now
Although teacher shortages persist globally, smaller schools are struggling to keep up with the cost and administrative requirements of hiring. Many prefer to avoid the added expenses involved in processing foreign visas, making it harder for international candidates to enter these roles. Larger schools with stronger funding and the ability to plan ahead are generally more willing to engage with foreign teachers, especially those who bring a prepared, professional profile that stands out from the competition.

Your Path to Success: Targeting and Direct Engagement

Focus on Successful Employers
Aim for schools that have the resources and systems in place to handle overseas applications. Institutions that are better equipped to process work visas and handle the associated costs will consider qualified international applicants today.

Prepare a Strong Profile
A professional, well-prepared CV and supporting presentation materials. Being practiced for the job interview stage is ideal. By highlighting your unique strengths and achievements your first impression is personalised and powerful because employers want to understand you quickly. Your hard work to prepare will make their understanding easy. This is important. Currently, I’ve been able to achieve over an 80% response rate with this approach.

Engage Decision-Makers Directly
Spending time on proper introductions will save time in the long run. Setting yourself apart from the other 100 or 200 CVs in the email box is highly useful for employers and it is the only way to achiieve the high rates of personal feedbacks we are getting. It sometimes happens that your specialised skill can encourage a foreign hiring decision even when there was no plan to hire abroad. Opening the door takes planning and initiative but it pays you back with better results and more learning happens in the process.

Collect Direct Market Feedback
Every interaction is valuable, whether it’s a “yes” or a “no.” Even a rejection can provide insight, helping you refine your approach for the next opportunity. Market feedback isn’t about winning with every effort. It is about improving with every effort. These conversations offer a real-time look into what your market seeks today and how your profile is being considered. Although I am writing about teachers right now, it is the same for every job market.

Conclusion: The Key to Success
In this changing landscape, your success hinges on targeted applications, direct engagement, and constant learning from feedback. With thoughtful preparation and consistent outreach, you can navigate the teaching job market’s new challenges and open doors to exciting opportunities. Continuous improvement will always be your best friend in every long term goal that you have.

Ready to start? Get prepared, be persistent, and reach out directly. If you have any questions, then reach out to me – tate@employmentforimmigration.nz —success awaits!

Everyone Need Encouragement, Market Updates

Is New Zealand in a Recession or is this My Best Opportunity to Find Work in 2024?

Discover how to maximize your job search during the peak hiring season in New Zealand and Australia! This video provides key insights into why spring is the best time to secure employment, highlighting migration trends.

It is worthy to note that your best employers are not average companies, they are higher-performance companies. Successful companies will be hiring in September and October, as I explain in the video.

Take advantage of this time and ensure your readiness for the busy summer months. Perfect if you are a job seeker looking to make the most of this optimal hiring period.

New Zealand and Australia are the most foreign-friendly countries in the west.

Everyone Need Encouragement

Upskilling: A Path to Success for Aspiring Migrants to New Zealand and Australia

Migrating to New Zealand or Australia for work can be a challenging endeavor, especially if you find yourself on the borderline of qualifications and skills required for these competitive job markets. As a career marketer and job consultant with 30+ years of experience, I want to offer some advice on how upskilling might be your best option and why self-improvement is a valuable goal in itself.

The Importance of Upskilling

Upskilling can significantly enhance your profile, making you a more competitive candidate in the job market. It is not only about meeting the minimum requirements but also about exceeding them and standing out among other applicants. Self-improvement through acquiring new skills or enhancing existing ones can lead to greater job satisfaction, better career prospects, and an improved quality of life.

Investigating Opportunities

To investigate opportunities in New Zealand or Australia, start with a thorough assessment of your current skills and achievements. Compare these with the market demand and immigration requirements in your desired industry. Job advertisements are a valuable resource for understanding the specific qualifications and skills needed for various roles. Familiarity with these requirements can help you set clear goals and identify areas for improvement.

Understanding Immigration Requirements

Over the past couple of generations, both New Zealand and Australia have been increasing their requirements for migrant job seekers. Due to the popularity of these two countries, it is likely this trend will continue. Additionally, the immigration websites for New Zealand and Australia provide detailed information on the qualifications required for different visa categories. If you want customised service, seek out reputable agencies like New Zealand Shores for immigration help. Ensuring you meet these requirements is crucial for a successful application and a smooth transition to working abroad.

Ethical Considerations

While I would love to work with everyone, I face a moral dilemma. Engaging in a business deal without ensuring that a job seeker can realistically secure a job and a satisfactory quality of life in a new country would be unethical. Therefore, if you are on the borderline of qualifications and skills, I encourage you to view upskilling and personal improvement as positive steps that can open doors not only in New Zealand and Australia but also in your home country or other potential destinations.

A Message of Hope

I hope this advice helps you find a path towards an improved profile. By enhancing your skills and aligning them with market demands and immigration requirements, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Self-improvement is a positive goal in itself, and I believe that with dedication and effort, you can achieve your career aspirations.

I wish you all the best in your journey, and perhaps we will meet again when you are ready to take the next step in your career.

Practical Advice

Job finding always begins with digging

Job finding always begins with digging out your skills.

  1. Dig to present
  2. Present to communicate
  3. Communicate to be considered for the next steps in the process:
    • Short list,
    • Job interview,
    • Job offer.

Everything depends on how well your skills are understood and presented. This is the art of job finding in a nutshell.

To discover exactly what that means to you and your job market and your employers’ skills demand, just send your CV to me at Tate@employmentforimmigration.nz for a response in about a day. Include a few sentences about your efforts so far and readiness to immigrate if you could please.

Everyone Need Encouragement

Emigration Encouragement

We all need encouragement sometimes. Here are 10 challenges that you might feel as a new immigrant, plus 10 encouraging ways to manage each of these challenges.

1) Language Barrier: Mastering the local language is crucial for effective communication in the workplace. Remember, language skills improve with practice and immersion, turning this challenge into an opportunity for personal and professional growth.

2) Cultural Differences: Understanding and adapting to the local culture and workplace norms can be daunting. Each step towards cultural integration enriches your global perspective, making you a more versatile and adaptable professional.

3) Recognition of Qualifications: Sometimes, foreign qualifications may not be directly recognized. Exploring equivalency programs or additional certifications can open new doors and highlight your commitment to your career.

4) Limited Local Network: Lack of a professional network in a new country can hinder job search efforts. Building a network from scratch is a chance to forge valuable connections that can offer support and opportunities in unexpected ways.

5) Visa and Work Permit Issues: Navigating the legal requirements for working in a new country can be complex. Staying informed and proactive about visa regulations demonstrates your dedication to securing a position and can lead to successful employment.

6) Employment Gaps: Time spent relocating or adjusting to a new country may lead to gaps in employment. Use this time to acquire new skills or volunteer, showing potential employers your resilience and continuous growth.

7) Bias and Discrimination: Immigrants might face biases or discrimination in the job market. Your diverse background brings unique perspectives and innovation to teams, making you a valuable asset to any employer.

8) Understanding Job Market Dynamics: The demand for certain skills can vary greatly from one country to another. Adapting your skills to the needs of the local job market can make you a more competitive candidate.

9) Access to Information: Finding reliable information about job opportunities and application processes can be challenging. Utilizing online resources, local employment services, and community networks can provide clarity and open up new pathways.

10) Mental and Emotional Stress: Relocating and job hunting in a new country can be emotionally taxing. Remember, resilience and patience are key. Every challenge overcome is a step closer to your goal, and support is available through community groups and professional services.