Tag: employment for immigraiton

Practical Advice

If Suspect a Scam – Use This Checklist

Tate

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

Tate

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.

Job Finding Stories

Overcoming a Sudden Job Closure: Juan’s Case Study

Tate

A Systematic Approach to find work

Introduction:

Juan’s journey to securing employment and residency in New Zealand is a testament to the effectiveness of a structured job-hunting strategy, multimedia presentation, and proactive engagement with potential employers. In this case study, we explore how a tailored approach, confidence-building techniques, and networking helped Juan overcome unexpected challenges to land his second job within two days of direct outreach.

1. Core Strengths Development and Profile Preparation

From November 2023 to July 2024, Juan worked with Tate’s Employment for Immigration to identify and summarize his core strengths and achievements. This foundation, reflected in his CV, Video CV, and photo portfolio, helped Juan stay clear on his key selling points throughout the job search.

  • Result: Juan was always well-prepared for interviews, able to confidently recall his achievements, which provided potential employers with a clear understanding of his technical expertise.

2. Cold-Calling Confidence and Proactive Job Search

A crucial turning point in Juan’s journey was overcoming his initial reluctance to cold-call employers. Through Session 4 of his program, Juan witnessed live demonstrations of cold calls made on his behalf by his consultant. This gave him the confidence to engage directly with hiring managers.

3. Effective Multimedia Presentation

Juan’s photo portfolio and Video CV set him apart in a competitive job market. These tools allowed potential employers to see his practical skills in action, making his profile more compelling than a traditional CV alone.

  • Result: His multimedia materials helped confirm Juan’s technical expertise and contributed to him being shortlisted for interviews, where he continued to impress.

Unexpected Challenges: A Lesson in Networking

Although Juan’s first job in New Zealand helped him gain experience that contributed to securing his second job, the process didn’t unfold as he expected. Juan’s direct boss, who had promised a referral, declined to provide one when contacted by his prospective employer. Instead, he only confirmed Juan’s employment details, leaving the new employer with limited insight into Juan’s performance.

However, Juan’s networking efforts paid off. The site engineer who worked closely with Juan stepped in to provide a strong reference, confirming Juan’s skill with repairs, maintenance, and equipment installations. This confirmation aligned with Juan’s interview responses and ultimately reassured the employer of his qualifications.

  • Result: Despite the setback, Juan’s professional relationships with other colleagues proved valuable. The site engineer’s referral helped secure his new role, even without the support of his direct boss.

Outcome: Securing Employment and Residency

Juan’s journey demonstrates the importance of a proactive job-hunting strategy and the value of networking. Despite unexpected setbacks, Juan’s persistence and the strength of his preparation led to a positive outcome.

  • Job Secured: Juan received a job offer within two days of his cold-calling efforts, securing his visa and allowing him to remain in New Zealand.
  • Professional Growth: Juan’s experience in his first New Zealand job, along with the skills and materials he developed, made him a standout candidate for his second role.
  • Overcoming Challenges: Despite his direct boss’s lack of support, Juan’s site engineer provided the referral needed to confirm his abilities, underscoring the power of professional relationships.

Conclusion: A Story of Overcoming Setbacks with a Structured System

Juan’s success is a testament to the power of perseverance and a well-organized job search strategy. Through effective coaching, multimedia tools, and a proactive mindset, Juan was able to navigate the complexities of redundancy, visa constraints, and competition. His story is a reminder that even when unexpected challenges arise—such as the lack of a promised referral—strong preparation, networking, and persistence can overcome these obstacles.

Key Takeaways:

  • Structured Approach: Identifying core strengths and preparing a multimedia portfolio provided Juan with the confidence and tools needed to succeed in interviews.
  • Cold-Calling Mastery: Live demonstrations of cold-calling helped Juan adopt this approach, leading to rapid results in his job search.
  • Networking Pays Off: Despite a lack of support from his direct boss, Juan’s relationships with other colleagues, such as the site engineer, proved crucial in securing his second job.
Job Finding Stories

Nanoscale “Theoretical Engineer” Snapped up by The Netherlands

Tate

I’m excited to share a success story about Nick, a brilliant engineer with a unique market niche. Nick is a Mechanical, Electrical, and Theoretical Engineer. What is a Theoretical Engineer, you might ask? Well, they are very rare and specialized. They are found working in the nonphysical world, in nanoscale processes that create computer chips, for example.

For 10 years, Nick was the go-to Principal Equipment Service Engineer for 15 companies, managing 50 machines valued in the tens of millions of dollars. When others couldn’t solve the problem, Nick was the one they called. His expertise in semiconductor manufacturing, one of the most advanced industries in the world, is truly exceptional.

Although his market was too small in New Zealand, Nick secured a prestigious role in the Netherlands using the strategies we developed together.

No dust allowed

Market Updates

Is there a recession in New Zealand?

Tate

I will try to explain clearly and briefly.

Hiring Cycles:

Yes, there is a recession. But there are also hiring seasons. Every winter is a slower period for permanent hires in New Zealand as people are still recovering from the post-COVID inflationary environment. The best time to prepare for work is now because every year, there is a hiring boom in spring. Sometimes early spring in September or even late August, and other times mid-spring in October. But every year, it happens. I can explain why if you like, but the short answer is that business activity picks up in the warmer seasons with the longer days.

Leading Industries:

Yes, some companies are struggling. But some companies are doing well. Every industry will have a mix of poor performers and top performers. Let’s see how New Zealand primary industries are doing. “New Zealand Foreign Affairs & Trade (MFAT) estimates the country’s major primary sectors of meat, dairy, fisheries, wine, forestry, and selected horticulture products to export up to 95% of their output, revealing how crucial exports are to the very industries that characterise the island nation.” (4 Apr 2024)

Resilient Industries:

Some sectors have shown robust growth despite economic downturns. Industries such as technology, healthcare, and primary industries (including agriculture and forestry) have maintained steady or increasing hiring rates. For instance, job ads in primary industries have seen a positive trend, with notable growth in regions like Manawatu, Hawkes Bay, and Southland, which have all recorded significant increases in job ad volumes compared to pre-pandemic levels​ (SEEK)​​ (Live and Work New Zealand)​.

Strategic Job Seeking:

For skilled professionals, the key to navigating the job market lies in identifying top-performing companies within resilient industries. Presenting top-level skills in a polished, best-in-class format can capture the attention of hiring managers. Personalized applications and targeted presentations significantly enhance the chances of receiving a positive response. Tailoring your approach to each company shows dedication and helps you stand out in a competitive job market​ (MBIE)​​ (MBIE)​.

Supporting Metrics:

  • Inflation Rate: Increased from 1.5% in 2020 to 5.9% in 2022.
  • Mortgage Defaults: Rising trend due to economic pressures.
  • Grocery Prices: Significant increases, particularly in fresh produce and dairy, doubling or tripling in some cases.
  • Job Ads in Primary Industries: Steady growth with regions like Manawatu up 75%, Hawkes Bay up 61%, and Southland up 56% since pre-pandemic levels​ (SEEK)​​ (Stats NZ)​.

Helpful & personalised insights available to you:

If you are skilled, your best opportunity to find work is to find a company that needs your skills. The time to prepare is right now because when August is here, you will want to be fully engaged into your job market. Leading companies will require quality candidates at that time. It is the best time in 2024 to find work. If any questions, drop me a line with your CV for helpful insights in response – tate@employmentforimmigration.nz

Everyone Need Encouragement

Getting hired is easier with positive energy

Tate

In the competitive world of job hunting, success often hinges not just on qualifications and experience but also on the emotional energy you bring to the table. Unlike qualifications and experience, emotion energy can be generated quickly and without financail cost.  We would be foolish to ignore this valuable asset.

Research in social psychology has uncovered fascinating insights into the impact of emotional influence, which can be particularly relevant to overseas job seekers. Let’s explore three key findings and how they can be applied to improve your job search.

1) Positive emotions increase your chances:

Just as a positive attitude can lead to better sales results, it can also have a significant impact on your job search. Hiring decisions are not purely transactional; they are influenced by emotion and human interaction. Approaching potential employers with enthusiasm, optimism and a friendly demeanour will automatically improve your chances as a candidate. Employers are more likely to remember you and see you in a positive light. So, as a job seeker, remember that positivity can be a powerful asset.

2) Mirroring in job interviews:

A fascinating aspect of emotional influence is mirroring, where people tend to reflect the emotions of those around them. In a job search context, this means that your emotional state can influence the perceptions and decisions of potential employers. Have you ever noticed that if you fold your arms while talking, the person opposite you will also tend to fold arms? This is mirroring and it happens internally as well. Another thing to remember about mirroring is that the one with the higher energy level will have the most influence. If you exude confidence and positivity at interviews and networking events, you’re more likely to get a positive response from employers. Conversely, if you appear nervous or discouraged, this negative energy can be mirrored and potentially work against you.

3) Non-verbal communication matters:

Over 90% of what employers consider during the hiring process comes directly from you, and much of it is non-verbal. This is particularly important for foreign jobseekers because there is very little about you that will come by other sources. Nearly everything about the decision to hire or not hire will come from you. Let your body language speak the same message as your written and verbal messages. Confidence, proactiveness and positivity are traits that employers look for, and they often read these qualities in your non-verbal cues. Even if you are nervous, you can still be confident about your professional strengths and you can reduce nervousness through adequate preparation. Your posture, eye contact and general energy can all convey whether you’re a confident and proactive candidate. This comes more easily to people who prepare really well.

Believe within:

To project confidence and positivity, start by believing in yourself. Preparation is key. Knowing that you’ve done your best to prepare your profile for easy access to our core professional strengths, prepared to deliver excellent interview content and paved the way for meetings with direct contacts to decision makers can boost your internal confidence as you gain knowledge and develop relationships.

Conclusion:

As an expat jobseeker, your emotional energy is a key asset in your job search. Unlike many qualifications, it is readily available and doesn’t require years of effort to acquire. I’ve seen people with borderline profiles secure competitive positions because they radiated positive energy for the role, projects, company, region and country.

Bottom line, when you programme yourself for success, employers will be positively influenced to hire you.

Testimonial Posts

Raymond: Team Lead / Senior IT consultant in Singapore – Testimonial

Tate

Video Transcript:

Tate: It’s a pleasure to work with Raymond. Raymond’s at the top of his game. And Telecom – one of the largest ones in Asia – and he’s the center point of Big Data turning that into strategic success for his employer.

If anyone can explain how my system can work successfully for them in their own country, or Australia, New Zealand, anywhere in the world, – Raymond is the one to do it. It is a pleasure to work with people like Raymond. It’s people like you, Raymond, and others that keep me at the front of my game.

Raymond: So actually, I’ve tried your approach – the one that we’ve discussed, and you’ve shown to me – here in Singapore and it actually works. So, I managed to book some meetings and book some interviews. So yeah, I can attest that your approach is working perfectly well, so I must have to check – to apply the same approach and also do some job applications in New Zealand, since my goal is to finally find a job and settle at New Zealand. And I’m actually also exploring… like what I’ve shared in the email… Australia, and also expand my market in Canada.

Tate: So, you’ve been applying to some of the big companies in Singapore?

Raymond: I’ve managed to book two to three interviews, so my recent one already undergoes a final interview. So hopefully I’ll be receiving some good news in the next few days.

Tate: Well, it works in Singapore, it works around the world – it’s a good system and I’m glad you’re discovering that.

Practical Advice

A short Checklist: Are You Able To Get Hired In New Zealand Or Australia?

Tate

Have you ever wondered how easy or difficult it will be for you to get hired?

Here are the 3 main inicators of hirability
1) Skill level
2) Qualifications
3) Role demand

Highly skilled candidates: New Zealand and Australia are particularly interested in workers who have demonstrated expertise in a specific field and can add significant value to employers. If you have a track record of excellence in your field, you are likely to be in high demand. However, if you haven’t had the opportunity to develop high-value skills, you may face the challenge of differentiating yourself from local jobseekers. To overcome this challenge, it’s important to emphasise what makes you different and how you can make a unique contribution to the NZ/AU job markets.

Relevant qualifications: Employees with relevant qualifications are highly sought after in both New Zealand and Australia. Generally, a full trade qualification or at least a Bachelor’s degree is required, sometimes higher depending on the role. If you have these qualifications, along with high-value skills, you are likely to be in high demand. However, if you do not have the specific qualifications required for a particular industry, your skills may still be able to compensate in some cases. For example, some industries may prioritise skills over formal qualifications. However, it’s important to note that certain professions, such as doctors and plumbers, typically require specific qualifications that cannot be overlooked.

Roles in high demand: Our job markets are particularly interested in candidates who can fill roles in skills shortage areas. It’s worth noting that being on an official skills shortage list is not a prerequisite for being considered for a high demand role. Sometimes in-demand roles aren’t widely advertised and it’s important to understand that demand arises when employers have a genuine need for a particular skill. It could be a highly specialised niche that is not widely known. For example: I assisted a drone designer / distributor / business owner find work with New Zealand’s largest drone company. There is no list anywhere that considers that candidate as a high demand role for New Zealand. But that employer understood he was the best guy in South Africa with population 60 million. He was ready to hire him instantly. So keep an eye out for job advertisements, but also explore hidden opportunities that your skills may attract.

In summary: We are looking for overseas candidates with high-value skills and relevant qualifications who can fill roles in high-demand sectors.

Basic strategy: By showcasing your expertise, highlighting what makes you different and targeting employers who need your specific skills, you will increase your chances of being a desirable candidate for employment in our part of the world.

For a free assessment of your skills, send your CV with a few comments about your status to me at tate@employmentforimmigration.nz I answer in about a day.

Practical Advice

Job Success for Migrants: Preparation is the Key

Tate

Having a great time with Clients who are at the job application stage.

Some universal truths for the job search include:

  1. Prepare well – This makes every part of the job search easier, clearer, faster and more effective.
  2. Personalise it – If you want a personal response, the effort on your part should be as personal and direct as possible.
  3. Deliver competently – The learning curve is steepest in the beginning and takes years to master, but you don’t need mastery to succeed. Competence is all you need, and that doesn’t have to take long.
  4. Deliver consistently – Steady progress is the most predictable path to ultimate success. Even slow and steady progress is much better than short bursts of inspiration followed by long delays.
  5. Continuous improvement – If you improving at a steady rate, you will always win on a long enogh timeline. You know your project is over when you win. It might take 1 week or much longer. If you are committed, you will get there.

Wrapped together, the above 5 items might be considered “5 Pillars” of success in job hunting.

To find out more about this process and how you can maximise your success today, send your CV to me at tate@employmentforimmigration.nz Let me know your situation briefly. I will respond within a day.